Rolex Air-King 116900 Reference Guide

amanico · 2024-04-24T07:34:59Z

Explore the Rolex Air-King 116900's unique charm and evolution. Discover why this unconventional reference, with its distinctive dial and anti-magnetic features, remains a collector's favorite despite the 126900 update. A deep dive into its design, movement, and community appreciation.

amanico

WPS member · Rolex forum

58 replies18309 views1 photos

Amanico's retrospective on the Rolex Air-King 116900 offers a compelling look at a reference that initially divided opinion but has since cultivated a passionate following. His personal journey with this unique timepiece, celebrating its sixth anniversary, highlights its distinctive character within the Rolex catalog. This article delves into why the 116900, with its unconventional dial and anti-magnetic properties, continues to resonate with collectors, even after the introduction of its successor.

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The Rolex Air King was issued in 2016 and discontinued in 2022, to be replaced by the Air King 126 900, basically adding a protection to the crown, a Zero before the " 5 " minute marker, luminous in the 3 / 6 / 9 applied hour markers ( called Chromalight ) and different movement, the Cal 3230 which offers a power reserve of 70 hours, versus 48 hours for the Cal 3131.

The Air King 116 900 versus the new Air King 126 900:

I remember the lukewarm welcome the Rolex Air King 116900 received in 2016. I was among the first lovers of this reference, and it took me two years to find mine. You know what happened to my first Air King bought in February 2018, and how I got ( a gift from our Community ) my second to replace it... Which makes this watch even more special to me.

The 2022 edition didn't kill my love for my Air King. Of course, there are some improvements I like a lot on the new model, such as the improved movement and the luminous 3 / 6 / 9. The extra Zero at 5 o'clock doesn't disturb me that much and there is one thing I am not a fan of, the crown protection which ruins the purity of the case. In fact, there is only one thing I miss about mine, the absence of lume in the 3 / 6 / 9 applied indices. I would have even gone farther: I would have put luminous material on ALL the indices!

In fact, the real thing is that the first generation is much closer to the now discontinued Milgauss, or the Explorer while the new one is closer to any other " Professional " offer, the Submariner the GMT MASTER and so on... It is, the new one, losing its specificity.

The Air King is one of the few modern models from Rolex which is unconventional, off the beaten paths, with a touch of madness and youth, a kind of lovely problem child. A strong personality, mainly due to its dial, its unique blend of hour and minute markers, the splashes of colors with these touches of yellow and green and its hidden virtue, an amagnetic watch, resisting to 1000 gauss.

And when I look back, this is one of the ten watches I wear the most. Here are some postcards from these last 5 years.

Valencia, 2018:

Morocco, 2018:

Neuchatel, 2018, on my way to visit Omega:

Corsica, 2019:

Road Trip to Center of France, 2021:

St Nectaire, 2021:

Normandy, Easter 2022:

Andalucia, Summer 2022:

And some pictures from 2023:

As you can see, I brought it with me everywhere, a " zero fear only pleasure " watch.

All these moments spent together, all these written pages are also contributing to the huge love I feel for this watch. That's why this is a keeper for me.

Happy Birthday, my dear Air King.

Best,

Nicolas

About the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 3131

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 3131

The reference 3131 represents Rolex's Oyster Perpetual model within the Bubble Back series from the 1940s. This reference features a 32mm case size, positioning it as a mid-sized offering within the Oyster Perpetual range of the period.

The watch houses a 42-hour power reserve automatic movement using caliber 620. The 18k yellow gold case is fitted with a smooth bezel and acrylic crystal, providing 30-meter water resistance. The silver dial is mounted on a leather strap configuration.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on 1940s Rolex production and those interested in the Bubble Back series specifically. The 32mm gold case size and automatic movement represent the technical specifications available during this production period. The reference serves collectors seeking examples from this decade of Oyster Perpetual manufacturing.

Specifications

Caliber: 620

Case: 18k Yellow Gold

Diameter: 32 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

The original Air-King 116900 was often overlooked in boutiques, making it an accessible steel sports Rolex for those who recognized its value early on.
The Air-King 116900 holds significant sentimental value for many, often being chosen as a milestone gift, cherished for its daily wearability and enduring appeal.
The newer Air-King 126900, with its crown guards and updated movement, is perceived by some as losing the distinct identity of its predecessor, aligning it more closely with other 'Professional' Rolex models like the Submariner.
The rounded case of the 116900 is a beloved design element that is increasingly rare in modern Rolex offerings, even in models like the Datejust 36.
Despite the functional improvements of the 126900, the original 116900 maintains a strong appeal due to its unique aesthetic and perceived purity of design.

The Discussion

RayStantzPhD

Apr 24, 2024

Strong love vibes going on *playing LOVE BOAT theme in background* 😁

Seriously, it's a great reference! From all the ROLEX steel models, it would (still) be my pick as well! Keep lovin', Alex

amanico

Apr 24, 2024

And when I remember the lukewarm welcome it received in 2016... I am quite happy to see that it gained its fans.

Mary Anny

Apr 24, 2024

Lovely post!

Thanks for sharing it.

Ajas

Apr 24, 2024

Great thread and photographs. I love corkyness of the Air King. Steel robust case , no polished links, and 3 colours on the dial. Very polarizing indeed.

Thats why we love AirKings !

amanico

Apr 24, 2024

Yes, a real tool watch.

Ajas

Apr 24, 2024

Probably the last one from Rolex stables. I could add Exp 2 , but i am not caveman . I see myself rather as flyier 😀 lol