Rolex Air-King Reference Guide

Cookies · 2021-08-30T04:27:41Z

Discover why the Rolex Air-King (ref. 116900) is a collector's favorite. Cookies breaks down its unique design, blending Submariner, Explorer I, and Milgauss elements. An oddball with serious horological DNA.

Cookies's deep dive into the Rolex Air-King (ref. 116900) offers a compelling argument for its unique appeal, nearly a year into ownership. This article explores why the Air-King, often considered an outlier, holds a special place in the Rolex catalog, dissecting its design elements and the emotional connection it fosters. Cookies highlights how this reference masterfully blends iconic Rolex design cues while forging its own distinct identity.

After living with the Airking for almost a year, I can conclude this is a keeper. There are certain elements in this watch which take a while to notice:

The hour and minute hands are similar to a submariner
The Inverted Triangle lume is also similar to a submariner
3,6,9 indices are similar to an explorer 1
The case is a milgauss case
The only similarity to an older Airking is the “Airking” text on the dial

It is an odd and rakish watch. It is somewhat like making a “franken-watch” with homages to iconic cues in it’s catalogue. But it is unique, as these cues are not copied from other brands, but taken from Rolex’s own design DNA.

It has it’s own unique DNA in the following:

The cartoonish looking Rolex crown in yellow
The use of no less than 5 different fonts
There presence of 6 5’s on the dial
The similarity of the numerals to a speedometer dial (looks very similar to the speedometer on my mercedes)
The green seconds hand

Whenever I wear it, I feel like I’m wearing a combination of a milgauss, an explorer 1 and a submariner. It’s 3-in-1 for the mind. It feels fun, yet serious at the same time.

I really dig it. What are your thoughts to this oddball watch?

Rotate image:
This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2021-08-30 18:12:17

Key Points from the Discussion

The Air-King's design evokes a sense of adventure and courage, symbolizing a relentless pursuit into the unknown, much like descending into the ocean's depths where blue shifts to black.
The author's detailed analysis of the Air-King's design DNA, identifying elements from the Submariner, Explorer I, and Milgauss, provides a clear and concise understanding of its composite nature.

The Discussion

LiftAngle51

Aug 30, 2021

Explained, i am more a dress watch person. Let’s say the Caltrava’s, Partemonies, Portefino’s like watches. And a classic diver like a Seamaster and Fifty Fathoms.

Lankysudanese

Aug 30, 2021

Agree with everything that you’ve said. Lovely AirKing (weird name too).

brauner

Aug 30, 2021

I had one, sold it, idiot

Aug 30, 2021

That are great. Don’t regret it, cuz the collecting never stops.

Aug 30, 2021

The James Cameron DSD is another one with similar playful/serious characteristics

Aug 30, 2021

That is another one that is different and playful in the use of the blue gradient dial.

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum