An enduring symbol of Rolex’s ties to the age of aviation in the early twentieth century, the 34mm Air-King model is one of the most charming of their midsize models. It has elements of the classic Oyster Perpetual model as well as the Arabic numerals of the Explorer I at 3, 6, and 9. On an Arctic White Rubber B strap in the photo above, this simple yet sporty watch is perfect for spending time in the summer sun.
The Rolex Air-King with a 34mm case has a very long and complex history. The earliest Rolex Air-Kings were introduced in the 1930s and had other “Air” names (Air Lion, Air Tiger, and Air Giant) which were dropped in the 1940s.
The “Air-King” name stuck and became a key brand marketed to pilots during World War II and beyond. The long-produced Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 was released in 1957 to pay homage to the many soldiers of war. It stayed on the market for an unbelievable 37 years.
The 5500 was ahead of its time, sporting the first all-in-house movement made by Rolex – the caliber 1520. It was made with only 17 jewels, due to import laws, but had excellent timekeeping capabilities. The reference 5500 has a solid durable construction – with both steel case and band and a twin-lock waterproofness system with water-resistance of 100 meters. It also had an acrylic protective crystal which proved to be a solid front glass until the introduction of sapphire crystal in the reference 14000.
The Air-King Reference 14000, introduced in 1989, also changed the movement to a more modern caliber 3000. The 14010, also introduced in 1989, introduced the Engine Turned Bezel. Although some of these early models came with the original style of the dial from the 5500, the new Explorer-style dial with the Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock was increasingly used. See the Explorer 14000 pictured above.
The Rolex Air-King Reference 14000M and 14010M were introduced in 2000 with a new caliber 3130. Throughout the majority of the Air-King production history, the 34mm case was used, with a few small exceptions (such as a small run of Explorer case-based Air-King 5500’s which had a 35 mm case).
Luxurious Bands for the Rolex Air-King
Do your end-of-summer plans include a white party in the Hamptons or a bungalow at an art deco hotel in Miami Beach? Our Swiss-made vulcanized rubber straps are designed to fit your Air-King precisely with a flush mount to the case. Comfortable and stylish, Rubber B watchbands offer a secure fit and the flexibility of transitioning from daytime to nighttime activities without sacrificing luxury or utility.
Our bands for the 34mm Air-King incorporate the Oyster clasp that comes on the original Oyster bracelet (not compatible with Jubilee or President bracelets). This provides additional comfort and security to the wearer in addition to a customized look. Our bands exceed FDA and BVGG specifications and are non-marking, non-allergen, and non-toxic. They contain no blends, bonds or coatings and fit wrist sizes from 5.25 to 7.25 inches.
To browse all of our rubber straps for Rolex, visit our e-Boutique at rubberb.com. We also offer straps designed for Panerai and Patek Philippe models and genuine leather straps for all watch brands in our Structure Series.
Rubber B New Lineup of Green Bracelets for the Rolex Air King
Rubber B just launched a new color band – the Pine Green bracelet for the Rolex Air King. You asked, and we listened. Air King owners have been asking for a matching Green Bracelet to compliment the green second hand and Rolex lettering on the face. And now Rubber B has added it to its complete lineup of colors and styles in the Classic Series. Other colors include Jet Black, Arctic White, Navy Blue, Mandarin Orange, and 3 two-tone colors.
