With a long history going back to the 1930s, the Rolex Air-King is a favorite amongst Rolex enthusiasts for its simple display and legacy. The 34mm configuration shown in the photo above (Reference # 114200) was produced by Rolex until 2013 when they discontinued the Air-King. This year, they re-released the model with a larger case (40mm), black dial and yellow and green logo. While the new model has been received with a tepid response due to its colors and similarity to the new Explorer I, the 34mm version is still a classic.
“The peculiar qualities of this Rolex watch render it eminently suitable for flying purposes and I propose to use it on all my long-distance flights in the future,” said English aviator Charles Douglas Barnard of the Air-King in the 1930s. Members of the British Royal Air Force at the time felt similarly and made the model popular leading up to World War II. At the time, the 32mm – 33mm case size of the Air-King was larger than most wristwatches, making it easier to read and a favorite through the 1960s and beyond.
While the age of aviation is over and Rolex has changed the Air-King model significantly, there are many who own and love the 34mm version manufactured in the 1990s and early 2000s. The reference in the photo above features a blue dial that looks magnificent on our Navy Blue strap. In our Rubber B e-Boutqiue, we now offer several vulcanized rubber straps designed to fit the Rolex Air-King 34mm precisely. We achieve this fit by using ‘blocked integration’ technology that creates a flush mount onto the case with no gaps or movement.
Navy Blue Strap for Rolex Air-King
The Air-King model predates World War II, a time when many around the world took to the air to defend their countries and protect their families. While most of those who wear a Rolex these days will only fly as passengers on commercial flights, they can still honor the history of flight and the innovations of companies like Rolex by wearing a watch like this.
The 34mm configuration retains the case size that was more common in times past. The 2016 Air-King comes in a 40mm case, evolving the classic model to adhere to modern standards in watchmaking.
At Rubber B, our goal is to provide the ultimate rubber strap for the watches that they are designed for. We have several vulcanized rubber strap options for the 34mm Air-King and other Midsize and Ladies Rolex models in our e-Boutique and a separate group of bands made specifically for the 40mm Air-King.
Our straps are made in Switzerland and designed to maintain the integrity of timepieces like the Air-King for a lifetime.
Straps for Rolex Air-King
Rubber B designed 4 bracelets for the Rolex Air-King 34 mm timepiece. There is a Black Tuxedo Velour color option which looks and feels like a felt texture down the center, almost like a man’s cummerbund of a real tuxedo, but it is 100% rubber. Although it works well with any business or elegant man’s luxury suit, it can work well even with a swim suit, as it is fully waterproof. There are 3 other colors which are just as stunning.
It has the Jet Black version which matches the black dial. There is the Arctic White band which matches the white lettering on the dial. Finally, there is the Navy Blue option, which works extremely well with some Air-King models.
For the new Air-King 40mm, visit the Rubber B page here. Rubber B supports the Air-King 34mm case with 19mm lug space. The strap utilizes “Blocked Integration” engineering for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the Air-King case. This band is designed to mount the original Oyster Clasp that came with the Rolex steel Oyster band.
All Rubber B bands are made in Switzerland of pure vulcanized rubber. No coatings, blends or bonding is used in the manufacturing of this Rubber B strap. This strap comes with 3 solid colors and a Tuxedo Velour option, which is an upscale version of the Jet Black strap. For more information, please visit our Air-King 34mm page here.
Rubber B just launched a new color band – the Pine Green bracelet for the Rolex Air King 40mm. 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.
