The Rolex Air-King with a 34mm case has a very long and complex history. The earliest Rolex Air-Kings were introduced in the 1930’s and had other “Air” names (Air Lion, Air Tiger and Air Giant) which were dropped in the 1940’s.
The “Air-King” name stuck and was 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 Rolex Air-King 34mm
The Rolex Air-King 34mm is powered by the ultra-reliable 3130 movement, giving the wearer approximately 48 hours of reserve power. It is basically the same movement as the 3135 with the small exception that it does not have a date window complication. The 3130 movement was first released in 2001.
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 calibre 3000. The 14010, also introduced in 1989, introduced the Engine Turned Bezel. Although some of these early models came with the original style of dial from the 5500, the new Explorer style dial with the Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock were 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).
The Rolex Air-King 40mm
The Air-King line has been replaced in recent years with the much larger 40 mm case. However, many collectors love the smaller profile of the 34 mm Oyster case which has a lighter weight as compared to its larger sibling. The Air-King comes with an Oyster Bracelet with Oysterclasp and is fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
The above Air-King is fitted with a Rubber B Black Tuxedo band. Tuxedo Velour® is a 100% rubber strap, with a velour texture incorporated into the design. Although it has a Tuxedo look, it is fully waterproof and perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This model comes with luminescent hour markers and a screw-down crown, providing water resistance for outdoor activities.
The Tuxedo band is built for an active lifestyle, yet is luxurious enough to wear with the finest business suit or tuxedo. The Air-King has a simplicity of design, yet is sophisticated and can be utilized in nearly any situation.
Although the above Air-King is pictured with stainless-steel hour markers and hour, minute and seconds hands, the below Air-King utilizes Arabic numerals at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. Both the hands and hour markers are luminescent and provide visibility no matter what your day or night brings.
Rubber B designed 4 of the best bracelets for the Air-King 34mm. These watchbands are made from vulcanized rubber and are precisely calibrated to fit the Air-King 34mm case, sporting the 19mm lug. These straps utilize “Block Integration” engineering for a flawless, motionless mount which is flush to the Air King 34mm case. These straps are fully compatible with the original Oyster clasp that came with the timepiece.
Rubber B alternative bands for the Air-King 34mm are made in Switzerland with a universal fit. Rubber B bands allow the Rolex Air-King owner to dress up the timepiece for the fanciest occasions and yet be ready for action should the party head poolside or to the beach. For more information go to our Air-King 34mm page here.
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.
