INTRODUCING: The All-New Rolex Air King Ref. 126900
We add our second Rolex to the Watches & Wonders release list with an all-new revamped Air King. Rolex first started teasing us with an interesting “The Sky Is The Limit” campaign, and the initial reports were that a Platinum Skydweller would be released in Baby Blue. Those reports seem, thus far, to be inaccurate (though, my fingers are still tightly crossed), and instead, the campaign has referenced a more refined version of the Rolex Air King.
THE BASICS:
Brand: Rolex
Model: Air King (ref. 126900)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Case Size: 40mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Rolex Calibre 3230
Strap Options: Oyster Bracelet
THE JUICE:
I recognize that the community collectively groaned when they saw the images of the Air King. When the modern Air King (I say modern because it was originally released in the 40’s and looked a lot different) was initially released, it wasn’t so widely adopted as a staple Rolex model. It felt a little awkward, and while still quintessentially Rolex, it didn’t exactly keep up with the more desirable models released alongside of it. It was a sporty watch, but didn’t exactly fit in with the sport models. It was dressier, but didn’t exactly fit in with dress models. It was just… There. I compare it to the Yacht-Master II, because, while desirable, it’s not overtly difficult to get your hands on, and had some trouble fitting into the entire catalogue.
So, with this release, what has Rolex looked to rectify with this new Air King? In a simple word, it’s Identity. They added crown guards, but without a rotating bezel. So in recent memory, I can’t remember any modern Rolex without a functioning bezel and crown guards, so this firmly roots the new Air King into the brand’s Sport Watch territory.
Additionally, the Oystersteel case has been reshaped a bit to look a little more chunky and aggressive. For starters, the lugs are no longer thinned out, as well as some more vertical angles on the sides of the case. The crown is bulkier and the overall case feels a little more square than the previous iteration.
Additionally, one of the biggest changes is the the indices. Let’s start with what has changed. For starters, no more awkward single digit “5” o’ clock indicator. They added a “0” in front of it to balance it out with the rest of the dial - some much needed symmetry. Further, in-leu of the white gold indices of the previous iterations, Rolex has opted to fill the indices with it’s proprietary Chromalight lume (finally!) - give the watch some added utility.
Inside the new Air King is the 2020-introduced 3230 movement. The time-only movement is a large staple in Rolex’s catalogue - Powering most, if not all of the brand’s 3-hand watches. The movement beats at 28,800 VpH, features Rolex’s Chronergy Escapement (giving it some insane magnetic resistance), follows the brand’s chronometre certifications, and features a solid 70-hour power reserve.
Additionally, the watch will come on the oyster bracelet with Oysterlock Safety Clasp.
Overall, Rolex has totally focused the Air King release on utility and identity. No longer can anyone look at the Air King and say “Okay, but where does it fit?” The watch fits firmly into Rolex’s 3 hand steel sport watch category alongside the Oyster Perpetual, and the Explorer. The Air King is rooted in the brand’s interpretation of a function steel pilot’s watch. Nothing more, nothing less, but abundantly clear.
So how much is the Rolex Air King?
Price for the Rolex Air King will come in at a modest $7,500 USD, which makes it among the least expensive modern Rolex models released.
Read more about the watch on the brand’s website here.