The Rolex Air King is often forgotten when it comes to Rolex’s sporty watches. To be honest, it’s a strange and unique watch because none of its features is aviation specific, yet it’s called the “Air King”. No matter how confusing this watch is, the Rolex Air King is like all the other Rolex stainless steel sports models that can’t be found. But I don’t think that suggests it’s a fan favourite.
For years, many fans of the brand have been calling for the discontinuation of the current Rolex Air King. Some wanted an update; others wanted Rolex to move production to other collections altogether. In 2023, Rolex decided to update the Air King and I, like many others, really like what they have done with the collection. They kept the core DNA of the watch, but enhanced the Air King to make it a more practical tool cheap replica rolex. We’ll discuss the updates to the Rolex Air King later in this review.
Initial reactions to the 2023 Rolex Air King have been very positive. In true Rolex fashion, they have enhanced a relatively underperforming collection and transformed it into one that generates excitement and buzz. What I really appreciate is that the new Air King gets an updated movement, the 3230 calibre. This has increased the power reserve from 40 hours to 70 hours and improved anti-magnetic capabilities.
The dial of the Rolex Air King is certainly busy. Some people like it, and some people don’t like it. Personally, I think it’s unique to Rolex, and that’s why I love it. The Air King dial has Arabic numerals at every position on the dial except for the 12 o’clock position. Yes, the common criticism is that there is a lot of 5s, but honestly, I never noticed this until I heard someone say it.
What many people like about the Air King dial is the green and yellow Rolex logo, and the green second hand. Obviously, green is Rolex’s most iconic colour. Just refer to some of our other articles on the Sprite GMT Master II, the Green Datejust 41 and the Kermit Submariner to get a better idea of what this colour means to the brand.
Overall, the dial of this watch is exactly what you would expect from a sports watch supposedly built for aviation. It is very clear and easy to see in low-light conditions.
Designed with a 40mm case and a classic Oyster strap, the Rolex Air King is in the sweet spot, making it one of the best-sized watches on the market. Comfort is key, and the Air King has plenty of it.
Made of 904L stainless steel, the Rolex Air King is highly resistant to corrosion and is guaranteed to retain its colour/gloss for many years to come. It is well known that 904L stainless steel is used in the aerospace industry, which is a much more demanding material than a watch worn every day.
Powering the Rolex Air King is the in-house calibre 3230, the same movement used in the Dateless Submariner, the Oyster Perpetual and the Explorer. This movement has specifications of a 70-hour power reserve, an accuracy rating of +/- 2 seconds per day, and improved shock absorption to make it more resistant than its predecessors.
The strap chosen for the Rolex Air King is the famous Oyster bracelet. The Oyster bracelet is known for its comfort, durability and overall design. It is nicely detailed with an updated clasp that now features a second secure locking folding mechanism. The finish of the entire bracelet includes a brushed finish. Overall, the Rolex Air King bracelet has been added with all the ideas and details to maximize the appeal of its sports Audemars Piguet replica.
The new Rolex Air King is priced at $7,400 and is available on the pre-owned market for a much higher price. The updated Air King arrives at authorized dealers in the spring of 2023, but is currently on a waiting list, so availability is very limited.
Due to the recent update of the Rolex Air King, demand for this watch has increased dramatically. Therefore, for preferred customers, the waiting list for the Air King is expected to be 6-12 months. As time goes on, we predict it will become more readily available, almost as it was before it was updated.
The Air King embodies what Rolex does best, and that’s making sports watches that everyone loves. It may not be as popular as the Sub or Daytona, but it still has all the DNA that every other collection has, and while the dial may not be for everyone, the 2023 update to the Air King brings this collection close to all the others in popularity and is 100% worthy of the Rolex crown. I see the Air King taking the place that the Oyster Perpetual series once held, and that was the best entry-level Rolex.