This year, Rolex has updated the Air-King, a model made in the 1930s as a tribute to airline pilots and their exploits. The new generation consolidates its membership in the brand's universe of professional watches by completely redesigning the case, as it has done for other models in recent years.
Thus, the proportions of the lugs change and the sides of the case middle are straighter for greater subtlety of the case, which is still 40 mm in diameter. The most important change is the introduction of the Twinlock crown protection straps, in line with the other Rolex professionals.
The Oyster bracelet has been redesigned in terms of its proportions, in particular by enlarging the central elements, and, for the first time, is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp. It features the Easylink quick extension link, developed by the brand, which allows its length to be easily adjusted by approximately 5 mm.
Readability is improved by the addition of a "0" in front of the "5" on the minute scale, which also enhances the harmonious appearance of the dial, which benefits from a Chromalight display optimised in the dark: the hands and the triangular index at 12 o'clock are coated with a new luminescent substance that guarantees prolonged emission intensity. Luminescence also covers the numerals 3, 6 and 9, previously entirely in white gold. In the process of updating the movements with all the technical evolutions developed by Rolex, the calibre is now the 3230 (introduced in the Submariner without date), with Chronergy escapement and 70-hour power reserve.
Price7,050 euro.
