Here, I wanted a discreet and old Rolex, without the wart on the sapphire and without a date too; I lost my parents in 2021 due to covid 19 and with the inheritance money, I was able to treat myself. So I bought this Rolex air king precision 14000 from 1990 and I bought it from a well-known AD (Maier in Lyon) so I'm sure it's not fake. I love its champagne dial, these little stick indexes and above all it is almost all in polished steel, a size of 34 mm (I love small sizes). It is very comfortable to wear because it is quite light.

It's a sober watch The only Rolex with the brand written in green and yellow logo. The lollypop minute hand is also green. We appreciate the 3 - 6 - 9 which really lights up in the dark. Its bracelet reveals the brand but it's a model that we rarely see. This new model has a protected crown, It's a legendary model that I recommend. After the Datejust, this is the Rolex to own.

ROLEX AIR KING controversial history and Identity mix!!!! A professional entry-level model but not only!!! An atypical black background, Arabic numerals punctuate, five by five, the display of the minutes. The case with a diameter of 40 millimeters that of the GMT and its smooth bezel are irremediably reminiscent of the Milgauss. The design is directly inspired by the British project 'Bloodhound SSC'. The racing car was more like a rocket propelled by no less than 135,000 horsepower! Five essential improvements will reassure fans of the brand. The crown protection or more precisely, as the press kit poetically describes it, "the shoulder of the crown protection". With it ends any possible comparison with the Milgauss line. This key element propels the new Air-King directly into the world of Rolex ‘Oyster Perpetual Professionnelle’ watches. The three-link Oyster bracelet is now equipped with the Oysterlock safety clasp with folding buckle, which, according to the brand, is “designed by Rolex and patented, preventing any involuntary opening. It has the Easylink comfort quick extension, developed by the brand, which allows its length to be easily adjusted by approximately 5 mm”. All the Arabic numerals are adorned with Chromalight, a substance developed by Rolex to improve reading “in all circumstances”. The oversized ’3-6-9’ numerals are retained while the ‘5’ minute marker perfects its integration with the addition of a ‘0’, creating an effect of symmetry with that of the ‘55’ minutes. This ultimate Air-King is equipped with the caliber 3230, bringing together all of the brand's innovations and presented two years earlier. Its 'Chronergy' escapement combines, in the brand's own words, "high energy efficiency with high operational safety". The caliber 3230 thus defends a solid power reserve of 70 hours, facilitated by the new architecture of its barrel. The thickness of the new case has been reduced from 13 to 11.7 mm. The PRO ROLEX will say that this watch has no history and interest!!! we are talking about aviation ✈️ also an automobile project 🏎️!!!!! But today it is a must-have in a collection for enthusiasts like me.

THE unloved Rolex in its 116 900 version, the very one that broke the aesthetic and visual codes of all previous Air Kings when it was released in 2016 The Air King is both an incarnation and a paradox. The first because it is part of one of the oldest ranges of the brand with the crown. As far back as those who read me can remember, the vast majority of them will have always heard of the "Air" collection of which the "King" is the only survivor on the eve of its 80th spring. The second because it is a professional that in THIS version does not follow any of its codes; because it deviates from the sacrosanct principle of respect for elders, as it has been the unloved of aficionados since practically its birth, because it is often criticized, scolded without anyone being able to really say why and unfortunately, often wrongly... The height of precision according to Rolex standards, Oysclaps and Easy Link for practicality, total anamagnetism due to the soft iron cage that contains the 3131 manufacture caliber shared with the Millgauss, Rolex logo signed in its historic color and yellow crown enthroned on the dial, 3 6 9 hour markers applied and in 18k white gold, Mercedes hands and green lollipop second hand... From a technical point of view, everything is present, in compliance with the standards of the watchmaking locomotive. Some will say that the case is too thick and that the watch is very heavy. Let's not exaggerate. Others will say that the dial is too busy. I've seen worse. Finally, we will say that this watch does not deserve its status as "professional"? And if that was not its singularity? It is also regrettable in my humble opinion that THIS Air King was remodeled in 2023 to make it more conform to a mold that leaves no room for nonconformity at Rolex and which is the charm of watchmaking... Ultimately, a beautiful watch, ideal for starting out at Rolex as long as we keep in mind that we will always pay in the purchase price from them a part of history, a part of prestige...

How can I tell you about my new acquisition without telling you about the story that goes with it. Bought 2 and a half years after my Tudor (review also available), I had in mind to buy a new watch for my 22nd birthday, the cycle of renewal never really ending. After much research, I finally had in mind to take an oyster perpetual 36mm black dial. Having put myself on a wish list in a Parisian boutique, I was called 1 month later. I bought it and, after wearing it for a month, I realized that the size did not suit me. Too small, less homogeneous case, finally I had to change for a larger model. It was by remembering my first contact with the brand with the crown that I thought of the Air King. First Rolex I saw on my friend's wrist in high school (he will recognize himself), which I found too thick at the time but whose dial enchanted me, with its pretty green seconds hand. What a stroke of luck that this model with an atypical dial is being reworked in 2022. Thinner case (exit the Milgauss case), more incisive horns, new 3230 movement and its 70 hours of power reserve, appearance of the crown protector as well as the Oysterlock clasp and the Easylink extension, essential in summer as well as the Chromalight applique on the numbers 3/6/9 for better visibility. The choice was therefore made, and it was on this Air-King 126900 that he had fallen. So I registered on the list in March, and was called in August to come and collect it. I found it really fast, me who expected a minimum delay of one year as announced. Since that day I am very happy with it, it is robust, reliable (hardly drifts) and the completely brushed oyster bracelet looks so good in the sun. A Rolex like no other that will always find its place on any occasion.

While I was looking for a Rolex OP 36 with a blue dial, unfortunately unobtainable… and unavailable… and I had almost lost all hope of having one, I happened to come across this very beautiful second-hand Rolex Air King in Saint Malo. Without further ado, I jumped at the chance. A magnificent blue dial, little literature, a balance and simplicity of formidable efficiency. I love it. Very light watch. Obviously given its size of 34mm.

This Air-King reference 14000 from 1999 with a silver dial, slightly sunrayed, turning from lacquered white to ivory depending on the light is simply majestic. It is an encounter between a man and a watch. Immediately, the way it is worn on the wrist transcends me, emotion fills me. The alchemy takes place. I no longer even notice the tired state of the crown. I am carried away and dazzled. I have the feeling of having found THE watch, the must-have from Rolex in my opinion. The purchase follows. For nothing in the world would I give up this watch. I love it with its imperfections. I love this simplicity, this three hands, sober, without a date, without a cyclops, this authenticity in a neo-vintage watch from the end of the last century. This acquisition delights me. I was not looking for a Rolex, I did not expect one day to move towards the brand with the crown. That's what's beautiful about this purchase. I wanted a simple, dateless, discreet watch. I didn't know this reference. Some will tell me that I could have found one in better condition. I tell them that it had to be this one and not another. It was part of the acquisition process and that's what makes it even more beautiful in my eyes, that's what makes its imperfections beautiful in my eyes, that's what makes every time I wear it on my wrist, I'm filled with a feeling of satisfaction that surpasses the rest. I keep it jealously. In short, I like its historical aspect (homage to the Royal Air Force pilots who fought the Axis), I like its resemblance to its big sister, the reference 5500. It fulfills all the elements I wanted (simple, basic, no date, discreet). I like the mention "precision" at 6 o'clock which makes it even more sober than with the classic "superlative chronometer official certified". Nice detail, it is a tritinova (transition between tritium and luminova). It is a dial stamped tritium with luminova luminescence. Normally, luminova is found on "Swiss Only" dials. I also like its 34mm diameter which makes it perfect for my wrist. In addition, it can be worn on its Oyster bracelet as well as on Nato. I can't wait to buy a leather one to see what it looks like. The comfort on the wrist of the steel bracelet is incredible. Even after a day, you can forget about it.

The first of a collection. On an oyster base, this watch sometimes disliked by some, this professional watch has all of a great! It was the gateway to a captivating passion for watchmaking. A pleasure to put on the wrist, setting the time has become a real ritual every time I put it on. Not just a heritage watch but a real heritage that is part of my daily life.