Rolex Air-King Owner Review : Sober, functional and efficient

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...