Rolex Air-King Models – Complete List of Rolex Air-King Models
The Rolex Air-King is of the most underrated models that Rolex has created. At their core, the Air-King watches are just like any other Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch with an “Air-King” printing on the dial. Some of the later iterations have had some slight design differences to make them more unique and distinct. But the early Air-King models were essentially identical to some Oyster Perpetual watches that were in production during the same time.
The only difference between them is the “Air-King” printing on the dial. Internally, the Air-King watches are the same as the Oyster Perpetuals as well, powered by the same calibers.
As you can see in the complete list of Rolex Air-King models below, the first Air-King watches were released in 1959, at least according to Rolex’s own official data. However, there is some discrepancy between the year 1959 and the more publicly known information about the fact that Rolex did in fact release some Rolex Watches with the Air-King printing on the dial. This can be explained by the fact that the very early Rolex Air-King watches were not made in large numbers, and were more “experimental” watches for testing the market and a new design.
Displaying nothing more than the time, the Air-King is and has always been an entry-level model that is very basic in its functionality. As such, it has also been amongst the most affordable in Rolex’s collection of men’s watches.
Rolex Air-King history
As mentioned, many of the early Rolex Air-King watches were identical to Oyster Perpetual watches that were produced during the same time. The only difference was the addition of the text “Air-King” on the dial. For example, the reference 5501/3 was made with the “Air-King” and “Explorer” printing on the dial, simultaneously.
Officially, the first watch to feature the “Air-King” text on the dial was released in 1945. During the early time, Rolex also produced a number of other “Air” models, including “Air-Lion”, “Air-Tiger” and more. All of these air-related Oyster Perpetual watches were made for British Royal Air Force and associated pilots after World War 1945. This also explains the discrepancy in production years as these early watches were not intended for the public market. Rolex released the Air-King to celebrate and honor the RAF pilots of the Battle of Britain, which makes sense due to Rolex’s close connection to Britain in its early years.
The first Air-King watches were presented in 34mm, a size that was considered large at the time, thereby the name “King”.
The first watch to feature the text “Air-King” on the dial is the reference 4925, a watch that is very rare today due to the limited production numbers.
Throughout its history, the Air-King was made both with and without a date function but is more common without the date.
Rolex released the first model line specifically for the Air-King in 1958, the references 550X. This model line was in production for several decades and remained mostly unchanged throughout this time.
Rolex Air-King models
- 4925: 1945
- 5501/3: 1959-1978
- 1002/7: 1960-1986
- 1005/7: 1960-1977
- 1007/7: 1960-1976
- 5500/7: 1960-1964
- 5700/0: 1959-1967
- 1002/3: 1960-1990
- 1003/3: 1960-1986
- 1005/3: 1960-1990
- 116900: 2016-
- 1007/0: 1960-1990
- 114200: 2007-2020
- 114210: 2007-2011
- 14000: 1991-2001
- 14000M: 2000-2006
- 14010: 1991-2001
- 14010M: 2000-2006
- 5500/0: 1960-1991
- 5502/5: 1960-1964
- 5520/5: 1973-1986
- 1023/7: 1964-1871
- 1008/3: 1969-1990
- 1005/4: 1960-1990
- 114234: 2007-2012
