Rolex "Air King" fluted white gold bezel diamond index automatic 34 mm

The story

The end of the Second World War approached when Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, thought of congratulating and honoring Royal Air Force pilots, by offering aviation-related Oyster watches. The very first Air King was presented in 1945 under reference 4365. It is expressly marked as such, just below the mark surmounted by the crown emblem at the top of the dial. Equipped with a hand-wound mechanical movement, this round, Oyster-type watch on a leather strap displayed all the hour numerals on its dial, except for the 6, which was replaced by a small seconds indicator dial, topped by the inscription Précision.

In 1957, Rolex introduced the Air-King that would define the line for the next 37 years: the reference 5500. A discreet relative of the Explorer, the Air-King would quickly pass from the status of a professional instrument to that of a sporty, urban watch. Elegant and sober, it is at home in any situation. It boasts all the qualities expected of a Rolex: automatic movement, steel case and bracelet, precision, water-resistance and sturdiness. This makes it the ideal timepiece for sporting pastimes.

In 1989, Rolex introduced Ref. 14000, an update of Ref. 5500, which by then had seen few changes during its three-decade reign. In terms of design, it represented a new approach to the Air-King collection, featuring Arabic numerals at 3-6-9 o'clock, with stick markers in between. The traditional version with stick markers only was also available.

Finally in 2007, Rolex replaced the 14000 collection with a new reference, the 114200, which now offered "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" certification thanks to its new caliber, the Rolex 3130.
The reference 114234 we're presenting today was introduced the same year, but has a fluted white gold bezel to differentiate itself!

Let's get to know each other

On the wrist, this Air-King is a Rolex classic, with a 34 mm diameter and a stainless steel Oyster case. It wears a little smaller than the 36mm Oyster Perpetual and Datejust of that era, but is nonetheless very versatile for all wrist sizes.

What we like about this model is above all its difference. We love its Oyster case, its unusual but wonderfully attractive dial and its extremely meticulous finish. Indeed, this model features a pink sunray dial and diamond indexes, with a fluted bezel giving it a DateJust "edge". It's ideal for those who don't like the date with the famous cyclops magnifier. This combination makes for a perfect, ultra-versatile watch.

The package

This Air-King is in excellent condition! It will be delivered to you in a Lepage case. This model has been authenticated and checked by our Rolex-approved watchmaker and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1-year warranty. A free engraving (case back) is available on request.