Oyster Perpetual Air-King: The Sky Is The Limit

Because of our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, New England has a rich lineage in both maritime and aviation innovation. Boston’s Logan International Airport became one of the first transatlantic airline hubs when it began offering mail and passenger services back in the mid-1920s. The story of flight in Massachusetts is also glamorous. In the 1950s, the original jet setters would have boarded planes to luxurious destinations like Paris and Rome whilst others would simply take a propeller plane to their summer getaways in Cape Cod.

Long’s has been helping the Boston community make their dreams take flight since 1878. Our family knows that, when it comes to travel, time is precious. That’s why Rolex is so well-loved by our customers. Not only is it one of the most universally recognized watch brands in the world, but the Oyster Perpetual Air-King is also a favorite amongst those who travel for business and pleasure. Here’s why.

The Oyster Perpetual Air-King celebrates the aeronautical heritage of the original Oyster. It pays tribute to those for whom the sky was a new frontier of adventure, exploration and groundbreaking achievement – a springboard for new ideals.

The Air-King symbolizes the privileged relationship between Rolex and flying during the golden age of aviation in the 1930s. It pays tribute to the pilots of the era and the Oyster’s role in their epic story. The 1930s was a period of spectacular progress in aircraft performance and led to the introduction of long-distance flights. Several pilots set records while wearing an Oyster. Others used a Rolex watch as an on-board chronometer, such as Owen Cathcart-Jones and Ken Waller, who, in 1934, made a return voyage from London (United Kingdom) to Melbourne (Australia) in record time with a twin-engine De Havilland Comet. 

Unique aesthetics

The current Air-King sports a distinctive black dial with a combination of large 3, 6 and 9 numerals marking the hours and a prominent minutes scale for optimal navigational time readings. Rolex’s symbolic crown is displayed in yellow on the dial, while the second hand and the name “Rolex” are green, echoing the brand’s emblematic colour. Since the watch was launched in 1958, the inscription “Air-King” has been featured in lettering that makes the model easily identifiable.

From 2022, the Air-King’s 40 mm case includes a crown guard and has straight sides like the majority of Professional category models. The watch’s display has also been refreshed and is perfectly balanced thanks to the addition of a “0” before the “5” on the minutes scale. Each five-minute interval is, therefore, now marked by two digits. The 3, 6 and 9 numerals are also now visible in the dark thanks to the luminescent material of the Chromalight display. 

Reliability and performance

A paragon of robustness and reliability, the Air-King’s Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy.

The Air-King is fitted on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel. This bracelet is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, designed and patented by Rolex, which prevents accidental opening. It is also fitted with the Easylink comfort extension link, which allows the wearer to adjust the bracelet length easily, by approximately 5 mm.

Powering the Air-King is calibre 3230, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks, convenience and reliability. This movement is fitted with the exclusive blue Parachrom hairspring and also incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement. Its power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.

Superlative Chronometer Certification

Like all Rolex watches, the Air-King is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories, according to its own criteria. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

Visit Long’s today to explore the Oyster Perpetual Air-King firsthand. The Long’s team invites you to visit one of our locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to discover which Rolex model best pairs with your lifestyle. As an Official Rolex Jeweler, we are the only retailers allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.