Latest Vintage Piece

2018 Rolex Air-King 116900 Mark 1, $10,000.00 CAD. 505-00232

The Rolex Air-King has been around in one form or another for about 70 years. The standard Rolex Oyster was first labeled Air-King as a tribute to Britain’s Royal Air Force who participated in the battle of Britain. RAF pilots of the time preferred wearing Rolex over the standard issue lower quality watches. The robust design and relatively large case size (for the era) made it the perfect pilot tool for quick time interpretation. Not to mention the entry level Rolex was a far superior offering to anything else of the era. After the 34mm Air-King was discontinued in 2014 it appeared that one of the longest running models from Rolex was gone forever. Rolex has been known to revive past models with an injection of new style and new technology before and the Air-King 116900 is the result. It’s ready for the next few generations of pilots or those who just love the style and tradition that is the Rolex Air-King. Gone is the rather small 34mm case, it’s been replaced by a 40mm version (40.3mm by digital caliper). It isn’t overwhelming in size but the weight of 155 and thickness of 13.1mm are a reminder that this is a robustly built timepiece. If the larger Oyster case didn’t catch your attention the dial certainly will, it’s a distinct departure from any previous Air-King. Although some feel the mix of the highly polished white gold 3,6 and 9 hour markers mixed with large painted 5, 10, 20, 25….. minute markers is a little confusing, I just love it. It certainly is different from the basic stick or Arabic dials of previous Air-Kings. The look is unique and still very purposeful. Luminous Mercedes style hands are far larger and easier to read than any set previously fitted. In the dark the face becomes less practical as there is only one reference point that has been treating to luminous material. Along with a larger case, the mechanism inside is the modern automatic calibre 3131 that debuted in the Milgauss in 2007. The parachrom hairspring in this movement is very resistant to strong magnetic fields that could render other watches unreliable at best. This ultra high precision movement easily exceeds the minimum standards for chronometer rating at an incredible +/- 2 seconds per day according to Rolex. This watch was purchased new in Ontario at an authorized Rolex agent in early 2018. The watch is in very good condition. It was worn in rotation with a few other watches, as such it shows typical wear associated with occasional use over the last 7 years. Included with the watch is the inner/outer box, instructions and authorized agent endorsed warranty card. Bill Le Boeuf will supply a no charge 1-year warranty for the next owner. This is a Mark 1 version of the designed 40mm Air-King. The latest version adds a zero in front of the 5 minute mark, luminous 3, 6, 9 o’clock hour markers and a crown guard; otherwise it is the same watch. Working great and keeping excellent time, the watch is ready to go today for the estate price of $10,000.00 CAD. Stock #505-00232.

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