About the Watch

Rolex crafted a series of "Air" models in the aftermath of World War II, exclusively for the British Royal Air Force and its aviators. The Air-King, debuting in 1945, boasted a substantial 34mm case, a noteworthy size for its time, hence the regal moniker "King." Initially part of a broader collection of Air watches including the Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant, the Air-King outlasted its counterparts. The inaugural Air-King, identified as Reference 4925 and now a rarity, shared features with other contemporary Rolex bubblebacks. It sported a cream dial with even-numbered Arabic numerals. Subsequent references, such as Reference 4499, maintained the manual-wind Hunter movements, aligning them with the stainless steel watches in Rolex's Oyster collection. The Air-King's distinctive aesthetic emerged with the transitional Reference 6652 in 1953, equipped with the caliber 1030. This reference introduced the iconic creamy silver dial and stick hour markers, later epitomized in Reference 5500. In 1957, Rolex unveiled the defining Air-King for the next 37 years: Reference 5500. Featuring a 34mm Oystersteel case and matching Oyster bracelet, it was relatively compact for its era, especially compared to the 36mm Explorer Reference 1016. The Reference 5500 accommodated either the caliber 1520 or 1530, with no chronometer certification. Instead, the 6 o'clock position displayed "precision" (for Cal. 1520) or "super precision" (for Cal. 1530). The typical creamy silver dial with stick markers, excluding the 12 o'clock position, was protected by an acrylic crystal. In 1989, Rolex revamped the Air-King with the introduction of Reference 14000, a modernization of the enduring Ref. 5500. Representing a departure in design, it featured Arabic numerals at 3-6-9 hours, accompanied by stick markers. While retaining the traditional stick markers-only version, the Arabic numeral variant gained popularity. The update included the new caliber 3000 movement and a sapphire crystal, enhancing the timepiece's overall functionality.

About the Brand

Known the world over, Rolex is a benchmark for prestige and quality in watchmaking. Since its creation, the brand has placed the reliability of its products uppermost. It submits virtually its entire movement production for testing by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres to obtain COSC certification. Rolex is also renowned for its after-sales service which is performed by staff who have been specially trained, often in Rolex's own schools in countries around the globe, including the United States and Japan. Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf. A Bavarian watchmaker who emigrated to Switzerland, he immediately put his natural flair for products and business acumen at the service of a brand that would soon forge an international reputation. He was succeeded in 1963 by André Heiniger, whose son Patrick took over at the helm in 1992. Bruno Meier in 2009 then Gian Riccardo Marini in 2011 were successively appointed at the head of the business, a limited company (société anonyme) that is wholly owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. In 2014, Jean-Frédéric Dufour, previously Chief Executive of Zenith, was named as the new CEO. Such a reputation hasn't gone unnoticed among collectors, as recent auction results demonstrate. At a 2013 sale in Geneva, for example, a Daytona Chronograph in steel achieved an absolute record price of US$ 1.1 million. The brand hones its image through associations with prominent and well-respected personalities chosen from the arts and sports. Also, in 1976 Rolex launched its Awards for Enterprise which each year single out innovative projects that promote sustainable development. The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative gives young artists a privileged opportunity to benefit from the experience of masters in their field.