Rolex builds on a rich aviation history with the release of the new Oyster Perpetual Air-King. The new model rethinks a classic watch design, with straight sides and a crown guard redrawing the parameters of the case.
Proportions have also been rethought, with the three-piece link bracelet made broader and now equipped with the Oysterlock safety clasp for the first time for increased robustness. Further reassurance comes with the new guaranteed waterproof depth of 100m, while the middle section of the case is created from a solid block of Oystersteel – Rolex’s own strong steel alloy with corrosion-resistant properties – which adds to the toughness of the whole. The case back is attached with screws only accessible by Rolex watchmakers.
The need for increased legibility is behind the rethought display, with Chromalight ensuring greater legibility in the darkness. The 3, 6 and 9 numerals, previously created from 18ct white gold, are also now filled in with the luminescent material. With the addition of a 0 before the 5, there is a new harmony in the symmetry of the case.
The new watch nods to an aviation relationship stretching back almost a century, with the spirit of experimentation that characterised the 1930s reflected in the launch of long-distance flights and pilots’ frequent breaking of records, often while wearing a Rolex Oyster on their wrist. Rolex watches were also useful for some pilots who preferred to use them as a reliable onboard timer. It is a history nodded to in the face of the watch, where the ‘Air-King’ name became a permanent feature when it launched in 1958, with the black dial appearing in 2016.
The Oyster Perpetual Air-King joins other new watches, including GMT Master II, Day-Date 40, Datejust 31, Yacht-Master 42 and Yacht-Master 40, as Rolex’s main watch releases this year.
INFORMATION
-
COS and Studio Ashby champion women artists with a colourful interiors takeoverFashion label COS unites with the London-based interior design studio to curate an eclectic series of works which champion women artists in its stores in London, Paris and Helsinki
-
Rolex and photographer Cristina Mittermeier work to protect our oceansThe conservation photographer and Rolex Testimonee is highlighting the need to support marine life
-
Omar Degan to curate first Pan-African architecture biennaleThe first Pan-African architecture biennale has been announced, taking place in Nairobi in 2026; we caught up with its inaugural curator, architect Omar Degan, to discuss the festival's mission, vision and scope
-
Rolex’s latest watch is designed for life’s explorersThe new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer watch nods to an adventurous history
-
Rolex protégé Simon Kretz on his thought experiment with mentor David Chipperfield -
Rolex protégé Chaitanya Tamhane on thinking visually with mentor Alfonso Cuarón -
Rolex protégé Julián Fuks on the creative process and the exchange of ideas -
Rolex protégé Pauchi Sasaki on music ownership and shadowing mentor Philip Glass -
Rolex protégé Thao-Nguyen Phan on exploring new mediums and her Pittsburgh project -
Rolex protégé Londiwe Khoza on self-discovery and developing as a dancer -
Rolex protégé Matías Umpierrez on facing the uncertain and the complex space of creation
