One of the most popular topics among watch lovers every year
" Discontinued model "
In recent years, when that time comes around, the rumored models disappear from the used market, and as soon as the decision is made to end production, prices skyrocket.
The phenomenon of excitement at the release of a new model and the anticipation of rising prices can be seen as evidence that luxury watches are recognized as real assets.
So this time, I would like to put the spotlight on the Air King, a model that is rumored to be discontinued this year and is seeing a decrease in numbers on the market, and take another look at its history and features.
What is the Air King?
The Air King has a long history, first appearing in the 1940s. At the time, Rolex released many models with pet names for the Oyster Perpetual. While most of these models have since been discontinued, the Air King has been extremely popular since its inception and is beloved as the oldest surviving pet name model .
By the way, the greatness of the Air-King can be better appreciated if you think of it as a historic model whose name was engraved on the dial earlier than Rolex's representative models, the Daytona, Submariner, and Explorer.
Representative genealogy
① "Ref.5500"
In the 1940s, the first Air-King models, Ref. 4925 and Ref. 4365, were born, followed by the Ref. 6552 about 10 years later, and then the Ref. 5500, which became a long-selling model in the late 1950s.
※"Ref.5500"
The "Ref. 5500" was a super long-selling model for about 40 years and was developed as one of the "Oyster Perpetual" series. Although it underwent many minor changes during its production period, the basic design has remained consistent, with the "Air-King" marking on the dial , the easy-to-read three-hand design , and the small 33mm case size , making it a model that has been loved for many years.
※"Ref.5700"
There are also rare models, including the "Ref.5502", "Ref.5504", and "Ref.5506", as well as the "Air-King-Date" with calendar, "Ref.5700" , and the "Ref.5500" with "EXPLORER" markings . The Air-King has a wide variety of variations, which shows its depth.
※"Ref.5500"
② "Ref.14000"
※"Ref.14000"
Around 1990, the "Ref. 14000" was born, a major model change from the "Ref. 5500".
While retaining the basic design and specifications, the case size has been increased to 38mm and the crystal has been changed to sapphire, improving practicality.
The biggest change was that the movement was changed from "Cal.1520" to "Cal.3000". "Cal.3000" is a non-chronometer movement that is also installed in the "Explorer" "Ref.14270" and "Submariner" "Ref.14060", and its high beat has been increased from 19,800 vibrations per hour to 28,800 vibrations per hour, greatly improving its accuracy. For this reason, the word "PRECISION", which means "accurate", is printed on the dial of the "Ref.14000".
③ "Ref.14000M"
※ "Ref.14000M"
The "Ref. 14000M" was a model change from the "Ref. 14000" in 2001.
There are no major visual changes compared to the "Ref. 14000," and at first glance it is difficult to tell what has changed, but the side hole in the case has been removed and an anti-counterfeiting crown watermark has been added to the 6 o'clock side of the crystal.
And, just like the previous model, the movement has been significantly changed. It has been changed from "Cal.3000" to "Cal.3130", which further improves accuracy and maintainability. This is also installed in the "Explorer I" "Ref.114270" and the "Submariner" "Ref.14060M" and "Ref.114060".
④ "Ref.114200"
※"Ref.114200"
In 2007, the Air King also received a six-digit reference number, but this "Ref. 114200" was released with a completely revamped look.
The case, bezel, and bracelet have been changed from a flat finish to a plump, voluminous design.
The dial variations have also increased, with innovative designs not seen in the previous Air-King model, ranging from simple dials to concentric dials.
※Concentric dial
However, about seven years later in 2014, a minor change was made and the "Air-King" logo disappeared from the dial, effectively marking the end of production of the "Air-King". From then on, the "Ref. 114200" was added to the Oyster Perpetual lineup as a 34mm model.
➄ "Ref. 116900"
※"Ref.116900"
After two years, the current model, "Ref. 116900", was revived in 2016.
This has been added to the lineup as a professional model, and the Air King, which was a derivative line of the Oyster Perpetual, has finally been certified as an independent model .
The case diameter has been increased to 40mm, a stark departure from previous designs. The Air-King logo on the dial is reminiscent of the font used in the early 1950s, and the yellow crown mark, ROLEX logo, and second hand have been changed to the corporate color green. The movement is the Cal.3131, which is also used in the Milgauss. It is well known among Rolex fans that it was a hot topic at the time, as it has evolved into a highly practical model that specializes in magnetic resistance.
Rumors of discontinuation
In conclusion, there is only one reason for the rumors of discontinuing the Air-King: the change in caliber .
In recent years, new models such as the Submariner, GMT Master, and Explorer have been released one after another, all of which have undergone a change in caliber.
※ "Cal.3131"
The Air King uses the same Caliber 3131 as the Milgauss, and it is rumored that they will be modified at this time and released as a new model.
⇩⇩If you haven't seen the rumors about the discontinuation of "Milgauss" broadcast on Commit TV yet, please take this opportunity to watch it⇩⇩
Also, some people are speculating that since production of the Air King model was completely discontinued during a minor change in 2014, there may not be a successor model.
Either way, I can't wait for the new release in April.
summary
We've taken a deep look at the Air King, which is rumored to be discontinued. What do you think?
The Air King is the oldest nickname among Rolex watches, and its history is deep; the more you learn about it, the more intrigued you become about it.
Commit Ginza carries many models of the Air King, so if you're thinking, "I want an Air King!" then please feel free to contact us!
Once again, I hope that after reading this article, even one person will become interested in the Air King!
see you!