The new Rolex Air-King 126900 model features a completely redesigned case with a crown-guard and straight sides like the majority of Professional category models. The proportions of the Oyster bracelet have also been revisited, and notably the centre link has been broadened. In a first for the model, it comes with an Oysterlock safety clasp.
The Oyster Perpetual Air-King 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 optimized Chromalight display guarantees maximum legibility in dark conditions. The hands and triangular hour marker at 12 o’clock are filled or coated with a new luminescent material that provides a long lasting intense glow. The 3, 6 and 9 numerals, which were previously made entirely from 18 ct white gold, are now also visible in the dark thanks to this innovative material, which is exclusive to Rolex.
The 40 mm Oystersteel case of the new-generation Air-King has a waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The hermetically screwed down case back has fine fluted edges. The Twinlock winding crown is fitted with a double waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard. The crystal in scratchproof sapphire comes with antireflective coating.
The Oyster bracelet of this new Air-King features the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It Easylink comfort extension link allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. In addition, a concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case.
Movement
The new-generation Air-King houses the Cal. 3230 in-house self-winding movement incorporating the patented Chronergy escapement. The other special features of this calibre are the blue Parachrom hairspring with a Rolex overcoil and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. It provides a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
The Rolex Air-King 126900 is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined in 2015. It has an exceptional precision of −2 /+2 seconds per day.
Technical details
Model: Rolex Air-King 126900-0001
Category: Oyster Perpetual Professional
Case
Material: Oystersteel
Type: Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown)
Integral crown guard
Diameter: 40 mm
Middle case: Oystersteel, satin finish with polished sides
Bezel: Oystersteel, smooth
Case back: Oystersteel, solid, screw-down with fine fluting
Winding crown: Twinlock in Oystersteel, screw-down, double waterproofness system
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Waterproofness: 100 metres (330 feet)
Movement
Calibre 3230, Manufacture Rolex
Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Jewelling: 31 rubies
Power reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Precision: −2 /+2 sec./day, after casing
Oscillator
Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
Rolex overcoil
Large balance wheel with variable inertia
High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts
Traversing balance bridge
High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
Escapement
• Chronergy with optimized energy efficiency
• Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel
Functions
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands
Stop-seconds for exact time setting
Dial
Black lacquer
3, 6, 9 in 18 ct white gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
White transferred minutes numerals
Triangular hour marker in 18 ct white gold at 12 o’clock, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Hands in 18 ct white gold, green lacquer seconds hand, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Bracelet
Oyster, three-piece solid links
Oystersteel, satin finish with polished edges
Oysterlock folding safety clasp
Easylink comfort extension link (approx. 5 mm)
Certification
Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
Guarantee
International five-year guarantee
