This Rolex Air-King has the popular combination of black dial, engine turned bezel and sapphire crystal. Model reference 14010
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the ‘N’ serial number stamped between the bottom lugs we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1991. The bracelet clasp is stamped for 1993, so this might be a later replacement. The clasp and links are stamped 78350 and the end links 557B
CONDITION
The first Air-King models were bought out during WW2, named as a tribute to the flying aces in the RAF. It wasn’t until 1957 that the name Air-King was reintroduced in reference 5500, and it was in production for 37 years before being replaced by the 14000 series in 1989, which also bought the sapphire crystal, updated calibre 3000 automatic movement and a far better bracelet. The 14000 has the smooth bezel and the 14010 the engine turned bezel we see on this watch.
The condition of this watch is overall good, but there is a pair of small chips on the crystal near four that you can feel if you slide your fingernail around the edge. The bezel has light marks, but nothing bad, and the case does not appear to have been polished – the lugs on these can become quite pointy if the case is badly polished, so that is best avoided. The movement is running nicely, and the crown screws down smoothly. The dial has the very beginnings of patina starting, but you have to look hard for it. The drilled lugs allow for easier strap changes, so swapping onto a leather strap say changes the look and feel of the watch easily. At a couple of millimetres smaller than a Datejust this Air-King does give a lot of the same thrills for a lot less money.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
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SIZE
Width with crown 36.6 mm
Width without crown 34.0 mm
Between lugs 19 mm
Lug to lug length 42.6 mm
Case Thickness 11.2 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 205 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
