Rolex Rolex Air King Model Reference 126900 New Case Shape NWW 2177
Rolex Air King Model Reference 126900 – New Case Shape
Rolex Air King model 126900. It was originally purchased in November 2023 so less than one year old when taken into stock. It is a full set that includes the original warranty, hang tags, booklets. This is the latest model with the Submariner case that has got the crown protecting shoulders giving it a more sporty look. The Air King used to be one of the Rolex entry level models but not anymore. It has re positioned itself they are well established in the premium range and this model fits nicely into the sports model line up with its new case shape and distinctive looking dial making it instantly recognisable as the Air King. It clearly fits into the sports model range, with its large case and crown guards but lacks a rotating or functional bezel. This is the only Rolex watch to have crown guards and no informational bezel giving it it's own unique identity in the Rolex line up. This new model also has the 3, 6 and 9 with white gold surrounding the numerals opposed to the previous version with solid applied 3, 6 and 9 numerals. This gives the dial less shine during the day and more luminosity in the dark. The dial has also been made more symmetrical with the number 5 changed to 05 on this watch, so it is more consistent with the rest of the numerals on the dial - a small but relevant feature bringing about a more balanced appearance.
Model reference: 126900
Year 2023
Case: Brushed/polished Oyster case
Bracelet. Oyster bracelet with folding clasp
Crown: Screw down with Rolex logo
Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire
Dial: Black dial with 3, 6, 9 layout, colour Rolex logos
Movement: Rolex automatic
Water resistance 60 metres
Others: box and papers
Dimensions Width is 40 mm, thickness is 13 mm, 48 mm lug to lug
Key Characteristics
Additional Product Details
Rolex SA was founded in 1905 by the German Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis. Contrary to popular belief, Hans Wilsdorf was neither Swiss, nor a watchmaker. Wilsdorf & Davis was the original name of what later became the Rolex Watch Company. They originally imported Hermann Aegler's Swiss movements to England and placed them in quality cases made by Dennison and others. These early wristwatches were then sold to jewellers, who then put their own names on the dial. The earliest watches from the firm of Wilsdorf and Davis are usually marked "W&D" – inside the caseback only. Hans Wilsdorf registered the trademark name "Rolex" in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland during 1908. The word was made up, but its origin is obscure. One story, which was never confirmed by Wilsdorf, is that the word "Rolex" came from the French phrase horlogerie exquise, meaning exquisite watch industry. The Wilsdorf & Davis company moved out of Great Britain in 1912. Wilsdorf wanted his watches to be affordable, but taxes and export duties on the case metals (silver and gold) were driving costs up. From that time to the present, Rolex has been headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, though the company owns facilities in other cities (Bienne, etc) and continents (North America, Asia, Australia, etc). The company name Rolex was officially registered on 15 November 1915. It is thought this change was part of a drive to popularize wristwatches, which at the time were still considered a novelty largely for women (pocket watches were more common). Wilsdorf was said to desire his watch brand's name to be easily pronounceable in any language. The company name was officially changed to the Rolex Watch Company during 1919. It was later changed to Montres Rolex, SA and finally Rolex, SA. Rolex SA is a foundation initiated and originally funded by Hans Wilsdorf and the Aegler family. According to foundation documentation, the Rolex SA company can never be sold, nor traded on any stock market.