ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Air-King. New 2022 version.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
- #Rolex #RolexAirKing #RolexOyster @ROLEX
Rolex is presenting the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air-King. The watch features a completely redesigned case with a crown guard and straight sides like the majority of Professional category models. The proportions of the bracelet have also been revisited, and notably the centre link has been broadened. In a first for the model, it is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp. The 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.
In addition, the new-generation Air-King benefits from an optimized Chromalight display, guaranteeing 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 longer-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 new-generation Air-King is equipped with calibre 3230, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes and seconds.
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Air-King carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 40 mm Oyster case of the new-generation Air-King is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case. The crystal, which is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the watch’s movement.
The new-generation Air-King is equipped with calibre 3230, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2020 and is fitted on this model from 2022. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents, and offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.
Calibre 3230 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.
Calibre 3230 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3230 extends to approximately 70 hours.
The Oyster bracelet on this new watch features the Rolex-designed, patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which 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.
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Air-King is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). The in-house certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day - the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.
Hopefully ppl keep hating on this watch so I can get one myself.
I am very lucky to have the earlier model and love the quirkiness. It’s a fun watch and I really like these upgrades.
To see this is thinner than a BB58 is fantastic.
100% on consumers not supporting resellers, but let's be clear about who actually supply the grey market...it's not the manufacturer nor the collector! Who's left?
Is easy to say not to support the grey market when you can get any watch you want.
I’m not usually a Rolex fan but I really like this watch. Interesting to see what the length of the waiting list would be and how soon the watch could be supplied.
Instead of showing the watch, why not just show us how beautiful the waiting list is made of? The quality of paper, the font, the Mont Blanc pen ink that was used to write them, the spacing and so on.
You got that right!
Not sure Mont Blanc makes invisible ink!
There are no "waiting lists" just good buddies of the owner of an AD that gets all the watches 😄
I have a feeling that the vast majority of the cry babies like you complaining about the “waiting lists” probably couldn’t afford a Rolex at retail even if it was offered to you.
@@whereRbearsTeeth I am one of the "prefered clients" 😂 just stated the fact that there are no lists.
Of all the Rolex watches , this one is my favorite. It’s just so unique. You can keep the 5-6 figure wrist jewelry. It’s beauty lies in its simplicity.
I just bought this watch at the Rome airport (duty free) this past Friday. Walked in before our flight not expecting to see anything for sale, walked out with a new watch! I love this Air King!
Bravo! Congratulations! May your Air-King always show you happy seconds, minutes and hours… 😉
haha
Lucky you!!
The most interesting release from Rolex this year.
To my eye, the Air-King is one of the most unique and best-looking Rolex watches. But don't buy from the greedy grey market? Funny, maybe you can connect me with a non-greedy AD.
I could not have said this better myself.
nuff said ..i myself cant get the old ver since 2016
As a owner and a Air King enthousiast I have to say your review is the best one, I got all the answers and details I was looking for
Very beautiful! Best Rolex release of 2022 indeed. A dream for anyone who care about aviation!
Except the dial on the watch has nothing to do with aviation..
@@whereRbearsTeeth but you know, just the name it's enough to show and dream, that is, mainly, why we would like to have one
Thank you for the side by side comparison! Best video of this watch on TH-cam!
Love your comment! Thanks for sharing!
agree
The rounded case is more attractive
That leaves the milgauss
Si.
I agree I prefer the old one
Too thin
Loving old version, simpler & sporty
Alex, you are the man!
You say don’t support greedy businesses, but that’s the only way you can get one as an AD won’t sell you one or any SS Rolex for that matter, unless you are super rich or famous
True. Special customers only nowadays which includes grey market dealers.
my interest in getting a rolex has diminish..
ill take my money elsewhere...
That's a great looking tool watch. It makes more sense than previously.
The added naught now alters the face from the original Rolex designed Bloodhound dial.......glad I have my 116900.
As a 116900 owner this is what you have to say, isn‘t it ? :)
@@CVYN1337 No, not really. It's an observation based on aesthetics and the original intent of the design. What is the meaning of your comment?
This is a great point! I do appreciate the history of my 116900. I hadn’t thought about this. Thank you.
@@adamjustinmoseley My pleasure. Also I think the case of the 116900 is more elegant than that of the new 126900.
Thinner new model and previous 369 white gold looks more luxury.
Who gonna see your watch in dark?
i have the old version and it is a chunk, but the dial is mesmerising, if you want to buy one at retail good luck
so it's sub without a bezel and with a air king dial, gotcha!
That s what I thought , but after I got one , it actually looks like a watch on its own . More like an explorer 2 mixed with an IWC😉
The crown guard is little bit weird...
me too, maybe they just reused the old sub case in stock
@@daming170 nope, lugs are way thinner
The dial looks more balanced and they updated the case so it fits more in line with the Professional line. I'd say it's a win. Rolex is like Porsche. Evolution, not revolution.
Who else got on the waiting list???
Full for the next 4 to 5 years 😑😑😑
@@MarkDanger777 where??
@@Walem_B Ben bridge Hawaii
Yup
@@jamesc8076 I have no idea why so many ppl hate it with a passion. I really like the update they ve made here
incredibly underrated rolex, absolutely love the color scheme with the white and green with black background
The design of that dial does not please everyone... but in terms of make and quality this is an underrated Rolex yes!
Schönes Review Alexander hat mir gut gefallen. Die neue Air King hat sich schön weiterentwickelt. Aber das alte Model will ich nicht miesen. Ich liebe meine Air-King 116900
Old version looks so much better.
Wish this had a date
21mm bracelet, sheesh.
You are really the go-to guy for new watch demos, I always enjoy the deep close views and wrist shots and infomed narrative.
Had a conversation with the local AD. They mentioned that the situation with resellers and flippers has mostly to do with supply and demand, among issues with the pandemic and supply line problems. Like the author of this video, they do not recommend buying from a flipper on the gray market. It is far better to wait, and purchase one at the retail price, because they will certainly become available.
"they will certainly become available" Yeah keep believing 🤣
.... in the meantime while you wait buy this Breitling here
@@Kiba_Fox There's always the Omega Seamaster....
@@vinced5741 Or the Tag Heuer Carrera. Yes, I get it....
what about people who waited for colorful OP dials ? just 2 years and they discontinued....
I like the original more. It's bigger on the wrist and I like the white gold numbers along with the numeric 5 vs the 05. The only change I do prefer would be the double lock clasp but still prefer the original sizing of the bracelet.
Just picked mine up from the AD in buffalo new york( reeds jenns jewelers) absolutely love it.... Wait time was roughly 45 days... made it clear several times I have no intention of flipping and that I cant stand the grey market blender.... no purchase history- I love this thing.
Bravo! Congratulations! Thanks for sharing… May your Rolex always show you happy seconds, minutes and hours…
They should have just updated the dial and left it in the old case. The sub/gmt style case isn’t nearly as classy
The only thing about the new AK I like is the clasp the rest I can live without on my old AK.
You like the thicker dimensions on the old one??
@@whereRbearsTeeth Yes doesn't bother me at all.i like to have alittle more Presence on my wrist,makes the sportiness of the watch.Making thinner to me makes it feel Dressier.
May be it is time for Rolex to start to review the dealership and open their own boutiques to ensure the transparency of the watch allocation
Old one was better ❤️
In all aspects
I have the previous model. And I love it too. What do you like about it better than this new one? Just curious.
@@adamjustinmoseley the comfortable case, the antimagnetic case, the solid white gold 3 6 9
@@adamjustinmoseley lucky you 😀
@@GCOUNDOU yeah 🔥
The heft of the old one gives it a more luxurious feel. [Though the unnecessary weight is also something to deplore.] But the lack of lume makes it truly impractical.
Why Rolex insists on polished case sides and the bezel for what is supposed to be a sports watch .
The fact that the old one is needed next to the new one to be able to find the differences pretty much says it all
Os there some other way of comparing two things? I wouldn't have needed it and I don't think the presenter did either.
Strange how much those little adjustments add up to.
I prefer the older discontinued model……more class
The old one has more personality.
This watch is very clean,simple and very nice! This time Rolex has done a very nice job 👏👏👏👏
The only 1 problem is the diameter,very big for wrist like the ones with 16 or 16,50 cm's of circumference.
Thanks for sharing our passion!
@@gregandark8571 to big 40mm?????? Never less than 39mm for men
Picked mine up from AD last week.....fantastic watch!
Congratulations! Bravo! May your Air-King always show you happy seconds, minutes and hours…
Very Very good showing of watch.
I ve seen all I wanted and should see. Thank you and will be your audience
Great review I just purchased a 2022 air king I was on a wait list at the AP. I paid $7400 US dollars it was not my first choice but it was one the three on my list at the AP. Overall I’m happy that I did not have to go with gray market. I had to get approved for this watch. They wanted to know what I did for a living.
@@GiancarloBenzina omg 😳 😂
The new airking is my favourite Rolex
Thanks for sharing! Will you try to get one?
@@WatchAdvisor thanks yes I have one ordered for my 50’th next year , bought a Tudor bb heritage for my dad last week & the ad assured me he will get me an airking in plenty of time
Im pretty sure everyone would be willing to not support grey dealers if Rolex ups their production or allocate/sell their watches fairly to customers instead of the above mention grey market.
Never understood the appeal of this watch. Too many 00's and too many 5's. I get where it drew its inspiration, but I imagine looking down at my wrist and taking an extra few seconds figuring out the time. Adding the lume is a definite improvement. Adding crowing guards gives it a little more sportiness--I guess. The taper is also a nice improvement. Obviously, the movement is where it stands above the previous reference. Overall, it is better than its predecessor. At over $7,500 (plus tax) I would still look at so many other references before this one. Good video showing the differences.
Great job, love this watch. It’s my next purchase from Rolex
Thanks for sharing and please keep us posted…
Thanks Alexander - cool move from Rolex - they bring the Airking back - kind of entry level. So let's wait next year on the update of the Milgauss / Greeting from Germany
After a year AD called me with the AirKing. Love the green Rolex, green second hand and smooth bezel.
may I ask: did you buy it?
Air King now with the new movement and subtle modifications to case and dial - not bad!
This a great comparison of old and new and now I really like the new one everything looks balanced somewhat cleaner in my opinion
I’ve just bought a new one, it’s fantastic. Thanks for the great video.
Bravo! Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your passion with us! May your Air-King always show you happy seconds, minutes and hours …
I would like to see a video on comparing this watch with explorer 2. Thanks.
@@mrkq10 it’s noted… if we can get hands on these watches we will do it of course…
@@WatchAdvisor Thanks
not a fan of airkings and putting crown guards on non sport models, but this case is just so much better!
The new one looks so much sportier. love it.
True! Have you seen it in real yet?
@@WatchAdvisor Yes I saw it at my local AD this past weekend actually
Case is better on the old one and the dial on the new one is better
Very good review esp with the old version side by side. Perfect reflection out with old in with the new. I like it. The new version I'm a buyer for sure it is more balanced and easier on the eyes with the new design imo. Thanks for the share WA!!!
Not sure about the crown guards.. thoughts?
I do not like them either.
Same here. They look quite odd.
I like the old lugs better
Excellent hands on! Your videos are shaming all of the big name watch media titans
Love your comment! Thanks for sharing!
Should have left the 3,6&9 white gold, they look absolutely stunning when the light catches them(yes they disappear,so what). would have lumed the five minute markers instead. yes it needed the zero before five and no the bloodhound instruments didn't but doing it again they would have probably put it there. New movement great, but put it in a slimmer rounded case without crown guard. easy link good and not bothered about double lock clasp(either is not going anywhere). yes this is one for the contrarian, fun, playful, stands out in Rolex catalogue. do not knock this watch unless you've held it in the flesh. I like it, I think they are both stunning pieces.
You get a double thumbs up just for reiterating the list price. Well done, great video as always.
Love your comment! Thanks for sharing!
So great to see the direct comparisons on this! Thank you! Wonder if you will get a chance to compare the DSSD? Subtle changes to that model as well.
Rolex knocked it out with this one. The air king was too round and awkward, Rolex flatten the case and added the clasp lock and crown guards. Awesome , the little things. Initially I tried the air king years ago but wasn’t impressed. The sub was much cooler , but again I like it
thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! Will you buy one if you can get it?
Yes I will
Your coverage is probably the best at the moment. Hope to see you cover Cartier too
I m interested in buying one
I wanted to get one last year but 3 ADs i asked about it said no chance no wait list nothing
Great video. This Rolex is just odd enough that it appeals to me.
To be fair my AD delivered this piece to me at rrp there are some good ADs out there. Not all ADs are bad
Of course not!!!! Congratulations!!!! Don’t tell anyone who he is… 😉
Last week for me !
they should do this to the z blue milgauss, it would be popping
I have a feeling they will next year , they are slowly phasing out the old movements, milgauss be next with a refresh
Good review and appreciate the comments on the pricing. Here in Vancouver, Canada, a 2018 to 2021 43mm Rolex Sea Dweller sells on the retail grey market, asking $24,000 CAD. That's about $11,000 over the original retail price set by Rolex. A whopping mark up of about 85%. Where does it stop?
Unfortunately, you're nowhere near the top. I see sports models selling for THREE TIMES retail
@@TheWoWBane Not surprised. Prices as mentioned, are just here in Vancouver, Canada.
What a beauty - I have the old model - but those look to be great enhancements.
I can't find official dimensions for the new Air King anywhere. 11.59 is much thinner! And L2L 47mm much better for my small wrist
Thank you Alex for the in-depth review that covers all the difference between the old & the new versions of the Air-King
The best reviewer on TH-cam and the cherry on top is that you’re Austrian. Greetings to beautiful Vienna from NY. A quick question to you, which one do you prefer and think is the better buy? I have a chance to get old used for 6,700 new in new condition for 9,500. Thank you so much!
Thanks 🙏🏻 for the super kind feedback! Greetings back to NY … my favorite city in the US … I would buy the new one. I think it is not only the better choice but also the better watch… do not underestimate the under the hood improvements …
@@WatchAdvisor well noted and thank you for the advice. I also think the new one looks better.
Did you know? It features very good antimagnetic properties … that’s very important today since strong and harmful magnets are everywhere around us…
I thought both of them did. Would you recommend the Air King or the DJ ii as a first Rolex for everyday use? Thanks!
Both are a good choice… it is just a matter of taste… buy the one you like more…
Alexander and WA always have the best and most informative coverage 👏🏻
This is a very original watch. Scarcity of this watch is going to happen. It reminds of the Tiffany OP when it came out it was polarizing and then it was gone. The Airking is cool and sporty.
The Air King was always not everybody’s darling… 😉
that was never a polarizing watch. Prices were high immediately
👍s up Alexander for the best & most informative ‘hands on’ review. The side by side comparison is very interesting - especially the increased diameter. Luckily I picked up my Air King from the AD in Feb. I do prefer the new model but feel I have zero chance of buying ANY Rolex from a 🇬🇧 AD in the current market.
the new case is so good! well done R
I am in love with this and buy one asap whenever I find one!
Great redesign, all the clunky bits corrected. Thanks for showing it properly!
Huge improvement.
I would love to see this case with a larger Explorer.
Good idea in fact!
I pick one up later this week from my AD.
Congratulations... keep us posted please...
Excellent improvement definitely worth the price increase. Better watch all around.
Great, Alexander, but try and buy a new one at RRP 🤔.
love the design update, the crown guards, the dial symmetry, the wider bracelet and the clasp upgrade suit the character of the watch, definitely an upgrade
the dial is still too busy for me, but I would at least try it
the question now is given that they shared the case and movement until now, will the Milgauss get the same treatment for its anniversary next year or will it get a complete redesign ?
@@Giannis020 new case, larger watch face, revamped dial, crown guards, and a 1mm wider bracelet, that's major in Rolex terms 😄
Great video..Rolex dont sell watches though...they put you on waiting list 🤣😂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Rolex sells these watches to ADs and it is them who created that artificial shortage to be able to sell the watches for an overprice through their proper network of flippers and resellers. It is GREEDY business!
@@WatchAdvisor Another way to look at it, Alex, is that it’s not really watches that grey dealers are selling me:
They sell me time
❤The updated model,got my name down at the AD already 👌
Thank you Alex! Air King is my fave 💚
I’ve been waiting for this review. Thank you Alexander!
Love your comment! Thanks for sharing!
This is my first one from boutique!
Got mine just 7 weeks after it was released. I am actually happily surprised since , I thought it was going to look too much like my explorer 1. Definitely looks better in reality . Flatter and bulkier than the explorer 1, it actually looks more like the explorer 2.
Thanks for sharing! Direct feedback is the best we can get... May your Air King always show you happy seconds, minutes and hours...
This a really insightful comment. I desperately want the 39mm Explorer I but refuse to pay the silly gray market price for it right now. The more I look at the new Air King, I feel like it'd scratch a lot of the Explorer itch...similar case size, the Mercedes hands, the 3, 6, 9, etc. Also with a bit more interesting dial with the pop of colors. Owning both and understanding where I'm coming from, would you say the new Air King would be the watch to go after or wait until either prices come down on the Explorer I or if Rolex ever decides to rerelease it in 39mm?
@@jcb0920 I really thought the explorer 1 in 39mn was gonna stay my favorite , but I do prefer the air king . I did try the new explorer 1 in 36mm, but this looks way to small .
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
This is a Rolex you either like or dislike…
Das neue Air King Design sieht nun moderner und stimmiger aus. Gut gemacht!
Finde ich auch! Die “Alte” war nicht mein Ding…
I quite like the changes exept the Crown Guards which are far from bring standard with Flieger watches. Thanks for showing, Alexander.
Incredible watch, love details in this new version