The affordable replica Rolex Air-King is a unique watch available today, but it holds significant historical value for the brand. Launched in 1945 alongside the Datejust, the Air-King was an ‘entry-level’ model, embodying the essence of Rolex in its simplest form. The line gained true prominence in the late ’50s with the reference 5500, which was produced for nearly 40 years. It faced some challenges in transitioning to a modern design but eventually succeeded with the release of the reference 116900 in 2016.
The high-quality replica Rolex Air-King 116900, built on the Milgauss framework, featured a unique dial inspired by the dashboard speedometer of the Bloodhound SSC, a rocket-propelled ‘car’ that Rolex was associated with at the time. The watch’s design was polarizing, leaving many to speculate about its future. The answer came in 2022 with the introduction of the reference 126900.
The premium replica watch kept the distinctive dial design but made a few changes for better balance. It introduced an entirely new case design exclusive to the Air-King. This new case measures 40 mm in diameter, with slim lugs and a total thickness of less than 12 mm. The case is a standout feature of this reference, and this particular example remains in excellent condition, priced just $1,000 above its MSRP at $8,350.