2016 Rolex Air-King

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
With a legacy that dates back almost a century to the golden age of aviation, the Air-King model was re-introduced by Rolex at Baselworld 2016 with a few updates. The case was sized up to 40 millimeters in diameter and the dial now features a prominent minutes scale and large arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. This uncomplicated wristwatch combines classical design with new aesthetic elements to create a legible display that takes advantage of the larger dial.

2016 Rolex Air-King Model (photo: Rolex/Samuel Scrimshaw)

Technical Details

The 2016 Rolex Air-King (Reference # 116900) is powered by a perpetual calibre 3131 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by the watchmaker. This movement features a power reserve of 48 hours and is also used in the Milgauss model. Inside the movement the blue Parachrom hairspring and paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel work with 31 rubies and four gold Microstella nuts to keep this watch precise up to -2/+2 seconds per day. The Oyster case is made from Rolex's 904L stainless steel alloy and is sealed with a Twinlock winding crown, giving the timepiece a depth rating of 100 meters. Its Oysterclasp is equipped with an Easylink comfort extension that extends the Oyster bracelet by 5 millimeters.

Design

One of the classic design features is the font used for the Air-King model name printed on the black dial, the same lettering used on models dating back to the 1950s. New design elements include the minutes scale printed in white between the large arabic hour markers in 18 ct white gold. The Rolex logo is printed just below 12 o'clock in yellow and green, a first for the watchmaker. The seconds hand also features a green color, the hallmark color of the watchmaker. The triangular marker at 12 o'clock and the hands are filled with Chromalight luminescence for visibility at night.

Legibility

While the larger size of this model configuration makes the display more visible in daylight, the lack of luminescence on the hour markers makes it more difficult to tell the time in the dark. The green and yellow logo may be a new feature introduced on this model, but it is debatable as to whether it adds to detracts from the aesthetic of the watch. At just 1 millimeter larger than the Explorer, this model offers similar functionality, however the luminescence added to the Explorer's arabic numerals in the 2016 model makes it easier to read in the darkness.

Legacy

The appeal of the 2016 Air-King comes from the model's ties to the world of aviation. Generations of pilots have trusted Rolex watches to keep accurate time in the skies. While the watchmaker offers other pilot's watches, like the GMT and Sky-Dweller, the Air-King came first and therefor has the benefit of its legacy to keep it relevant today, even without the complications that make the other pilot's watches more appealing in practicality. For more information on this model, visit rolex.com.

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2016 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King

.Rolex Models.
The original Rolex Air-King model reflected the style of the golden age of aviation. The watchmaker reintroduced the model at Baselworld 2016 with a larger (40mm) case, but the same Air-King lettering and green and yellow logo that they placed on the dial of the 1950s model.

Rolex Air-King (photo: Rolex)

This Superlative Chronometer is made of 904l stainless steel and carries a 3131 movement manufactured completely by Rolex. The movement is equipped with a blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorber. The clasp on the oyster bracelet features an Easylink rapid extension, which allows one to adjust the size of the bracelet up to 5mm without removing links.

One of the distinguishing features of the Air-King is the minute scale displayed between the arabic hour markers. This clear display makes it very easy to tell the time at a glance. This model also has the Mercedes hour hand that Rolex is known for as well.

The Air-King is a throwback in terms of style, but it is equipped with the latest technology that Rolex has patented over the past decades. This makes it an interesting addition to their model line up, especially for those who find the professional models excessive.

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2016 rolex air-king at baselworld 2016
2016 Air-King Model Display at Baselworld 2016

Rolex Introduces Updates to 9 of Their Wristwatch Models at Baselworld 2016

.Rolex Models.
Every year at Baselworld, watchmakers introduce their latest innovations and product updates to the world. This year, Rolex will be presenting upgrades to 9 of their wristwatch models. Some have received a complete makeover, while others more subtle adjustments. 

For those who are unable to make it to Basel, Switzerland this weekend, I have compiled my favorite configurations of the new 2016 model lineup that is now available to browse on Rolex's official site. Check out my picks below. 


Rolex Cellini Date

2016 Rolex Cellini Date
The Cellini is perhaps the most distinctive amongst Rolex Models, with a more elegant aesthetic that harkens back to the early 20th century. This year, Rolex has released a version of the Cellini Date with a blue guilloche dial, blue leather strap and 18 karat white gold case. The color combination brings the model into the 21st century, while retaining the sophistication of the Cellini.

Rolex Air-King
2016 Rolex Air-King
I have come across many vintage Air-King models while browsing online shops and have come to appreciate their simple yet sporty look. I really like that the minute scale is displayed between the large 3,6 and 9 numerals on the dial. In their homage to aviation, Rolex kept the same 'Air-King' lettering used in vintage models. The stainless steel and black dial make it look similar to the Explorer, but this model features a colored Rolex logo and a green second hand.

Rolex Explorer
2016 Rolex Explorer
This update would fall under the 'more subtle' category I mentioned earlier. I spent a few minutes going back and forth on the Rolex website trying to figure out the difference between this one and the previous model. To my understanding, this model has improved luminescence, making it easier to read in the dark. While largely unchanged, I love the Explorer model because it is so simple and clean. The combination of black and stainless steel is chic, but still substantial. It is also probably the least ostentatious of all the models, which is something I appreciate.

Rolex Pearlmaster 39

2016 Rolex Pearlmaster 39

In contrast, the Pearlmaster 39 is one of the flashiest of the new models. It boasts a dial paved with diamonds, a diamond bezel and diamonds going down the bracelet. This is the Rolex for anyone who loves ice. The dial on this version is quite stunning. It looks like a diamond mosaic and the combination of the brilliant diamonds with the Everose gold on the case and strap is very pleasing to the eye.

 Rolex Ladyjust 28
2016 Rolex Ladyjust 28

The Ladyjust 28 also combines brilliant diamonds with Everose gold. This model comes with a two-tone jubilee bracelet, combining Everose gold with 904L stainless steel. Rolex refers to this mix of metals as 'Rolesor.' Another aspect of this model I found interesting was the dial. The hour markers are diamonds and the dial has what appears to be clouds in the background.

Rolex Datejust 41

2016 Rolex Datejust 41

With a 41mm case, this larger version of the classic Datejust is perfect for anyone who feels that size matters. This model also features a 'Rolesor' combination of gold and stainless steel, pictured here in yellow gold. Equipped with a 3235 movement manufactured completely by the watchmaker, this model is available with either a fluted or smooth bezel. It also comes in Everose combinations.

Rolex Day-Date 40
2016 Rolex Day-Date 40

2016 marks the 60th anniversary of the Day-Date model and Rolex made a few adjustments to last year's Day-Date 40 to mark the occasion. This version features an olive green dial (Rolex's hallmark color), fluted bezel and president bracelet. It is available in white gold as pictured above and also in yellow gold with a diamond and ruby dial. It also comes in a smaller (36mm) size with a jade green/jade lavender carousel dial with diamonds. 

Rolex Yacht-Master

2016 Rolex Yacht-Master
I really like the 2016 color combinations for the Yacht-Master. Last year it was available in Everose gold with a black rubber strap and this year they ushered in several new color combinations with metal bracelets. The version in the photo is a mix of platinum and steel with a blue dial - a very nautical take on the timepiece. It is also available in 37mm with a dark rhodium dial. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 

Perhaps the most stylish of the 2016 model lineup is the Cosmograph Daytona with a white dial and black ceramic bezel. Paying tribute to the 1965 version of the Daytona, this wristwatch honors the legacy of Rolex while standing on its own as a fashionable timepiece for today's horology enthusiast. The color combination is both classic and contemporary, proving that great design transcends time.

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