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 Oyster Perpetual Explorer II

.Rolex Models.
First released in 1971, the Explorer II built upon the legacy of the original Explorer model. In the spirit of exploration, Rolex added additional features to this model to aid in polar exploration and cave expeditions. 

The watchmaker debuted the latest model (ref 216570) at Baselworld 2011, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II. New features include an orange 24 hour hand, large hour markers outlined in black with blue luminescence and a 24 hour fixed bezel.

The oyster bracelet and the 42 mm case (larger than the 40mm case of the previous model) come in 904L steel, brushed to give them a modern finish. The watch contains a 3187 movement, manufactured entirely by Rolex. 
Rolex Explorer II 216570
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
The marketing for this Explorer II model boasts superior luminosity and legibility. The 24 hour hand is also an important component, allowing one to distinguish between day and night in places that may lack daylight. 

A 24 hour hand may seem like a superfluous feature for those who live in areas with regular daylight cycles, however, for those who live or work in latitudes where there is night for several days at a time, this feature would appear to be more useful. It would also help those who may be conducting research underground or in caves, where there is no natural light.

The suggested retail price for the stainless steel Explorer II model shown above is 7,700 Swiss Francs, or $8,076 US. 

The brochure for the Explorer II contains several pages featuring explorers and mountain climbers using the world as a laboratory to test the features of the timepiece over the past decades.

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