The phrase "Rolex Air-King eingestellt" – German for "Rolex Air-King discontinued" – reverberated through the watch collecting world when, in 2022, Rolex once again ceased production of the Air-King reference 116900. This wasn't the first time the model had faced discontinuation. Its history is punctuated by periods of absence, leaving collectors to speculate on its future and driving a fervent interest in the available pieces. Understanding the Air-King's journey requires examining its recent iteration, the 116900, its brief return to the market, and the factors that ultimately led to its second demise. This article will explore the 116900's lifecycle, referencing relevant resources like Rolex Air-King price guides, price charts, and listings found on various websites (though an official "air king official website" dedicated solely to this model doesn't exist).
The Air-King's lineage stretches back to the 1940s, a time when Rolex was solidifying its reputation for robust and reliable timepieces. Early Air-Kings were designed for pilots, featuring clear, legible dials ideal for cockpit conditions. However, over the decades, the model underwent numerous design changes, reflecting evolving tastes and technological advancements. By 2014, the reference 114200, a relatively understated and classic Air-King, had enjoyed a long production run. Its discontinuation left a void in Rolex's lineup, a gap that many believed would remain unfilled. The absence of the Air-King from the official Rolex website (rolex air king website) became a topic of discussion amongst enthusiasts, fueling speculation and even raising concerns about the future of this historically significant model.
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