The Rolex Air-King, reference 114200, holds a unique place in the brand's history. While not as immediately recognizable as the Submariner or Daytona, it represents a significant piece of Rolex's heritage and offers a compelling proposition for the discerning collector and everyday wearer alike. This article delves deep into the specifics of the Air-King 114200, exploring its design, history, pricing, and overall desirability in the current market. We'll also address related searches such as "Rolex Air-King new price," "Rolex Air-King price guide," and "Rolex Air-King in stock," providing a comprehensive overview for anyone interested in this classic timepiece.
A History Lesson: The Evolution of the Air-King
The Air-King name has been associated with Rolex since the 1940s, initially designed as a tribute to the pioneering aviators who relied on precise timekeeping for their daring flights. However, the Air-King's design and specifications evolved significantly over the decades. The reference 114200, produced from approximately 2007 to 2016, represents a specific era in the Air-King's lineage, establishing a distinct aesthetic and mechanical foundation. Before this generation, the Air-King often featured a date complication, but the 114200 notably omitted this feature, opting for a cleaner, more minimalist design. This simplification, combined with its smaller 34mm case, marked a departure from the trend of larger sports watches dominating the market.
The 114200: Design and Features
The Rolex Air-King 114200 is instantly recognizable by its understated elegance. The 34mm oyster case, while smaller than many modern Rolex sports watches, provides a comfortable and versatile fit, particularly appealing to those with smaller wrists. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and a classic, timeless look. The silver dial, often referred to as a "domino" dial due to the unique arrangement of its hour markers, is a key characteristic. These markers, a mix of baton and Arabic numerals, are applied indices, adding depth and texture to the dial. The hands are classic Rolex style, ensuring excellent legibility.
The movement powering the 114200 is the calibre 3130, a self-winding mechanical movement known for its reliability and accuracy. This movement features a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, a Rolex innovation designed to enhance the watch's resistance to magnetic fields, contributing to its precision and long-term performance. The movement is housed within the robust Oyster case, providing excellent water resistance, typically rated to 100 meters (330 feet).
Rolex Air-King 114200 Price: A Market Analysis
Determining the precise price of a pre-owned Rolex Air-King 114200 can be challenging due to variations in condition, box and papers (B&P), and market fluctuations. The price quoted in the initial prompt ($5,495) represents a single data point and may not reflect the average market value. A thorough understanding of the factors influencing price is crucial for both buyers and sellers.
Factors Affecting Price:
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