{"product_id":"montre-rolex-air-king-14000-acier-cadran-argent-patine-1991","title":"Rolex Air-King Watch 14000 Steel — Silver Patinated Dial (1991) ","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 28px 0; padding: 22px 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #e2ddd5; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.18em; text-transform: uppercase; opacity: 0.5;\"\u003eAtelier Note\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0; font-style: italic; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7;\"\u003eA name given in 1945 to RAF pilots, a silver tone that thirty years have gently warmed — the Air-King, preserved in its original condition, never refinished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA 1991 Air-King, the Oyster in its purest form\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eRolex watch\u003c\/strong\u003e is an \u003cstrong\u003eAir-King\u003c\/strong\u003e, reference \u003cstrong\u003e14000\u003c\/strong\u003e, dated to \u003cstrong\u003e1991\u003c\/strong\u003e by its serial number. Its name comes from afar: in 1945, \u003cstrong\u003eHans Wilsdorf\u003c\/strong\u003e created the “Air” series in tribute to the \u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Air Force\u003c\/strong\u003e pilots of the Battle of Britain, who wore Rolex watches on missions. Air-Lion, Air-Giant and Air-Tiger have disappeared from the catalogue — the \u003cstrong\u003eAir-King is the sole survivor\u003c\/strong\u003e, and its name is still written in the same period script, beneath the crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003esunburst silver dial\u003c\/strong\u003e has acquired over the decades a \u003cstrong\u003elight, even patina\u003c\/strong\u003e: the silver has warmed to a soft shade, uniform across the entire surface — the sign of an original dial that has never been restored, which collectors seek precisely because it attests to the integrity of the piece. The \u003cstrong\u003eapplied baton hour markers\u003c\/strong\u003e retain their cream-patinated \u003cstrong\u003etritium\u003c\/strong\u003e dots, in harmony — the mention \u003cem\u003eT SWISS MADE T\u003c\/em\u003e at the bottom of the dial confirms them —, beneath three \u003cstrong\u003ebaton hands\u003c\/strong\u003e and the mention \u003cem\u003ePRECISION\u003c\/em\u003e. No date window, no Cyclops: the 14000 is Rolex without complication, the one purists uphold as the house’s most faithful expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e34mm Oyster case\u003c\/strong\u003e in \u003cstrong\u003esteel\u003c\/strong\u003e bears its \u003cstrong\u003esmooth polished bezel\u003c\/strong\u003e, its \u003cstrong\u003eCrystal sapphire crystal\u003c\/strong\u003e — reference 14000 is the first generation of Air-King to be fitted with one — and its \u003cstrong\u003eRolex-signed screw-down crown\u003c\/strong\u003e. We believe the case has \u003cstrong\u003enever been polished\u003c\/strong\u003e: the sides and lugs retain their edges and their factory brushing. Together with the patina of the dial, it is the portrait of a watch preserved in its original condition, uninterrupted since 1991.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe movement is a \u003cstrong\u003eself-winding Rolex\u003c\/strong\u003e — caliber 3000, the documented movement for this reference —, \u003cstrong\u003eserviced\u003c\/strong\u003e by our partner watchmakers and guaranteed for one year. The \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal Oyster 78350 bracelet\u003c\/strong\u003e, with solid links and 557B end links, closes at 17.5cm and can be adjusted by removing links.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eThree points to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 20px 0; padding-left: 16px; border-left: 1px solid #e2ddd5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 4px; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.1em; opacity: 0.45;\"\u003e01\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSilver dial with light patina\u003c\/strong\u003e — even ageing that attests to an original dial, never restored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 4px; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.1em; opacity: 0.45;\"\u003e02\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe heir to the RAF pilots\u003c\/strong\u003e — the name given by Wilsdorf in 1945, the sole survivor of the Air series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 4px; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.1em; opacity: 0.45;\"\u003e03\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNever polished, in our opinion\u003c\/strong\u003e — factory edges and brushing preserved, original Oyster bracelet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eWhy choose a vintage Rolex Air-King?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003epre-owned Rolex watch\u003c\/strong\u003e holds a precise place among \u003cstrong\u003evintage watches for men and women\u003c\/strong\u003e: the Air-King is the most direct access to the \u003cstrong\u003eOyster Perpetual\u003c\/strong\u003e — the screw-down crown, the in-house automatic movement, the Oyster bracelet, without a complication — in a 34mm size that can be worn equally by either. An example left in its original condition, with patinated dial and a case retaining its factory edges, is exactly what this market is looking for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all our \u003cstrong\u003evintage mechanical watches\u003c\/strong\u003e, this one has been opened and checked by our partner watchmakers: movement inspection, examination of the dial, hands and case. Every \u003cstrong\u003evintage Rolex watch\u003c\/strong\u003e we offer comes with an invoice Atelier Victor serving as a certificate, a one-year guarantee, and lifetime guaranteed authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-rolex-vintage\" title=\"Montres Rolex Vintage\"\u003eDiscover our vintage Rolex watches\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-vintage-collection-occasion-luxe\" title=\"Montres Vintage de Luxe\"\u003eView all our vintage watches\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eTechnical characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air-King, Oyster Perpetual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14000\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial number:\u003c\/strong\u003e X7482••\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1991\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Switzerland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGender:\u003c\/strong\u003e Men's and women's watch (Unisex)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Automatic, Rolex calibre 3000\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, central seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel, Oyster case, polished smooth bezel, screw-down caseback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 34mm (36mm with the crown)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug to lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 42mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10.7mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrown:\u003c\/strong\u003e Screw-down, signed Rolex, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sunburst silver with light patina, tritium hour markers (T SWISS MADE T), original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHands:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel baton hands, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sapphire (condition 9\/10)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex Oyster 78350 with 557B end links, 17.5cm, adjustable, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuckle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex steel folding clasp, reference 78350, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eCondition and guarantee\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very well preserved condition. The original silver dial shows a light, even patina across its entire surface, never restored; the hour markers, tritium plots and hands are crisp and all belong together. We believe the case has never been polished: factory edges and brushing preserved, with fine signs of wear visible in our photographs. The original Oyster bracelet is in bet condition. Crystal sapphire crystal in very beautiful condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not guaranteed (vintage watch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthenticity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lifetime guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Serviced movement, guaranteed for 1 year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e Invoice Atelier Victor, travel case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot included:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Original box and papers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 40px 0 16px;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere does the name Air-King come from?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom the Second World War. In 1945, Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, created the \"Air\" series in tribute to the Royal Air Force pilots of the Battle of Britain, many of whom wore Rolex watches on missions. Four names were registered — Air-Lion, Air-Giant, Air-Tiger, Air-King — and only the last survived, produced without interruption for nearly seventy years. The cursive script on the dial is that of the original models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the dial original?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, and its patina is proof of it: the silver has warmed to a slight and even shade across the entire surface, and the tritium plots on the hour markers have turned a uniform cream tone — coherent aging that no restoration can reproduce. A retouched dial would present a uniform surface but would have lost this indication. Collectors seek precisely these examples that have remained in their original condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does \"Precision\" mean on the dial?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is the wording Rolex used on models not submitted for official chronometer certification — as opposed to the Superlative Chronometer models. On the Air-King, it remained until the late 2000s as more of an identity signature than a technical indication: the automatic caliber is built with the same rigor as the house's certified movements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the tritium still active?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The tritium on the hour markers, indicated by the wording T SWISS MADE T at the bottom of the dial, has ceased to be luminescent — its radioactive half-life is around twelve years, and it is now inert and harmless. What remains is its cream patina, uniform across the markers: proof that the dial has never been mismatched or retouched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this piece suitable for a slim or larger wrist?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith a 34mm diameter, 42mm Lug-to-lug, and 10.7mm thickness, it suits wrists of approximately 15 to 19cm — a guideline, never a rule: everyone wears what they like. The Oyster bracelet can be adjusted by removing links; let us know your wrist size before shipping, and we will deliver the watch ready to wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54808960663889,"sku":"ref:14000 serial:X748281","price":4725.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0703\/8576\/2597\/files\/VD_07388.jpg?v=1788692677","url":"https:\/\/ateliervictor.co\/en\/products\/rolex-air-king-14000-watch-steel-silver-patinated-dial-1991","provider":"Atelier Victor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}