The Rolex Air King 116900, a model now discontinued, holds a unique place in the Rolex catalog. While not as flashy or immediately recognizable as some of its siblings, the Air King possesses a quiet charm and a compelling history that continues to attract collectors and enthusiasts alike. This article will delve into the details of this specific model, exploring its features, examining its place within the broader Rolex Air King lineage, and providing insights into its current market value and desirability. We will also touch upon the reasons for its discontinuation and speculate on its future collectible status.
Rolex Air King Model 116900: A Detailed Look
The Rolex Air King 116900 is a robust and reliable timepiece, embodying the brand's commitment to precision and durability. Its 34mm Oyster case, while smaller than many modern Rolex sports watches, offers a comfortable and versatile wear experience. This size, while potentially considered "smaller" by today's standards, was perfectly in line with the trends of its production era and offers a unique aesthetic appeal. The 34mm size makes it a surprisingly wearable and elegant option, especially for those with smaller wrists. The case, crafted from high-grade stainless steel, is resistant to scratches and impacts, a testament to Rolex's commitment to quality.
The watch features a black dial, traditionally known for its excellent legibility. The distinct 3, 6, and 9 numerals are prominent, along with the iconic Rolex crown logo at 12 o'clock. The hour markers are simple and uncluttered, ensuring easy time-telling in various lighting conditions. The hands are also clearly defined, contributing to the overall readability of the dial. This minimalist aesthetic makes it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Powering the Air King 116900 is the self-winding calibre 3131 movement, a highly reliable and accurate mechanism known for its robustness. This movement, produced entirely in-house by Rolex, boasts a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, meaning you can take it off for a weekend and it will still be keeping accurate time when you put it back on. The movement is also protected by a robust Oyster case ensuring reliable performance even under challenging conditions.
The Oyster bracelet, a hallmark of Rolex watches, is seamlessly integrated with the case, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The bracelet is made from the same high-quality stainless steel as the case, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear. The Oyster clasp is designed for secure fastening, minimizing the risk of accidental opening.
Rolex Air King 116900 Discontinued: Reasons and Implications
The discontinuation of the Rolex Air King 116900 marked the end of an era for this particular model. While Rolex hasn't publicly stated the precise reasons, several factors likely contributed to this decision. The smaller 34mm case size, while appealing to some, might have been perceived as less commercially viable compared to the larger sport watches that have dominated the market in recent years. Furthermore, the production of the calibre 3131 movement might have been deemed less cost-effective compared to newer, more streamlined movements. This is pure speculation, however, as Rolex rarely provides detailed explanations for its production choices.
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