The history of the Air-King dates back to 1945, when Rolex released the “Air” models all for the British Royal Air Force. At the time, “Air” models consisted of Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant and the Air-King, however the Air-King was the only model that continued its production till date. Measuring 34mm diameter, the case was considered large at the time, hence earning its model name.
The ref. 14000 was introduced to the public in 1989, featuring much of the same aesthetics as its early examples. The case dimension at 34mm diameter is retained and fitted with a smooth polished bezel. The model was launched with a 3-6-9 dial and a traditional dial with stick indexes. Upgraded with self-winding cal. 3000 the reference also featured an updated sapphire crystal enhancing its durability.
The present example ref. 14000 is fitted with an attractive and desired “glossy” black dial and further stamped “Tiffany & Co.” on the dial. Adding to its attraction and rarity, the subtle double signature featured on the dial will certainly interest collectors of seeking for a professional tool watch with a hint of flare.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
