Rolex Air-King
The Rolex Air-King is a luxury watch introduced in 1945, after the Second World War, as a tribute to the pilots in the Battle of Britain. The Rolex Air-King watch is usually a stainless steel utility watch designed for aviation.
Although primarily designed with pilots in mind, the Air-King is a design classic and is one of the oldest and most historically important Rolex watches of all time.
How to Sell Your Watch With Burlingtons
Our process is swift, seamless, and designed with your best interests in mind. Bid goodbye to the hassle of intermediaries or middlemen that delay and complicate your transactions. Instead, embrace our trusted expertise.
Our dedicated specialist conducts all valuations, ensuring you receive an attractive selling price promptly. With our commitment to transparency, all valuations are offered without obligation and completely free of charge.
Get in Touch
Contact our team to share the details of the luxury watch or watch collection you would like to sell. We’ll schedule an in person valuation with you.
In Person Valuation
Our specialist will visit at the agreed time and place to carry out a thorough assessment of any items you wish to sell, offering an expert, no-obligation valuation.
Instant Payment
If you choose to accept our offer, we will transfer the agreed amount to your bank account via BACS or make the payment with cash if preferred.
Burlingtons Ltd have been buying and selling Rolex watches for over 20 years. Our experts are on hand to give you the best evaluation for your watch.
Sell Your Second-Hand Air-Kings
Second-hand Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-Kings and similar variants are collectable and have a wide variety of references. Classic features on most Air-King references include:
Small cases: It is a curious trend, but watch cases have become larger since the 1950s. Indeed, in 1945 pocket watches were still very common. So, Air-King’s most notable feature is a relatively small case size. Most vintage models tap out at about 36 mm and even modern Air-Kings only hit 40 mm at most.
Stainless steel materials: The Oyster case and smooth bezels and bracelets (mostly the Oyster bracelet but occasionally the Jubilee on vintage models) are almost all made of Rolex’s famed stainless steel. The idea is for high-performance and durability during aviation, but some uncommon varieties have white gold bezels or diamond straps, too.
Basic dial colours: Unlike the other pilot’s watch made by Rolex, the GMT Master, the Air-King does not use a timing bezel and opts for simple dial colours, such as white, black, blue or salmon. This is because the main concern in 1945 was to be able to read the dial quickly during a flight, so basic colours help achieve this for the wearer.
You can sell your Rolex Air-King with our private buying service, which will let you avoid all auction fees. You will see an impressive service that lets you sell many types of watches, including pre-owned Rolex Air-King models of various vintages, when you get in touch with our friendly, honest and professional watch buyers to book your free valuation.
Air-Kings are a tribute to aviators and will prove a good investment to many keen watch fans. Contact us if you have an interest in buying and we will see if we can help.
More About Rolex Air-King References
There have been a lot of redesigns and refinements over the years, with the first Air-Kings created by the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, who lived through both World War 1 and World War 2. For the most part, references are high-performance designs with low emphasis on materials.
The majority of collectable Air-Kings are vintage, and new retail models are difficult to source from Official Rolex® Retailers. Let’s explore some of the references and what makes them so brilliant to wear, buy, sell, collect or simply appreciate as top watches:
Rolex Air-King ref. 5500
This Rolex Air-King 5500 is the quintessential design of this model. As it is such an old watch, the 5500 is a relatively modern addition with models still being made up until 1989. Many people consider the 5500 as the original Air-King of the modern era – as does the Rolex company.
It has many of the classic Air-King features, such as the plain dials, stainless steel materials and a small 34 mm case. There is no date display, so it is quite good for people who want a Rolex without unnecessary frills. The 5500 is very collectable and always in fashion.
Rolex Air-King ref. 14000
The Rolex Air-King 14000 is the upgraded version of the 5500. The 14000 adds some modern features, such as the engine turned bezel that is available alongside the classic smooth bezel look. The crystal sapphire across the watch face is another upgrade that resists scratches.
The 14000 was made from 1989 to 2006, and the newer version (the 14000M) has an upgraded calibre for better timekeeping. The 14000 has classic dial colours, so there is room for some customisation among collectors. It still looks quite small, housed in the classic 34 mm case.
Rolex Air-King ref. 114200
This Air-King has been a stalwart over the years of Rolex and is an interesting addition to our list, as it is one of the few models that was available with other materials. In this case, the other material present is a white gold bezel. Not all 114200 references have different materials though, so you will get the classic steel appearance on most.
The 114200 makes the list for another reason, too; it’s the first Air-King with a COSC-certified movement, so it has greater precision and more accurate timekeeping than older Air-Kings. The 114200 uses the same 34 mm size case. As a short production run, it is desirable to collectors.
The Benefits of Using Burlingtons
A professional service in the
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No fees, commissions
or hidden charges
Over 20 years
experience
Free no obligation
valuations
Immediate
payment
We can offer prices
unachievable at auction
Get A No-Obligation Valuation
You can sell Rolex Air-Kings in many places thanks to their popularity. However, if you sell yours with an auction house you may be charged fees. The best way to avoid all fees is to sell Rolex Air-Kings using our private buying service, which always gives you a fair price with no fees.
Testimonials
Carolyn Griffiths
28th July 2026
Thank you for visiting me at home today Daniel. The whole experience was 5☆and I was very pleased with your valuation. And if I have any further items to sell I will have no hesitation in calling you. Thank you.
Vivek Thadhani
24th May 2026
Very happy with the level of service received. Well reccomended . Craig is fantastic.
Lee Smith
30th April 2026
Very easy to deal with, great communication and prompt payment. What’s not to like?
Robin Jenkins
16th April 2026
Nicky Gunter
27th March 2026
Thank you Craig and all at Burlington’s for such a great service. I would highly recommend
Qendresa Selimi
21st March 2026
Had a fantastic experience with Craig & Archie selling a watch. Fantastic communication, easygoing & made the whole experience extremely seamless. I will definitely be approaching them for other valuables to sell & would recommend them to everyone! Thanks again!:)
Rebecca Evans
16th March 2026
I reached out to Burlingtons to sell a few items of jewellery and Daniel came over and purchased these off me for a fair price and a very quick and smooth transaction.
Would highly recommend Daniel & Burlingtons for future jewellery sales. Thank you.
Claire Green
28th February 2026
Great people to work with, would absolutely recommend to anyone. Craig was faultless, can see why they have so many five star reviews.
R W
26th February 2026
Real pleasure meeting Craig; we were very happy with his silver valuation and everything was dealt with on the day. Thank you for all your help in making an easy transaction.
Andrea Vella
26th February 2026
Wonderful service and very easy process with Craig who ensured a quick and smooth collection. Very professional and payment was immediate upon collection. Definitely recommend.
Carolyn Griffiths
28th July 2026
Thank you for visiting me at home today Daniel. The whole experience was 5☆and I was very pleased with your valuation. And if I have any further items to sell I will have no hesitation in calling you. Thank you.
Vivek Thadhani
24th May 2026
Very happy with the level of service received. Well reccomended . Craig is fantastic.
Lee Smith
30th April 2026
Very easy to deal with, great communication and prompt payment. What’s not to like?
Robin Jenkins
16th April 2026
Nicky Gunter
27th March 2026
Thank you Craig and all at Burlington’s for such a great service. I would highly recommend
Qendresa Selimi
21st March 2026
Had a fantastic experience with Craig & Archie selling a watch. Fantastic communication, easygoing & made the whole experience extremely seamless. I will definitely be approaching them for other valuables to sell & would recommend them to everyone! Thanks again!:)
Rebecca Evans
16th March 2026
I reached out to Burlingtons to sell a few items of jewellery and Daniel came over and purchased these off me for a fair price and a very quick and smooth transaction.
Would highly recommend Daniel & Burlingtons for future jewellery sales. Thank you.
Claire Green
28th February 2026
Great people to work with, would absolutely recommend to anyone. Craig was faultless, can see why they have so many five star reviews.
R W
26th February 2026
Real pleasure meeting Craig; we were very happy with his silver valuation and everything was dealt with on the day. Thank you for all your help in making an easy transaction.
Andrea Vella
26th February 2026
Wonderful service and very easy process with Craig who ensured a quick and smooth collection. Very professional and payment was immediate upon collection. Definitely recommend.
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