Rolex Air King - 116900 - Black Dial

$7,995.00

Watch Info

Manufacturer: Rolex

Model: Air-King

Condition: Excellent (Pre-Owned)

Reference: 116900

Year: 2019

Box: Yes

Papers: Yes

Accessories: Complete Set. Includes Rolex inner and outer boxes, 2019 Warranty Card, manuals, and green chronometer hangtag.

Notes: The 116900 is the Air-King that re-established the reference as one of the most distinctive and purposeful watches in the Rolex catalog. Introduced in 2016, the 116900 brought a bold new design language to the Air-King — a 40mm Oystersteel case, a black dial with a unique three-font layout featuring large Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock rendered in a typeface directly referencing the instrument panels of professional aviation, and a yellow seconds hand that ties the watch unmistakably to its aeronautical heritage. The dial's mixed typography — Arabic numerals, baton indices, and the distinctive "Air-King" script — is unlike anything else in the current Rolex catalog, making the 116900 one of the most immediately recognizable references in the lineup. Powered by the Calibre 3131 with Parachrom hairspring and internal soft-iron anti-magnetic shield, the Air-King remains a genuine tool watch in the truest sense of the term.

Condition Assessment

Overall Condition: Pre-Owned - Excellent. This 2019 example has been carefully worn and presents in excellent cosmetic condition throughout. The case and bracelet retain strong factory finishing consistent with careful use.

Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The black dial is pristine — the three-font layout is crisp and perfectly defined. The applied indices, Arabic numerals, and yellow seconds hand are in perfect condition. The sapphire crystal is mint and free of any chips or scratches.

Case & Bezel: The 40mm Oystersteel case retains strong factory lines with well-defined lug profiles. The smooth polished bezel is in excellent condition. The case flanks show light, honest surface marks consistent with careful use.

Bracelet & Clasp: The Oyster bracelet is tight with no stretch. The polished center links show typical light surface hairlines consistent with careful use. The Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5mm extension functions perfectly.

Technical Specifications

Reference: 116900

Case Size: 40mm

Case Material: Oystersteel (904L)

Dial: Black with Mixed Typography — Arabic Numerals and Baton Indices

Movement: Calibre 3131 (Manufacture Rolex, Automatic)

Power Reserve: Approximately 48 Hours

Water Resistance: 100m

Notable Details: Internal soft-iron anti-magnetic shield, Parachrom hairspring, aviation-inspired three-font dial layout, and yellow seconds hand.

Why the 116900 is Rolex's Most Underrated Reference

The Air-King occupies a unique position in the Rolex catalog — a reference with genuine heritage dating to the 1940s, when Rolex produced dedicated watches for RAF pilots during the Second World War, reimagined for the modern era with a design language that is unlike anything else the brand currently produces. The 116900's mixed typography dial is either the most polarizing or the most compelling thing in the current Rolex lineup depending on who you ask — and that distinctiveness is precisely what makes it a collector's reference.

Discontinued in 2023 and replaced by the updated 126900, the 116900 has developed a quiet but devoted following among collectors who value the reference's design integrity and its genuine tool-watch character. A 2019 complete set example in excellent condition represents a strong entry point into a discontinued reference whose collector appreciation continues to grow as availability tightens. For the buyer who wants something genuinely distinctive in the Rolex catalog — a watch that commands a second look from those who know — the 116900 is a compelling answer.

Why Buy From Us

We guarantee authenticity on every watch we sell, using detailed photographs to ensure when you receive your watch, there are no surprises!

  • Authentication Guaranteed: Every watch undergoes rigorous verification—serial number cross-check, movement analysis, and full condition report.

  • Transparent Condition Reporting: We document every detail—both strengths and minor imperfections—so you know exactly what you're purchasing.

  • Secure Shipping: Your watch ships via fully insured, tracked service (e.g., FedEx Overnight) with signature required.

  • Post-Sale Support: We are available for servicing and maintenance, and are also happy to make suggestions for accessories (straps, winders, storage, etc…)

Watch Info

Manufacturer: Rolex

Model: Air-King

Condition: Excellent (Pre-Owned)

Reference: 116900

Year: 2019

Box: Yes

Papers: Yes

Accessories: Complete Set. Includes Rolex inner and outer boxes, 2019 Warranty Card, manuals, and green chronometer hangtag.

Notes: The 116900 is the Air-King that re-established the reference as one of the most distinctive and purposeful watches in the Rolex catalog. Introduced in 2016, the 116900 brought a bold new design language to the Air-King — a 40mm Oystersteel case, a black dial with a unique three-font layout featuring large Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock rendered in a typeface directly referencing the instrument panels of professional aviation, and a yellow seconds hand that ties the watch unmistakably to its aeronautical heritage. The dial's mixed typography — Arabic numerals, baton indices, and the distinctive "Air-King" script — is unlike anything else in the current Rolex catalog, making the 116900 one of the most immediately recognizable references in the lineup. Powered by the Calibre 3131 with Parachrom hairspring and internal soft-iron anti-magnetic shield, the Air-King remains a genuine tool watch in the truest sense of the term.

Condition Assessment

Overall Condition: Pre-Owned - Excellent. This 2019 example has been carefully worn and presents in excellent cosmetic condition throughout. The case and bracelet retain strong factory finishing consistent with careful use.

Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The black dial is pristine — the three-font layout is crisp and perfectly defined. The applied indices, Arabic numerals, and yellow seconds hand are in perfect condition. The sapphire crystal is mint and free of any chips or scratches.

Case & Bezel: The 40mm Oystersteel case retains strong factory lines with well-defined lug profiles. The smooth polished bezel is in excellent condition. The case flanks show light, honest surface marks consistent with careful use.

Bracelet & Clasp: The Oyster bracelet is tight with no stretch. The polished center links show typical light surface hairlines consistent with careful use. The Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5mm extension functions perfectly.

Technical Specifications

Reference: 116900

Case Size: 40mm

Case Material: Oystersteel (904L)

Dial: Black with Mixed Typography — Arabic Numerals and Baton Indices

Movement: Calibre 3131 (Manufacture Rolex, Automatic)

Power Reserve: Approximately 48 Hours

Water Resistance: 100m

Notable Details: Internal soft-iron anti-magnetic shield, Parachrom hairspring, aviation-inspired three-font dial layout, and yellow seconds hand.

Why the 116900 is Rolex's Most Underrated Reference

The Air-King occupies a unique position in the Rolex catalog — a reference with genuine heritage dating to the 1940s, when Rolex produced dedicated watches for RAF pilots during the Second World War, reimagined for the modern era with a design language that is unlike anything else the brand currently produces. The 116900's mixed typography dial is either the most polarizing or the most compelling thing in the current Rolex lineup depending on who you ask — and that distinctiveness is precisely what makes it a collector's reference.

Discontinued in 2023 and replaced by the updated 126900, the 116900 has developed a quiet but devoted following among collectors who value the reference's design integrity and its genuine tool-watch character. A 2019 complete set example in excellent condition represents a strong entry point into a discontinued reference whose collector appreciation continues to grow as availability tightens. For the buyer who wants something genuinely distinctive in the Rolex catalog — a watch that commands a second look from those who know — the 116900 is a compelling answer.

Why Buy From Us

We guarantee authenticity on every watch we sell, using detailed photographs to ensure when you receive your watch, there are no surprises!

  • Authentication Guaranteed: Every watch undergoes rigorous verification—serial number cross-check, movement analysis, and full condition report.

  • Transparent Condition Reporting: We document every detail—both strengths and minor imperfections—so you know exactly what you're purchasing.

  • Secure Shipping: Your watch ships via fully insured, tracked service (e.g., FedEx Overnight) with signature required.

  • Post-Sale Support: We are available for servicing and maintenance, and are also happy to make suggestions for accessories (straps, winders, storage, etc…)