Having recently discussed one of the most attractive Explorer models, I thought it would be appropriate to review an Air-King replica watch model. Like the Explorer, I believe the Air-King remains one of Rolex’s most outstanding collections. In the replica industry, I have to admit that the Air-King models have been somewhat forgotten. It’s normal, by the way; with so many new replica Submariner and Daytona models, it is no wonder that watch lovers have focused more on them.
However, we must not forget the heroes of Rolex, and in my opinion, the Air-King is at the top of the sports watches in the portfolio of the giant brand.
What attracts me the most to this collection is the history it has gone through. Everything had started just before World War II. In 1940, to be more precise. If you love history, you are surely familiar with the tragic event known as the ‘Battle of Britain’. This was a very difficult time for England, left alone in the face of the merciless Nazi empire. The most strategic points of the area, such as London, were severely attacked by aerial bombardment. It didn’t take long for Royal Air Force pilots rushed to fly into the affected areas to rescue anyone who could be saved. It was a heroic act of justice.
This period was a crucial signal for Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, prompting him to take a stand. He decided to launch the Air Line to praise and honor the heroic deeds of RAF pilots. Consequently, what we see today in the Air-King collection is actually what is left of the entire Air series.
Personally…
I had the great honor of interacting with an original Air King. It is about the 14000 model that I met at a friend of my father’s. I think I explored this model for about an hour. I was extremely curious to analyze it from all angles. The authentic watch has phenomenal charisma. You can feel this charisma only if you hold this watch in your hand.
After meeting with my father and his friend, I returned to the office, desperately looking for the respective model in the replica version. Finding it, I immediately got down to business, describing it in detail in this article.
Currently, it is quite complicated to get this reference model in its authentic version. For this reason, if you are tempted to try a replica of this model, discover everything you need to know about it in this article.
What I found in the AAAReplica stock were Swiss copies of the Air-King 140000. I would have liked to find AAA-grade versions so I could compare them, but they were all sold. We understood from our suppliers that they are in the process of producing AAA-grade versions. Respectively, I do not exclude that we will replenish the stock with the respective models.
Meanwhile, let’s review the Air King 14000 Swiss replica watch.
The Case
The case of this replica watch is the traditional Oyster-like case, which is extremely familiar to most of you. You will also find this case type on the Daytona and Datejust replica variations in our stock.
The first thing that stands out is the relatively small size of the case. I immediately remembered the original model with which I had interacted some time ago. When I took it in my hand, I asked myself “is it really that small?” So, the given model comes in a size of 34mm, which is probably far from modern standards. My father’s friend had told me that years ago, such watch size was a norm for watch enthusiasts. Now, however, it is somehow difficult to decide on such proportions.
The first conclusion regarding this replica watch is that it is not exactly suitable for all wrist types. If the wrist is massive, it will most likely be necessary to look for something more generous.
Further on…
The height of the replica watch is 11.3mm. The difference from the original model is not big at all, with the original version having a height of 11.2mm. Thanks to this thickness, the watch hides flawlessly under any cuff, without interfering with the aesthetic appearance. Moreover, the dial is so smooth that I was surprised at how easily the coat slides when it is on top of the watch.
At the same time, the lug-to-lug distance is 42.8mm, being identical to the original version. To be honest, this replica seems ideal both for a male wrist (not very large) and for a female one.
The quality of the case is all that a Swiss imitation standard can offer. The manufacturers processed the surface in a careful way and strictly respected the shapes of the corners and curves.
In conclusion, the only shortcoming I see in the case of this replica is its size, which probably won’t be to everyone’s taste, considering the current voluminous standards. However, if you are looking for a modest replica watch, I don’t think you will find any disadvantages in this Air-King 41000 imitation.
The Dial
Here we come to “the tasty” part of this watch, at least the one I adore: the dial. The dial has a special charm in this replica and this is due to the silver tone that transitions to a subtle sunburst out from the middle. Given that the dial is flat, this transitive font adds a spectacular touch.
On the whole, the dial seems more than balanced to me. I like the fact that it does not contain much text, nor many details that would complicate the view, such as magnifying cyclops or even a date aperture. Therefore, accuracy and purity are the defining elements of this Air King replica.
Hour Markers
The hour markers are somehow traditional and familiar to many of you. These come in the form of sticks and the brand’s symbolic crown at 12 o’clock. The application of the crown in the replica watch seems very careful to me. The only difference is that the tip of the crown at the central segment of the 5 segments has the point above insignificantly larger than the rest of the segments. In the original version, all 5 “fingers” of the crown have identical tips.
Another adorable aspect of this dial is the small dots at the end of each stick-hour marker. In the original version, these points are made of tritium. In contrast, the replica version has them made of a material based on Superluminova, which makes it glow beautifully in the dark.
It would seem that these points are not a big deal, at first glance. But still, they add an extra charm to the entire dial, making the watch look much more attractive.
The Movement
This replica watch operates on the basis of a Swiss movement. I allowed myself to test the watch for a few days to see how this manual mechanism works. After a few days of wearing it, I noticed that the replica watch had registered a fluctuation of -6 seconds per day. That’s a pretty good result for a Swiss imitation.
By the way, I can’t help but remark that the winding of this replica watch is all a total satisfaction. The crown rotates so smoothly and flawlessly, that I would rotate it continuously just to enjoy the satisfying feeling.
In the same context, the Swiss mechanism that appears in this imitation is the same that appears in the Swiss fake Explorer and Submariner imitations in our stock. Only one customer reported that the mechanism did not work well. But when we discussed in more detail, it was found that the client does not position the watch correctly at night, which affects its accuracy.
In conclusion, this replica watch also has a reliable internal mechanism, in addition to the dial and its spectacular case.
Personal impression about the Air-King 14000 replica watches
The few days of testing the Air King watch on my wrist were quite interesting. First of all, it took me a while to get familiar with the 34mm on my wrist. Initially, it seemed to me that I only had a bracelet on my wrist, and not an actual watch.
But everything is relative, isn’t it? After some time, the 34mm had become a norm for me. And when I went back to the usual 40mm watch, this was already the one that seemed extremely large to me.
I have also heard remarks from my colleagues that this imitation is too flat. Personally, I find this aspect more of an advantage than a disadvantage. Thanks to the flat surface, the watch is extremely comfortable, especially when wearing long-sleeved clothes. It is not necessary to adjust the sleeve’s length or force the watch to fit inside the sleeve. Not to mention situations when you have a coat to wear. I hate the feeling of a coat not fitting well because of a too-big watch with a curved dial.
Last but not least, the watch is super versatile thanks to its neutral tones. Even if the silver tone of the dial is somehow traditional and “boring” for some, for me it was a perfect option to combine it with literally anything.
Final thoughts
Lovers of Rolex watches will surely appreciate the refinement and nobility of this replica model. Even if they are incorporated in a modest size of 34mm.
The disadvantages that I see in this replica watch are:
– the size is not exactly suitable for everyone;
– the relatively steep price, namely because it is a Swiss copy, which speaks of superior quality;
– an insignificantly larger thickness compared to the original model.
That’s all. No matter how objective I am, I cannot find more disadvantages.
From the other point of view, here are the advantages that attract me to this Air-King replica watch:
– perfect dimensions for a unisex watch; the watch can be a wonderful option for couples who are used to exchanging timepieces;
– superior quality of materials. Being a Swiss copy, the watch is made of 904l stainless steel, a double layer of anti-reflective coating, and a reliable water resistance profile. (confirm with the dealer if there are still waterproof models in stock if you intend to buy an Air-King model);
– a trustworthy internal mechanism.
This Air-King 41000 is not necessarily a statement watch. It is unlikely that you will be noticed much with it on your wrist. On the contrary, this is a “quiet and calm” watch. At the same time, in its silence, it hides amazing aesthetic details that only you, and those around you, will know about.
If you decide to buy an Air-King 41000 replica watch…
The review in this article refers exclusively to the models that are available in stock NOW. If you decide to buy such a replica watch after some time, it is not excluded that the technical and aesthetic specifications will differ from those presented here. This is due to the fact that the manufacturers we collaborate with make various improvements and adaptations whenever they make a new release of replica watches.
Why is it important to know all this? Because it is important to talk to the dealer from whom you want to buy the watch BEFORE BUYING IT. During the discussion, asking for details about the technical and aesthetic aspects is advisable, which may differ from what you would read here because the imitations are part of different releases.
In the same context, prices may also be different. The replica I described in this article is a Swiss copy. Respectively, it has a relatively high price. In other stores, you can find more advantageous options for the price. But this does not mean that the quality is the same. The lower prices for this Air-King speak of the fact that it is a Chinese or AAA-Grade copy. Accordingly, the technical profile could be slightly lower. For example, if the replica in this article is water-resistant to 50 meters, a cheaper imitation might be water-resistant to 25 meters, or not water-resistant at all.
The final conclusion is to talk to the dealer directly before placing an order. Do it to make sure of what you will get for the money you will pay.