Encyclopedia / Rolex / Air-King
No real new deal right now · checked Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 PM ET
$8,700 – $11,250 pre-owned street range
Ref. 126900 · 60 listings sampled (median ~$9,550)
No new deal: grey-market new prices were at or above retail, so pre-owned is the realistic way to save. Ranges are asking prices (middle 80% of the first results page), fixed-price listings only.
Price comparison: fixed-price listings
| Store | Condition | Box & papers | Asking price | Link | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watchfinder | pre-owned | Yes | $8,750 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Jomashop | new | Yes* | $9,450 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Chrono24 (Private Seller) | unworn | Yes | $9,750 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
Fixed-price (buy-now) asking prices in USD for ref. 126900, cheapest new and cheapest pre-owned with box and papers per store, sorted low to high and checked Oct 20, 2026 (ET). Buy-now listings only. Pre-owned listings are shown only when the listing states box and papers. * New from a grey-market dealer: comes boxed, but the warranty card may be the dealer's rather than the brand's. Chrono24 rows are individual third-party marketplace sellers. Prices change fast; confirm with the store.
What it really costs
| Market | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex US retail | $8,150 (ref. M126900-0001) | rolex.com |
| New (grey) at Jomashop | $9,650 asking, $9,450 after coupon | Jomashop |
| Pre-owned (Chrono24 asks) | about $8,700 – $11,250 (median ~$9,550, 60 listings sampled) | Chrono24 |
All prices in USD, checked Oct 19, 2026 (ET). Pre-owned ranges are the middle 80% of asking prices on the first Chrono24 results page for that ref (about 60 listings, used and some unworn), fixed-price listings only. Grey-market = brand-new from a non-authorized dealer.
Buying guide
Key references
| Ref. | What it is | US retail |
|---|---|---|
| 126900 | Air-King Automatic Black Dial Men's Oyster Watch | $8,150 |
Which one I'd pick
Retail vs street: Rolex lists 126900 at $8,150. Jomashop asked $9,650 new ($9,450 with coupon), and the Chrono24 middle range was $8,700 to $11,250.
What to check before you buy
- Exact reference: dial colour, size and strap change the price. Match the full ref (126900) before comparing deals.
- Fakes and red flags: be wary of prices far below the ranges above, stock photos only, or sellers who won't show the caseback, serial and papers.
Alternatives worth a look
- Rolex Explorer (36 mm): The 3-6-9 Rolex. (36 mm Oystersteel, Calibre 3230, retail $7,900 (124270))
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41: The simple steel Rolex. (41 mm Oystersteel, Calibre 3230, retail $7,050 (134300-0001, Oystersteel))
- Tudor Ranger: Tudor's field watch. (39 mm steel, Manufacture Calibre MT5402 (COSC), retail $4,025 (m79950-0001, per Tudor))
History
Introduced in 1945, the Air-King was part of Rolex's post-war aviation-themed watches and is the only model from that series still in production. Rolex re-introduced it in 2018, with a dial inspired by the counter Rolex built for the Bloodhound SSC land-speed car.
The current Air-King, ref. 126900, is a 40 mm Oystersteel watch, per Rolex.
Specifications
| Brand | Rolex |
|---|---|
| Model | Air-King |
| Key references | 126900 |
| Launch year | 1945 |
| Case | 40 mm Oystersteel |
| Crystal | Scratch Resistant Sapphire |
| Caseback | Solid |
| Bezel | Fixed |
| Bezel material | Oystersteel |
| Dial | Black |
| Strap/bracelet | Oystersteel |
| Functions | Hour, Minute, Second, Chronometer |
| Movement | Rolex Calibre 3230, automatic |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Approx. US retail (Oct 2026) | $8,150 (m126900-0001, per Rolex) |
Specs from the retailer (Jomashop/WatchMaxx) or brand product page linked above for the main reference; see our research notes for which. Retail prices are list prices, not market value, and change often.
Highlights
- 40 mm Oystersteel case
- Rolex Calibre 3230
- 100 m water resistance
FAQ
How much is the Rolex Air-King?
Rolex retail is $8,150. Pre-owned asking prices on Chrono24 mostly ran $8,700 – $11,250 (median ~$9,550), checked Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 PM ET.
What movement does the Air-King use?
The 126900 checked here uses the Rolex Calibre 3230 (automatic) with about 70 hours of power reserve.
How big is the Air-King?
40 mm Oystersteel.
Is the Air-King water resistant?
Yes, it's rated to 100 m.
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Get the free weekly issuePrices and availability last checked Oct 19, 2026. No affiliate links: I don't earn anything if you buy. Sources are listed in our research notes and linked above.