Rolex Air King Reference 9130 Watch Review

Introduction to the Air King 9130

The Air King 9130 is a classic yet versatile timepiece from Rolex's Air-King collection. With a rich history dating back to the 1930s and a sleek, minimalist design, the Air King 9130 is the perfect watch for those looking for simplicity without sacrificing quality or prestige.

History of the Air King Series

The Air King line was originally created in 1945 as a tribute to British Royal Air Force pilots of World War II. Designed with legible dials and robust construction, the Air-King was made to meet the demands of aviators. Over the years, it has evolved into one of Rolex's most recognizable collections of Oyster Perpetual watches.

In 2014, Rolex discontinued a number of Air King models and introduced the Air King 9130 as part of the Air-King's 70th anniversary redesign. With an upgraded caliber and new 40mm case size, the contemporary Air King pays homage to its aeronautic origins while demonstrating Rolex's continued innovation.

An Overview of the Ref. 9130

The Air King ref. 9130 features a sleek stainless steel Oyster case with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Screw-down crown to ensure water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet). The black dial includes easy-to-read silver hour markers and Mercedes-style hands topped with Rolex's signature Chromalight lume for optimal legibility in all lighting conditions.

Inside the 9130 ticks a new Caliber 3132 Perpetual movement boasting top-level precision up to +/-2 seconds per day thanks to its paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. As with all Rolex timepieces, the Air King 9130 comes equipped with a number of patented technologies such as the Oyster bracelet with Rolex Glidelock extension system for ultimate comfort.

Practical yet Prestigious Appeal

Part of the Air-King line’s enduring popularity is its versatility as an everyday luxury watch. The Air King 9130’s straightforward stainless steel design pairs well with both casual and business attire, fitting smoothly into both weekend and professional lifestyles.

It offers many of Rolex’s most innovative features like the 3132 movement and 904L stainless steel but at a more accessible price point than other Rolex models. First-time buyers benefit from the Air King 9130’s combination of practical luxury and sophisticated mechanics encased in a historic aviation-inspired style.

Air King 9130 Key Features

Oyster Case and Crystal

The Air King 9130 is housed within Rolex’s hallmark 40mm Oyster case crafted from a solid block of 904L stainless steel. The patented Oyster architecture provides the watch with intrinsic waterproofness up to depths of 100 meters (330 feet).

Rolex outfitted the Air King 9130 with a flat sapphire crystal known for its scratch-resistance and optical clarity. The Twinlock screw-down winding crown creates an impenetrable seal protecting the watch’s movement from moisture and dust.

Caliber 3132 Movement

At the heart of the Air King 9130 sits Rolex’s manufacture Caliber 3132 perpetual, self-winding movement entirely designed and manufactured in-house. A paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring resisting shocks and temperature variations regulates the movement's precision.

Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 3132 underwent intense testing by Rolex beyond the standard precision criteria to ensure optimal performance. The 3132 is a certified Swiss chronometer with COSC-tested accuracy and boasts a power reserve of approximately 48 hours when fully wound.

Black Dial and Lumed Details

The Air King 9130 watch dial provides optimal legibility in all conditions. Its glossy black surface includes large luminous hour markers fashioned from 18k white gold and filled with Rolex’s patented Chromalight luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow.

Thick baton hands at the center of the dial also benefit from Chromalight's glowing properties for instant time-reading day or night. A small signature Rolex crown logo graces the dial at the 12 o’clock mark with the self-winding text at 6 o’clock in white font.

Oyster Bracelet

The Air King 9130 comes equipped with Rolex’s three-piece link Oyster bracelet crafted from 904L stainless steel for durability. An Oysterclasp safety buckle prevents accidental opening while Rolex’s patented Glidelock extension ingeniously allows fine adjustments for optimal on-wrist comfort.

Buying and Owning the Rolex Air King 9130

Buying from an Authorized Dealer

Those wishing to buy the Air King reference 9130 should always make their purchase from an authorized Rolex retailer to ensure authenticity and valid warranty coverage. Authorized dealers thoroughly inspect each Rolex timepiece for proper functioning before offering it for sale.

Finding an Air King 9130 may require being placed on an official Rolex waiting list as supply for the popular model does not always meet consumer demand. Yet the reward for your patience is a magnificent heirloom-quality watch backed by Rolex's industry-leading support and service.

Caring for Your Rolex Air King

Rolex watches are built for longevity but do require some basic care. Avoid exposing your Air King 9130 to chemicals, extreme temperatures or shocks that could potentially damage the Oyster case or sapphire crystal.

When not being worn, store your Air King in its box or pouch to prevent scratches. An occasional wipe with a microfiber cloth after wearing keeps the 904L stainless steel shine as good as new. Every 7-10 years, a technical service ensures your Rolex movement's seals and gaskets remain intact so you may pass it down for generations.

Is the Air King 9130 a Smart Buy?

In short - yes! With a starting retail price under $6k, the Air King 9130 is one of the more affordable Rolex steel sport models, especially on the secondary market. Yet there are no corners cut in its quality Swiss construction.

From aviation history steeped in its design to patented innovations within the Oyster case and 3132 motor, the Air King ref. 9130 isevery inch a Rolex built for precision, performance and enduring style. For these reasons, the Air King will continue leading Rolex’s pilot watch collections for years to come.

FAQs

What are the key features of the Air King reference 9130?

Key features include a 40mm Oyster case in 904L stainless steel, flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, screw-down Twinlock winding crown, black dial with easy-to-read lumed hour markers, in-house Caliber 3132 movement, and an Oyster bracelet with Glidelock extension system.

What size is the Air King watch case?

The Air King 9130 has a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, which puts it among the larger references in Rolex's Air King collection.

Does the Rolex Air King 9130 have a display case back?

No, like all Oyster case Rolex watches, the case back of the Air King reference 9130 is solid stainless steel with no exhibition window.

What depth rating does the Air King have?

The Rolex Air King 9130, like all Oyster case watches, provides a water resistance rating of 100 meters or 330 feet thanks to its patented screw-down crown system.