Rolex Air King 14000 Black Dial from 1997

Maker: Rolex
Model: Air King
Reference: 14000
Year: U serial, 1997-98
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 34 mm diameter; 11.5 mm thickness
Sapphire Crystal: Yes
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Caliber 3000 automatic-winding movement
Bracelet/Strap: original Rolex steel Oyster bracelet reference 78350 with end-links reference 557B
Lug Width: 19 mm
Box/Papers: None

Originally introduced in 1945, the Rolex Air King is one of Rolex' oldest models still in production today. Its 34mm case size was considered large at the time, hence the “King” moniker. Rolex released the Air King reference 14000 in 1989, along with its sibling the 14010, as an update to its prior model, the reference 5500. It featured a new caliber 3000 movement and a sapphire crystal, providing a much-needed hardware upgrade from the previous refernce. Furthermore, with the 14000, Rolex discontinued all the two-tone, gold, date, and larger Air-King variations and returned to the fundamentals. The Air-King reference 14000 and 14010 both came fitted with stainless steel 34mm Oyster cases, time-only dials, and steel Oyster bracelets. The only difference between these two references is that the 14000 has a smooth steel bezel while the 14010 has an engined-turned steel bezel.

This time-only Air King 14000 from around 1997 is in overall great condition. The case is strong with no major scratches. It may have been polished in the past but the case is thick and sharp. The original black dial, is in beautiful shape with no imperfection whatsoever. The lume plots are all full and developed a nice cream colored patina.  The lume on the original hands has developed a nice cream colored aging too. The three link Oyster bracelet continues to prove that it is one of the most comfortable bracelets ever. It is fitted with solid links and has just minor stretch. The bracelet is marked "78350" and the end-links are marked "557B" which is correct for this model. The numbers between both sets of lugs are clearly visible. The case, dial, movement, crown, and bracelet are all signed by Rolex.

The movement was serviced in October 2021 and is currently running at +3.8 second/day at the upright position.

Ships from Japan