Rolex Air-King:

The Air-King could be considered the “entry level” model from Rolex. Now talking about an entery level Rolex watch is like talking about an entry level Rolls Royce. Like all other Rolex watches the Rolex Air-King is a classic piece of Swiss craftsmanship and a work of art. Current models retail for $3200 with the smooth bezel fitted, or $3250 with the engine turned bezel. However as you can see bellow you can get them at better prices when you know how.

The Rolex Air-King is 34mm in diameter and comes with an Oyster bracelet by default. The current Air-King watch does not have a Date. In the 1970s, the Rolex Air-King was offered with a date (this particular model is scarce and collectible) and in gold and steel combinations. Those two variations probably ceased production because they are similar to Rolex’s Date and Oyster Perpetual models.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King-Date Precision 1988 US $2,200.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 6:17:42 PST Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

1997 Rolex Men's Air King SS Watch Oyster Watch US $1,700.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 7:48:05 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

MENS ROLEX PERPETUAL AIR-KING PRECISION WATCH US $1,295.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 8:23:35 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

NEW ROLEX AIR-KING BLUE ROMAN DIAL 114200 BOX WARRANTY US $2,995.00 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 16:17:17 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Rolex Air King White MOP Roman Dial Oyster Steel 14000 US $2,975.00 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 17:35:52 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Rolex Air-King 1002 1520 Stainless Automatic Man Watch US $1,049.99 End Date: Saturday Dec-06-2008 7:25:01 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Men's Stainless Steel Rolex Air-King Watch w/ Blue Dial US $3,850.00 End Date: Saturday Dec-06-2008 9:05:19 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

ROLEX AIR KING OYSTER PERPETUAL- 2003- STAINLESS STEEL US $2,300.00 End Date: Saturday Dec-06-2008 10:05:19 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

GENTS STAINLESS STEEL AIR KING ROLEX WATCH US $2,495.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Dec-06-2008 10:08:19 PST Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Rolex Gents Air-King Blue Face Model 14000 2005 US $1,300.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Dec-06-2008 11:13:41 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Rolex Men President

The Rolex President, then known as 6511 “Day Date”, was launched in 1956. It had a window at 12 spelling out the day at 12 and the date was shown at 3. The Day Date was named President after it was presented to US President Eisenhower.

The unique point about this wrist watch was that this highly accurate chronometer watch had a window showing the day as well as the date. Due to the complexity of the watch, with its automatic movement, additional day and date discs and a screw down back it was a very large and thick watch which gave it presence on the wrist. This thickness became the signature style of Rolex from then on.

The Rolex President is available for ladies as well. In 1983, the quick set feature was incorporated to all Rolex watches. Instead of turning the crown all the way, to display the correct time, the quick set method allowed the wearer to pull the button out half way and then make a few turns, and the correct date would be displayed.

Rolex President Day/Date Double Quick set Men's watch. US $8,875.00 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 8:31:25 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Rolex Men's Platinum Masterpiece President 18946 Mint US $44,800.00 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 14:02:18 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Men's 18K White Gold Rolex President Watch ~ MOP & DIA. US $14,995.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 14:26:27 PST Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Rolex White Watch Dial W/ Diamonds Men's President #45i US $599.99 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 14:54:15 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Rolex White Watch Dial W/ Diamonds Men's President #45j US $599.99 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 14:57:22 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Rolex Black Watch Dial W/ Diamonds Men's President #45k US $599.99 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 15:02:59 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Rolex Black Watch Dial W/ Diamonds Men's President #45L US $599.99 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 15:06:26 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Men's 18K Gold Rolex President w/ 8.65 Carat Diamonds US $22,000.00 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 17:17:26 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

MEN ROLEX 18K YELLOW GOLD DAY DATE PRESIDENT w/DIAMONDS US $8,599.99 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 21:00:42 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

Men's ROLEX President 18kt. Gold Watch - FREE SHIPPING! US $8,000.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Dec-06-2008 8:00:00 PST Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Rolex makes some of the best chronometers so the question is what is a chronometer?

A chronometer is a very accurate watch which has been officially certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Control). The name chronometer is given only to automatic and mechanical movement watches. So quartz watches are never chronometers even though they are often more accurate than chronometers.

Moreover, a watch carrying the chronometer certification has passed vigorous tests demanded by the COSC and Rolex watches have more chronometer certificates than any other manufacturer’s watches.

ROLEX THUNDERBIRD OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST CHRONOMETER US $1,427.78 (16 Bids) End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 12:05:29 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Vintage ROLEX Timing Certificate chronometer 1968/69 US $1,500.00 End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 18:49:16 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

VINTAGE ROLEX Automatic SS Chronometer Watch - WG Bezel US $960.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 18:52:15 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

ROLEX CHRONOMETER 5513 1680 6263 BLANK GUARANTEE & BOX US $787.00 (13 Bids) End Date: Saturday Dec-06-2008 7:18:23 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

1969 ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE CHRONOMETER Wristwatch US $800.00 (35 Bids) End Date: Saturday Dec-06-2008 13:26:36 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master was introduced, in 1955, as the first watch ever to show time in two time zones simultaneously thanks to a rotatable 24-hour bezel and a 24-hour hand. Commercial pilots, and travelers have ever since made the watch a great classic.

Today the mark II of the watch the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II models have even more functions for today’s fast moving globalized world. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II has an adjustable 12-hour hand, which allows its proud owner to read three time zones simultaneously.

Like most other Rolex watches it comes with a virtually indestructible, scratch-proof, fade-resistant 24-hour ceramic bezel. It has an easylink comfort extension link to adjust the bracelet fit to any climate. This reworked Rolex classic, a genuine work of Swiss craftsmanship and ingenuity is bound to become a family heirloom to be passed from generation to generation.

2006 Rolex GMT Master II Oyster Perpetual Pristine US $4,499.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 8:46:18 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT MASTER BROWN DIAL DATE WATCH US $4,995.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 13:28:19 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's GMT MASTER II 16710 QS US $1,825.00 (14 Bids) End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 18:23:14 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

2006 Rolex GMT Master II Oyster Perpetual Pristine US $4,499.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Dec-06-2008 11:16:17 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

ROLEX GMT Master II Oyster Perpetual Date (16710) US $5,299.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Dec-07-2008 14:31:17 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

2006 Rolex GMT Master II Oyster Perpetual Pristine US $4,499.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Dec-07-2008 15:06:55 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

2006 Rolex GMT Master II Oyster Perpetual Pristine US $4,499.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Dec-08-2008 8:46:04 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

ROLEX PERPETUAL OYSTER GMT II,NICE US $910.00 (7 Bids) End Date: Monday Dec-08-2008 22:57:13 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

2006 Rolex GMT Master II Oyster Perpetual Pristine US $4,499.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Dec-09-2008 8:46:09 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

2006 Rolex GMT Master II Oyster Perpetual Pristine US $4,499.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Dec-10-2008 10:46:12 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

The absolute best and most accurate way to tell a genuine Rolex from a fake replica is by checking its Serial number , Model number, Case back ID, and Movement Signature (the 4 primary verification methods used by professionals) by looking between its bottom lugs (part where the band connects to case), top lugs, and by opening the case back respectively.

Take your preowned Rolex watch to a reputable Rolex dealer and ask to have the watch examined at least for the serial number and the model number.

ROLEX Midsize Oyster Perpetual Steel Watch 6827 US $1,950.00 End Date: Thursday Dec-04-2008 23:35:00 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list

The easiest method to tell a bad fake Rolex is by listening to the ticking of the watch. Hold it to your ear - if it says “Perpetual” and ticks once a second, it’s a cheap fake. This is because the gears of a real Rolex are buffed down allowing the second hand to glide easily, whereas a fake is made quickly and is not buffed down (takes time and money because of the oils, and process they do it by), so the second hand ticks into position, and makes a small clicking noise with each increment.

The exception to that rule is the Quartz series like the OysterQuartz. These have a quartz movement, not a self-winding one. They do not have a smooth second hand and they do ‘tick’.

According to a certified Rolex technician. Most Rolex watches - and every Rolex marked “Perpetual” should have a mechanical movement. That means that the watch is powered by a mainspring, and the spring is wound automatically as the watch is worn by the movement of the wearer’s arm (hence the “Perpetual” designation). These watches do tick - but they do so very rapidly so that the seconds hand appears to move almost continuously - if you look very closely you’ll see that it actually moves in very small but discrete increments eight times a second. Many fakes have quartz movements that are powered by a battery. In these fakes, the second hand jumps once a second and moves 1/60th of the way around the dial with every jump. However, some better replicas do have mechanical movements that also tick rapidly much like the genuine Rolex. So, looking at the movement of the seconds hand may not be conclusive (if it jumps once per second and the dial says “Perpetual” then it is definitely a fake, but a mostly smooth progression around the dial does not necessarily mean the watch is genuine).

From Rolex press release:

The Day-Date II stands out. In 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, and also in
platinum, this is a watch for the man who appreciates classical elegance and the
strength of innovation. The Day-Date II is the quintessence of Rolex’s savoir-faire.
This majestic watch has a 41 mm case and a movement with a PARACHROM
hairspring, highly resistant to shocks and magnetic fields. It is equipped with new
PARAFLEX shock absorbers. Both features contribute to the watch’s chronometric
precision and remarkable reliability.

To further enhance the strong identity of the Day-Date II, a new range of dials has
been introduced with a combination of contemporary and traditional designs. The
Super-President bracelet with a Crownclasp adds the final touch and offers the
level of comfort expected in such a watch.

The Day-Date II therefore continues the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date’s very long
heritage and exemplifies perfect mastery of the art of watchmaking.

When it appeared in 1956, the Day-Date was a ground-breaking innovation, as it
was the first watch to display the day of the week spelt out in full. It immediately
met with great acclaim becoming recognised around the world as the watch of
decision makers and influential personalities.

Today, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II opens a new chapter in a history ever
dedicated to excellence and prestige.

Apparently the best replicas ($300 and up) are quite difficult to tell apart from the real thing. However the cheap shoddy imitations have these characteristics:

Clear Caseback – Many imitation “Rolexes” feature a clear backing so the inner workings of the watch can be seen. A few mechanical components inside even display the signature crown to appear more impressive. This is perhaps the easiest to recognize feature of this type of counterfeit watch, because Rolex has never made a watch with a skeleton (see-through) caseback.

Hand Movement – The second hand on a genuine Rolex perpetual (automatic) watch features a smooth and continuous movement that often cannot be duplicated by fake watches. Their movements are often in small, jerky increments.

Cyclops Magnification Bubble – The crystal on authentic Rolex watches features a “Cyclops bubble” that offers 2.5 times magnification of the date. On fake Rolex watches, this bubble is often off-center or made of glass, and usually approaches only 1.5 times the magnification.

Micro-etched Crystal – Many counterfeit watches don’t even attempt to mimic this feature, but many fakes will try to match the micro-etched Rolex logo that has become standard on genuine watches made after 2002. Rolex began micro-etching their coronet symbol into the crystal just below the 6 o’clock position. The mark is so small, it is often difficult to see with the naked eye, but can be identified under magnification. The detail is so precise that counterfeit models often cannot replicate the logo accurately.

Hologram Sticker – Again, most fake watches can’t compete with higher-class fakes, but some forgeries will attempt to re-create the hologram sticker that comes on all Rolex case backs. The sticker features a hologram of the Rolex Crown positioned just above the case reference number. Most forgeries are not hologram stickers at all, but simply patterns that do not change when viewed from different angles.

Triplock Crown Seal – The Daytona, Submariner, and Sea-Dweller models feature an extra seal between the winding tube’s threads. Many replicas will completely leave this feature off or possess a fake seal that serves no practical purpose.

Size and Weight – although it is not the most scientific method for determining a fake, it should be noted that authentic Rolex watches are very sturdy and therefore relatively heavy. Fake watches are made from cheaper materials and typically feel very light. Also, the bands on genuine Rolex watches are full whereas fakes often display hollow links.

Sapphire Composition –Many faux-Rolexes will use regular glass instead of true sapphire crystal. A good test of the materials is to check the water surface tension. A smeared film of water will pull together on sapphire due to the extremely smooth surface.

Lettering – Be sure to check the dial of your potential purchase to see if the lettering is precise. Under high-magnification, the type should reveal clean edges not found in many forgeries.

Case Reference Numbers – The serial and case reference numbers can be found in between the lugs on the side of the case. Authentic Rolex numbers are engraved with great detail and are very smooth. The numbers on fake watches often look “sand-blasted” or are roughly etched into the case.