Pre-owned Rolex Air-King: UK prices and what to check
The Air-King has an aviation-themed black dial with large minute markers and a green and yellow Rolex logo. Buying one pre-owned in the UK is safest through Rolex Certified Pre-Owned at an authorised dealer, or a marketplace with escrow and authentication; below are the references, what to check on this model, and where to look.
Updated 6 Nov 2026. Watches aren't investments; prices fall as well as rise.
New vs pre-owned
Rolex doesn't publish UK prices online; ask an authorised dealer.
UK pre-owned price index coming soon.
References
| Ref | Made | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 126900 | 2022– | 40mm, crown guards, calibre 3230 |
| 116900 | 2016–2022 | 40mm, no crown guards |
Why people buy it
The Air-King has an aviation-themed black dial with large minute markers and a green and yellow Rolex logo. It is one of the less common sights among Rolex sports models and is often easier to find.
What to check on a pre-owned Air-King
- Generation: the 126900 has crown guards and a '0' before the 5 on the dial; the 116900 has no crown guards. Check which one the seller is offering.
- Dial: the green second hand and colour logo should be crisp and evenly printed.
- Case polish: check the lugs from the side for rounded edges.
- Bracelet: check stretch and the clasp.
- Papers and serial: the serial on the papers should match the watch.
More on buying safely: our pre-owned guide.
Where to buy
Dealer links may earn us a commission; it never decides what we recommend.
Questions
How much is a pre-owned Rolex Air-King in the UK?
It depends on the reference, condition, and whether it has its box and papers. We're building a UK pre-owned price index from authenticated listings; until then, compare like-for-like listings on Chrono24 and eBay's Authenticity Guarantee.
Is it safe to buy a Rolex Air-King pre-owned?
It can be, if you buy from an authorised pre-owned programme, an established dealer, or a marketplace that holds your money in escrow and authenticates the watch. Check the serial against the papers, ask for service history, and never pay a stranger by bank transfer.
What should I check before buying a used Air-King?
Generation: the 126900 has crown guards and a '0' before the 5 on the dial; the 116900 has no crown guards. Check which one the seller is offering. Dial: the green second hand and colour logo should be crisp and evenly printed. Case polish: check the lugs from the side for rounded edges.
Does a pre-owned Rolex Air-King hold its value?
Some models have sold above their new price for long spells, but watches aren't investments: prices fall as well as rise. Buy one because you want to wear it.
What is Rolex Certified Pre-Owned?
Rolex's own pre-owned programme: second-hand Rolex watches checked by an authorised dealer under Rolex's rules and sold with a Rolex guarantee. In the UK, authorised dealers including Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb sell them. They cost more than a typical private sale, but you know what you're getting.