Rolex Air King 1002

The Rolex Air-King ref. 1002 was produced from the late 1950s through the 1980s and is one of the most recognizable and long-running references in the Air-King line. This model features a 34 mm stainless steel case with a smooth bezel and was commonly fitted with an Oyster bracelet, creating a timeless, understated aesthetic. Earlier versions were equipped with the Rolex Caliber 1530, while later models transitioned to the Caliber 1570, both known for their durability and timekeeping precision. The case thickness is approximately 11.2 mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 42.5 mm and a lug width of 19 mm. Dial variations included silver, black, blue, and champagne tones, with baton hour markers and stick hands, sometimes featuring the Air-King logo in script text. The model did not have a date complication, aligning with the clean and legible Air-King design ethos. With a screw-down crown and solid caseback, the ref. 1002 offered water resistance to 100 meters. Today, it remains popular among collectors for its reliability, restrained design, and vintage charm, often serving as a gateway into vintage Rolex collecting.