Rolex Air-King 1002

The Rolex Air‑King ref. 1002 was produced from 1959 to 1980 and served as a versatile platform for both Air‑King and Oyster Perpetual branding. This reference used a 34 mm stainless steel Oyster case with a smooth bezel and acrylic crystal, offering a modest and elegant design suited for everyday wear. Throughout its production run, the 1002 was fitted with several automatic calibers, including the Rolex Caliber 1530 in early models and later the Rolex Caliber 1560 and 1570, each delivering increased accuracy and a 42-hour power reserve. The watch measured approximately 11–12 mm in thickness, had a 42 mm lug-to-lug length, and used a 19 mm lug width. Dial options included silver, black, blue, and champagne variants with baton indices and ‘Precision’ or ‘Super Precision’ text depending on movement and era. Some versions carried the ‘Air‑King’ designation, while others were simply marked ‘Oyster Perpetual,’ both sharing the same core case and movement architecture. This reference is appreciated for its understated style and mechanical reliability, making it a favorite among collectors seeking a no-frills vintage Rolex with historical significance.