
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Rolex Air-King, ref. 1400M, Blue Dial, circa 1995
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex (maker)
- Date
- c. 1995
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 40 mm
- Stock no.
- vws3700cs
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3700cs)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Rolex Air-King - Model Ref: 1400M - Blue Dial - Original Outer Box - c.1995 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3700cs), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1995. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 40 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Stunning Rolex Air-King 1400M with a Beautiful Royal Blue Dial and Explorer Style Arabic Numerals, c.1995 The Rolex Air-King, a classic timepiece, traces its origins back to the 1940s. Introduced as part of Rolex's Air series, it was created to honour the brave pilots of the Royal Air Force who served during World War II. Its inception was driven by Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex's founder, who was inspired by the pilots' preference for Rolex watches in cockpit conditions due to their precision and durability. The Air-King became distinct with its readable dial and rugged design, reflecting both functionality and style. Over the decades, it underwent several updates, adapting to modern tastes while retaining its original allure. In 2016, Rolex revitalised the Air-King, infusing it with contemporary elements like a larger 40mm case and an updated, more vibrant dial, ensuring its relevance in the modern era. Today, the Air-King remains a testament to Rolex's commitment to innovation and heritage, celebrating its legacy as a beloved pilot's watch. What's on Offer The quintessential watch for every occasion, the Rolex Air-King! Elegant enough for formal wear yet understated enough for everyday wear, this 1400M reference with a stunning royal blue 'Explorer' style dial and stylish bamboo bezel is the perfect all-rounder. The dial is blemish-free and the sunburst gives a kaleidoscope of blues, boasting luminous baton hour markers and corresponding stick hands, this chic time-only watch is a great buy. It has been very well taken care of over the years and shows very minimal signs or previous wear. The watch is sold with its original outer box and an aftermarket inner box. This would make a superb addition to any collection or a great one off piece which will offer many years of stylish timekeeping.
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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