Hello, everyone! Today, I am excited to present a review of Clean Factory’s latest masterpiece, the Rolex Air-King, officially known as the Rolex Air-King Series M126900.

Introduction to Clean Factory’s Rolex Air-King

Clean Factory, keeping pace with Rolex, has simultaneously updated its Explorer I. Both these models hold pivotal positions in Rolex’s professional lineup, offering similar designs and mechanical prowess. Personally, I find the Air-King’s style more appealing.

Design Evolution and Features

The 2023 Explorer I returns to the mainstream with a 40mm case size. The new Air-King, meanwhile, embraces a sporty look with crown guards, reminiscent of higher-end models like the Submariner. It also transitions from the Cal.3131 to the latest Cal.3230, enhancing its overall performance.

Focusing on Clean Factory’s Rolex Air-King, its most notable upgrade is the introduction of crown guards. Previously, Rolex used this design exclusively for models with external bezels. The inclusion of guards in the “smooth bezel” Air-King reflects Rolex’s intent to elevate its professional status.

The Crown Guards and Dial Symmetry – Rolex Air-King

A subtle yet significant change in the new Air-King is the dial’s symmetry. The “5” at the 1 o’clock position has been altered to “05,” complementing the “55” on the opposite side, thereby achieving a balanced look.

The dial, with its Mercedes hands and distinctive green second hand, is easily recognizable with the classic “Air-King” inscription. Since 2016, the Air-King has featured a black dial with oversized numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The new model improves legibility with enhanced luminescence.

Clean Factory’s rendition of the hands is robust and finely polished without excess burrs. The central axis closely matches the original, making it hard to spot any differences.

Precision in Hands and Markers

The dial’s markers and inverted triangle are finely polished, with rounded angles mirroring the original’s details. The dial logo and English fonts are sharply printed, exuding a full, three-dimensional effect. The steel inner shadow English lettering is clear and well-aligned.

The new Air-King’s surprising addition of crown guards lends it a sportier feel, a design previously reserved for models with bezels. This design shift indicates Rolex’s intent to enhance the Air-King’s standing in professional watchmaking.

The sapphire crystal ensures excellent transparency and maintains hardness.

The addition of crown guards on the new Air-King enhances crown protection and aligns it with Rolex’s sportier models, signifying a major change in the Air-King’s design. These alterations make the new model more harmonious and eliminate any potential awkwardness in the crown area.

Sapphire Crystal and Water Resistance – Rolex Air-King

The new Air-King’s 40mm Oyster case guarantees water resistance up to 100 meters (about 30 meters for replicas), representing a benchmark in robustness. Crafted from solid Oystersteel, the middle case resists corrosion. Rolex’s precision fluted case back, sealed tightly by a special tool, ensures that only Rolex watchmakers can access the movement. The Twinlock double waterproofness system ensures the case’s integrity. The integrated crown guards seamlessly blend with the middle case for optimal protection. The waterproof Oyster case provides excellent movement protection.

The Oyster Bracelet

The latest Air-King comes with an Oyster bracelet, a durable, three-piece link bracelet introduced in the late 1930s. The bracelet is equipped with Rolex’s patented folding Oysterlock safety clasp to prevent accidental opening. An easily adjustable link extension system allows for a 5mm extension. Concealed attachments ensure a seamless visual connection between the bracelet and case. Clean’s version, made of 904L stainless steel, features excellent polishing, maintaining the crown’s signature design.

The Cal.3230 Movement

The Cal.3230 movement, introduced in 2020 and used in the Air-King since 2022, embodies Rolex’s innovation and superb craftsmanship. It ensures precision, power reserve, shock resistance, and ease of use.

The Cal.3230 features Rolex’s efficient Chronergy escapement. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is immune to magnetic interference. The Parachrom hairspring, made from a unique paramagnetic alloy, ensures regular operation. The movement’s balance spring assembly is equipped with Rolex’s patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorber, enhancing shock resistance.

The Cal.3230 has a Perpetual rotor for automatic winding. Its barrel architecture and escapement’s efficiency extend the power reserve to about 70 hours.

Conclusion

Clean Factory‘s Shanghai Cal.3230, while accurately replicating the original’s single adjustment position, doesn’t quite reach the 70-hour power reserve. Nonetheless, it’s hoped future enhancements will achieve this, perfecting the replica from within.