Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King “Crème Brûlée” Tropical Dial ref 4499

The Rolex Air-King was first introduced in 1945 and was Hans Wilsdorf’s tribute to the pilots of the Battle of Britain. The Air-King name was not the only “Air” name used. During this time, many different “Air” names were used and printed on the dial, including Air-Lion, Air-Tiger and Air-Giant.

This is the earliest Air King, ref 4499 with what we would like to call a “cremè brûlée“ patina, after the delicious French Dessert.
We suspect that the radium lume on hands and Arabic numerals has eaten the black paint underneath, leaving a cool effect causing the copper or brown tone.
The dial has black text and a minute track with small Arabic numerals at the hours and is signed Swiss Made.

The watch has a “Brevet” (Patented) Oyster crown, which were used by Rolex in this period. The watch will come on the pictured strap and has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

As you might know, we love early Rolex Oysters and we think this one is pretty unique looking. Get in touch to find out more!

Specifications:

- Reference 4499
- Serial 422xxx dating to 1946
- 34mm steel case
- Smooth steel bezel
- Tropical dial
- Original Brevet crown
- Comes on the pictured Bulang and Sons strap
- Fully serviced by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Includes a handmade leather watch pouch
- Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping

This watch has been certified at Certifiwatch under registration number CF-0104114