We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
From weekday meetings to weekend dinners, this vintage 1996 Rolex Air‑King Ref. 14010 in stainless steel adds understated polish. The versatile 34mm silhouette and blue dial slip neatly under a cuff, making it a refined choice for business, travel, and smart‑casual events alike.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What are the key specifications of this Rolex Air‑King Ref. 14010? A: It features a 34 mm stainless‑steel Oyster case, engine‑turned steel bezel, sapphire crystal and a stainless‑steel Oyster bracelet with folding clasp. The blue, luminous dial is time‑only (no date). The bracelet on this example is currently sized to fit up to a 17.5 cm wrist.
Q: Which movement does the 14010 use, and does it have hacking seconds? A: Mid‑1990s Air‑King 14010 models, like this 1996 piece, are powered by the Rolex calibre 3000 automatic movement. It runs at 28,800 vph, has an approximate 42‑hour power reserve and features hacking seconds for precise time setting.
Q: How does the 34 mm case wear, and is it suitable for smaller or larger wrists? A: The 34 mm size wears elegantly and compactly thanks to the slim case (around 11 mm thick) and a lug‑to‑lug length of roughly 42–43 mm. It suits many wrist sizes, often feeling slightly larger on the wrist due to the broad dial and slim bezel profile. This bracelet is set for up to 17.5 cm; extra links can be sourced if needed.
Q: What is an engine‑turned bezel, and is it still made by Rolex? A: The engine‑turned bezel is a stainless‑steel bezel with a machined, repeating pattern that adds texture and light play. Rolex discontinued this bezel type in the early 2000s, which makes surviving examples appealing to collectors.
Q: What is the difference between the 14010 and the 14010M? A: Both share the same 34 mm case and engine‑turned bezel. The earlier 14010 (like this 1996 watch) uses the calibre 3000, while the later 14010M (circa 2000–2007) was updated to the calibre 3130. Dial lume and minor details also evolved in that period.
Q: What lume does a 1996 Air‑King typically have? A: Mid‑1990s Rolex dials generally used tritium, often marked “T Swiss Made T” or “Swiss – T<25” at 6 o’clock. Tritium can age to a warm patina over time. Around 1998, Rolex moved to Luminova, then to Super‑LumiNova shortly after.
Q: Is this watch water‑resistant and can I swim with it? A: The Oyster case for the Air‑King line is rated to 100 metres when new. However, with any vintage watch, water resistance depends on the condition of gaskets and seals. We recommend a recent pressure test and fresh seals before swimming; avoid submersion until that’s confirmed.
Q: What is the lug width and can I fit different straps? A: The Air‑King 14010 has a 19 mm lug width. It accepts 19 mm Oyster or Jubilee bracelets and 19 mm leather or rubber straps. While some owners squeeze 20 mm straps, we suggest correct 19 mm for the best fit and to avoid wear.
Q: What does the T‑prefix serial mean on this watch? A: The T‑serial (T618248) dates this example to approximately 1996, aligning with the listed production year.
Q: What is included with this piece and how is authenticity ensured? A: This example comes with box, outer box, booklet, hangtag and certificate. Every item at A Retro Tale is thoroughly authenticated by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of materials, finishing, markings and movement before being offered for sale.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
$5,131
• Stainless steel case, 34mm
• Engine-turned steel bezel
• Blue dial with luminescent hands and hour markers
• Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a deployment clasp
• Includes original box and documents holder
• Vintage
