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.
Perfect for daily wear and smart-casual evenings, this 1996 Rolex Air‑King 34mm in stainless steel brings understated refinement to the office, client meetings, or weekend dinners. Its blue sunburst dial adds a subtle pop of colour, taking you seamlessly from desk to drinks.
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 defines this Rolex Air-King 34mm Ref. 14000 (1996)? A: A classic, time-only Air-King with a 34mm stainless steel Oyster case and smooth bezel, a blue sunburst dial, and a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. This specific piece is from 1996 (serial T635265) and is powered by an automatic movement.
Q: Which movement does it use and does it hack? A: The Ref. 14000 is fitted with the Rolex Calibre 3000, a self-winding movement beating at 28,800 vph with around 42 hours of power reserve. It features hand‑winding and hacking seconds for precise time‑setting. On most examples the dial reads “Precision,” reflecting that this reference is generally not COSC‑certified.
Q: Does it have a sapphire crystal and is it water‑resistant? A: Yes, the 14000 generation introduced a scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal. The Oyster case was originally rated to 100 metres. As this is a vintage watch, we cannot guarantee current water resistance without a recent pressure test; treat it as splash‑resistant only and avoid swimming or showering.
Q: What luminous material does a 1996 Air‑King use? A: 1996 examples are from the tritium era. Dials are typically marked “T SWISS MADE T” or “SWISS T<25” at 6 o’clock. Tritium lume often ages to a creamy patina and may no longer glow strongly; this is normal for watches of this period.
Q: Will it fit my wrist, and can I change straps? A: This watch is sized to fit a wrist circumference of up to 18.5cm. The Oyster bracelet can be reduced by removing links; extra links are not included. The lug width is 19mm, so it can accept most 19mm aftermarket straps if you wish to change the look.
Q: What is included with the purchase? A: Listed as “no accessories,” meaning the original box and papers are not included. Your purchase is covered by A Retro Tale’s full authentication guarantee and a 12‑month movement warranty.
Q: How do I wind and set the time? A: Unscrew the crown anti‑clockwise to the winding position and give 20–30 turns to start the movement. Pull the crown out one click to set the time; the seconds hand will stop (hacking) for precise setting. Push the crown back in and screw it down firmly to maintain the case seal.
Q: What does the serial number tell me about the year? A: The “T” serial (T635265) corresponds to 1996 production, aligning with this watch’s documented year.
Q: How does Ref. 14000 differ from the later 14000M? A: Both share the same 34mm design, but the 14000 uses Calibre 3000, while the 14000M (from circa 2000) was updated to Calibre 3130. Day‑to‑day wear feels similar; the main distinction is the movement generation.
Q: What is the condition of this piece? A: Rated Very Good overall (353326). There are surface scratches on the case, case back and bracelet consistent with light vintage wear. Please review the photos to assess the character and finish.
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.
We ship all orders from Sweden, and when importing to Canada your order may be subject to import duties and sales tax, which will be charged to you upon delivery by the shipping carrier.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
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.
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.
Please note that all return shipments to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number until the return is completed and your refund is processed. Return shipping costs will be covered by A Retro Tale, and we will provide you with a prepaid return label.
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.
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
• Stainless steel case and Oyster bracelet
• 34mm case diameter
• Blue sunburst dial
• Smooth bezel
• Automatic movement
• Vintage
