Mechanism: The Rolex caliber 3000 automatic watch movement was introduced in 1990. It was used until around 2001. Found in Non-date models: 14000, 14010, 14060, 14270. The movement phased out the first of the brand’s entirely in-house manufactured range of movements, the 1500 series. It was an extended process, with the two groups running simultaneously for a number of years. It wasn’t until 1990, for example, that the Cal. 1570 was replaced in the Air-King ref. 14000 models with the new Cal. 3000. One of the simplest movements in the series, the Cal. 3000 became the last caliber Rolex created themselves to not feature a Breguet overcoil on the hairspring.

Family Notes: The Rolex Air-King history dates back to 1945. During this time, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual was becoming increasingly popular among combat pilots for its durable case and easy-to-read dial. Hans Wilsdorf appreciated the fact that many brave pilots opted for a Rolex timepiece and chose to honor their loyalty with the addition of the Rolex "Air Series", which also included the iconic Air-King