Rolex Air King 14010 build.

[Dinbin]

Hey all, just sharing my first attempt at a build and some of the things i learnt along the way.
The goal was to build a vintage air king as I had always admired the cleanliness and simplicity of the design, additionally secondhand parts were the most reasonably priced when considering my limited budget.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional watchmaker, rather just a hobbyist so my knowledge and experience is limited.

Parts list:
1)Gen 1501 oyster perpetual case
2)Gen 14010 Dial
3)VR 3130 movement from alix
4)Ewatchparts 34mm airking hands





I had read on a few previous threads that the movement diameter of the 3035/3135 must be reduced by approximately 1mm for it to be compatible but in my case that was not needed, not sure why.

Nb - will try to take movement and case seating pics soon.

Next up will be crystal, bracelet and crown installation.

 

[Dinbin]

Please note movement is a rep 3130* not 3035, made a typo in the last paragraph.

 

[dpd3672]

Posting to follow, got a few of these in the queue myself.

 

[Dinbin]

Posting to follow, got a few of these in the queue myself.

Appreciate it, would love to see your progress when you get around to it.

 

[dpd3672]

Appreciate it, would love to see your progress when you get around to it.

I started a thread for these builds, will probably post it there. Gen Air King cases are getting a bit hard to come by, although the 1500 series is identical and a lot easier to find.

34mm is a great everyday watch, and probably the last gen Rolex for which the parts are cheap, although the dials are getting crazy expensive in just the last couple months, I've noticed.

 

[Dinbin]

I started a thread for these builds, will probably post it there. Gen Air King cases are getting a bit hard to come by, although the 1500 series is identical and a lot easier to find.

34mm is a great everyday watch, and probably the last gen Rolex for which the parts are cheap, although the dials are getting crazy expensive in just the last couple months, I've noticed.

Would check your thread out and i totally agree on part pricing and availability. I thought the 34mm might have been a bit small however it wears well on my wrist.

 

[Dinbin]

My apologies on the delay, since i last posted I’ve managed to get the 19mm tapered bracelet from raffles.



Additionally, here are the movement pics, i’ve been using an nh35 bridge screw along with another misc one as rudimentary clamp screws until i get the appropriate aftermarket parts.

 

[Dinbin]

The final parts needed to tie everything together are the crystal and crown however this area has been giving me some trouble.
I have tried fitting a sapphire crystal made to the spec for the 14000 to no avail as it is too large.
I have also ordered an aftermarket sapphire crystal made to the 1500 spec which i believe is 29.5mm off eBay, can anyone confirm if this is correct? If not please suggest where i can obtain a sapphire crystal that will fit the 1500 case and bezel.
With regards to the crown, the case was bought without a crown and i suspect the tube is genuine. I have done some research and I suspect a 24-530 crown is correct. Does anyone know where I can obtain a signed aftermarket crown that works with the original tube?
I found this item from a website called athaya vintage(see link below) however i have not dealt with them before and i am open to suggestions if there is a better option for under 100usd.

Aftermarket 24-530 Crown and Tube – Dash – Athaya Vintage Parts

parts.athayavintage.com

Please note i am not an expert so feel free to correct me if my information is incorrect.

 

[bumble22]

Is there a good thread or source on what you need to get started building?

 

[Karbon74]

The final parts needed to tie everything together are the crystal and crown however this area has been giving me some trouble.
I have tried fitting a sapphire crystal made to the spec for the 14000 to no avail as it is too large.
I have also ordered an aftermarket sapphire crystal made to the 1500 spec which i believe is 29.5mm off eBay, can anyone confirm if this is correct? If not please suggest where i can obtain a sapphire crystal that will fit the 1500 case and bezel.
With regards to the crown, the case was bought without a crown and i suspect the tube is genuine. I have done some research and I suspect a 24-530 crown is correct. Does anyone know where I can obtain a signed aftermarket crown that works with the original tube?
I found this item from a website called athaya vintage(see link below) however i have not dealt with them before and i am open to suggestions if there is a better option for under 100usd.

Aftermarket 24-530 Crown and Tube – Dash – Athaya Vintage Parts

parts.athayavintage.com

Please note i am not an expert so feel free to correct me if my information is incorrect.

@dpd3672

 

[dpd3672]

@dpd3672

I don’t think I’ve ever done a vintage Rolex with a sapphire crystal. I tend to prefer the look of acrylic. Sorry, can’t help here.

 

[Dinbin]

I don’t think I’ve ever done a vintage Rolex with a sapphire crystal. I tend to prefer the look of acrylic. Sorry, can’t help here.

Understandable, your builds look great btw

 

[Karbon74]

You can find about any size of crystal on Cousins UK

 

[Dinbin]

Hey guys so i solved the crystal issue.
Spec is 29.4mm diameter, mingswear makes a decent Sapphire replacement. I suspect the 14000 had a larger bezel than the 1500 hence my issue.
I also purchased a genuine crown which should fit (24-530) and proper clamp screws which should arrive soon.

 

[dmtoronto]

Any updates? I've got a 15000 case and doing the same build. CAn you send a link to the movement you bought? I would love to do it without having to use a 2836.

 

[Dinbin]

Any updates? I've got a 15000 case and doing the same build. CAn you send a link to the movement you bought? I would love to do it without having to use a 2836.

Sure man pm me

 

[Dinbin]

Sure man pm me

Didn’t see a message but i can post the link here if allowed.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtSq2jD

Unless you want to swap in a gen balance, the vr 3130 is god tier.
It fits the 1501/15000 cases with no issues.