September 2026
The RICH Factory Air-King 116900 super clone tested: 40mm 904L case, the distinctive 3-6-9 dial with 05-minute markings, green Rolex crown, and the RF3131 movement. Read the verdict.
The Air-King is Rolex's tribute to aviation — born in the 1950s for pilots, and redesigned in 2016 as the quirky 116900 with its oversized 3-6-9 numerals and 05-minute markings. It is the most understated professional Rolex, and for that reason one of the most interesting super clones RICH Factory produces. The 116900 occupies a unique place in the lineup: it is unmistakably a Rolex, but one that few people recognize on the wrist.
For collectors, the Air-King's appeal is precisely this subtlety. It is a conversation starter for watch people and invisible to everyone else. RICH Factory's interpretation is available for $698, compared to roughly $9,000 for the genuine reference — a price point that makes it one of the most accessible ways into the brand.
The 40mm Oyster case is machined from 904L stainless steel with the same brushed-and-polished finishing as RICH Factory's Submariner line. The crown guard shape is correct for the 116900, and the case-back features the proper engraved markings. The crown screws down with a positive action. On the wrist, the 40mm case wears neutral — smaller than the modern 41-43mm sports models, which suits the Air-King's tool-watch character.
The Oyster bracelet with polished center links matches the genuine 116900, and the clasp is the modern Oysterlock with the Easylink 5mm comfort extension. RICH Factory's SEL (solid end link) fitment on this reference averages under 0.15mm gap — consistent with the rest of the lineup.
Powering the Air-King is the RF3131, RICH Factory's clone of the Rolex 3131 caliber used in the genuine 116900. The movement runs at 28,800 vph with a 48-hour power reserve and includes the free-sprung balance and Parachrom-style blue hairspring found on the genuine. Timegrapher testing typically shows +3 to +6 seconds per day with amplitude around 285 degrees — well within COSC territory.
The RF3131 is one of the less-discussed RICH Factory movements, but it is among the most reliable. It is a time-only caliber with no date complication, which means fewer failure points than the 3235-based models. For buyers who want maximum reliability in a simple daily watch, this is a strong argument for the Air-King.
The Air-King dial is where the design gets interesting. The black dial features oversized 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals in white, with the remaining hour markers as slim batons. The outer minute track is marked in 05-minute increments with the 05 printed in green, echoing the green Rolex crown and 'ROLEX' text at 12 o'clock. RICH Factory's dial printing is sharp, with the green accents using the correct shade of Rolex green.
The Mercedes hour hand and sword minute hand are correctly proportioned, and the lume application is clean and even. Under UV light, the Super-LumiNova glows bright blue, matching the genuine's Chromalight behavior. The LEC (laser-etched crown) at 6 o'clock is visible under angled light.
The Air-King sits between the Oyster Perpetual 41 and the Submariner in the RICH Factory lineup. It shares the OP's simple time-only layout but adds the aviation-inspired dial character. Compared to the Submariner, it is thinner, lighter, and more discreet — and about $100 cheaper. For a first RICH Factory purchase, the Air-King at $698 offers the 904L quality and RF3131 reliability without the dive-watch bulk.
The trade-off is versatility in the other direction: the Air-King has no bezel, no date, and no rotating functionality. It is a pure three-hand watch, which is exactly why its fans love it — and exactly why it is not for everyone.
The RICH Factory Air-King 116900 is the quiet overachiever of the lineup. The case and bracelet finishing meet the same standard as the flagship Submariner models, the RF3131 movement is simple and dependable, and the dial is faithful to the genuine's distinctive design. At $698 it is also one of the best-value entries into RICH Factory's 904L world. When you receive your QC photos, check the 3-6-9 numeral alignment and confirm the green '05' printing is sharp — then enjoy one of the most understated super clones on the market.