The Rolex Air-King ref. 126900 is the current-generation interpretation of the collection and builds upon the radical 40mm design introduced by the 116900. Released in 2022, it retained the distinctive instrument-inspired dial but introduced a number of important technical and visual changes.

The most obvious change is the addition of crown guards, giving the case a more substantial sports-watch appearance. Rolex also revised the dial, most notably changing the 5 marker to “05”, creating a more symmetrical sequence of minute numerals. The watch is powered by calibre 3230, bringing Rolex's newer movement architecture and approximately 70 hours of power reserve to the Air-King.

Despite these updates, the fundamental identity of the 116900 has been preserved. The unusual minute-track dial, green Rolex crown and yellow Air-King lettering remain instantly recognisable.

It is an Icon because the 126900 is the modern Air-King distilled into a single design — technically advanced, unmistakably Rolex and unlike any other watch in the current collection.