(Image Alt: Clean Factory 1 1 Rolex Air-King 126900 replica front view)
⚡ Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
If you don’t have time to read the full 3,000-word review:
The Clean Factory Rolex Air-King 126900 is the definition of a 1:1 Rolex replica. It captures every update of the new model, from the crown guards to the “05” marker.
- The Upgrade: Features the new SH3230 Movement with No Ghost Date (2 gear positions).
- The Dial: Correct 3D “Puffy” yellow crown and green text.
- The Realism: 3-6-9 markers now have Chromalight Lume, just like genuine.
Score: 9.8/10. The King of the Skies.
Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Reference | Rolex Air-King 126900 (New Model) |
| Factory | Clean Factory (CF) |
| Case Size | 40mm Diameter x 11.7mm Thickness |
| Case Material | 904L Stainless Steel (Polished & Brushed) |
| Dial | Black with “05” Marker & Lumed 3-6-9 |
| Movement | SH3230 Automatic (70h Reserve) |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds (No Date) |
| Crystal | Sapphire with AR Coating |
| Strap | Oyster Bracelet with Easylink |
1. Introduction: The Rebirth of the Air-King
For years, the Rolex Air-King was the “ugly duckling” of the professional line. The old 116900 was thick, had no lume on the 3-6-9 markers, and lacked crown guards. It felt like a dressed-up Milgauss.
In 2022, Rolex released the Air-King 126900. It changed everything.
- Crown Guards: Added for a sportier look.
- Slimmer Case: Redesigned to sit flatter on the wrist.
- Lume: Finally, the 3-6-9 markers glow in the dark.
- Balance: The “5” minute marker became “05” to balance the “55” on the other side.
For replica collectors, finding a true 1:1 Rolex of this new model was tough. GM Factory tried, but their case was too thick. Clean Factory took a different approach. They bought the genuine watch and developed a brand new mold from scratch. They didn’t just “update” the old one; they rebuilt it.
In this massive comparison review, we put the Clean Factory Air-King under the microscope against the Genuine to see if it truly deserves the 1:1 Rolex title.
Table of Contents
2. What Does “1:1 Rolex” Actually Mean?
Before we dive into the Air-King, we must define our terms. The term “1:1 Rolex” is often abused by marketing.
The Marketing Myth
Many sites sell $50 watches as “1:1”. This is a lie. A cheap watch uses wrong materials (alloy), wrong movements (quartz), and wrong dimensions.
The Super Clone Reality
A true 1:1 Rolex replica, like this Clean Air-King, means:
- Genuine Parts Compatibility: You can swap a genuine dial, hands, or crystal onto this replica case without modification. The dimensions are micron-perfect.
- Material Accuracy: It uses real 904L Steel (Oystersteel), which has a unique brightness and corrosion resistance compared to standard 316L.
- Functional Accuracy: The movement works exactly like the genuine. No phantom date clicks, no wrong hand stack.
When we say Clean Factory has made a 1:1 Rolex Air-King, we mean it is NWBIG (Not Worth Buying In Genuine). The visual difference is so small that even a jeweler might need to open the caseback to tell.
3. The Dial: Macro Analysis of a 1:1 Rolex
The Air-King dial is unique because it mixes printed numerals (minutes) with applied markers (3-6-9). This mix of textures is a nightmare to replicate. Clean Factory nailed it.
The “05” Marker Update
The most obvious change on the 126900 is the “05” at 1 o’clock.
- The Challenge: The spacing between the “0” and the “5” is critical. Too wide, and it looks weird. Too tight, and it looks crowded.
- Clean’s Execution: Clean Factory went through 3 revisions to get this right. The font weight matches the “55” on the other side perfectly, creating the visual balance that defines a true 1:1 Rolex replica. The ink is raised and glossy (3D print), not flat.
The 3-6-9 Chromalight
On the old Air-King, the 3-6-9 were solid white gold (no lume). On the new 126900, they are filled with Chromalight.
- Daylight: The markers look like polished steel filled with white material. The white is pure, not yellowish.
- Texture: Under a loupe, the lume filling has a slight “grainy” or matte texture, just like the genuine. Cheap replicas often use glossy paint here, which reflects light incorrectly. Clean’s matte finish is a hallmark of a 1:1 Rolex super clone.
The Yellow Crown & Green Text
This is the soul of the Air-King.
- The Crown: The yellow is a specific “Rolex Yellow” – bright, sunny, and slightly warm. Clean uses a “Puffy Print” technique. The crown literally stands up from the dial. You can see the height from the side.
- The Green: The “ROLEX” text is printed in the signature green. The color registration is perfect; there is no bleeding between the green letters and the black background.
4. The “Green Hand” Myth: Sawtooth Edges
This is a detail that separates the experts from the novices.
( Close up of the green seconds hand showing sawtooth edges on 1 1 Rolex replica)
The “Flaw” that isn’t a Flaw
If you look at the green seconds hand under a 20x microscope, you might see slightly rough, “sawtooth” edges on the paint.
- User Reaction: “Oh no, the quality is bad!”
- The Reality: Genuine Rolex Air-King hands also have this! Because the green color is painted over the hand, the edge is never razor sharp like a polished steel hand.
- Clean’s Detail: Clean Factory replicated this “imperfection” perfectly. By not making the hand too perfect, they actually made it more like a genuine 1:1 Rolex. It shows they studied the real watch, not just computer renders.
The Lollipop
The lume dot on the seconds hand (the “Lollipop”) is perfectly round and filled with Chromalight.
5. Case & Bracelet: The 1:1 Rolex Dimensions
The biggest upgrade of the 126900 is the case shape. It is no longer just a Milgauss case with a different dial.
( Side profile of Clean Factory Air-King replica showing new crown guards and 11.7mm thickness)
The New Crown Guards
The addition of crown guards makes the Air-King look like a Submariner’s little brother.
- Shape: The guards are sharp and flat on top, tapering down to the crown. Clean Factory’s CNC machining is precise. The lines are crisp, not rounded or mushy like cheaper replicas.
- Transition: The brushing on the lugs transitions seamlessly into the polished sides. This sharp contrast is a signature of 1:1 Rolex manufacturing quality.
Thickness Test
We used a digital caliper to measure the Clean Factory sample.
- Genuine: 11.6mm.
- Clean Factory:11.7mm.
- Analysis: The 0.1mm difference is virtually undetectable. It sits low and flat on the wrist. Older versions (like GM) were often 12mm+, which made them feel top-heavy. Clean nailed the profile.
The Oyster Bracelet
- Finish: The entire bracelet is brushed (satin finish), giving it a tool-watch vibe. The brushing texture is fine and deep.
- Clasp: It uses the Oysterclasp with the Easylink 5mm extension.
- The “Beak”: The locking mechanism inside the clasp (the “beak”) is shaped correctly. It clicks shut with a solid, metallic sound, not a tinny rattle.
6. Movement Deep Dive: SH3230 Analysis
A 1:1 Rolex must function like the real thing. This is where the movement matters.
SH3230 vs 3235
Most Rolex replicas use the 3235 movement (with date). The Air-King has no date.
- The Cheat: Lazy factories use a 3235 and just hide the date wheel. This results in a “Ghost Date” position—when you pull the crown, there is a middle click that does nothing.
- Clean’s Solution: They use the SH3230 (Shanghai 3230) movement.
- No Ghost Date: The crown has only two positions: Position 1 (Wind) and Position 2 (Set Time). This mimics the genuine Calibre 3230 perfectly.
Power Reserve & Specs
- Reserve: Tested at 70+ Hours. You can leave it for the weekend.
- Engraving: Although the Air-King has a closed caseback, Clean Factory still engraved “Rolex 3230” and the crown logo on the movement bridges. This attention to detail—even where you can’t see it—is what defines a 1:1 Rolex super clone.
7. Night Lume Test: The Chromalight Show
The biggest visual upgrade of the 126900 is the lume. It is no longer just the triangle and hands; the 3-6-9 numerals now glow too.
( Blue Chromalight lume test on 3-6-9 markers of Clean Factory Air-King)
Ice Blue Consistency
- The Test: We charged the watch with UV light.
- The Result: The 12 o’clock triangle, the hands, and the 3-6-9 markers all glow with the exact same shade of Ice Blue (Chromalight).
- Uniformity: On some cheaper replicas, the hands might glow brighter than the markers, or the color might be slightly off (greenish). On this 1:1 Rolex replica from Clean, the color temperature is perfectly matched across all elements.
8. Clean Factory vs. GM Factory
GM Factory was the first to release the 126900. Is Clean better?
| Feature | Clean Factory | GM Factory | Winner? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 11.7mm | 12.0mm+ | Clean |
| Dial Print | 3D Puffy | Flat | Clean |
| Lume Texture | Matte (Correct) | Glossy | Clean |
| Movement | SH3230 (No Ghost) | VR3230 | Tie |
| Price | Higher | Lower | GM |
Verdict:
While GM is cheaper, Clean Factory wins on the details that matter: thickness and dial texture. For a true 1:1 Rolex experience, Clean is the only choice.
9. Final Verdict – Is It Truly 1:1?
Yes. It is the best Air-King ever made.
The Clean Factory Rolex Air-King 126900 is a triumph. By creating a new mold for the case (crown guards) and using a proper no-date movement, they have eliminated the biggest “tells” of previous replicas.
The dial—with its complex mix of printed numerals, applied markers, and colorful logos—is executed flawlessly.
If you want a 1:1 Rolex that is sporty, unique, and flies under the radar, this is the one to buy.
Check the latest price and stock here.
FAQ
Q1: Is it waterproof?
A: Yes, rated for 5ATM. Safe for swimming.
Q2: Does the crown have a phantom date position?
A: No. The SH3230 movement has removed the date position. It feels just like the genuine.
Q3: Is the bracelet compatible with genuine?
A: Yes. The lug width and end-link geometry are 1:1. You can swap bracelets if you wish.