Don’t ask, don’t get! Added to my ‘unpopular’ collection of SS Rolex!

[r8t3d_M]

Great job building a relationship with a smaller AD, it worked out well for you. Congratulations on the Air-King!

[bazin]

Originally Posted by rolexest

I have to say that Air-King is really growing on me

*****

[thesultan57]

Looks great on the rubber... this is definitely something I am considering. Also thinking so experiment with a suede camo strap I have... I'll post if / when I do it

[bazin]

Originally Posted by thesultan57

Looks great on the rubber... this is definitely something I am considering. Also thinking so experiment with a suede camo strap I have... I'll post if / when I do it

*****
Some Rolex models are extra attractive with a rubber strap.
I expect that Rolex will offer more models with rubber strap in their model range....

[Cocochu]

Congratulations, wear it in good health!


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[FiftyTwoEighty]

Well done. I really like your Air King. Congrats!

[Gerardus]

HUGE Congratz! love this reference AK!

[jrs146]

Congrats! This is the sleeper of all the professional models. Although it’s slowly catching on. I recently got one as well and it’s one of my favorites. Would you believe it gets more wrist time than my Dayton!?!

[garyk]

Originally Posted by Okami

*****
Some Rolex models are extra attractive with a rubber strap.
I expect that Rolex will offer more models with rubber strap in their model range....

Wow, that strap really makes this watch come alive! Brilliant!!

[garyk]

Originally Posted by thesultan57

London, like many major cities, has its fair share of affluent individuals. You only have to go into a nice bar to see Subs / GMT / Daytona etc on a daily basis. It’s no exageration to say that I probably see 2 or 3 Nautilus / Aquanaut per week, without fail.

Knowing that Rolex make 1m + watches a year and seeing so many of these ‘unobtainable’ models so regularly.. actually pushed me towards some other models which , personally I have never seen in the wild and judging by some of the posts online… are unpopular and hated by some.

So in 2016 i walked into an AD in central London and picked up a Polar EXPII (tax free as I was living abroad for £4,500) . I LOVE this watch and its been my daily ever since. I am still yet to see another one in the wild.

Circa 2019 I got the itch again… and started looking for another watch. As we all know… the market has become crazy since my first purchase and I decided that I am too small a fish in London to compete with everyone else.. so I started talking to an AD in a smaller town outside London. I had zero history with them but built up a relationship there as an enthusiast by going in for a chat every now and then but never really asking to purchase anything as I knew what the answer would be being unknown to them.

This takes me to mid Feb 2020 when I decided to take a look at an Air King, they said they didn’t have one in stock etc… However, the next day they called me up saying one had just arrived and it was mine if I wanted, to which I said yes. They put it in the safe and said I had to the end of the month to pay for it.

I am now the proud owner of a great pair of daily wearers. Polar EXPII & Air King - both of which I have never seen on another wrist!

Before some photos, i will note a couple of interesting points during the purchase experience:

. They removed the stickers however I got the warranty card etc

. The AD showed me his list from Rolex showing the EXACT numbers of which models he will be receiving this year. Highlights being Sub date x 7, Daytona x 4… with my EXPII & Air King at 4 each making them some of the rarest models in terms of sheer numbers out there!




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Your story has made me rethink some other models I may want including some recent and preowned less than the most popular models still available greys at near retail values. Might not be a bad way to go! Thank you for your post!

[kieselguhr]

Double congratulations!

[GGGMT]

What a wonderful acquisition philosophy. Super, super cool. Sounds like a milgauss blue will be on your list


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[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Okami

*****
Everest (straps) message today........

BREAKING NEWS! NEW ROLEX WATCH MODELS REVEAL IS STILL TO HAPPEN
Stay tuned for our other articles on the edits to the Submariner as well as the possibility of the Air-king being discontinued, and more!



https://www.everestbands.com/blogs/b...VuaEEifQ%3D%3D

Very nice combo

[thesultan57]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

What a wonderful acquisition philosophy. Super, super cool. Sounds like a milgauss blue will be on your list


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Milgauss is super cool no doubt.... however at £1,500 more expensive than the Air King which is identical construction, are the differences worth it? They are (1) the dial (not sure which one I prefer), (2) the polished centre links ( I prefer brushed ) and (3) the green glass ( super unique for sure)

[Deppe]

Originally Posted by kenny powers

driving on the motorway (m4 into london?) whilst taking a photo of your wrist.....

Not cool, man.

+1

[encarter13]

Congratulations. Very solid pickup. I really like the AK!

I would happily wear one.

[Nikrnic]

Congrats!! Love-d my Air King and Polar. Their a great pair.. Enjoy!!...

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[HACKNSACK44]

Congrats!!

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by thesultan57

Milgauss is super cool no doubt.... however at £1,500 more expensive than the Air King which is identical construction, are the differences worth it? They are (1) the dial (not sure which one I prefer), (2) the polished centre links ( I prefer brushed ) and (3) the green glass ( super unique for sure)

Not in my book!


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[onnomon]

Explorer II + AirKing = FUNKY! Just add a Milgauss for the trifecta.

[Boba Fett]

The OP has a fantastic duo, well done on thinking outside the box.
Those AK's and YM2's look amazing on coloured rubber, really brings the colours out, loving them.

[Mr. Miami]

Congrats and wear in good health! I think smaller ADs give better service. In less than a year, I’ll be visiting mine to pull the trigger on a YM OF. By the way OP, nice BMW! I got confused for a second why the steering wheel was on the right side of the car but then o noticed your location said U.K.

[IndianRider]

Congrats! Nice addition

[IndianRider]

"Daytona x 4… with my EXPII & Air King at 4 each making them some of the rarest models in terms of sheer numbers out there!"

Am I understanding this correctly... in one year, the AD gets no more Explorer IIs or Air Kings than the Daytona (four each?)

[Monty22]

Congrats! AK is a great reference. I also own another “unloved” reference, 116400. I own these because I love them.


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[gmtln]

Congrats and enjoy

Makes a nice change to see a different collection.
These days, seems like everyone has the "standard" LV-BLRO-DayctonaC collection.

[Old Geezer]

Congrats. Looks very nice. Wear it in good health.

[TickTockChuck]

Congratulations on your great looking AK and Polar Explorer! Very fun watches to wear. Enjoy them in good health. Cheers!

[thesultan57]

Originally Posted by IndianRider

"Daytona x 4… with my EXPII & Air King at 4 each making them some of the rarest models in terms of sheer numbers out there!"

Am I understanding this correctly... in one year, the AD gets no more Explorer IIs or Air Kings than the Daytona (four each?)

Your understanding is correct


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[Bullethead73]

Nice