What's your take on the new Air King?

[FTX I]

I didn't like it at all when it was introduced but I tried one at my AD and the 40mm case plus the green/yellow logo made me change my mind somehow. I only wish they replaced the WG 3-6-9. What's your take on the new AK?

[Hollister]

I tried one on. It's a "brave" design if you know what I mean. I don't think it's going to be a big seller, so in 40 years' time it will be big bucks!

[Tools]

I like the new Air-King. It has gone back to it's Pilot Watch roots and does a very good job of it.

Easy to see seconds, non-magnetic movement, large face - When you know what it's for, you can't help but admire the design.

[capote]

Its a fun watch, I can't image Rolex sells a whole lot of them though.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by capote

Its a fun watch, I can't image Rolex sells a whole lot of them though.

If that's the case, this is a watch to get for future appreciation!!

[Psmith]

I like it a lot.

[dr35mm]

I think it look ok for now, but I don't think its going to age well. For the money an Explorer is a smarter purchase or even the OP's if we are talking retail.

[HunterST]

The dial is way too cluttered for me. I love that they brought back the model, but I think I'll wait for the next iteration before considering one.

[watchwatcher]

I like it, a lot. It's a nice size and wears and looks fantastic on the wrist.

Not quite sold on the dial, though...with a few tweaks, similar to what they did with the EXP last year, this one could find its way into the collection.

[natosub]

It's nice, the dial's just a little busy for me.

[TickTockChuck]

A nice watch with same movement as the Milgauss, just a bit too busy on the dial for my personal tastes. This is about as much of a design risk that Rolex would take, but wouldn't seem as out there if it were a Tudor. I had the Air King, Explorer I and OP39 rhodium on my short list last year and went with the Explorer, no regrets. Cheers!

[AK797]

I like it and the nostalgic feel I get from the two colours but the watch didn't pop enough on my wrist. Think an OP 39 is more in my future, Basel pending.

[HL65]

I like it as well and have toyed with adding one.

[slowturbo]

I think its pretty cool. Saw someone wearing one a couple weeks back and was admiring the green/yellow accents.

[Bobby Bushcraft]

It is very cool. I like it a lot but wish they used 77200 Explorer bracelet

[Chewbacca]

i like it.

everything i did't like about my milgauss was left off on the AK.

[JacksonStone]

I'm not a fan. It has potential, but I think Rolex screwed it up with the 3,6,9 configuration. That makes it look like it's trying too hard to be an Explorer. Indeed, it looks like Rolex created a design around a desire to use spare parts left over from the previous Explorer model. I also think the dial needs more lume; the single triangle at 12 is insufficient.

Had Rolex stuck more to the original inspiration for its design (the Bloodhound SSC instruments), and incorporated luminous paint in the dial layout, I think it would be a better design - every bit as bold and unusual, but less like an Explorer afterthought, and more its own thing.





I think this Photoshop mod shows how cool the Air-King could have been, although I would have made made the triangle at 12 painted, rather than applied. I also would make all the numbers and the triangle Chromalight. That's a watch I'd seriously consider buying.

[Rebel]

I like it.

[FTX I]

Getting more support than expected. Interesting.

[Thuilln]

I haven't seen it in the flesh, but I cannot stand it in pictures... everyone make mistakes in their lives, that's one of Rolex' s.

[Danny83]

Flavio I had this one and flipped it was too slow for me

[ap1]

Needs more lume

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

I'm not a fan. It has potential, but I think Rolex screwed it up with the 3,6,9 configuration. That makes it look like it's trying too hard to be an Explorer. Indeed, it looks like Rolex created a design around a desire to use spare parts left over from the previous Explorer model. I also think the dial needs more lume; the single triangle at 12 is insufficient.

Had Rolex stuck more to the original inspiration for its design (the Bloodhound SSC instruments), and incorporated luminous paint in the dial layout, I think it would be a better design - every bit as bold and unusual, but less like an Explorer afterthought, and more its own thing.





I think this Photoshop mod shows how cool the Air-King could have been, although I would have made made the triangle at 12 painted, rather than applied. I also would make all the numbers and the triangle Chromalight. That's a watch I'd seriously consider buying.

This photoshop makes so much sense that I cannot believe that this is not what Rolex came up with...

[Old Expat Beast]

A few of us had a little TRF HK walkabout last week and I saw several in store windows. The more I saw it, the less I liked it. I'll stick with the two older models I already own.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

This photoshop makes so much sense that I cannot believe that this is not what Rolex came up with...

Truly. Which is why I wonder if Rolex was trying to make use of spare parts.

[HogwldFLTR]

I'm quite fond of it; not too far off from my 36mm OP, fwiw.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Danny83

Flavio I had this one and flipped it was too slow for me

Awesome.

[datejust24]

Tried one on a couple weeks back and was very pleasantly surprised at the size...I wasn't too keen on the dial when looking at pics...In the flesh though, a whole different story. Very nice piece.

[japenney]

I didn't like the white gold 3 6 9 on the exolorer and i don't like it only the airking. Yellow and green combo dosent do it for me. The dial is too numerically crowded for me. Attractive price tho.

[Nairn1980]

I love it now and bought one after trying it on.. It has the presence of a Milgauss and wears beautifully.
It's also well priced, and doesn't take itself too seriously.

A great fun modern Rolex and I'd recommend it