New Air-King vs. Explorer

[jlovda]

What are the differences (if any) between the movements in these two watches? Shock absorbers, hairspring, etc. Is the Explorer really more rugged or is it just marketing? The Air-King is starting to grow on me.

Thanks

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by jlovda

What are the differences (if any) between the movements in these two watches? Shock absorbers, hairspring, etc. Is the Explorer really more rugged or is it just marketing? The Air-King is starting to grow on me.

Thanks

Movements are identical. Explorer is only more "rugged" insofar as it will protrude less off of most wrists so would be less prone to banging into things. On the other hand, the AK has crown guards. So, six of one, half-dozen of the other kinda deal.

This, of course, stands in contrast to previous generation AK, which was a Milgauss clone, sat way thicker, and lacked a flip-lock clasp.

[28mm]

The new Air-King is slimmer than the previous model. Super comfortable on the wrist..Hope to get one soon.

[Guppydriver]

I hear you as far as the AK growing on you. It used to be a reference in which I had no interest, but I saw one (in photos) with a green rubber strap and I've been crushing on it lately. Especially now with the improved power reserve and better symmetry.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

I hear you as far as the AK growing on you. It used to be a reference in which I had no interest, but I saw one (in photos) with a green rubber strap and I've been crushing on it lately. Especially now with the improved power reserve and better symmetry.

Agree. The way I (sarcastically) describe the 126900 is: It's a watch I dislike less every time I see it .

While it's not the AK I wanted Rolex to release (that would have been a white dial watch in the 124270 case), and would be too big for me to wear, I do think it's a signifiant aesthetic improvement and now looks like a far more balanced piece.

[ap1]

AK > Exp1

[Brny11]

Exp1 > AK


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[KeithP]

This is the way



Depends on whether you want a 36 or 40mm.

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

[28mm]

Originally Posted by KeithP

This is the way

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

Picking up my 116519LN next week..I figured since things are 'slowing down', I'd float the question..."Maybe I can get an Air-King when I come in?"

To which..."Not a problem instead of the 116519LN"

It was worth a shot!

The new Air-King is amazing..Wondering if the next Milgauss will follow suit..

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by KeithP

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

Was just thinking this earlier today. Aside from a more stylized dial, that’s exactly what it is. Plus crown guards.

[Baiv]

Originally Posted by KeithP

This is the way



Depends on whether you want a 36 or 40mm.

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

Stunning!

[Chester01]

Same basically. But the air king is a watch without an identity or legacy. The explorer is the way to go.

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by KeithP

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

With the added bonus of an ugly dial.
Pass.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Same basically. But the air king is a watch without an identity or legacy. The explorer is the way to go.

The AK has quite a strong legacy, and I believe even predates the Explorer. The difference is that the Explorer has changed little in its history - pretty much always the 3-6-9 dial, 36mm for all but a stretch at 39 (though the earliest may have been 34) - while the AK has changed frequently. Sometimes hand-wound, sometimes automatic, once even antimagnetic, and in fluctuating sizes with practically seasonally shifting dials. Still, its name carries with it a strong legacy, whether the current iteration lives up to it or not.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by dannyp

The AK has quite a strong legacy, and I believe even predates the Explorer. The difference is that the Explorer has changed little in its history - pretty much always the 3-6-9 dial, 36mm for all but a stretch at 39 (though the earliest may have been 34) - while the AK has changed frequently. Sometimes hand-wound, sometimes automatic, once even antimagnetic, and in fluctuating sizes with practically seasonally shifting dials. Still, its name carries with it a strong legacy, whether the current iteration lives up to it or not.

Tell me, what is the legacy of the air king and why has it changed so very much over the years?

The gmt has legacy, the sub legacy. What pilot doing what history has the AK done?


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[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by jlovda

What are the differences (if any) between the movements in these two watches? Shock absorbers, hairspring, etc. Is the Explorer really more rugged or is it just marketing? The Air-King is starting to grow on me.

Thanks

Not what you’re asking but I crossed same bridge. Went x1 primarily because of lume profile which in my view is way way btr x1


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[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Tell me, what is the legacy of the air king and why has it changed so very much over the years?

The gmt has legacy, the sub legacy. What pilot doing what history has the AK done?


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Well, first off, “legacy” has many meanings, and I thought this was about its legacy in the Rolex lineup. That said, as I recall, the entire “Air” series (King, Lion, Giant) were released in the late 40s/early 50s as a tribute to the RAF pilots of WWII. I believe Wilsdorf has particular admiration for Allied pilots, especially British.

[DJFanUK]

The Air King is the way forward as long as you like a little something different. Explorer is a little for serious, some might say subdued. Both great watches, but the Air King is a little bit special

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Well, first off, “legacy” has many meanings, and I thought this was about its legacy in the Rolex lineup. That said, as I recall, the entire “Air” series (King, Lion, Giant) were released in the late 40s/early 50s as a tribute to the RAF pilots of WWII. I believe Wilsdorf has particular admiration for Allied pilots, especially British.

No, I mean what legacy is the AK known for? I mean, like the sub was worn in combat and by navy divers, the gmt on the wrist of astronauts and fighter pilots. Does the AK model itself have any such connection?


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[ap1]

Originally Posted by Chester01

No, I mean what legacy is the AK known for? I mean, like the sub was worn in combat and by navy divers, the gmt on the wrist of astronauts and fighter pilots. Does the AK model itself have any such connection?


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The dial was on some land speed car or something like that. Idk, but it’s a very fun watch.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Same basically. But the air king is a watch without an identity or legacy. The explorer is the way to go.

That's not true.

There are a lot of details that are unique to the new Air Kings, but they owe a lot to traditional pilot's watches and of course the name Air King goes back a long way, when watches didn't need to be gargantuan to be desirable.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Chester01

No, I mean what legacy is the AK known for? I mean, like the sub was worn in combat and by navy divers, the gmt on the wrist of astronauts and fighter pilots. Does the AK model itself have any such connection?

https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/air-king.html

[RyanJ]

The Air Kings and its variants were the first Rolex Pilot's watches. They pre-date the GMT.

Here is a good read.

https://bespokeunit.com/watches/rolex/air-king/

[time_and_cars]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Same basically. But the air king is a watch without an identity or legacy. The explorer is the way to go.

Try to read I little bit more about the AK and you will see how wrong you’re

[travisb]

It comes down to size, proportions and looks.
I prefer the size of the AK but prefer the clean dial, simple good looks and history of the Exp. Exp > AK for me.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/air-king.html

It's interesting how Rolex has seemingly rewritten its own history to cast the AK as a more flight-specific instrument (to match today's design/marketing), while the "actual" history is more interesting (IMO). Then again, not sure how authoritative a source this is:

https://www.rolexmagazine.com/2013/0...g.html#/page/3

I've seen the same elsewhere, but possible it all originated in a single place with accuracy unverified.

Worth noting, besides the "Oyster Perpetual" itself, no Rolex model has been in continuous production longer (DJ is tied), being introduced in 1945.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

That's not true.

There are a lot of details that are unique to the new Air Kings, but they owe a lot to traditional pilot's watches and of course the name Air King goes back a long way, when watches didn't need to be gargantuan to be desirable.

Many people keep saying general things. That’s not what I’m asking. Has the watch been worn while in space, in combat, given to special services, or worn while doing real history like the sub or gmt? I’m guessing with all the vague responses it’s because it hasn’t. Not knocking it, but that what’s I mean by legacy.


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[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Chester01

No, I mean what legacy is the AK known for? I mean, like the sub was worn in combat and by navy divers, the gmt on the wrist of astronauts and fighter pilots. Does the AK model itself have any such connection?


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Read about the pilots who all relied on Rolexes, for whom the AK was named. Remember, the Explorer never climbed Everest - it was introduced as a tribute to the watch worn by Norgay on the expedition - so also lacks a "legacy" by your logic.

[NachoNeal]

Explorer1 over MODERN Air-King.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/air-king.html

How far was that version of the air king versus the current version? Went from watch which was basically like every other Rolex with the exception of air king printed in the dial. I mean went from a basic oyster and look at the 114200 with a concentric dial? Like what, then a 34mm case (I mean let’s get serious for real practicality the 48mm B-UHR were visible and functional.

Now it’s like 40mm, then it had a pizza logo printed on it. The air king was a stable reference for like many decades and then Rolex kept changing it. At one point it had stick makers, then Rolex basically turned it into an explorer.

I like Rolex like the next guy, but let’s be real, it lacks the legacy of the dirty dozen watches, the breitling navitimer, and gmt. As far as it’s real aviation legacy, it’s way, way down on the list of we are being real with ourselves.

The modern air king bears little resemblance to the air king of old and Rolex constant changing it tarnished its legacy. The modern gmt and sub and explorer, one look at the dial, case etc and there are little changes and still recognizable from their older siblings.


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