Decision time - Explorer 1 or Air King

[el-heffe]

Air King

[ajas]

Originally Posted by asiparks

Staggering ! this thread has gone 50 posts without anyone telling you to buy a Sub.....

Have you had a chance to try both on, or at least compare in real life ? Then embrace which ever one sings most to you. They may be considered by some "entry level", but it's still a hefty chunk to drop on a watch, so take some time to mull and don't be swayed by whatever anyone else says you should buy.

Choose Sub ....
Hahaha
Honestly it is down to what you prefer and your style.

Simple and elegant dail of Explorer or funky and not usual Airking. Both are class on its own.


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[TitanCi]

Exp I


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[CyberPOP]

Explorer 1 is one of not many Rolex watches that not in current trend. Believe it or not, it’s the most frequent watch I am wearing to work.
Never get tired of watching it.


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[cfracing]

Explorer. I personally don't believe green or yellow belong on a watch.

[ericg2000]

i vote AK... because i just went through the same issue and picked the AK. i put a deposit down friday and will pick it up in a few weeks.

[Nishanmath]

Originally Posted by Bondy68

As the title says, people’s thoughts? I think I prefer the Air King with its green coronet and second hand adding a bit of sporty colour, just interested in opinions, is the modern Air King thought of differently to the older models, which I always thought of as entry level, or is that still the case? Not much between the two specification wise that I can see, Air King 40mm, Explorer 39mm, both 100m water resistant, different movements though, 3131 compared to 3132, not sure of any practical difference that makes. Both pretty easy to get from stock at AD’s in the UK, Explorer is good to go and Air King souced within a week or so. Thanks for any replies in advance.

I was torn between the latest Explorer 39mm and the AIR King. Chose the Explorer because I think the Air King is just a little too busy for me. I like my watch faces simple these days. If I were younger I probably would have chosen the Air King. I do like to white gold numbers, nice and bold. If I had more money I would like to have both and switch on and off as my mood changes. But since I could only get one, it was the Explorer. Mark

[Nishanmath]

Went with the Explorer 39mm latest edition, but the AK was my second choice. Both are great and really stand out from the other Rolex models. Funny, I have no interest at all in the Submariner.

[digitalcrocodile]

Originally Posted by diracpoint

I had the same question, and ultimately went with the explorer. Love everything about this watch ... nothing to add, nothing to subtract. One of the most pure, classic, time-only designs ever made.

Prefer the MK1 dial, but to each his own.

[Nishanmath]

see Above

[ClamantJTV]

I have grown to not like lume a whole lot, Air King all the way man. Plus the anti-magnetic case that you get with it is superb.

[upsidedownbelt]

Love the Explorer, hate the Air King.

[sickened1]

Explorer.

[importstunna]

Explorer with its rich history and timeless design. The dial on the AK is too busy for me. That said, get what sings to you. Good decision either way!

[2nastie]

Between the two. Explorer all the way.

It’s pretty interesting to see the “boring” comment of the Explorer dial. It has just about the same dial as the Sub no date and frankly a bit more with the 3,6,9 configuration.

The Explorer is simplicity at its finiest. Nice slim and refined profile. Love the clasp.

[GaloCinza]

EXP goes better with other straps, especially leather


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[psv]

Explorer 214270 '16 Basel version. Perfect size at 39 mm. Lume on numerals instead of silver is more attractive IMO. Perfect symmetry. Less is more.

[Psijason]

Originally Posted by diracpoint

I had the same question, and ultimately went with the explorer. Love everything about this watch ... nothing to add, nothing to subtract. One of the most pure, classic, time-only designs ever made.

Beautiful!!!!!!

[Art 1]

Explorer

[ericg2000]

i went through this same dilemma a month ago...



when i first started looking at rolex, air king had my attention because the green and yellow. i gave the explorer 1 and date just 41 a chance, tried them all on the same day, and the air king won. for the same reasons most people don't like, the green and yellow.

[torifile]

Explorer. I don’t like the cheesy font of the air king name on the dial. If I want quirky, I want the milgauss. If I want a good looking watch, it’s the explorer (of those 2 options. I still think the SubC is the best watch in existence).

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by Carry The Interest

Between the two, I'd go with the Explorer. Personally, I think the modern Air King's dial has too much going on.

Far too much and far to boring.


Try a milgaus

[Nikrnic]

Again, Great Choice!

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[michael8238]

Def the Explorer....The new AK, to my eyes at least, looks incredibly ugly and cheap

[Rogdogg]

Personally I would go with the Explorer. It's no contest for me but you are obviously torn. Take your time and most importantly try them both on before you decide. Good luck with the decision.

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[harvey]

I have to comment here. In pics the AK does look a bit cartoony but, on the wrist the dial is not so loud. You have to try it to appreciate what I am saying.

[teb1013]

If it’s your first Rolex or only watch I suppose the Explorer is the obvious choice for most people because it’s more flexible. If I were in the market for a 3 hand watch I wold choose the Air King, it’s a striking watch that would contrast with my other watches, but then again I have a Datejust and an Explorer II.


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[cda555]

Have you considered the Milgauss? It is very fun imho. Just another option. Of the two you listed, the Explorer is my choice.


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[dnpina]

The absolutely horrific dial of one of them would drive me to choose the iconic one.

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[SearChart]

Explorer. The AK dial is confusing IMO.