Never thought I’d do this...

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by JBowen2

Saw it in person last week and liked it a lot more than I thought I would, congrats!


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Originally Posted by Auto16610

I think in the first pic the time is 25:15!

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Congratulations!

A lot more people would benefit from reserving judgement on a watch until they have actually seen it in person.

Originally Posted by Jster

Congrats! Enjoy.

Originally Posted by Toony

Congrats!! A sneaky great watch.

Originally Posted by gtnator

I think it looks awesome. The font, the text colors, the whole thing just works. Congrats


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Originally Posted by JayHantz

Looks great on you! It is interesting how something that was never on our radar suddenly makes its way to the top of the list. Congrats!

Originally Posted by denmanproject

I was surprised how much I liked it when I tried it on, wore very similar to a Millgauss but less shiny



Congrats

Originally Posted by Monty22

First-timers who post here in disgust because:

1. they saved $10k (or have that kind of room on their credit card),
2. saw a “Batman” on Instagram
3. Their local AD prioritizes VIPS

Should take note of this reference and others like it and do some in person research.

It is interesting (and great) how the sentiment on the AK has shifted in the last 18 months


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Originally Posted by 77T

The AK has a lot going for it - when people read the actual specs the should be impressed.

The dial is polarizing - but if they added a 0 preceding the 5 minute mark (so it would read 05) then at least it would be balanced.


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Originally Posted by scheneider

Congrats great choice, follow your heart. Not the market

Originally Posted by Nycturbovr6

Congrats!

Originally Posted by Dr.Smellody

Looks great! Well done.

Originally Posted by Singslinger

Nice watch and that dial sure does grow on you!

Originally Posted by MrMercedes

Looks great! Congrats! :-)

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

Love this watch. Congratulations

Originally Posted by 037

Congrats, Josh!

Originally Posted by Bigsoftee

Great watch. Really dig that dial :)

Originally Posted by brandrea

Well done Josh I’ve always been intrigued by this one’s quirky coolness

Originally Posted by Uga2007

You know, this reference has never been on my radar but I really dig the dial. It’s quirky to me and I like it. Wear it in good health sir!!

Originally Posted by kauebm

Very nice, congrats!

Originally Posted by darthgman

Very nice!

Originally Posted by Odie-r

Like it. Congrats!

Originally Posted by glamorama

This one is going to get popular as it’s discontinued together with the Milgauss. Which a lot of people are betting on now.

Congrats for your new watch! Must have felt great to be able to just buy directly without months of wait.

Originally Posted by cda555

I'd be willing to bet that the increased interest in the AK has everything to do with the fact that they are readily available.



Your comment is a little puzzling... are you suggesting that people who want a popular SS model but can't get one should instead just settle for something else?

Originally Posted by ijpx

Beautiful piece. Enjoy

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

Congrats

Not for me but congrats


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Originally Posted by Claven2

I wish they made a date version of this, the milgauss and the exp1.

I live all 3 models, but can't live without a date, so I wear a DJ instead :(

Originally Posted by Rori

It falls into the "Love it" category for me mainly for it's modern graphic-dial.

Thanks all for the love!

[Alex6340]

Congratulations!!!


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[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by cda555

Your comment is a little puzzling... are you suggesting that people who want a popular SS model but can't get one should instead just settle for something else?

No.

He's suggesting that people who coincidentally just happen to concurrently want pieces as different as a stainless GMT, Sub, Daytona, and Sky-Dweller maybe should come to terms they're simply in it for the money; if their taste is just so diverse to like all those watches, they're almost guaranteed to like other Rolex watches just the same. And I concur.

[Gazoak]

Enjoy! Corporate Colours!

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by jrs146

Had you asked me a few months ago if I’d ever buy an Air-King and I would have laughed and said no way. It’s funny how quickly your tastes can change. I think I started to recognize the funkiness of this one. Maybe it’s how different it is from most other Rolex models, many of which I already own. But I got tired of seeing pictures of them. Texted my AD and boom. On the wrist the next day.

I’m quite sure this model falls into the love it or hate it camp, which I now find part of the appeal. I kind of don’t yet know what time it says when I look at the dial, but I’m sure that comes with experience. But a yellow crown? Yes please. A green Rolex and a green second hand? Absolutely!

So I’m super pumped to have some fun with this one. Because, truly, it’s a fun watch!

Congrats. Wear it in good health. Air-king is unique and interesting. As I read your incoming post, you made me look at the dial to see what you were talking about. As many times as I have seen an AK in pics and at ADs, I had never noticed the actual numbers on the dial

[IndianRider]

It's a fun piece. I like it. I've liked the simplicity of the DJ, and this is a little sportier. Could see myself eventually getting one.

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by IndianRider

It's a fun piece. I like it. I've liked the simplicity of the DJ, and this is a little sportier. Could see myself eventually getting one.

It is a fun piece. My take is it's a very good 4th or 5th piece. Maybe not a great solo watch... but it really really adds nicely to a collection.

[IndianRider]

Originally Posted by jrs146

It is a fun piece. My take is it's a very good 4th or 5th piece. Maybe not a great solo watch... but it really really adds nicely to a collection.

[APPRF]

Originally Posted by daOnlyBG

No.

He's suggesting that people who coincidentally just happen to concurrently want pieces as different as a stainless GMT, Sub, Daytona, and Sky-Dweller maybe should come to terms they're simply in it for the money; if their taste is just so diverse to like all those watches, they're almost guaranteed to like other Rolex watches just the same. And I concur.

I like all the references you mentioned, and have one of them currently, and not in it for the money. I do like the AK, and do own one. It's a very cool and special watch. Congrats OP.

[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by APPRF

I like all the references you mentioned, and have one of them currently, and not in it for the money. I do like the AK, and do own one. It's a very cool and special watch. Congrats OP.

AK is not for me either. But tell me- sizes aside, how do you feel about the Sea-Dweller? Datejusts, Day-Dates, etc?

[cda555]

Originally Posted by daOnlyBG

No.

He's suggesting that people who coincidentally just happen to concurrently want pieces as different as a stainless GMT, Sub, Daytona, and Sky-Dweller maybe should come to terms they're simply in it for the money; if their taste is just so diverse to like all those watches, they're almost guaranteed to like other Rolex watches just the same. And I concur.

Ahhh, gotcha! Thanks for the clarification. That's definitely a sentiment I could get behind

[Nanasaka90]

Just curious; if there was no shortage of steel sports model at AD’s, would the Air-king still be your choice at this time?


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[Nikrnic]

Air King,,, O ya thats a >> WINNER!!... Loved mine for a year then traded it in to my AD for an Expll polar. It's always been on my radar since for a replay.. Enjoy!!...

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[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by cda555

Ahhh, gotcha! Thanks for the clarification. That's definitely a sentiment I could get behind

[jackminny15]

Love it. Still can’t find one locally! I’m jealous!

[ap1]

Awesome, fun indeed

Is this the same exact case as milgauss? That one never sat right on my wrist

[MTdweller]

I like it too because it is different from any other watch in the lineup. I also like the yellow and green accents.

[AJM914]

Congrats nice!

[enjoythemusic]

Contrast!

When I read the title of this thread, it reminded me of what was said by two different girlfriends over the years LOL

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by Nanasaka90

Just curious; if there was no shortage of steel sports model at AD’s, would the Air-king still be your choice at this time?


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Honestly yes. I have pretty much every steel sports Rolex I want. I guess there’s one or two more I’d pick up if I had the chance... but this is quite different from most of my other Rolex models so it’s very refreshing and fun!

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by ap1

Awesome, fun indeed

Is this the same exact case as milgauss? That one never sat right on my wrist

I believe it is the same case. Feels nice to me!

[TickTockChuck]

Congratulations on your new Air-King! Looks great. I'd say the AK and Z-Blue are the two most "funky" and arguably under appreciated references Rolex makes. Fast forward 10 years after they are discontinued and I'm sure they will be very collectable. Enjoy it in good health. Cheers!

[Milgauss Mike]

Congrats and wear in good health!! As a fellow AK owner, do you feel the dial in a few certain lighting conditions almost looks like a very deep grey versus all black? (must be the matte-like finish but it is pretty cool nonetheless)

[Texex]

Great watch and the word that come to mind when I see one is FUN. Would love to have one but alas my list is too long and I'm not sure i'll never get to it. My buddy bought one 18 months ago from my AD at at a 12% discount. Absolute steal.... Congrats on a very cool piece.

[Sublovin]

Honestly, this sounds like a sign of boredom. I have always liked the new Air king, but when you start to see your tastes take a 180, or convince yourself you like something that you always disliked, I find it to be a sign of boredom with the hobby. Might be time to step away for a bit. Very nice watch

[Bagman]

Nice. Congrats

[Mihislau]

Looks cool! Congrats!

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Honestly, this sounds like a sign of boredom. I have always liked the new Air king, but when you start to see your tastes take a 180, or convince yourself you like something that you always disliked, I find it to be a sign of boredom with the hobby. Might be time to step away for a bit. Very nice watch

I can see how my post may have come across that way but it’s actually quite the opposite. The one benefit of this stainless steel shortage is that it’s forced collectors to consider models that they previously wouldn’t have. I’m fortunate to own a very nice collection of steel sports models which leaves me with few options for new ones without having to wait long periods of time.

Last year I got my first two tone watch, a Sea Dweller. Similar to the Air-King I had never liked two tone watches. But now, it’s one of my favorites. Was it boredom that made me like it? Not at all. I simply wasn’t paying attention to them before with all the steel options available.

It’s kind of like how I would never order a white pizza, as I much prefer sauce. But now that my wife orders them and I’ve been more exposed to them I’ve grown to like white pizza. The other day I ordered one voluntarily. With a new exposure, my tastes changed!

The Air-King purchase was very similar. I have a good friend who owns one and he was constantly sending me pictures. Slowly with more exposure I started noticing things about it that I thought were cool. Then I got the itch for something new to get. Other more popular steel models were either already owned by myself or not easy to obtain. This made me think... hummm.... maybe I should add the air king.

And the rest.... is History!

[APPRF]

Originally Posted by daOnlyBG

AK is not for me either. But tell me- sizes aside, how do you feel about the Sea-Dweller? Datejusts, Day-Dates, etc?

I have a DJ41, and a 36DD 18238. The Sea Dweller is on my list. The ones I don't like are YM, Explorer2, (Deep Sea because of size only). As mentioned before I like the Air King and do own one. I will never buy a 36 Rolex again for sure. The DD36 is currently being used by the wife.

[jankymutt]

Originally Posted by jrs146

Had you asked me a few months ago if I’d ever buy an Air-King and I would have laughed and said no way. It’s funny how quickly your tastes can change. I think I started to recognize the funkiness of this one. Maybe it’s how different it is from most other Rolex models, many of which I already own. But I got tired of seeing pictures of them. Texted my AD and boom. On the wrist the next day.

I’m quite sure this model falls into the love it or hate it camp, which I now find part of the appeal. I kind of don’t yet know what time it says when I look at the dial, but I’m sure that comes with experience. But a yellow crown? Yes please. A green Rolex and a green second hand? Absolutely!

So I’m super pumped to have some fun with this one. Because, truly, it’s a fun watch!

Congrats on the air king!

Personally I have mixed feelings about the dial. Some days I love it and some days I just feel like there’s way too many “5’s” .

Granted, I’ve never seen one person so I think my opinion could easily be changed if I were to try one on.

I completely agree with you that purchases like these can be confused with boredom when in fact it’s just not something you ever considered. I had my heart set on 214270 but when I saw one alongside a 114060 I changed my mind.

I always thought gold watches were too ostentatious but fell in love with a rootbeer GMT. Tastes change. No worries!