Noob with the bug, Air King or Explorer as First

[mschafer]

Just go throw it in the mix (a little late, sorry), the quirkiness factor of a Migauss should not be underrated. It’s a technological standout, while being a simple watch. It sits a bit high on the wrist, but if your budget allows, availability might be higher and it’s now a watch you’ll see every day. Not that the Explorer is so wide spread...and definitely my other recom for a lot of people...

[Kestrel]

Go for the exp1. A classic that will never be out of style or place.

[Watchflair]

The Explorer is extremely versatile and an excellent only Rolex. Wears well on all natos and leather straps etc.

The green on the air king may make it conflict with certain color natos - if you are that anal about it.

I’d vote for this as your first Rolex.




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[bellesdad0417]

Explorer not even a contest between the two

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

The Explorer is extremely versatile and an excellent only Rolex. Wears well on all natos and leather straps etc.

The green on the air king may make it conflict with certain color natos - if you are that anal about it.

I’d vote for this as your first Rolex.




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This is sorta what I am thinking for a first time around. Thinking thats why it is starting to speak to me. Just hope I hear from the AD.

[DLRIDES]

Most, including myself, would choose the Explorer over the Air King. However , the “fell in love” part of your post should not be overlooked.

Which makes you happiest ?

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

Late bloomer here into this hobby, but about a year or so ago I started out with a Hamilton Khaki Auto field watch. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and decided to look into the local Longines AD and order a 41mm ceramic hydroconquest after looking at the 43 in the store. Side note, suddenly understand why you go look at and put on a watch before buying. The hydro looks kinda meh or bland in pics but sitting in the store it blew me away.

So I got pointed over here from another forum, started looking, and fell in love with the quirkiness, fun, and different-ness of the air king when compared to other models. Personally, always liked and got items that were a little not the norm. Plus, after doing a little hw all of the quirky/different references like this tend to hold their value well for various reasons (however, not why im buying). Ventured farther down the rabbit hole and started looking at the Explorer and the simplicity in design and heritage is starting get me on this one too. Plus, the ability to mix it up with a nato strap also gets my interest.

Thoughts for a noob stuck in the middle? I have an AD about a mile away, but I know if I walk in there ill end up walking out with something.

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Most, including myself, would choose the Explorer over the Air King. However , the “fell in love” part of your post should not be overlooked.

Which makes you happiest ?

Yup. Thats what stinks about no being able to get my hands on both and see which one I like best. Would be great if I could wear both and make a decision.

[Coop13]

Originally Posted by zengineer

Which Explorer and too big or too small? Are we supposed to be mind readers ?

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The explorer is the explorer. The explorer II is not the explorer, it’s the explorer II.
I imagine you’re the guy that says “submariner no date” instead of just calling it a submariner.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by HORNBLOWER

Listen to your heart, but you can't go wrong with any Explorer.

It’s nice but the new Exp II wears like a hockey puck. Make sure you try it on

[mudd]

Explorer would be my choice. Goes with everything and can make a perfect only watch in my opinion.

[drtii]

EXP2 Polar, man. For real. I wish I could find that watch at an AD locally.

[NLYogi]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I think that the more traditional styling of the Explorer would make the better first Rolex.

I do like the Air-King, but one cannot deny that there is a quirkiness about it that may limit its appropriateness for a variety of occasions.

You put it like a Gentleman.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by NLYogi

You put it like a Gentleman.

Thanks!

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[sager]

Originally Posted by drtii

EXP2 Polar, man. For real. I wish I could find that watch at an AD locally.

It's currently sitting in the AD the Dubai airport for those interested. I was there 5 minutes ago.

I was about the pull the trigger but changed my mind.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by Coop13

The explorer is the explorer. The explorer II is not the explorer, it’s the explorer II.

I imagine you’re the guy that says “submariner no date” instead of just calling it a submariner.

Yes, I know but there was a 36mm 114270 and now a 39mm 214270.

I am not that guy but they don't bother me one single bit. As long as there are people who are not watch nerds on this forum, the Sub no date will be used and my position is a big fat "so what?"

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[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

Late bloomer here into this hobby, but about a year or so ago I started out with a Hamilton Khaki Auto field watch. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and decided to look into the local Longines AD and order a 41mm ceramic hydroconquest after looking at the 43 in the store. Side note, suddenly understand why you go look at and put on a watch before buying. The hydro looks kinda meh or bland in pics but sitting in the store it blew me away.

So I got pointed over here from another forum, started looking, and fell in love with the quirkiness, fun, and different-ness of the air king when compared to other models. Personally, always liked and got items that were a little not the norm. Plus, after doing a little hw all of the quirky/different references like this tend to hold their value well for various reasons (however, not why im buying). Ventured farther down the rabbit hole and started looking at the Explorer and the simplicity in design and heritage is starting get me on this one too. Plus, the ability to mix it up with a nato strap also gets my interest.

Thoughts for a noob stuck in the middle? I have an AD about a mile away, but I know if I walk in there ill end up walking out with something.

While the explorer I is a versatile and classy watch, it is kind of boring imo. It's a great one watch collection. The air-king will be more unique, a great start to a multi watch collection.

[Dante221]

Originally Posted by Charm City

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Get the Explorer!

Dante

[Chute]

I just picked up an Explorer 214270 after passing on it many times before.
I mostly disliked how boring it was and went for other Grand Seiko’s (SBGA375, SBGA003 and SBGA011).
While the GS’s are great, they aren’t a Rolex.
So when my AD got one in, my wife bought it for me as a gift.
Now I really enjoy the simplicity and size at 39mm
The Air King used to be very simple at 34mm, but the newer one just went nuts on the dial in my opinion.
Some people really like the AK’s quirkiness and if that’s you, then get the AK.
Otherwise you’ll be bored with the EXP.
But, the safe money is on the 214270.
If you could try them both on side by side you could know for sure but that may be difficult.
The AK is a tad larger.
Let us know what you decide.

[pepsiretail]

The biggest mistake a noob can make is to buy something before they understand and develop their sense of taste.

Taste and opinion are different. Opinions can be related to ideas and thought, which can be more dramatically influenced by exposure to those of others, the premise behind higher education. Taste can be developed in a similar way but it is not contingent upon logic or scientific evidence. Taste is ultimately personal and subjective.

I see watches as extensions and reflections of the taste of the wearer. Many do not. Status, investment and social recognition are their driving motivation.

Before you buy it is important to decide what the watch represents to you. Once done, your decisions will be more obvious.

[TimelessQuality]

Originally Posted by Kestrel

Go for the exp1. A classic that will never be out of style or place.

This. Couldn't have put it in any simpler terms.

[gfcp1230]

Originally Posted by mschafer

Just go throw it in the mix (a little late, sorry), the quirkiness factor of a Migauss should not be underrated. It’s a technological standout, while being a simple watch. It sits a bit high on the wrist, but if your budget allows, availability might be higher and it’s now a watch you’ll see every day. Not that the Explorer is so wide spread...and definitely my other recom for a lot of people...

This. I bought the white Milgauss and Air King both in short order. Love the variety on my wrist and when need more formal grab the OP 36 slate. Definitely Air King over Explorer.

[JohnGT3RS]

Explorer. It gets the most wrist time for me. It doesn’t matter what I think, what do you think?

[kans86]

If you plan to have only one watch, get the Exp1, more versatile. Otherwise the AK is great choice. I owned a Exp1 and sometimes the dial was a little too plain for me.

[Verdi]

Explorer for sure.
Otherwise get your hands on a new DJ36mm, if you thing you want a date function down the road.

Have a look at my latest thread, I wanted an OP but ended up with the Explorer, best no date Rolex imo.

[RKTINC1]

The 39mm is more versatile in my opinion. The AK is a chunk! That small 1mm size increase and significant thickness makes the AK feel pretty large. If you have a smaller to medium wrist the thinner Exp 1 will make it a more versatile watch especially under a dress shirt.

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by pepsiretail

The biggest mistake a noob can make is to buy something before they understand and develop their sense of taste.

Taste and opinion are different. Opinions can be related to ideas and thought, which can be more dramatically influenced by exposure to those of others, the premise behind higher education. Taste can be developed in a similar way but it is not contingent upon logic or scientific evidence. Taste is ultimately personal and subjective.

I see watches as extensions and reflections of the taste of the wearer. Many do not. Status, investment and social recognition are their driving motivation.

Before you buy it is important to decide what the watch represents to you. Once done, your decisions will be more obvious.

The more i think about it and look at pics of both, i think as a first watch the exp would be more versatile for me and i definitely am a fan of understated and simple/classy. it seems more like a "forever" piece in so many ways. However, also like unique things as well. Ill probably end up with both at some point.

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

It’s nice but the new Exp II wears like a hockey puck. Make sure you try it on

They had a white dial Exp II in stock. It definitely looked weird in person (and has to me since i first saw it).





UPDATE

Got a response from the AD with the usual over the top happiness for chatting. He said if he has any updates on either (especially the explorer) he will not hesitate to reach out. Closed with thanks again for stopping by and hopefully we'll be in contact very soon.

No mention of a deposit. So...im guessing ill be getting a phone call in a few weeks?

[Mr.Rolex1]

Good luck

[amh]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

Fair points. Why im scared to walk into the AD. If they had both, I'd walk out with one.

Don't be scared! They don't have anything.

[amh]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

<snip>

No mention of a deposit. So...im guessing ill be getting a phone call in a few weeks?

I'm guessing you won't

[Monty22]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

Explorer. You will regret the airking

Do you have an air-king?


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