Any thoughts on the Rolex Air-King series

[vette boy 52]

AirKing is an excellent everyday watch. I would purchase second hand from a trusted TRF seller. Almost purchased one for my daughter but she wanted the date so I got her a SS Datejust 36 mm

[Widows Son]

Love my 14000. I guess Subs have an "entry level" movement too since the non dates share the same engine!!!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by hehedavid

Perhaps, you're an air king guy too :bang head:

Or perhaps he is someone with a bit of class something you clearly lack.

[dysondiver]

think of the airking more as a 34mm explorer,,, and you may be getting the idea ,, or even a sub without the bezel , they have shared the same movements in the past ,,
or a gentlemans daily watch , pp got by for a long time at 34mm .. ys , it may be an entry point watch for many , but its alos a watch of choice for a lot of us ,, either way , its a rolex. pedigree rolex at that.

[up2nogood]

I love the AK with the blue markers. Hanging out for an AKII!

As for the poor man comment, I think we should change your user name to heheDick.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by hehedavid

Sorry, but that thing is simply a poor man's fake Rolex

One of the more ignorant things I've ever read on any forum.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by hehedavid

Well... Not fake, but a flashy Michael Kors might be better than an Air King

I think you just topped yourself.

[Furbo]

I'd love to own a nice preloved airking one day, preferably with some company logo :P

[joe100]

This thread makes me laugh. Anyone who think the AK cheapens the brand knows nothing about Rolex and probably bought one to show off.

The AK has a history second to none, so it would do some good to read a little before trolling.

Besides, all Rolex movements are essentially the same. Talking in terms of stainless steel, there aren't many differences between an Air King, OP, Explorer etc. And truely, there aren't many differences between those and a Sub, GMT etc.

[Gaijin]

My first Rolex was an Air King. I wish I had never sold it. Great Rolex. Understated and beautiful.

[jimmyk2014]

I have a a S/S Air king with a blue dial, it's a favorite of mine and gets a lot of compliments.


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[jot_]

I used to have a 114200 Air King, great watch. I really regret selling it, might pick another one up in the future.

[mike]

To the OP, the Airking series is a wonderfull reference and has long history with a lot of fans.

That some here would degrade the reference says worlds about them and nothing about the watch. It's unfortunate forums have attitudes like that, but history shows they don't last long.

Such will probably be the case here.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by mike

To the OP, the Airking series is a wonderfull reference and has long history with a lot of fans.

That some here would degrade the reference says worlds about them and nothing about the watch. It's unfortunate forums have attitudes like that, but history shows they don't last long.

Such will probably be the case here.

Are you saying he's not banned yet Mike?

[jctrolex]

There is nothing wrong with buying something because of a certain price point. Most of us have to work within a certain budget. I would love to own a PP perpetual calendar but I can't afford one and there is no shame in saying that. I bought a Tudor BB not because I can't afford a Sub but because I really like the BB and it is a lot of watch for the money.
To the OP 34mm verses 36 mm is not a big difference in mathematics but it can make a big difference on the wrist, especially if also wear a Sub. I have a Date which is also 34mm and it takes a little getting used to after I rotated off a GMT or watches of similar size. Wear your sub for a week and try on the Air King and see how you feel.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by hehedavid

Sorry, but that thing is simply a poor man's fake Rolex

Originally Posted by hehedavid

Perhaps, you're an air king guy too :bang head:

Originally Posted by hehedavid

Well... Not fake, but a flashy Michael Kors might be better than an Air King

Originally Posted by hehedavid

"Some" might consider the Air King a lower end? NO. It's the bottom of the barrel and Rolex should just get rid of it. It is just cheapening the brand.

WOW! You sir are totally clueless.

[MitchCut1]

Originally Posted by hehedavid

Classic would be any other models from Rolex besides the Air King.



DJ II does not exist in YG or in any other precious medal. SS or TT only. Maybe you are confused with a DD II.

You are correct. Some may not prefer a DJ or DD, but that's the reason for Rolex offers everything from a Sub, GMT to Daytona and etc. BUT... Air King is just wrong.



Perhaps, you're an Omega kind of person like others who love their Omegas.



You are correct. I don't like Tudor, but it isn't like I don't like Air King only because of the price. It is cheapening the brand and it just doesn't belong in the family

I would just like to weigh in here. I may not be able to afford a YG DD II or RG Daytona but a AK is a nice everyday watch for people that don't want to be flash. I'm 20 years old and would love to have a AK over a Micheal Kors anyday! And lower end Rolex? A Rolex is a ROLEX. Even if it cost £3,000 or £40,000. It's simple and is a nice watch to have.

[Mystro]

The Air King is a true Rolex tool watch IMO.
Its really the watch for those that don't want to be associated with the Rolex "status" watch baggage and truly just want a good tool watch. It will go unnoticed and not draw any attention.
Go for it. Its Rolex quality with out the Rolex "snob" appeal.

On a side note: This is the Rolex "attitude "that always rears its head and kills the brand for ALOT of potential enthusiasts.

[Dr. Robert]

A Rolex oyster cased watch wears bigger than its specs

[Tools]

Originally Posted by AlBacon!974

Also, I saw one for sale from a trusted seller on the for sale thread. My question is that they are located in Hong Kong and I'm in the US. What potential problems could I run into buying something from overseas and shipping it to the USA? What about customs fees or tariffs? Also I thought I read something about copy right infringement? Any answers will be appreciated. Thanks.

This needs to be addressed.

You cannot import a Rolex into the US. It is not "copyright", it is Trademark Law that makes it illegal without the permission of the Trademark holder, and that is Rolex USA which does NOT give approval.

Buying a watch from overseas and hoping that it does not get stopped in customs and shipped back to the seller is a real risk and happens all the time.

[TheMethod]

Originally Posted by The Joker

WOW! You sir are totally clueless.

Looks like an obvious troll.

[justbrowsing]

The fashion trend today is larger watches. But Air King is a great watch and actually a more logical size than most watches. If the size bothers you personally then get an oyster no date 36mm or an explorer 36 or 39mm.

[cerbom]

I like mine. Movement the same as on a Sub...how can that be bad? Maybe a 220+ lb guy might want something bigger, I understand that. On the other side being a smaller guy I think big watches look silly on smaller frames. Like the Dr said earlier.
About 5-6K for a new one depending on options as someone asked, FYI.
I m glad to see some reasonable posts here ( I deleted what else followed).... LOL.
PS/ I wear my watch every single day.

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by hehedavid

Sorry, but that thing is simply a poor man's fake Rolex

WTF???

[Armyguy03]

Never would have thought I'd hear "poor" and "Rolex" in the same sentence.

[rmurphy]

Originally Posted by Armyguy03

Never would have thought I'd hear "poor" and "Rolex" in the same sentence.

Yes the "poor" monicker should be more appropriately applied. We have many "poor" people in the world. If your worried about watches and such, any watch really you should count yourself as blessed I think.


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[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Or perhaps he is someone with a bit of class something you clearly lack.

Thanks for writing this, Ken. Frickin' amazing comment they made.

[threemonkeys]

True story -

In 1997 I bought my AK (shown earlier in this thread) at the downtown Seattle Ben Bridge on Christmas Eve. And there was a very gracious, older gentleman wearing a gold DD greeting customers. He congratulated me on my AK purchase. Knowing that I purchased an entry level Rolex I sheepishly replied 'but it's only an Air King'. He replied 'but it's a Rolex.'

That gentleman was Herb Bridge - the son of the Ben Bridge founder. I remembered that encounter well. So last week, I was in the basement of a building (I'm in media) and Mr. Bridge walked by. I interrupted him and recounted the story. He smiled and showed me the gold DD he still wears and told me I made his day.

This true gentleman left an impression on me. That is, class isn't based on money or things. So enjoy what is special to you. A Seiko, Casio, Rolex...it really doesn't matter.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by threemonkeys

He congratulated me on my AK purchase. Knowing that I purchased an entry level Rolex I sheepishly replied 'but it's only an Air King'. He replied 'but it's a Rolex.

Absolutely f'ing beautiful quote. Seriously, almost brought tears to my eyes.

[NoVaSubowner]

Nothing wrong with the AK. Great simple clean design. Tough as nails A lot of history (read WWII and RAF) Also remember that 34mm was considered a large watch when it was introduced decades ago. Not everyone wants or needs a larger watch...