Noob with the bug, Air King or Explorer as First

[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.

[HogwldFLTR]

"Fell in love" is a good indicator of which way you should go. If you don't it will haunt you.

[SpeakWithMichael]

Listening to us will only steer you away from what you truly will like best. Get whichever one sings to you on the wrist.

[Yobber76]

Pick the one that jumps out at you, the same way you bought the Hydroconquest.

[Twovalvekid]

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

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

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

Is that a problem?

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

Is that a problem?

Nope. Went through an experience lately where I'm trying to stress less and do things that make me happy.

Worst case I develop a relationship with my AD during horse racing/heavy tourist season as a local.

[Geelerald]

I was looking for a good watch to backpack with and ended up with Explorer II. Never looked back.

[zengineer]

I wouldn't worry too much about walking into a Rolex AD and walking out with anything other than a lady datejust.

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[Charm City]

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[The Libertine]

Go for the Explorer.

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by zengineer

I wouldn't worry too much about walking into a Rolex AD and walking out with anything other than a lady datejust.

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Ha!

What's the likelihood they have both of these? My thought is Track season JUST started this weekend, so the AD I would *think* has a little bit more selection? Probably just overthinking.

Originally Posted by Geelerald

I was looking for a good watch to backpack with and ended up with Explorer II. Never looked back.

Part of why im looking at these 2. I work in an office environment where I regularly go into industrial areas daily. So having a tough watch that works in both locations would be 10/10.

Originally Posted by Charm City

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Gee thanks!

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Go for the Explorer.

Maybe there will be a new "incoming" thread today.

[Fat_ninja]

Explorer. You will regret the airking

[Coop13]

Both explorers should have remained their original size. Rolex effed up there. I’d buy the II at 42 before the 39 mm


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[173rdabn]

Buy what YOU like. We are all warped and not exactly a neutral 3rd party.

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

Explorer. You will regret the airking

Why's that? First one should be more versatile and less "fashion" ish?

Originally Posted by Coop13

Both explorers should have remained their original size. Rolex effed up there. I’d buy the II at 42 before the 39 mm


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Im more of a fan of the smaller sizes 40 and below. Just don't like big watch dials.

Originally Posted by 173rdabn

Buy what YOU like. We are all warped and not exactly a neutral 3rd party.

Hahaha. Very true. I have a feeling ill be posting an incoming thread later.

[coleburns]

My 4th Rolex and my most worn

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[brucethemanlee]

Exp1

[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.

[Lonson]

Explorer

[Coop13]

I wouldn’t buy the exp just because of the size.


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[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

Why's that? First one should be more versatile and less "fashion" ish?



Im more of a fan of the smaller sizes 40 and below. Just don't like big watch dials.



Hahaha. Very true. I have a feeling ill be posting an incoming thread later.

The explorer is the most versatile in the collection. Not sure where you got I was saying it was fashion ish

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

The explorer is the most versatile in the collection. Not sure where you got I was saying it was fashion ish

Gotcha. I could totally see that. Im a fan of Nato's, already have a ton in 20mm. And the monochromatic look is one I dig. Im definitely more understated. Although, understated and wearing a Rolex may not be one in the same.

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.

This is what im half wondering the more I "think" about it. The versatility of the Exp may be right up my alley.

[Bizcut1]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

Listening to us will only steer you away from what you truly will like best. Get whichever one sings to you on the wrist.

^^^. ^^^^^^^^^
This. Absolutely +1.

[bigfatpauli]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

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.

You can do this with an AK as well. Try them both on, and go for the one that sings to you. Happy hunting!

[Pilliam]

I have 4 Rolex and the AK, which I bought 6 months ago, is my favorite for the same reasons you're drawn to it. When people squawk about it's quirkiness - and hate on it as a result - they fail to appreciate its uniqueness. Moreover, those people have likely never tried it on; instead drawing their conclusions from super blown-up internet pics. It IS super versatile with any outfit you wear. Why? Because nobody can even friggin' see the green and yellow unless you thrust the watch in their face. Buy it - you'll love it. And you'll also love the fact that you may not ever see anyone else wearing one.

That said, I'm also in the market for an Exp 1, but that's BECAUSE I love the AK so much (black dial & no date).

As others have wisely said: buy whichever sings the loudest to you.

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by bigfatpauli

You can do this with an AK as well. Try them both on, and go for the one that sings to you. Happy hunting!

Oh really? I thought it had the bracelet that still had the goofy middle link in it that didn't let you do this.

Originally Posted by pmk416

I have 4 Rolex and the AK, which I bought 6 months ago, is my favorite for the same reasons you're drawn to it. When people squawk about it's quirkiness - and hate on it as a result - they fail to appreciate its uniqueness. Moreover, those people have likely never tried it on; instead drawing their conclusions from super blown-up internet pics. It IS super versatile with any outfit you wear. Why? Because nobody can even friggin' see the green and yellow unless you thrust the watch in their face. Buy it - you'll love it. And you'll also love the fact that you may not ever see anyone else wearing one.

That said, I'm also in the market for an Exp 1, but that's BECAUSE I love the AK so much (black dial & no date).

As others have wisely said: buy whichever sings the loudest to you.

Yup. Like I said, I was meh about the hydro I was looking at, but then put one on and suddenly understood the value of GOING AND LOOKING.

[VacherObsessive]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

Ha!

What's the likelihood they have both of these? My thought is Track season JUST started this weekend, so the AD I would *think* has a little bit more selection? Probably just overthinking.



Part of why im looking at these 2. I work in an office environment where I regularly go into industrial areas daily. So having a tough watch that works in both locations would be 10/10.



Gee thanks!

I went with the explorer 1 while I was backpacking for 6 months and had a tax refund arrive in my account. Picked it up in Bangkok and used it around the world. Fits in the office perfectly and also perfect for going up a mountain or going in the sea. Get it

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by VacherObsessive

I went with the explorer 1 while I was backpacking for 6 months and had a tax refund arrive in my account. Picked it up in Bangkok and used it around the world. Fits in the office perfectly and also perfect for going up a mountain or going in the sea. Get it

Ive convinced myself to snag a shower, toss on a worn out t shirt, and go make a visit.