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Thread: New addition - Air-King 116900

  1. #1
    Craftsman
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    New addition - Air-King 116900

    So, I just picked this up today and I wanted to share some pics. I know the Air-king divides opinion, but from the moment I saw it in person, I knew I had to have it!

    I love the fit and feel of the beautiful Milgauss-like case, with the all brushed finish. And that dial is so striking in person.

    So yes, I'm a delighted new owner of the Air king :)




  2. #2
    Master
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    How does the 40mm size feel?

  3. #3
    Craftsman
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    Very good, enjoy.

    If the 3,6,9 were different I’d probably have had one by now.

  4. #4
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Benji053 View Post
    Very good, enjoy.

    If the 3,6,9 were different I’d probably have had one by now.
    I agree
    If they were lumed (I know it would conflict with the Explorer) I think I would look at owning one. It would be fantastic if all the numbers on the dial had lume.

    Enjoy OP I think it’s the nicest modern Rolex.

  5. #5
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Benji053 View Post
    Very good, enjoy.

    If the 3,6,9 were different I’d probably have had one by now.
    Agreed. I like it but also think the 3, 6 & 9 need to be lumed.

  6. #6
    Journeyman
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    The case is a real classic timeless design, congrats on your new purchase.

    Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

  7. #7
    Well done - it's good to see something a little out of the ordinary, particularly in the way of Rolex :)

  8. #8
    Master Caruso's Avatar
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    I rather like these also, although I know they're not universally popular...A future classic maybe?

  9. #9
    Craftsman
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    I have one and it’s a superb watch, very classy, wears extremely well, enjoy.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  10. #10
    Journeyman
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    Great piece, I have been admiring these for quite some time now.. enjoy

  11. #11
    Master Lammylee's Avatar
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    If the minute counter continued around the dial I would say this design was spot on, however I would still be more than happy to wear one if given the financial opportunity, congratulations

  12. #12
    Master JPE's Avatar
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    Very underrated model. I like the additional colors on the dial versus Explorer I.

    Congrats!!!

  13. #13
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Caruso View Post
    I rather like these also, although I know they're not universally popular...A future classic maybe?
    A future classic if they discontinue it ;)

    Congratulations and wear it in good health!

  14. #14
    Master sish101's Avatar
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    Slightly aside from this model of Air-King, I keep coming back to this one. I realise I'd take a big bath on this as it's more than a bit niche. I'd love to see one in my hand which would help me decide.

    Sent through the ether by diddling with radio waves

  15. #15
    This is a complete mish-mash of a watch. What were they thinking? Or drinking?

    Of course I ended up buying one and think photos do not show this watch favourably.

    I think this will be discontinued next year.

  16. #16
    Master
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    The best value Rolex at present and very cool in my opinion.

    - - - Updated - - -

    The best value Rolex at present and very cool in my opinion.

  17. #17
    Master
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    Obviously all Rolex and lovely watches - they just feel so good and are a joy to own - but I have never understood this watch versus the Explorer 1, which is just a classic Rolex even at it's 39mm in it's latest guise versus the 40mm of the Air King
    Last edited by BillN; 25th September 2019 at 12:32.

  18. #18
    Craftsman
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    It’s a great edition and I really value its design. The one item that would be nice to try differently on the next version is to use something alternative for the hour markers, which currently show seconds.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  19. #19
    Close to being a really stunning watch.

    As one poster suggested previously, if the "Minutes" markers continued all the way instead of 3, 6 and 9 or ........

    3, 6 and 9 hours markers were lumed in heavy Green tinted luminous paint to compliment the Green letters on the dial or some sort of tweak...

    At the moment I think it's nearly perfect but not quite there.

    It's a real shame as I really like that green on the dial, it's very modern, youthful and refreshing.

    Anyway enjoy the watch.

    Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

  20. #20
    Craftsman
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    Thank you for your kind words :)

    Some thoughts after wearing this watch for a few days;

    40 mm case size - I think it's the perfect size for me. Not too big, not too small. The whole case shape and design is just fantastic. I know this watch is similar to the Explorer, but the Air-King is much thicker (Milgauss case), so the overall look and feel is more substantial.

    Lume - I actually really like the white gold 3,6,9, but I get the point, the lume could be better, maybe with small lume markers on the outside minute track, perhaps, but I wouldn’t want to remove the 3,6,9. The 12-hour mark and hands are well lumed, so it is still readable at night, and I'm happy enough with that.

    Bracelet/clasp - If I could change only one thing, it would probably be to add an Explorer-like clasp - as lovely as the standard oyster bracelet is, I'm used to a folding/locking oysterlock on the Sea-Dweller 4K, but again, not a deal-breaker for me.








  21. #21
    Do you always wear watches over your wrist?

  22. #22
    Very nice choice! Enjoy it....personally love the design

  23. #23
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sish101 View Post
    Slightly aside from this model of Air-King, I keep coming back to this one. I realise I'd take a big bath on this as it's more than a bit niche. I'd love to see one in my hand which would help me decide.
    Oh yes. For me, this is a much nicer watch than the current Air-King.

    That said, I still lust after a blue dial classic Air-King or maybe Air-King-Date.

  24. #24
    Craftsman Croftrock's Avatar
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    I like these more and more every time I see them. There’s beauty in both simplicity and complexity; I don’t think one always trumps the other. Congrats and enjoy.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  25. #25
    Craftsman namzo's Avatar
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    Nice watch, could be a classic in years to come.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  26. #26
    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by markrlondon View Post
    Oh yes. For me, this is a much nicer watch than the current Air-King.

    That said, I still lust after a blue dial classic Air-King or maybe Air-King-Date.


    You mean this one from 1978?? You ain't having it for all the tea in China!!

    Martyn

  27. #27
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MartynJC (UK) View Post
    You mean this one from 1978?? You ain't having it for all the tea in China!!
    Yes, that one. I did have a feeling that you might not be overly willing to sell. ;-)

    It's a really stunning watch.
    Last edited by markrlondon; 28th September 2019 at 16:08.

  28. #28
    I really like the new Air King. It's a great alternative to the sports and datejust series. Having recently purchased a DJII I would have to agree on the clasp though. At the price point you think Rolex would include the additional security of a foldover clasp like the Explorer.

  29. #29
    Master draftsmann's Avatar
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    My first Rolex was a 1997 Airking which I bought nearly-new and still have to this day.

    When the new Airking came out like many posters on this thread words like “mish-mash” and worse came to mind.

    I decided I needed one after examining one worn by a business associate a while ago. Thanks to a kind forum member answering my WTB I’ve worn my new acquisition for most of the last week. And like the OP I love it too.

    So in best forum cliche style, mine says “hello”.


  30. #30
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    I must admit when I first saw pictures of this model Air King I didn't really like the look of it. When I saw one in the flesh I got the exact opposite feeling, and wouldn't mind having one perhaps one day.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  31. #31
    Craftsman
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    Congratulations this is truly an under the radar piece


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  32. #32
    Congratulations
    I also like it quite a bit and would take it over the forum darling Explorer any day.

  33. #33
    Craftsman
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    Fantastic watch with a cool funky design - very unlike current Rolex. Well suited to today's more casual work environments too.

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

  34. #34
    Master Caruso's Avatar
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    I went to look at one in the window of a local 2ndhand dealer who has had one for months at RRP+£500 and it's now sold.

    Went to WOS round the corner and they said 6 months wait and that it's not the sort of watch they would put in the window any more as they are now pre-allocated.

  35. #35
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by RAJEN View Post
    Congratulations
    I also like it quite a bit and would take it over the forum darling Explorer any day.
    I must say I totally agree with that. Rolex are normally very design-conservative but their little rush of blood with this really works for me, with the minute counting a nice distinction.

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