Please excuse my dirty watch :)
Whilst I liked the old version, the new version is an improvement to my eye. I have my name down for one, was told it will be next year but I'm hoping the softening of prices might see a few of the speculators above me on the list pass on it when the call comes in.
Neither really speaks to me, but the new one is definitely an improvement.
Other than the crown guards (not really a visual improvement) what are the other differences? I am hoping more lume?
I think the modern Airking is Rolex’s most interesting / best looking watch, the only thing that lets it down for me is the lack of dial lume.
Last edited by Sinnlover; 11th July 2022 at 16:19.
Keen to know differences too, I see that there is a zero now in front of the 5 minute marker which I think probably makes the dial a little more symmetrical.
Does the new one have AR crystal?
It looks nice in the picture, congrats on the pick up.
Looking at the pics I would say it now has lumed 3, 6 and 9 indices, together with the newer movement with the improved power reserve.Originally Posted by Sinnlover
The 05 definitely appeals to me in terms of symmetry. The proportions, crowd guard, lumed 3-6-9...all subtle improvements which definitely make the new model better.
Differences:
Font change - especially 3 6 9 are now lumed
Crown guard - easiest visual cue
Case - not a Milgauss case anymore, edges are straight now instead of curved. It’s also just slightly thinner.
It wears really well to be honest, the subtle changes are nice but I’m happy with mine. Depending on how long this new one is produced for the old one could end up being a shorter production run?
Oh and I can’t have one cause they’re not taking any more persons on their expression if interest list ! (This was at harrods)
Last edited by gaurav_tzuk; 11th July 2022 at 16:42.
Likes 3/6/9
Crown guards
05 instead of just 5 and 5 minutes past (to try balance the dial apparently)
Not sure what the other changes are if there are any?
As an idea of how small these changes can be the new DSSD has a date window 8% bigger, no divers ext link, and an updated saphhire with AR on the underside.
I'd love one based on looks - but it's too lumpy for me (the only watch I returned to my AD from new).
I like it!
Neither one. Prefer the old Air King.
For example...
Looks like your crown is touching the case of the new watch..tsk, tsk.
100% Agree. Lovely!
In addition to the differences notes, the clasp is better on new model.
Given how ultra conservative Rolex are I think this has a place. I like it.
That’s true, mines on NATO so hadn’t noticed. Both clasp and bracelet (apparently slightly wider now towards the bottom)
This...Neither one. Prefer the old Air King.
For example...
(new one looks marginally better out of the two you show though)
I'll take your "old" Air King and raise you an even older one :-)
I’ve got one of those too. Great watch. The 34mm size works well for me.
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I had one several years ago but sold it, they are a classic design.
As for the modern Air-King, to my eye the dial looks a complete mess and the latest change does little (if anything) to change that. Too many conflicting themes and colours.
The original Air-King benefited from its simplicity, Rolex went to the other extreme with this thing.
Have to agree with Paul here.
I really dislike the modern Air King. They've ruined it.
Definitely agree.
Those giant minute numbers are just hideous.
Cheers,
Neil.
The classic.
Well, all this new stuff is all very well, but...
I really liked the original 'Bloodhound' Air King - and I'm no Rolex fan. The new version is even better, so much so it's the first Rolex I seriously considered trying to get on a list for...
Then Rolex ditched my nearest AD...
The old designs are fine, but they are suffer from what most Rolex design suffer - extremely generic styling. Guess that's why they have to have the model names on all the dials...
I agree completely.
But spending countless hours online, I began to see the appeal. Then seeing one, it looks nicer in reality and purchased the older 40mm.
The original does have a timeless appeal however.
Something old - with air-king-date!
“ Ford... you're turning into a penguin. Stop it.” HHGTTG
When I see the new ones I just see this …
I like the new ones, nice and jazzy
The old ones are classy but extremely safe and a tiny bit boring.
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Count me in with you and Paul. Not at all harmonious, needlessly fussy.
D
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Last Professional Rolex I saw in my AD’s window. (It was there months.). If the 3,6 and 9 had been lume rather than shiny metal, I’d definitely been tempted.
That's the one!Well, all this new stuff is all very well, but...
Very nice Matt.
Cheers,
Neil.
By way of coincidence, Fratello has a decent writeup of the differences between 116900 and 126900, which add-up to rather more than I'd noticed I must admit.
Looks nice with batons but don't like the numbers, going 5 - 10 - 3 - 20 etc, just looks very busy and a bit stupid.
In my opinion it looks like a an advertising parts watch, but I’ll never buy a Rolex post 2005.
Interested to know if the AirKing is part of the classic or professional lineup?
The Rolex website shows it's part of the 'Professional' collection -
https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/professional.html
https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/air-king.html
______
Jim.
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