Yes, I like the new Rolex Air-King
No, I do not like the new Rolex Air-King
Looks too much like the Omega AT for my liking.
What an abomination. Much prefer the older version.
Some recent releases from all kinds of companies from PP down have made me wonder if there's a recently-identified need in the market for expensive watches that look che....that have ...democratic styling.
I like it, in fact I like it a lot. The old one that the OP posted, if the Air King font was missing, I would swear it was an Explorer1.
Should get back to basics.
New one has too many numerical?
Like the design but cannot get past the dial...
It looks like it belongs on a market stall table in Lanzerote.
Apparently the typography used for 'Air King' at 6 o clock was decided by Hans Wilsdorf in 1943.
It's the only thing I like about this new edition.
I think it lacks cohesive design. The mix of hour and minute numerals is messy and confusing. The logo looks dumbed down. Almost Google-like in its yellow and green.
Original every time for me
Who let the Lego parts department put together that dial and hands?
A "no" from this Rolex fanboy.
Haywood
Won't be popular. Won't sell in huge numbers despite discounts and incentives from dealers. Rolex will discontinue production after a few years.
Will be worth an absolute fortune 30 years from now.
Lose the numbers and it would be a lot less offensive in my eyes.
First wrist shot I've found of the Air-King. Gotta say I'm liking it more and more. I think part of the attraction is that it's clearly going to be unpopular and I like being bloody minded! I know with the minute markers they're trying to take it back to its pilot roots, but I think the numerals combined with the brand colours make it look very motorsport.
Hamilton did it better/properly - no half measures, 44mm, the proper hands, and no silly green bits for the Asian market.
Let''s face it Rolex are flogging an upgrade to a Titoni here .... it's not meant for the UK market.
I somewhat agree with alot of the already mentioned comments. But honestly, they are Rolex, they can do anything and as long that it has that brand it will most likely sell. Rolex knows exactly what they are doing here, there is no doubt that this is intended as an 'entry' Rolex and therefore they made it "sporty" so that it appeals to younger people.
It's a parts-bin watch if I've ever seen one. No wonder it's incoherent.
I suspect that the main reason for its existence is to help move out components such as Milgauss cases/bezels (or Datejust II; I'll check which one it is with a caliper once they arrive in Norway), and pre-2016 Explorer solid numerals and dial blanks. Using the older cal. 3131 instead of the Paraflex-equipped 3132 is an especially-obvious sign of getting rid of old stock.
Also, the diver's handset makes zero sense with the alleged instrumentation theme, and I see no reason for the dial on what was originally a pilot's watch to resemble a car's speedometer in the first place. The DJ II was no prize, either, but I don't think I've ever seen a clumsier steel watch than this one from Rolex. It's unfortunate that they had to attach the Air-King's good name to it.
On the plus side, the much-improved Explorer is available for about the same price.
I like it. Think it's a modern interpretation of a classic.
Win! I think thold one was too small.
Receives a no from me. Too large for my taste;too many fonts and too many numbers.
Don't like the dial or the size. 36 or 38mm would've been better IMO.
Paul
^
It's definitely a Milgauss case; they mention a "magnetic shield" for the movement in the specifications.
It's the 5-55 markers I just can't stand. So un-Rolex. Really unimpressed
I posted I liked this about 24 hours ago, and 24 hours on I'm less enamoured.
It does look like a redialled Explorer to me, albeit in a slightly different case, and now I am starting to wonder what the additional numbers add. Maybe would have been better without them.
I like the old Air King, but way too small for my wrist, so that would always be a no from me.
I'll see how I feel when I see one for real I think.
^
On the other hand, given that it's essentially a Milgauss with brushed centre links and lug tops, it could be appealing when they put a less minging dial on it. Or just swap the dial, handset and crystal to create a de-blinged GV. :D
Prefer the old version. The numbers and green highlights just don't do it for me.
It's surely a st Patrick's day joke?
"Bite my shiny metal ass."
- Bender Bending Rodríguez
If you chuck the green text, replace the minute indices with batons and make it 36mm, I like it!
Big fan.
Any thoughts on UK pricing?
Has promise of the numerical markers are booted.
D'oh! I hadn't even thought to check, I didn't think they'd be so sporty with official pricing. Being "that guy" on the forum tonight...!
£4,150. Crikey.
When 14060 Subs can be had for less, sometimes much less, even a heathen who likes this watch fails to see the value.
I kind of like it. I think. It's the perfect size and it's a bit out there, which is nice for Rolex to try out for a change (as opposed to leaving it just to Tudor). I can see this as a fun weekend watch, or something like that.
Last edited by o u t a t i m e; 17th March 2016 at 22:45.
Is it just me or does it look like they put one of those dealer wall clocks on a bracelet? I did a double take seeing the price, I had assumed it fitted into the range well below the Oyster Perpetual 39 or even standard OP, which looks so much more classy. Are they charging by the millimeter?