Air King vs. Explorer

[jlc123]

Which is a better watch? But the catch is... the Air King is the 114200, whereas the Explorer is the older 14270.

[jlc123]

I'll ask some more specific questions:
Which movement is better?
Which watch has a bracelet, case, etc?
Which is the overall better watch?

[franklin]

I prefer the look of the explorer.

[DJJon]

Not a 'better one', 2 great lesser-chosen models.

[Mickey®]

Airking if you can do 34mm IMHO. Better price and options re dials. You can get a 3,6,9 and heck it is an Explorer! (Not really but you know what I mean)

If you want 36mm or 39mm() and a Black dial for more money get an Explorer.

Good luck which ever your choice!

[fminus]

I prefer the explorer

[U5512]

I would go with the Explorer.

[Gaijin]

Had a few Air Kings and loved them.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by jlc123

I'll ask some more specific questions:
Which movement is better?
Which watch has a bracelet, case, etc?
Which is the overall better watch?

. They use the same movement

. They both have a bracelet and a case

. Neither, they just have different "themes"

[joe100]

AirKing. Love the dial choices and history

[jlc123]

Originally Posted by Tools

. They use the same movement

. They both have a bracelet and a case

. Neither, they just have different "themes"

I left out the word "better" .

[Hairdude1]

Exi

[capote]

I would get the Exp1

[gmtm2]

explorer!!

[Kaylesdad]

Explorer for sure

[usmc]

Air King for me. (I have very small wrist)....

[eric23]

Both are nice!

[HRV]

Explorer

[Time Exposure]

Air King is non-chronometer certified, while Explorer is Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified. So I think the Explorer movement is "better." In the real world, an Air-King can be adjusted to keep time just as accurately as any chronometer. If you like 36mm, the 34mm Air-King is probably satisfactory in terms of size. And with the dial choices, personally I would prefer the Air-King. Now if you're talking Explorer 1016 vintage (and price is not a factor (!!wish!!) ), I like the Explorer. But that's just me. Matte dials make me feel warm inside....

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Time Exposure

Air King is non-chronometer certified, while Explorer is Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified. So I think the Explorer movement is "better." In the real world, an Air-King can be adjusted to keep time just as accurately as any chronometer. If you like 36mm, the 34mm Air-King is probably satisfactory in terms of size. And with the dial choices, personally I would prefer the Air-King. Now if you're talking Explorer 1016 vintage (and price is not a factor (!!wish!!) ), I like the Explorer. But that's just me. Matte dials make me feel warm inside....

The 114200 is chronometer certified, although this is the first Air King to be.

The Explorer 14270 uses the slightly older cal. 3000 whilst the Air King uses the cal. 3130. I would take the cal. 3130 due to the full balance bridge, it makes the timekeeping that bit more stable, and helps to protect against shocks.

The 14270 uses the old style Oyster bracelet, which, although functional, feels very low-fi - I'm really not a fan of them, they feel too light and rattly. A bracelet like that is forgivable on a vintage piece, but not a modern one. The 114200 uses the latest Oyster bracelet with solid end links and centre links, making the whole thing weigh just right and feel just right without sacrificing functionality. It doesn't have the Easylink function that can be found on most current models on Oyster. If you don't like the 34mm size, then you can get the 36mm 116000 Oyster Perpetual - essentially the same watch in the old Explorer size, with all the modern enhancements that make a modern Rolex feel so nice on the wrist

Hope this helps

Chris

[jlc123]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

The 114200 is chronometer certified, although this is the first Air King to be.

The Explorer 14270 uses the slightly older cal. 3000 whilst the Air King uses the cal. 3130. I would take the cal. 3130 due to the full balance bridge, it makes the timekeeping that bit more stable, and helps to protect against shocks.

The 14270 uses the old style Oyster bracelet, which, although functional, feels very low-fi - I'm really not a fan of them, they feel too light and rattly. A bracelet like that is forgivable on a vintage piece, but not a modern one. The 114200 uses the latest Oyster bracelet with solid end links and centre links, making the whole thing weigh just right and feel just right without sacrificing functionality. It doesn't have the Easylink function that can be found on most current models on Oyster. If you don't like the 34mm size, then you can get the 36mm 116000 Oyster Perpetual - essentially the same watch in the old Explorer size, with all the modern enhancements that make a modern Rolex feel so nice on the wrist

Hope this helps

Chris

This was very helpful, thanks .

[Jazz ham]

I have recently acquired the expl/39 and now looking at a white faced with the arabic
3 6 9 for diversity.

[Nads]

AK all the way..........

Nads

[chess]

Air King

[matbaj]

current airking 114200 will have upgraded thicker bracelet, have higher standard of finish and 3130 movement while 14270 is an older watch with 3000 movement and tritium dial which by now has finished glowing probably. i would go for 114200 unless its an 214270 39mm explorer.

[HARIVERA]

The 36mm 116000 Oyster Perpetual is a PERFECT compromise! Plus all the dial option, unlike the ExpI. I love mine!

[69mach351]

I love the dial choices for the air king, but it is too small for me. I like the Explorer because it is understated. I prefer the smooth bezel on it, but they are tougher to come by.

[Mephist]

Originally Posted by Tools

They both have a bracelet and a case

Great answer!

Originally Posted by jlc123

Which is a better watch? But the catch is... the Air King is the 114200, whereas the Explorer is the older 14270.

Anyway. Have you considered the Oyster Perpetual? It is 36mm and, well other then the dial choices I guess it is just the same as an Air-King or Explorer I.

[financeman]

I cant do that small of a watch so it is the explorer for me. They are both great watches

[davidoxman]

Air King all the way for me