A Modern classic “Sleeper” watch!

[Watchgeek5000]

To me, this is why the Air King 116900 has become my favorite Rolex! Some may agree, others may disagree. At the very least it will explain to those who don’t know ....why no O along side the 5?
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/modern-...-1000-mph-car/

[csaltphoto]

Speedometer goes up to 11!

[AF_Rob]

I'm in the disagree camp. I don't like it at all. Thanks for the read though! it slightly changes my opinion about it. Do you intend to pick one up, OP?

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I'm in the disagree camp. I don't like it at all. Thanks for the read though! it slightly changes my opinion about it. Do you intend to pick one up, OP?

I have one and love it! Hated it when it first came out until I took a good look at it. To me it has perfect proportions with the thickness of the Milgauss case but yet the all brushed bracelet. For me it wears perfect. I honestly feel like this watch has what it takes to be a classic. Totally different from most of line out there today.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

Speedometer goes up to 11!

Lol, “Why not make 10 the fastest”?
“Because this one goes up to 11”!

[Matteo E]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

Speedometer goes up to 11!

[Thuilln]

I’ll never get over the fact that this Air King is associated with a car...

[MSchu]

Modern classic... no one knows. All I know is it is a great unique watch.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

I’ll never get over the fact that this Air King is associated with a car...

Land rocket! Never seen a car that looks like that before. Would imagine a rocket vehicle like that would have a jet dash, not a traditional car dashboard.

[APPRF]

So then lets call this model the Bloodhound Air King to differentiate it from older models.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by APPRF

So then lets call this model the Bloodhound Air King to differentiate it from older models.

I’ve been calling it that, lol. Surprised it hasn’t been referred to as that from day one. “Bloodhound SSC” sounds better than most of the other nick names.

[sdiver68]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

I’ll never get over the fact that this Air King is associated with a car...

Or that the Rolex Oyster which served in the RAF during WW2 was a car racing marketed model the Speed King. The Air series were created as a tribute to the fact that Pilots wore car racing watches.

[APPRF]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

I’ve been calling it that, lol. Surprised it hasn’t been referred to as that from day one. “Bloodhound SSC” sounds better than most of the other nick names.

I hope more people do, and the name would catch on. A member on another forum used Bloodhound Air King in the title of his thread. I like the nickname, and will start using it from now on.

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

Lol, “Why not make 10 the fastest”?
“Because this one goes up to 11”!

When they need that extra little push over the cliff.

[jvb.nc]

i recall another member posting about this before.

apparently the instruments were returned to rolex.

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

I’ll never get over the fact that this Air King is associated with a car...

The car is basically an aeroplane that just about manages to keep its undercarriage on the ground to spin the drive-less wheels. And it’s piloted by an RAF fighter pilot, and it’s engine is a jet engine from a Tyohoon fighter.

So Air King is probably a better fit than the Daytona.

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by jvb.nc

i recall another member posting about this before.

apparently the instruments were returned to rolex.

Oh, why was that? Maybe they didn’t have room for them in the end?

[jvb.nc]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

Oh, why was that? Maybe they didn’t have room for them in the end?

IIRC (which is possibly me just being dumb), there was some issue with the actual vehicle and it ended up not being a viable machine, or something. someone contacted the company who explained to them that they were no longer involved in the project, that the car had been dismantled, and that the two rolex instruments were shipped back to rolex per an agreement.

[Dsmith1974]

I had t heard that. I know they almost went bankrupt until an investor enthusiast joined in. As far as I know the race is still on.


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[NardinNut]

This thread needs pics


I’ll admit that when I received mine I was underwhelmed. Now that I’ve been wearing it the past two days I’m starting to appreciate it’s “quirks and features”

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by APPRF

So then lets call this model the Bloodhound Air King to differentiate it from older models.

Originally Posted by NardinNut

This thread needs pics


I’ll admit that when I received mine I was underwhelmed. Now that I’ve been wearing it the past two days I’m starting to appreciate it’s “quirks and features”

Every time I try to post a photo is says my files are too large!
Great photo!

[Nikrnic]

Can't unsee the 05 that should of been there.
I loved mine as a daily for a year but made a quick move and traded it for a new Polar.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[alphasports]

Mine lasted 2 weeks. 3-6-9 should have been 15-30-45, and everything should be lumed, then it would make some sense.

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

To me, this is why the Air King 116900 has become my favorite Rolex! Some may agree, others may disagree. At the very least it will explain to those who don’t know ....why no O along side the 5?
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/modern-...-1000-mph-car/

Please explain, I haven’t seen anything about that..

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

Please explain, I haven’t seen anything about that..

Are you referring to the “why isn’t there an 05 instead of just 5? If so, many people have said it would have been more balanced with an 05, but the original speedometer on the Bloodhound just had a 5. If not that, I’m not sure what you need explained?

[Bob_Loblaw]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

Speedometer goes up to 11!

I understand the origins of "turning it up to 11." It has always seemed confining to me. I like the concept:
0 to >0

[Bob_Loblaw]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

...it will explain to those who don’t know ....why no O along side the 5...the Bloodhound just had a 5. If not that, I’m not sure what you need explained?

The absence of a zero before the "5" on the AirKing may be a result of the Bloodhound. However, the linked blog post gives no explanation as to "why no O along side the 5" on the Bloodhound.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by Bob_Loblaw

The absence of a zero before the "5" on the AirKing may be a result of the Bloodhound. However, the linked blog post gives no explanation as to "why no O along side the 5" on the Bloodhound.

O, ok I understand what your saying. I guess they just wanted it to be functional and didn’t put much thought into it being balanced or aesthetically pleasing. Probably were not thinking it was going to be used as a watch dial.

[mykii]

I think it will be an unusual reference for the baroque collector, and certainly not a bad daily either.

[Bob_Loblaw]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

O, ok I understand what your saying. I guess they just wanted it to be functional and didn’t put much thought into it being balanced or aesthetically pleasing. Probably were not thinking it was going to be used as a watch dial.

I would guess that at speeds anywhere near, not to mention above, Mach 1 that Occam's Razor plays a significant role. Just as an analog watch is easier to read (as is mentioned in the linked article) so, too, would be a "5" instead of "05". In the absence of evidence, we are just guessing.