Air King vs. Explorer I

[airkingII]

Aside from a price difference why should I buy one over the other? I on't know much about watches so any help appreciated.Thanks

[freshacejay]

Just a personal thing. I dont think either serve any purpose at all and i think the air-king is super lame so id go with the exp, but its your choice...

[Ed Rooney]

Originally Posted by freshacejay

Just a personal thing. I dont think either serve any purpose at all and i think the air-king is super lame so id go with the exp, but its your choice...

Both are great watches with the same movement, and anything but lame. The Ak might be a little dressier, especially with the gold(?) coronet. The Explorer has the mercedes hands and a really nice, clean dial. I love the 3-6-9 look, which you can get on either one. In my eyes the 3-6-9 plus the mercedes hands makes the Explorer more attractive, but I am fairly utilitarian and not into dress-up watches.

[karwath]

Another difference is that the Explorer is 36mm and the Air King is 34mm.

Also, there are dial options for the Air King. The Explorer comes in only one dial style.

[triplelake]

Personally, I think AirKing is more suited for the ladies.

[Downing]

I can see why you're attracted to both watches. I know I am.

In addition to the differences noted above, the new AKs have a beefier clasp than the Exp 1.

Overall, I'd go for the Exp 1. It's got the bigger dial and a proud history behind it. The AK is too small for my 8.25 wrist.

There's not a lot of information on the history of the AK, although I have seen references to it being sold to RAF pilots in India during WWI or II, I forget which.

In the end, it's a matter of personal choice. My advice is to try them both on, back and forth and back and forth, etc, during the same visit(s) to your AD to compare, don't rush your decision and get the one that you like the best.

[TimeOnHand]

I like the Explorer and the older Air Kings. I find the new Air Kings have very small hands, and I don't like that in a watch. The Explorer is a classic.

[Tools]

The Explorer, the Air-King, and the ND Sub all started life as the same watch.

In the early 50's Rolex noticed that people wanted to identify themselves with the watches they wore so unique dials were put on these Classics..

Pilots were already referring to their rugged Oyster cases and perpetual movements as Air-Kings, so the name stuck....The adventurer got the Explorer, and the already water proof Oyster case got a timing bezel giving the diver a unique and quality tool, the Submariner.

Without these watches Rolex would not be where they are today..

Go get a classic.........

[zak98]

i love my airking.

pic of it:

http://michaelluczak.com/tmp/p_series_airking.gif

plan on keeping it no matter what my next rolex purchase turns out to be...

thanks

mike

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Personally, I prefer the Explorer. It is such a classic watch, and the dial style and hands makes timetelling so easy, even at night since there is more lume on the hands (on the newer Explorers, the 3, 6 and 9 do NOT glow, though).

Besides that, the Explorer would also look better on my wrist better since it has a bigger case than the AK.

[Mrdi]

The Exp is the easiest to read of all the Rolex watches.
A true classic.
Does well with a suit too.

[SLR]

Not saying the watch is gender-biased, but my AD tells me a lot of women have been buying the Air King. Less so with the 36mm watches.

[freshacejay]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

... I am fairly utilitarian and not into dress-up watches.

I like both, sport for casual puposes and dressy for dressy events
The thing is, I must really admit, and I know many people will complain, rolex just doesnt know how to make dress watches.
They are USUALLY (not always) far too sporty and clunky. The oyster case is not a good dress case...
Any way just MHO...

So dont go all pissy

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by freshacejay

Just a personal thing. I dont think either serve any purpose at all and i think the air-king is super lame so id go with the exp, but its your choice...

the purpose they serve is to tell you the time...what purpose does your watch serve?

[freshacejay]

Originally Posted by mborkow

the purpose they serve is to tell you the time...what purpose does your watch serve?

Yeah, but since they dont look good at all (imo) AND they dont have a tool, duh all watches can tell the time...
Just not my cup of tea, but like I said, id go with the exp.

(Didnt I tell you not to get pissy....)

[Rawhyde]

Neither the Air King nor the Explorer are the proper watch for a supreme snob. Go for the Yachtmaster II (aka Clownmaster). It has a "tool" function, and more bling than a status craving person could possibly hope for.

Now with that out of the way, the Air King is a fine watch. I've enjoyed mine for the last 17 years. Recently, I have taken an interest in the Explorer (I). It might be my next Rolex (if a good deal on a red Sub doesn't materialize)

Rawhyde

[Incurable]

This would be my vote...



Classic Rolex look, very easy to read/uncluttered dial, smooth lines, comfortable wearing, equally at home outdoors or out to dinner. What's not to like...

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by freshacejay

Yeah, but since they dont look good at all (imo) AND they dont have a tool, duh all watches can tell the time...
Just not my cup of tea, but like I said, id go with the exp.

(Didnt I tell you not to get pissy....)

i'm pretty sure your watch has a tool (RME).

[Ed Rooney]

I think the Air-King name was a tribute to RAF pilots in the Battle of Britain.

[Ordell]

I think the pricing of as new Explorers is incredible at the moment. I've seen them around $2750 and for that money it is hard to beat, a few years ago the used price was at least $1,000 more.

Black dial, batton markers, and it feels fantastic on the wrist. It is a 'tough' Rolex.