Noob with the bug, Air King or Explorer as First

[Nikrnic]

I chose the AK over the Explorer. Wears more substantial and has that awesome dial. I guess it's a love or hate it thing for most. I did love it as a daily for a year then traded it for an Expll. Thought I'd replace it down the road but got a Milgauss. It's a great piece though and never dissapointed. I see your still thinking so Happy Choosing, both are sweet...

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[J-rob]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

Got a call today from the AD that they have an AK in stock. Guess I’ll go take a look. Have a feeling my heart may be on the Exp though.

Let us know what you think!

[Twovalvekid]

Thanks gents! I just have to keep a level head and if I don't like it....I don't like it. Need to remember to not be worried about hurting the ADs feelings. "I just don't like it." Is a good answer.

[escobar144]

I had a situation that was similar to yours. I chose between a OP39 and an Air King. I ended up getting the OP39. The dial was just too busy for me on the Air King. Idk why but every i look at the Air King it reminds me of those old harley davidson OP's

[nnigel46]

Explorer

[FreshPrince14]

Definitely go explorer first

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[173rdabn]

We're all wacko, don't listen to us. Get what makes YOU happy.

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by 173rdabn

We're all wacko, don't listen to us. Get what makes YOU happy.

Hahaha. Yup. I'm going to go in, and if i look down and go "damn that looks good," I'm walking out with it.

If i don't, i think i may actually "gain" some clout with the AD. The voicemail was definitely selling it up about how long it wont be here. So i may just say, sell it to someone who really wants it. I have a feeling ill still want an explorer and this one will just sit there as another watch.

[iliketime]

go explorer 1

[Twovalvekid]

Funny thing i noticed, the AK seems to be creeping up a little in value...

[Max7857]

I recently bought the Air King as my first Rolex and I love it. It fits and wears well and I can’t help staring at the dial. From the pictures I also really liked the Polar Explorer II so when I was in my AD on Monday I inquired about the Explorer and my SA said she had a black dial one in the safe I could try on. I really liked it a lot! The 42mm did not feel too big at all. It felt light and comfortable. I liked the black dial but really had the white in mind. She said would probably be the spring before a polar would be available but then if I didn’t like it I would probably have to wait on another black dial so I decided to buy the black dial.

I am glad I bought the Explorer II from the standpoint that I will not hesitate to wear it as an everyday watch without concerns of the regular scratches, wear and tear, etc. The Air King on the other hand I am just too fascinated/mesmerized with to wear everyday without abandon and will therefore become more of an occasional watch. I will definitely wear it enough to enjoy but not for home improvement projects etc. This is the only watch I have ever felt this way about and I have several other nice watches although not Rolex. Perhaps this will change after some of the newness wears off but I don't think so.

In Summary if this is your one and only watch go with the Explorer but if you have alternative watches to rotate you will not be disappointed with the Air King. Either way you can’t go wrong. Good luck with your decision.

[Watchflair]

They are both very similar watches - really difference in my opinion comes down to you wanting the pop of color with the Airking.

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by Max7857

I recently bought the Air King as my first Rolex and I love it. It fits and wears well and I can’t help staring at the dial. From the pictures I also really liked the Polar Explorer II so when I was in my AD on Monday I inquired about the Explorer and my SA said she had a black dial one in the safe I could try on. I really liked it a lot! The 42mm did not feel too big at all. It felt light and comfortable. I liked the black dial but really had the white in mind. She said would probably be the spring before a polar would be available but then if I didn’t like it I would probably have to wait on another black dial so I decided to buy the black dial.

I am glad I bought the Explorer II from the standpoint that I will not hesitate to wear it as an everyday watch without concerns of the regular scratches, wear and tear, etc. The Air King on the other hand I am just too fascinated/mesmerized with to wear everyday without abandon and will therefore become more of an occasional watch. I will definitely wear it enough to enjoy but not for home improvement projects etc. This is the only watch I have ever felt this way about and I have several other nice watches although not Rolex. Perhaps this will change after some of the newness wears off but I don't think so.

In Summary if this is your one and only watch go with the Explorer but if you have alternative watches to rotate you will not be disappointed with the Air King. Either way you can’t go wrong. Good luck with your decision.

Good way of putting it. It isn't my one and only (have a Longines Hydroconquest and a Hamilton Field Auto). That's what strikes me about the AK is the pop of color.

Originally Posted by Watchflair

They are both very similar watches - really difference in my opinion comes down to you wanting the pop of color with the Airking.

Yep, see above. It's what originally draw me to it. I think I'd be "happy" either way. I guess it's really how much the color stands out in person. And I like that the AK's I see now online in greys have kind of picked up in pricing. Something about having the "quirky" model Rolex and potential upside. But I totally understand seeing it in person. The green may look like a lot in pics, but may be underwhelming in person and be a nice touch.


The other thing is I'm flat out going to tell the AD at the end of either transaction (whether I don't like it and get an exp later) that I want a BLNR.

[Twovalvekid]

New incoming thread when I get home! Another example of why you go look in person. The dial is MUCH less busy and much more understated than in pics. The minute numbers seem smaller than pics online I’ve seen. And with the stainless 3-6-9, those three numbers almost disappear at a distance.

Owner of the AD came in and had one on. And on his wrist it looked great and nowhere near as flashy in person. The green is also barely noticeable on the black dial and you have to really look for it.

I am officially a Rolex owner. :D

And happy.

[garbanzo]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

I am officially a Rolex owner. :D

And happy.

Congrats ! An excellent choice.

[Max7857]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

New incoming thread when I get home! Another example of why you go look in person. The dial is MUCH less busy and much more understated than in pics. The minute numbers seem smaller than pics online I’ve seen. And with the stainless 3-6-9, those three numbers almost disappear at a distance.

Owner of the AD came in and had one on. And on his wrist it looked great and nowhere near as flashy in person. The green is also barely noticeable on the black dial and you have to really look for it.

I am officially a Rolex owner. :D

And happy.

Congratulations!! I think you made a wise decision. Wear it in good health.

[shooter.silva]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

Explorer. You will regret the airking

Why??? I have one and I love it


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[bazin]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

Funny thing i noticed, the AK seems to be creeping up a little in value...

*****
That's correct with the AK II......a couple of months ago 5-10% below MSRP..........and now MSRP to plus 10% on MSRP.....
It has moved as a wallflower to the dance floor.......
It is the only Rolex tool watch with one/double digit figures on the dial
As a true flight/instrument watch it shares the anti magnetic features (and the case) of the Milgauss without its $ 1k higher price.
The AK history starts in 1945 as a honor of Rolex to the English RAF pilots fighting in WW II.
This AK II probably will not been produced for a long time imo plus even possibly a change or production stop with Basel 2021.....
It is the only Rolex with the Rolex crown in yellow and the Rolex name and sec. pointer in green....both synonymous for the 2 Rolextrademark colours and up till now it is produced in very low/minor numbers!!!
Altogether ingredients for a valued future classic .........?

[bazin]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

And with the stainless 3-6-9, those three numbers almost disappear at a distance.

*****
It is white gold...!

[TMEwatch11]

Choose one that gives you the best satisfaction

[JonaG]

Originally Posted by Twovalvekid

Fair points. Why im scared to walk into the AD. If they had both, I'd walk out with one.

Sounds like something Holden Caulfield would say. I started with a 114270 Explorer for the reasons you said, the simplicity and the heritage (though I don’t quite buy into that now). The AK is a cool watch. My first foray into automatic was actually a Longines albeit a 1959 15 jewel dress watch, I have a soft spot for that brand. You should go with the one that feels right on the wrist...we can’t help you there!

Sorry, I didn’t realise there were 5 pages of replies. Great choice, looks great. Congratulations!

[Duke of Dulwich]

Congratulations on your purchase. I own an Air King and absolutely love it.

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by Okami

*****
That's correct with the AK II......a couple of months ago 5-10% below MSRP..........and now MSRP to plus 10% on MSRP.....
It has moved as a wallflower to the dance floor.......
It is the only Rolex tool watch with one/double digit figures on the dial
As a true flight/instrument watch it shares the anti magnetic features (and the case) of the Milgauss without its $ 1k higher price.
The AK history starts in 1945 as a honor of Rolex to the English RAF pilots fighting in WW II.
This AK II probably will not been produced for a long time imo plus even possibly a change or production stop with Basel 2021.....
It is the only Rolex with the Rolex crown in yellow and the Rolex name and sec. pointer in green....both synonymous for the 2 Rolextrademark colours and up till now it is produced in very low/minor numbers!!!
Altogether ingredients for a valued future classic .........?

A lot of this is why I like it. And when I looked yesterday on chrono24, it didn't "help" sway me against not getting the AK. lol.

Originally Posted by Okami

*****
It is white gold...!

Whaaaat? Now I feel dumb.

Originally Posted by TMEwatch11

Choose one that gives you the best satisfaction

Yup. Firm believer in that.

Originally Posted by JonaG

Sounds like something Holden Caulfield would say. I started with a 114270 Explorer for the reasons you said, the simplicity and the heritage (though I don’t quite buy into that now). The AK is a cool watch. My first foray into automatic was actually a Longines albeit a 1959 15 jewel dress watch, I have a soft spot for that brand. You should go with the one that feels right on the wrist...we can’t help you there!

Sorry, I didn’t realise there were 5 pages of replies. Great choice, looks great. Congratulations!

Hahahahaa. It's all good! Actually the watch I had on yesterday was the Longines new 41mm Hydroconquest!

[Bluside]

Congratulations. Thanks for posting the picture.

[crewsin]

Congrats and wear it in good health, indeed we are EXTREMELY fortunate to be able to own things like this. I'd be interested in you reporting back in 6 months to let us know how you're getting on with it (or if you sold it lol).

[Twovalvekid]

Originally Posted by crewsin

Congrats and wear it in good health, indeed we are EXTREMELY fortunate to be able to own things like this. I'd be interested in you reporting back in 6 months to let us know how you're getting on with it (or if you sold it lol).

Hahaha. Ill be keeping it. I told the AD at the end of everything when he asked what I wanted next that I wanted a BLNR and my set would be complete. He said he'd keep an eye out.