Air King wait list

[7enderbender]

I actually find it surprising that there would be a waitlist for that model. It’s the Homer Simpson car of watches.

[Watch out]

I was at my AD in london a little while back. They showed me about 6 watches. One was an air king and another was an Explorer II (white dial). A friend was with me that day. He bought the air king and I bought the explorer II. His wife was present and bought a 31 OP.

My point is that these watches are readily available. You shouldn't have to wait any appreciable time for an air king. Do you have a good relationship with your AD with considerable spend? If you do, I would inquire as to why this hasn't happened yet.

[Watch out]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

I actually find it surprising that there would be a waitlist for that model. It’s the Homer Simpson car of watches.

Yes and no, lol. I agree he shouldn't have waited this long. Something isn't right.

As for the watch? I like them. I will add one to my collection down the road. Why these watches haven't been popular is a question. It's history as a pilot's watch going way back is enough for me. Although my go to aviation watch is the Pepsi GMT (also due to the Pan Am aviation heritage), the air king goes further back. Furthermore, the watch is a tank. The movement is essentially a milgause and is built to withstand the rigorous aviation environment.

So why it's considered the Homer Simpson of watch collecting is beyond me. The only reason I don't own one is because my friend who was with me when it was offered to me was present and he wanted it pretty bad.

It'll come around again, and yes, I will have it.

[CaptT]

OP - this is by no means a statement on the coolness of the new Air-King, but this shouldn’t be too hard to get directly from an AD, especially one with whom you have history.

This new iteration (126900) is really a near-perfect evolution of the model (crown guards, flip lock clasp, anti-reflective crystal, etc). I was fortunate to pick one up late 2022 as a walk in, and love it.

[GMTmatt]

Ask for a Submariner instead. The Air King will show up in a week.

[KidWiff]

I would be a 1st time buyer. Inquired about the Air King at 2 AD’s. Neither was very interested in talking about them with me but wanted to to discuss other offerings. If I wanted something else, I would have asked about them. Sorta frustrating.

[CedCraig]

I’m curious what you did to insult or anger the SA or AD 😏.

I got an AK in 6 months from an AD with whom I had no purchase history. I happened to be in Switzerland with that timeframe and registered my interest at Bucherer, Lucerne. I got an email about a year later (after I’d gotten the AK already) that one was waiting for me. So even as a foreign tourist with no purchase history and no likely further shopping, I could still get one.

[jb335]

Surprised by the wait length with 3 watch purchases under your belt.

Follow up in person and respectfully ask them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Watch out]

Originally Posted by KidWiff

I would be a 1st time buyer. Inquired about the Air King at 2 AD’s. Neither was very interested in talking about them with me but wanted to to discuss other offerings. If I wanted something else, I would have asked about them. Sorta frustrating.

That's the catch 22. How do you build a relationship when they won't sell you a watch. I was in your shoes once. I would go AD to AD and ask if they had any rolex watches for sale. Imagine some guy walking in off the street asking for a Hulk with no spend or relationship. Never got the call.

This is what changed things.I went into my AD and was honest and sincere. I wore a Rolex on my wrist and spent some time chatting about the various models in the lineup. They recognized i was sincere, knowledgeable, and took the conversation to the next level. I was asked which models I was after and explained that the GMT was in line with what I do for a living. I presented my business card and I was shown a few watches. I wound up with a GMT in yellow gold with a jubilee bracelet. (Love the watch by the way).

I have maintained a good relationship with them and have introduced friends to the AD, who have also bought watches in my presence. Through time, I and my good friends have been vetted and we are on first name basis when I enter the shop.

This is how it works. You dress the part, look like the kind of person that the AD wants to associate with. Know your watches.... be able to talk the talk. Be willing to sit down and look at/try pieces on and consider them for purchase. And don't ever, ever discuss after market value or flipping of any kind. I don't flip my watches. If an AD ever suspected that is your angle, you are done.

[KidWiff]

Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated. I find it a little frustrating that, as a nearly 60 year old guy, I need to do a song and dance to buy a watch… albeit a very nice watch. Understood on the discussion of market value or resale. Honestly, that’s the furthest thing from my mind. My son will end up with it once I can’t tell time any longer. So, if that’s what it takes, I guess I’ll have to play along. Again, I appreciate your input!

[OttoUnion]

Originally Posted by KidWiff

Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated. I find it a little frustrating that, as a nearly 60 year old guy, I need to do a song and dance to buy a watch… albeit a very nice watch. Understood on the discussion of market value or resale. Honestly, that’s the furthest thing from my mind. My son will end up with it once I can’t tell time any longer. So, if that’s what it takes, I guess I’ll have to play along. Again, I appreciate your input!

I hear you, sir! We attended a pre-Father's Day event at our AD and spoke with a Rolex rep about my interest in an Air King. He was carefully toeing the line "It could be months, it could be years". My wife joked (I hope!) "Next week is his 70th birthday, he may not be around years!" He looked a little startled when I added "I'm not going to kiss anyone's ass for the "privilege" of spending $7,500 for a watch". It took about (4) months to get my Air King.