Build difference between Air King and Explorer I

[unlisted]

Other than the case size, hands, and dial differences, what is the build difference? In terms of quality/functionality.

In terms of movement is the Air King's inferior in any way? Does it have the Parachrom hairspring?

Not meaning to sound ignorant, I just am not as seasoned as many here are.

I am wanting to buy new and really like the Explorer I, but miss the 36mm size. The 34mm size of the Air King is very understated and humble and probably fits my ticket a little better, but I figure if the Explorer is built better I can look past the size difference.

[Tools]

The Air-King and the Explorer have always shared the exact same movement, with the only real differences being cosmetic and 34 vs 36mm size.

The newest Explorer 39 is completely different with the Explorer 39 having it's own unique movement and case.

As to build quality/functionality, you could say that all Rolexes share the same build quality and show you the time..

[Mickey®]

Airking is cooler and way cheaper.

[McLovin]

Don't overlook the 36mm Oyster Perpetual

[unlisted]

Originally Posted by Tools

As to build quality/functionality, you could say that all Rolexes share the same build quality and show you the time..

Thanks for all of the info!

I suppose using "quality" was a poor choice of words. I meant more "Which one will take more of a beating".

It may be a mental illusion though... I guess just off the top of my head I expect say a DSSD to take more of a beating than a DateJust or a Daytona.

I can totally understand one side of the coin being that almost every Rolex (especially the Professional line) is made to specs far beyond what it will probably see in it's lifetime, but I can also understand the "Well, why even buy a Rolex if you aren't going for above and beyond?"... I guess my conscious just wants to make sure that I am not buying a particular Rolex that is anything short of the other one in debate.

[unlisted]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Don't overlook the 36mm Oyster Perpetual

Great, now I am all over the place!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by unlisted

. . .
It may be a mental illusion though... I guess just off the top of my head I expect say a DSSD to take more of a beating than a DateJust or a Daytona.

...

Yes, it is an illusion. Since most Rolex use the same movement, they are each as durable as the other.

A DSSD is unlikey to be able to take any more of a beating than a Datejust before it fails - it's just a different outter shell.

The Daytona has extra pushers and many more integrated parts, so might not be able to handle as many hard knocks,but will still last a lifetime..

back on track somewhat, the 36mm Oyster Perpetual uses the same movement as the Air King. You should be looking for the watch you want to wear on your wrist and not worry about any unmeasurable differences (if there are any) in durability..

[unlisted]

Originally Posted by Tools

Yes, it is an illusion.

Thanks for helping me get over it quicker.

[joe100]

The AirKing will serve you just as well as an Explorer. Also the AK has the distinction of being the longest, consistently produced model in their line. The AK was introduced in 1945 beating out the DateJust by a few months.

[Bulldurham08]

I think some AK vs. ExpII pics would make this thread 1000x better ; )

[joe100]

I totally agree Kyle. I have an AK but sadly I don't have an Explorer to compare

[HRV]

both too small for me but i like the old exp 1