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Thomas · 19 December 2007, 05:42 AM

We have all seen the posts referring to the Air King as "entry level" The Air King is a classic and great watch. Please remember while it may be the least expensive men's Rolex that
EVERY company has an "entry level" item in their line of products.

Just my 2 cents worth, maybe less!

Tom

DATEJUSTSS · 19 December 2007, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas

We have all seen the posts referring to the Air King as "entry level" The Air King is a classic and great watch. Please remember while it may be the least expensive men's Rolex that
EVERY company has an "entry level" item in their line of products.

Just my 2 cents worth, maybe less!

Tom

I happen to love the newest models with blue indices at 3, 6 and 9. Killer classy watch.

f16570 · 19 December 2007, 05:45 AM

Concur.
It is not entry level it is a Rolex.
Is the A Class not a Mercedes, Boxter not a Porsche, Freelander not a LandRover?
I rest this case.

f

Tools · 19 December 2007, 05:56 AM

There's no "entry level" Rolex...

The Air King and Explorer stand on their own, and they are very popular watches.

Their size is a standard mans size watch (34-36 mm) and they don't have the bling of a Date Just. They are a high quality, normal, mans watch..

$5,000 bucks to "enter" the Rolex club....I don't think so...

Mrdi · 19 December 2007, 06:04 AM

The dial on the Explorer is the same diameter as the Sub.
The only difference in overall diameter between the two is
the width of the bezel.
The Exp also has the added benefit of 3-6-9,
and NO Date......
making it the easiest in the Rolex line to read.

Those of you with several Sport watches may want to pull out your calipers and see how close all of the actual dials are in diameter.

zak98 · 19 December 2007, 06:06 AM

i love my airking.

Welshwatchman · 19 December 2007, 06:14 AM

I have an "entry level" Sub with the Airking movement.

I love it.

Defiancekofb · 19 December 2007, 06:17 AM

When a person says an Airking is an entry level rolex, you should ask them where THEIR rolex is.

f16570 · 19 December 2007, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Defiancekofb

When a person says an Airking is an entry level rolex, you should ask them where THEIR rolex is.

So right

f

Scooby · 19 December 2007, 06:32 AM

First of all, that is a gorgeous AK Zak. Just love the dial.

Second, I think when people say "entry level", they are referring to affordability. 3 grand rather than 5 or more. It is an affordable "entry" into the world of Rolex. I don't believe it is used as a term of derision.

Downing · 19 December 2007, 06:33 AM

The AK is definitely not "entry level" in my mind, but for my taste at 34mm it's too small for my 8-inch wrist.

If it were a 40mm watch, I'd almost certainly be wearing one now or at least adding it to my collection.

The older my eyes get, the smaller and somewhat fuzzier my watches appear.

bfh · 19 December 2007, 06:38 AM

I too 'bah humbug' the entry-level label. They're great looking clean watches, who cares what anyone else thinks. I've got an Explorer (over an AK) only because the Exp is a little bigger, my personal preference.

Thomas · 19 December 2007, 06:40 AM

How exactly does a DateJust have "bling"? Seems to be a pretty simple watch to me.

time · 19 December 2007, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas

How exactly does a DateJust have "bling"? Seems to be a pretty simple watch to me.

DJ does not have bling. Classic rolex 36mm design.

mopsey · 19 December 2007, 07:06 AM

Agreed. My 34mm oyster date is one of the cheaper models but i would never consider it 'entry'.

GoldenBear · 19 December 2007, 07:10 AM

I guess "entry level" depends on who says it and what they mean by it. Every brand has lower priced models...doesn't take anything away from the brand. It may not be an all-Gold Submariner, but it's still a Rolex.

CEG · 19 December 2007, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by time

DJ does not have bling. Classic rolex 36mm design.

Some are me thinks - and this is tame compared to some......

DJ bling.jpg

SPACE-DWELLER · 19 December 2007, 08:04 AM

Entry level or not, the AK rulez!

Good call that Rolex chose to still manufacture that model, albeit in an updated version!

Tools · 19 December 2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by time

DJ does not have bling. Classic rolex 36mm design.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas

How exactly does a DateJust have "bling"? Seems to be a pretty simple watch to me.

We're talking about Air-Kings..

Compared to them, the typical DJ is a bling watch...

These are a couple.....typical....probably more of these sold than any other Rolex....

gtbike72 · 19 December 2007, 08:43 AM

it still a rolex and cost lots of $$$$.$$

Haroldglen · 19 December 2007, 10:43 AM

Excellent post. The AK is not to be considered an entry level watch....the retail price of the domed/smooth bezel AK is $3,800 and closer to $5,000 for a gold fluted bezel. Hardly an 'entry level watch'. With the inevitable Rolex price increase that will occur in 2008 the basic AK will probably be more than $4,000. Previous posts on this Forum show that some people prefer the AK over other models, regardless of the price. The May, 2007, redesign is probably responsible for that.

Rolex seems to have put a lot of time and energy into the new AK. Therefore, I think it will be around a long time and its popularity is bound to increase. The 2007 redesign was a significant change for any Rolex model, as far as Rolex changes go. The entire watch now has a sculptured, modern, look. True, it is still 34 mm, but it looks larger than it did before and I believe it is the same size as the Rolex Date (not DJ, which is 36mm) and also the same as many other watches (e.g., Longines, etc.). There are now many '07 AK dial options and it has the "Explorer" style dial and no one can say anything bad about the Explorer! There seems to be a consensus on this Forum that the domed/smooth bezel looks best on the AK, and I think the silver dial with luminescent bar hour markers is one of the most stunning, but others like the blue dial, which is just as stunning. The AK, without the cyclops/date, has a very clean look.

Most importantly, the AK is a Rolex and Rolex does not skimp on any model......still an Oyster case; the movement is the same as in the Explorer and Sub w/o date; still over 200 components and over 150 moving parts; still all made in-house by Rolex; still the most durable watch made today; still will last a lifetime if taken care of; and still......a Rolex!

marshallr47 · 19 December 2007, 10:52 AM

Zak, that's a great looking Air King. As mentioned above. A Rolex is a Rolex is a Rolex.

Travis · 19 December 2007, 11:17 AM

I think people are confusing "entry-level" with "cheap". The Air King, I believe, is Rolex's least expensive watch. That makes it Rolex's entry-level offering. The AK is a great watch, costs plenty of money, and is a real Rolex. It can be all of those things and still be "entry-level".

As far as watches in general go, a $12.95 Wal-Mart special is "entry-level". However, as far as Rolex models go, the Air King is the "entry-level".

stewie · 19 December 2007, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

There's no "entry level" Rolex...

The Air King and Explorer stand on their own, and they are very popular watches.

Their size is a standard mans size watch (34-36 mm) and they don't have the bling of a Date Just. They are a high quality, normal, mans watch..

$5,000 bucks to "enter" the Rolex club....I don't think so...

yep i agree with ya

eduardogmtii · 19 December 2007, 11:34 AM

Rolex is Rolex is Rolex...

the movement in my opinion warrants the high price tag. Precious metals and stones, in my opinion dont add much to a watch. To me the AirKing is a great watch. very elegant, classic, and certainly not entry level. I dont think anything Rolex is Entry Level.

Rawhyde · 19 December 2007, 12:13 PM

The Air King is a fine watch with a great history. I have had 17 years of faithful service from mine, and as an added bonus, I can sell it for four times what I gave for it!

Occasionally, a jaded snob has something bad to say about Air Kings but they're generally well liked around here!

Rawhyde

whiskyguy · 19 December 2007, 12:21 PM

Bought this one for the wife (at 34mm it is a little small for my wrist) But I love the blue dial almost kept it for myself

Cheers,
Adam

SSD · 19 December 2007, 12:38 PM

I remember when Rayhyde bought his AK. Folks told him he was crazy to spend that money on a "plain" watch when Seiko (Just for instance, no finger pointing!

) had nicer models for the same price. Well, first off I never liked those trendy-styled (now dated, and mostly broken down) 80's "look" models, and felt his AK looked timeless even back then. Now, like he said, he can sell it for four times his cost, it STILL looks just as nice, and those same people try to cover up the fact they had such silly watches. Probably hide them under their folding sunglasses or something, after the gold-plating rubbed off.

So NOW what was entry level, and what was not? Just taking a pot-shot at the past, couldn't help but notice some things remain true. Gotta love an AK!

DS/B MINI S · 19 December 2007, 01:17 PM

I think the Air King is a nice watch. I don't get caught up in the entry level stuff. As some of the other folks said...It's a Rolex

GR8YT · 21 December 2007, 05:38 AM

I have allways loved the Air-Kings! I think the reason they are considered 'less Rolex' are only because of their physical size (34mm). That's why I would love to see an Air-King II, the size of a Milgauss. The size of the Milgauss combined with the classic looks of the Air-King would make a perfect Rolex IMHO!

19 December 2007, 05:42 AM	#1
Thomas Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Posts: 625	Air King and "entry level" We have all seen the posts referring to the Air King as "entry level" The Air King is a classic and great watch. Please remember while it may be the least expensive men's Rolex that EVERY company has an "entry level" item in their line of products. Just my 2 cents worth, maybe less! Tom

19 December 2007, 06:06 AM	#6
zak98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: TN Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,166	i love my airking. __________________ Z- Submariner; P- Airking; R- DateJust; M- GMTII; C0 - Milgauss GV Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46 Omega Speedmaster Racing Panerai PAM390

19 December 2007, 06:14 AM	#7
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	I have an "entry level" Sub with the Airking movement. I love it. __________________ ..33

19 December 2007, 06:33 AM	#11
Downing "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Downing Location: Portland, Oregon Watch: SD ExpII GO Nav ND Posts: 1,640	The AK is definitely not "entry level" in my mind, but for my taste at 34mm it's too small for my 8-inch wrist. If it were a 40mm watch, I'd almost certainly be wearing one now or at least adding it to my collection. The older my eyes get, the smaller and somewhat fuzzier my watches appear. __________________ One if by land, one if by sea, one if by air and one uh, just to tell time. Rolex Explorer II White Rolex Sea-Dweller Glashütte Original Navigator Panerai 183 G Black Seal

19 December 2007, 06:40 AM	#13
Thomas Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Posts: 625	DateJust and "bling" How exactly does a DateJust have "bling"? Seems to be a pretty simple watch to me.

19 December 2007, 05:45 AM	#3
f16570 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: F Location: Scotland Watch: Exp II White Face Posts: 4,272	Concur. It is not entry level it is a Rolex. Is the A Class not a Mercedes, Boxter not a Porsche, Freelander not a LandRover? I rest this case. f

19 December 2007, 05:56 AM	#4
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,494	There's no "entry level" Rolex... The Air King and Explorer stand on their own, and they are very popular watches. Their size is a standard mans size watch (34-36 mm) and they don't have the bling of a Date Just. They are a high quality, normal, mans watch.. $5,000 bucks to "enter" the Rolex club....I don't think so...

19 December 2007, 06:04 AM	#5
Mrdi Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Posts: 3,478	The dial on the Explorer is the same diameter as the Sub. The only difference in overall diameter between the two is the width of the bezel. The Exp also has the added benefit of 3-6-9, and NO Date...... making it the easiest in the Rolex line to read. Those of you with several Sport watches may want to pull out your calipers and see how close all of the actual dials are in diameter.

19 December 2007, 06:17 AM	#8
Defiancekofb "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: US Posts: 1,999	When a person says an Airking is an entry level rolex, you should ask them where THEIR rolex is.

19 December 2007, 06:32 AM	#10
Scooby Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Darren Location: Virginia, USA Watch: GMT Posts: 923	First of all, that is a gorgeous AK Zak. Just love the dial. Second, I think when people say "entry level", they are referring to affordability. 3 grand rather than 5 or more. It is an affordable "entry" into the world of Rolex. I don't believe it is used as a term of derision.

19 December 2007, 06:38 AM	#12
bfh Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: usofa Watch: SS Subdate Posts: 171	I too 'bah humbug' the entry-level label. They're great looking clean watches, who cares what anyone else thinks. I've got an Explorer (over an AK) only because the Exp is a little bigger, my personal preference.

19 December 2007, 07:06 AM	#15
mopsey "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Martin Location: London Watch: Sub,Exp2,BlkBy,SD Posts: 1,258	Agreed. My 34mm oyster date is one of the cheaper models but i would never consider it 'entry'.

19 December 2007, 07:10 AM	#16
GoldenBear "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Francisco Watch: Submariner Posts: 2,480	I guess "entry level" depends on who says it and what they mean by it. Every brand has lower priced models...doesn't take anything away from the brand. It may not be an all-Gold Submariner, but it's still a Rolex. __________________ ____________________________________________ Rolex Blue TT Submariner Rolex SS Submariner Breitling Emergency Mission They are just watches, wear 'em. ____________________________________________

19 December 2007, 08:04 AM	#18
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	Entry level or not, the AK rulez! Good call that Rolex chose to still manufacture that model, albeit in an updated version! __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

19 December 2007, 08:43 AM	#20
gtbike72 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: j Location: LA Posts: 1,144	it still a rolex and cost lots of $$$$.$$

19 December 2007, 10:43 AM	#21
Haroldglen "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Harold Location: Ohio Watch: Rolex Datejust Posts: 75	Excellent post. The AK is not to be considered an entry level watch....the retail price of the domed/smooth bezel AK is $3,800 and closer to $5,000 for a gold fluted bezel. Hardly an 'entry level watch'. With the inevitable Rolex price increase that will occur in 2008 the basic AK will probably be more than $4,000. Previous posts on this Forum show that some people prefer the AK over other models, regardless of the price. The May, 2007, redesign is probably responsible for that. Rolex seems to have put a lot of time and energy into the new AK. Therefore, I think it will be around a long time and its popularity is bound to increase. The 2007 redesign was a significant change for any Rolex model, as far as Rolex changes go. The entire watch now has a sculptured, modern, look. True, it is still 34 mm, but it looks larger than it did before and I believe it is the same size as the Rolex Date (not DJ, which is 36mm) and also the same as many other watches (e.g., Longines, etc.). There are now many '07 AK dial options and it has the "Explorer" style dial and no one can say anything bad about the Explorer! There seems to be a consensus on this Forum that the domed/smooth bezel looks best on the AK, and I think the silver dial with luminescent bar hour markers is one of the most stunning, but others like the blue dial, which is just as stunning. The AK, without the cyclops/date, has a very clean look. Most importantly, the AK is a Rolex and Rolex does not skimp on any model......still an Oyster case; the movement is the same as in the Explorer and Sub w/o date; still over 200 components and over 150 moving parts; still all made in-house by Rolex; still the most durable watch made today; still will last a lifetime if taken care of; and still......a Rolex!

19 December 2007, 10:52 AM	#22
marshallr47 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Real Name: Ron Location: Alabama Watch: Daytona,TT Sub,GMT Posts: 4,673	Zak, that's a great looking Air King. As mentioned above. A Rolex is a Rolex is a Rolex. __________________ Ron

19 December 2007, 11:17 AM	#23
Travis "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Austin, TX Watch: SS Sub Posts: 109	I think people are confusing "entry-level" with "cheap". The Air King, I believe, is Rolex's least expensive watch. That makes it Rolex's entry-level offering. The AK is a great watch, costs plenty of money, and is a real Rolex. It can be all of those things and still be "entry-level". As far as watches in general go, a $12.95 Wal-Mart special is "entry-level". However, as far as Rolex models go, the Air King is the "entry-level".

19 December 2007, 11:34 AM	#25
eduardogmtii "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Eduardo Location: Washington D.C. Watch: rolex gmt ii, Posts: 138	Rolex is Rolex is Rolex... the movement in my opinion warrants the high price tag. Precious metals and stones, in my opinion dont add much to a watch. To me the AirKing is a great watch. very elegant, classic, and certainly not entry level. I dont think anything Rolex is Entry Level.

19 December 2007, 12:13 PM	#26
Rawhyde Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Craig Location: NW Georgia Watch: Blue Sub+Tud Chron Posts: 834	The Air King is a fine watch with a great history. I have had 17 years of faithful service from mine, and as an added bonus, I can sell it for four times what I gave for it! Occasionally, a jaded snob has something bad to say about Air Kings but they're generally well liked around here! Rawhyde

19 December 2007, 12:21 PM	#27
whiskyguy "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 666	Air-King is a fantastic Watch Bought this one for the wife (at 34mm it is a little small for my wrist) But I love the blue dial almost kept it for myself Cheers, Adam

19 December 2007, 12:38 PM	#28
SSD "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Jamie Location: Georgia Watch: Stainless Sub Date Posts: 3,023	I remember when Rayhyde bought his AK. Folks told him he was crazy to spend that money on a "plain" watch when Seiko (Just for instance, no finger pointing! ) had nicer models for the same price. Well, first off I never liked those trendy-styled (now dated, and mostly broken down) 80's "look" models, and felt his AK looked timeless even back then. Now, like he said, he can sell it for four times his cost, it STILL looks just as nice, and those same people try to cover up the fact they had such silly watches. Probably hide them under their folding sunglasses or something, after the gold-plating rubbed off. So NOW what was entry level, and what was not? Just taking a pot-shot at the past, couldn't help but notice some things remain true. Gotta love an AK! __________________ SUBMARINER OWNERS' CLUB ESTABLISHED 1953 TRF Member # 5464

19 December 2007, 01:17 PM	#29
DS/B MINI S "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Mike Location: Charlotte NC Watch: SD & Exp II Posts: 961	I think the Air King is a nice watch. I don't get caught up in the entry level stuff. As some of the other folks said...It's a Rolex __________________ 16600 Sea-Dweller 16570 Explorer II (White Dial)

21 December 2007, 05:38 AM	#30
GR8YT Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 174	I have allways loved the Air-Kings! I think the reason they are considered 'less Rolex' are only because of their physical size (34mm). That's why I would love to see an Air-King II, the size of a Milgauss. The size of the Milgauss combined with the classic looks of the Air-King would make a perfect Rolex IMHO!

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