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AIR-KING Owners Club

21842 Views 115 Replies 40 Participants Last post by  Rolexed
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I'm new on the forums, but it seems like the Air-King doesn't get enough love around here. So I thought I'd put up an Air-King owners club thread and see what happens...

When I decided I needed (NEEDED I say) a Rolex I started looked at the Datejust. But no matter how hard I looked nothing I saw "spoke to me." Then, randomly, I saw a photo of the Rolex Air-King 114234 with the silver face and orange Arabic numbers. The first thought that passed through my mind was, "That's a sexy watch." Not once had I said that about a Datejust.

After drooling over the watch for a couple of months Govberg had a great sale on a used Air-King with box and papers. It was literally Christmas Eve 2017. My wife was so tired of listening to me agonize over the watch and how good a deal it was that she bought it for me as a Christmas gift. I win!

Photos:
Analog watch Watch Watch accessory Fashion accessory Wrist
Analog watch Watch accessory Watch Fashion accessory Silver


Having owned the Air-King for about a year, I've realized that I love the simplicity of it. I can wear it casually or as a dress watch without any problem. And the lack of a date complication is a huge plus in my book. In fact I have since decided that I won't buy a watch WITH a date. The date breaks the symmetry of the watch face. (I really hate when the date is squeezed in between the four and five markers.)

This decision makes it a lot harder to find new watches that I need (NEED I say) to own. I did pick up a Longines Avigation Big Eye, which is another story of self torture. But this thread is supposed to be about Air-Kings... so, please, tell us your story. I'm particularly interested in how folks decided on buying the new Air-King. My mind still isn't made up on it...
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This thread needs more pictures. Here's mine.

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That's the new Air-King. It's a 40mm watch, right? I'm still on the fence if I like it or not. I'm a fan of the green coloring and the raised 3, 6, 9. But there's still something that makes me pause. It wins hands down over a Datejust... what made you pull the trigger?

Thanks for the photo.
Simple, I liked the look (emotive answer). But here's the rational answer:
1. The Air King pre-dates all of the popular sports watches and can trace it's lineage back to 1945. This latest iteration is 70 years since the first Air King was made and I believe will not be made for much longer before they retire this design. I noticed that the Air King is radically refreshed more often than other staples like the Sub, GMT or Explorer.
2. The dial borrows the 3, 6, 9 from the Explorer as a nod to the time when the Air King was released as an Air King Explorer dials in the 1950's - about the same time they released the Explorer in 1953.
3. The current dial is modeled after the Bloodhound SSC land speed record project.
4. Is the only Rolex that has green Rolex and yellow Crown to match the corporate colours.
5. Has the same anti-magnetic case as a Milgauss.
6. Has quick link extension.
Thus, this is why I bought the watch and this is a keeper due to reasons #1 to #4 above.
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Last night I went in to look at a Pelagos. I had no intention of buying a Rolex, but I saw it in the case and fell for it. It seems like everyone has a Sub, and for good reason, it's a beautiful watch. The dial on the Air-King is playful with green, yellow and the large numerals. The case is big at 40mm, but it wears well. I love the watch couldn't be happier. The picture below is from the drive home.
Enjoy your watch in good health mate.
Just realised that I never posted a picture of my wrist shot on this thread! How could I? So, here it is. :-d

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A friend of mine said he knew someone that worked in the city and deals in them.
He said he could get it a little cheaper. Big mistake it seems. It was my mistake to make.
.
Mate, that sucks. I really hope that you can get your money back.
Ok so, the conclusion to this saga. I met up with the seller and demanded my money back, which after a little argy bargy I got it back.
::
Oh and for my friend. I have told him to delete my number and not let me see him.......again.
::
This has been an experience I never want again.
Good to hear you got your money back. Me thinks you need better friends.... like fellow WUS members. ;-)
Time to bump this thread up?

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The Air King has been banging around my mind for a few weeks, even after trying an Explorer I, OP39's, and various DJ41's - so finally gave in and picked one up today!
Congrats! Wear it in good health |>

Hope that you don't have a headache from all that banging ;-)

Either way, the headache will go away now that you've bought yourself one. :-d
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Have a good weekend gents. Just got home and downloaded some photos from my phone of non other than my Air King during my flight. :)

Electronic device Gadget Screen Technology Electronics


Can I have my champagne please?

Airline Vehicle Car seat


Window view. No engine noise. :)

Air travel Airline Sky Atmosphere Aerospace engineering
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I like the unique look of the current Air King and am considering it as my next purchase. The only issue I have is the lack of lume aside from the twelve marker and the hands. Has anyone had any issues with this as they wear the watch on a daily basis?
Nope.

If you can afford a Rolex, you can afford to switch on the lights. Lume is unnecessary.

Edit: fixed the typo
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I must have had my Air King for 6 or 7 years before I realised it had any lume at all.
Yes… lume or lack of lume never bothered me in the so many years I wore watches.
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