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Degas · 6 July 2016, 06:03 AM

http://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the...ference-116900

joe100 · 6 July 2016, 02:50 PM

I'm glad he liked it in the end, but I can't help but think that one shouldn't learn to like a watch. It should be a Symohony from the beginning. I babble on about the 114300 all the time, but when I saw the rhodium dial, I said that it was the perfect watch, the perfect rolex. Had to have one.

japenney · 6 July 2016, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe100

I'm glad he liked it in the end, but I can't help but think that one shouldn't learn to like a watch. It should be a Symohony from the beginning. I babble on about the 114300 all the time, but when I saw the rhodium dial, I said that it was the perfect watch, the perfect rolex. Had to have one.

I like everything about the 114300 rhodium except the blue. it is nice tho.

Old Expat Beast · 6 July 2016, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe100

I'm glad he liked it in the end, but I can't help but think that one shouldn't learn to like a watch. It should be a Symohony from the beginning. I babble on about the 114300 all the time, but when I saw the rhodium dial, I said that it was the perfect watch, the perfect rolex. Had to have one.

Well, if any site was going to make an effort to like the new AK it was going to be Hodinkee.

AS1 · 7 July 2016, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Well, if any site was going to make an effort to like the new AK it was going to be Hodinkee.

ha, well said...

LeChefre · 7 July 2016, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Well, if any site was going to make an effort to like the new AK it was going to be Hodinkee.

The pandering to Rolex (and all the makers, really) is just so apparent now. Classic case of bigger/corporate structure changes work against what everyone used to like about the site, and being scared to death to have access limited/removed.

More on topic, the new AK is probably the ugliest watch in the lineup.

Degas · 6 July 2016, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe100

I'm glad he liked it in the end, but I can't help but think that one shouldn't learn to like a watch. It should be a Symohony from the beginning. I babble on about the 114300 all the time, but when I saw the rhodium dial, I said that it was the perfect watch, the perfect rolex. Had to have one.

Not just in the end...

"I mean look, I would love to gratify you but what can I say, I liked the watch. I actually liked it immediately when I saw it at Basel. (Ben thought I was out of my mind.) Then I thought, "you idiot, why would you like a watch like that, just look at it." Then we got it in for review and by golly, I still liked it. People like all sorts of things all sorts of other people find inexpressibly ugly, like hairless cats, Shih Tzus, late Picassos, absolutely every piece of art Jeff Koons has ever produced, and on and on. I suppose I could have lied about actually liking the watch but then I'd be saying I hate a watch I don't, just to get people to read a story . . . which I think would make me the Watch Snob ;) . --JF"

watchuser · 6 July 2016, 03:15 PM

Wonder if anyone has got a pic of the lume on the 2016 air king ?

Sent from my HUAWEI NXT-L29 using Tapatalk

Ravager135 · 6 July 2016, 03:51 PM

Just my two cents on the new Air King...

If you take the watch for what it is today, it really boils down to if you like its looks or not. It has a substantial upgrade in the case and arguably overall size. The dial is, of course, completely redone and its either a hit or a miss for people.

From a functional and evolutionary standpoint, I can't wrap my head around the changes. If Rolex is trying to make a non-GMT pilots watch (like they claim), the upgrades are counterproductive (sans the anti-magnetic case). For one, the dial is not easily legible when compared to something like the new IWC Mark XVIII. I find the green accents distracting rather than harmonious like on the 116710LN. And while I understand the idea that Rolex is upscaling this model and pulling it in line with the rest of the sport collection by adding the Mercedes hands, I think the reference read better with the straight hands. In essence, the Oyster Perpetual line make better pilots watches than the Air King.

I don't by any means intend to disparage any one who genuinely loves the reference nor do I pretend to believe that the majority of Submariner owners are divers or GMT-Master owners, pilots. I get that the overwhelming majority of people who buy this watch will never use it as a pilot's watch and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In terms of pure aesthetics you either love it or don't. I do believe however that watches should maintain some sort of heritage from which they came. This seems to be a complete redesign with an older reference name thrown on the dial.

Lightforce1911 · 7 July 2016, 12:31 AM

not a fan of the looks personally.

fskywalker · 7 July 2016, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightforce1911

not a fan of the looks personally.

x2

jrs146 · 7 July 2016, 12:34 AM

I like the look. But I don't love it. I seriously doubt I'd ever buy one. I have always been a fan of the classic 34mm AK. I wish they kept the wording on the dial.

GradyPhilpott · 7 July 2016, 01:19 AM

That's the worst watch review I've ever read in my life.

If one finds the watch appealing, then there doesn't need to be much rationalization, as it's a Rolex with all the attributes that make Rolex watches desirable.

However, in my judgement no amount of rationalization can make the new Air-King make sense on anything but an aesthetic level.

Spartacus · 7 July 2016, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

That's the worst watch review I've ever read in my life.

If one finds the watch appealing, then there doesn't need to be much rationalization, as it's a Rolex with all the attributes that make Rolex watches desirable.

However, in my judgement no amount of rationalization can make the new Air-King make sense on anything but an aesthetic level.

The worst watch review ever? Um, did you see the Daytona-C chat that was previously posted?

Agree, you just can't rationalize the Franken-watch nature of the new Air-King.

I have been disappointed with Hodinkee lately. Half tempted to start a new website for purists, and provide only objective opinions and not a marketing platform.

Speed · 7 July 2016, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

That's the worst watch review I've ever read in my life.

If one finds the watch appealing, then there doesn't need to be much rationalization, as it's a Rolex with all the attributes that make Rolex watches desirable.

I have to agree...and I'm a big fan of Jack's writing normally.

This was a pretty tortured review...sort of like he *had* to say something nice added the hemming and hawing.

Trailblazer · 7 July 2016, 01:41 AM

Those numerals will need a while from me.

b0rderman · 7 July 2016, 01:50 AM

I'm glad it exists. I don't think it will ever be for me to own, but I've always had a soft spot for the funky and weird. If the Bloodhound ever does hit 1000mph, well then all the more cool.

tomchicago · 7 July 2016, 02:26 AM

There is just way too much stuff on that dial.

iAmVice · 7 July 2016, 03:01 AM

way too much yellow

watchwatcher · 7 July 2016, 03:02 AM

Nice read, thanks for posting.

brandrea · 7 July 2016, 03:55 AM

Interesting read. It's always good to see what others have to say. We can all agree to disagree

ronricks · 7 July 2016, 04:02 AM

more dial options would be nice.

KenNethcole · 7 July 2016, 04:52 AM

I'm a big fan of the original ak but can't warm up to this new version. Wish Rolex either went with the 3-6-9 or the increments of 5 instead of mixing them.

Juantxo · 7 July 2016, 04:58 AM

I learned long ago not to buy a watch before having the opportunity to try it on and see it up close. I got to see the new Air King at a store last week and I wasn't impressed. If the colors of the logo look bright and lively in pictures, that's not the case when you see it in real life. Something similar happened to me when seeing the blue on the bezel of the BLNR GMT. The blue on the GMT seems rather dull and dark, at least at the store.

I believe the new Air King would be appropriate for a young person. Maybe a young man that just graduated with excellent grades from high-school. I like the pictures of the Air King, I don't like it that much in person. I like the Explorer better.

japenney · 7 July 2016, 05:32 AM

It is literally the first time in modern Rolex history that I have said to myself "how could rolex release a watch this ugly"?

Quailhunter · 7 July 2016, 05:56 AM

I just do not get the "pilot watch" concept with this watch. I was a very serious private pilot with a lot of actual IFR time. I needed a watch to know the actual time, but no other time keeping function. A stop watch could have been useful to time holding pattern legs as would an alarm clock to remind me to check gas level, but the Air King has neither function. Just don't get the connection.

Cru Jones · 7 July 2016, 06:01 AM

Personally, I find Jack Forster's writing style to be exhausting, unbearable and generally unpleasant to read.

Oh, and I think the new AK is a pretty cool and eccentric watch, but it's no "Air-King".

Juantxo · 7 July 2016, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Personally, I find Jack Forster's writing style to be exhausting, unbearable and generally unpleasant to read.

Oh, and I think the new AK is a pretty cool and eccentric watch, but it's no "Air-King".

I totally agree, especially with your first paragraph.

aayates · 7 July 2016, 06:20 AM

I like the john deere; I may buy one at some point.

5253Reynolds · 7 July 2016, 11:33 AM

See another review of a "weird" for the times watch.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/re...newman-daytona

6 July 2016, 06:03 AM	#1
Degas "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Middle Posts: 878	A Week On The Wrist The 2016 Rolex Air-King http://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the...ference-116900

6 July 2016, 02:50 PM	#2
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,840	I'm glad he liked it in the end, but I can't help but think that one shouldn't learn to like a watch. It should be a Symohony from the beginning. I babble on about the 114300 all the time, but when I saw the rhodium dial, I said that it was the perfect watch, the perfect rolex. Had to have one. __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

7 July 2016, 12:34 AM	#12
jrs146 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Josh Location: Lost in time Watch: Me Nae Nae Posts: 9,823	I like the look. But I don't love it. I seriously doubt I'd ever buy one. I have always been a fan of the classic 34mm AK. I wish they kept the wording on the dial. __________________ "Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own." -Jerome J. Garcia, Robert C. Hunter

7 July 2016, 01:19 AM	#13
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK047 Posts: 34,460	That's the worst watch review I've ever read in my life. If one finds the watch appealing, then there doesn't need to be much rationalization, as it's a Rolex with all the attributes that make Rolex watches desirable. However, in my judgement no amount of rationalization can make the new Air-King make sense on anything but an aesthetic level. __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

6 July 2016, 03:15 PM	#8
watchuser "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Singapore Posts: 31	Wonder if anyone has got a pic of the lume on the 2016 air king ? Sent from my HUAWEI NXT-L29 using Tapatalk

6 July 2016, 03:51 PM	#9
Ravager135 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 4,224	Just my two cents on the new Air King... If you take the watch for what it is today, it really boils down to if you like its looks or not. It has a substantial upgrade in the case and arguably overall size. The dial is, of course, completely redone and its either a hit or a miss for people. From a functional and evolutionary standpoint, I can't wrap my head around the changes. If Rolex is trying to make a non-GMT pilots watch (like they claim), the upgrades are counterproductive (sans the anti-magnetic case). For one, the dial is not easily legible when compared to something like the new IWC Mark XVIII. I find the green accents distracting rather than harmonious like on the 116710LN. And while I understand the idea that Rolex is upscaling this model and pulling it in line with the rest of the sport collection by adding the Mercedes hands, I think the reference read better with the straight hands. In essence, the Oyster Perpetual line make better pilots watches than the Air King. I don't by any means intend to disparage any one who genuinely loves the reference nor do I pretend to believe that the majority of Submariner owners are divers or GMT-Master owners, pilots. I get that the overwhelming majority of people who buy this watch will never use it as a pilot's watch and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In terms of pure aesthetics you either love it or don't. I do believe however that watches should maintain some sort of heritage from which they came. This seems to be a complete redesign with an older reference name thrown on the dial.

7 July 2016, 12:31 AM	#10
Lightforce1911 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: evanston Posts: 260	not a fan of the looks personally.

7 July 2016, 01:41 AM	#16
Trailblazer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Cab Location: A small world Watch: es Posts: 776	Those numerals will need a while from me.

7 July 2016, 01:50 AM	#17
b0rderman "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: FL Posts: 83	I'm glad it exists. I don't think it will ever be for me to own, but I've always had a soft spot for the funky and weird. If the Bloodhound ever does hit 1000mph, well then all the more cool.

7 July 2016, 02:26 AM	#18
tomchicago Banned Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Watch: 16710BLRO, 214270. Posts: 2,717	There is just way too much stuff on that dial.

7 July 2016, 03:01 AM	#19
iAmVice "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Germany Posts: 75	way too much yellow

7 July 2016, 03:02 AM	#20
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,047	Nice read, thanks for posting.

7 July 2016, 03:55 AM	#21
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,129	Interesting read. It's always good to see what others have to say. We can all agree to disagree

7 July 2016, 04:02 AM	#22
ronricks 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: ATL Watch: 126610LV Posts: 2,753	more dial options would be nice.

7 July 2016, 04:52 AM	#23
KenNethcole "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Socal Posts: 861	I'm a big fan of the original ak but can't warm up to this new version. Wish Rolex either went with the 3-6-9 or the increments of 5 instead of mixing them.

7 July 2016, 04:58 AM	#24
Juantxo Banned Join Date: May 2016 Location: Utopia Posts: 2,101	I learned long ago not to buy a watch before having the opportunity to try it on and see it up close. I got to see the new Air King at a store last week and I wasn't impressed. If the colors of the logo look bright and lively in pictures, that's not the case when you see it in real life. Something similar happened to me when seeing the blue on the bezel of the BLNR GMT. The blue on the GMT seems rather dull and dark, at least at the store. I believe the new Air King would be appropriate for a young person. Maybe a young man that just graduated with excellent grades from high-school. I like the pictures of the Air King, I don't like it that much in person. I like the Explorer better.

7 July 2016, 05:32 AM	#25
japenney "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Real Name: Josh Location: Canada Watch: undecided Posts: 4,777	It is literally the first time in modern Rolex history that I have said to myself "how could rolex release a watch this ugly"?

7 July 2016, 05:56 AM	#26
Quailhunter "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Real Name: Doug Location: Georgia USA Watch: Rolex President Posts: 1,348	I just do not get the "pilot watch" concept with this watch. I was a very serious private pilot with a lot of actual IFR time. I needed a watch to know the actual time, but no other time keeping function. A stop watch could have been useful to time holding pattern legs as would an alarm clock to remind me to check gas level, but the Air King has neither function. Just don't get the connection.

7 July 2016, 06:01 AM	#27
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,303	Personally, I find Jack Forster's writing style to be exhausting, unbearable and generally unpleasant to read. Oh, and I think the new AK is a pretty cool and eccentric watch, but it's no "Air-King".

7 July 2016, 06:20 AM	#29
aayates "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: atlanta, GA, USA Posts: 914	I like the john deere; I may buy one at some point.

7 July 2016, 11:33 AM	#30
5253Reynolds Banned Join Date: May 2013 Location: Boston Watch: 116710_ln Posts: 275	See another review of a "weird" for the times watch. https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/re...newman-daytona

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