New Air-King vs. Explorer

[jlovda]

What are the differences (if any) between the movements in these two watches? Shock absorbers, hairspring, etc. Is the Explorer really more rugged or is it just marketing? The Air-King is starting to grow on me.

Thanks

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by jlovda

What are the differences (if any) between the movements in these two watches? Shock absorbers, hairspring, etc. Is the Explorer really more rugged or is it just marketing? The Air-King is starting to grow on me.

Thanks

Movements are identical. Explorer is only more "rugged" insofar as it will protrude less off of most wrists so would be less prone to banging into things. On the other hand, the AK has crown guards. So, six of one, half-dozen of the other kinda deal.

This, of course, stands in contrast to previous generation AK, which was a Milgauss clone, sat way thicker, and lacked a flip-lock clasp.

[28mm]

The new Air-King is slimmer than the previous model. Super comfortable on the wrist..Hope to get one soon.

[Guppydriver]

I hear you as far as the AK growing on you. It used to be a reference in which I had no interest, but I saw one (in photos) with a green rubber strap and I've been crushing on it lately. Especially now with the improved power reserve and better symmetry.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

I hear you as far as the AK growing on you. It used to be a reference in which I had no interest, but I saw one (in photos) with a green rubber strap and I've been crushing on it lately. Especially now with the improved power reserve and better symmetry.

Agree. The way I (sarcastically) describe the 126900 is: It's a watch I dislike less every time I see it .

While it's not the AK I wanted Rolex to release (that would have been a white dial watch in the 124270 case), and would be too big for me to wear, I do think it's a signifiant aesthetic improvement and now looks like a far more balanced piece.

[ap1]

AK > Exp1

[Brny11]

Exp1 > AK


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KeithP]

This is the way



Depends on whether you want a 36 or 40mm.

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

[28mm]

Originally Posted by KeithP

This is the way

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

Picking up my 116519LN next week..I figured since things are 'slowing down', I'd float the question..."Maybe I can get an Air-King when I come in?"

To which..."Not a problem instead of the 116519LN"

It was worth a shot!

The new Air-King is amazing..Wondering if the next Milgauss will follow suit..

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by KeithP

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

Was just thinking this earlier today. Aside from a more stylized dial, that’s exactly what it is. Plus crown guards.

[Baiv]

Originally Posted by KeithP

This is the way



Depends on whether you want a 36 or 40mm.

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

Stunning!

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by KeithP

The new Air-King is the double secret replacement for the 39mm Explorer.

With the added bonus of an ugly dial.
Pass.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

With the added bonus of an ugly dial.

Pass.

Accept no substitute. Find a full size Explorer.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

[LA_LEC]

Originally Posted by zengineer

Accept no substitute. Find a full size Explorer.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

Right on

[Chester01]

Same basically. But the air king is a watch without an identity or legacy. The explorer is the way to go.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Same basically. But the air king is a watch without an identity or legacy. The explorer is the way to go.

The AK has quite a strong legacy, and I believe even predates the Explorer. The difference is that the Explorer has changed little in its history - pretty much always the 3-6-9 dial, 36mm for all but a stretch at 39 (though the earliest may have been 34) - while the AK has changed frequently. Sometimes hand-wound, sometimes automatic, once even antimagnetic, and in fluctuating sizes with practically seasonally shifting dials. Still, its name carries with it a strong legacy, whether the current iteration lives up to it or not.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by dannyp

The AK has quite a strong legacy, and I believe even predates the Explorer. The difference is that the Explorer has changed little in its history - pretty much always the 3-6-9 dial, 36mm for all but a stretch at 39 (though the earliest may have been 34) - while the AK has changed frequently. Sometimes hand-wound, sometimes automatic, once even antimagnetic, and in fluctuating sizes with practically seasonally shifting dials. Still, its name carries with it a strong legacy, whether the current iteration lives up to it or not.

Tell me, what is the legacy of the air king and why has it changed so very much over the years?

The gmt has legacy, the sub legacy. What pilot doing what history has the AK done?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Tell me, what is the legacy of the air king and why has it changed so very much over the years?

The gmt has legacy, the sub legacy. What pilot doing what history has the AK done?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well, first off, “legacy” has many meanings, and I thought this was about its legacy in the Rolex lineup. That said, as I recall, the entire “Air” series (King, Lion, Giant) were released in the late 40s/early 50s as a tribute to the RAF pilots of WWII. I believe Wilsdorf has particular admiration for Allied pilots, especially British.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Well, first off, “legacy” has many meanings, and I thought this was about its legacy in the Rolex lineup. That said, as I recall, the entire “Air” series (King, Lion, Giant) were released in the late 40s/early 50s as a tribute to the RAF pilots of WWII. I believe Wilsdorf has particular admiration for Allied pilots, especially British.

No, I mean what legacy is the AK known for? I mean, like the sub was worn in combat and by navy divers, the gmt on the wrist of astronauts and fighter pilots. Does the AK model itself have any such connection?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Same basically. But the air king is a watch without an identity or legacy. The explorer is the way to go.

That's not true.

There are a lot of details that are unique to the new Air Kings, but they owe a lot to traditional pilot's watches and of course the name Air King goes back a long way, when watches didn't need to be gargantuan to be desirable.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

That's not true.

There are a lot of details that are unique to the new Air Kings, but they owe a lot to traditional pilot's watches and of course the name Air King goes back a long way, when watches didn't need to be gargantuan to be desirable.

Many people keep saying general things. That’s not what I’m asking. Has the watch been worn while in space, in combat, given to special services, or worn while doing real history like the sub or gmt? I’m guessing with all the vague responses it’s because it hasn’t. Not knocking it, but that what’s I mean by legacy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[time_and_cars]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Same basically. But the air king is a watch without an identity or legacy. The explorer is the way to go.

Try to read I little bit more about the AK and you will see how wrong you’re

[travisb]

It comes down to size, proportions and looks.
I prefer the size of the AK but prefer the clean dial, simple good looks and history of the Exp. Exp > AK for me.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by travisb

It comes down to size, proportions and looks.
I prefer the size of the AK but prefer the clean dial, simple good looks and history of the Exp. Exp > AK for me.

I’m right there with you brother

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by jlovda

What are the differences (if any) between the movements in these two watches? Shock absorbers, hairspring, etc. Is the Explorer really more rugged or is it just marketing? The Air-King is starting to grow on me.

Thanks

Not what you’re asking but I crossed same bridge. Went x1 primarily because of lume profile which in my view is way way btr x1


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DJFanUK]

The Air King is the way forward as long as you like a little something different. Explorer is a little for serious, some might say subdued. Both great watches, but the Air King is a little bit special

[RyanJ]

The Air Kings and its variants were the first Rolex Pilot's watches. They pre-date the GMT.

Here is a good read.

https://bespokeunit.com/watches/rolex/air-king/

[NachoNeal]

Explorer1 over MODERN Air-King.

[ArsenX]

They’re both great watches but I’ll always prefer the explorer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RyanJ]

If we are going by legacy, the simple OP pretty much blows everything else out of the water. The OP is the foundational watch that Rolex was built upon.

I prefer the Explorer over the Air King but I have started to really like the AK.