INCOMING Rolex Air King 126900 Stealthy Super Star

[SaddleSC]

Every few years I get the urge to try something new with my watch collection and having all the “traditional” Rolex bases covered, it has been a while since I have been able to buy a Rolex that feels like something completely new…like uncharted territory. That is why I decided to try the new Air King 126900

I know, I know…the 116900 has been out for a few years, but that watch never piqued my interest for a couple of reasons. The “mirrored” 3/6/9 in white gold were a deal breaker after being frustrated by a similar design choice with my MK1 214270 Explorer. The tall/bulky Milgauss case never appealed to me and the lack of dial symmetry and decent lume were deal breakers…it was novel, but not what I was looking for.

And then the 126900 update was released and boom…suddenly the Air King was everything I was looking for. It retained all the quirkiness of the 116900 and rectified everything that gave me pause. When Federer wore the watch at the Laver Cup during his farewell speech…I had been officially pushed over the edge.

If I had to describe this watch in simple terms…it is a “Super Explorer” and has all the same Rolex DNA from the 124270 but in a larger package. From a distance, it could be mistaken for an Oyster Perpetual 41, but as you get closer, all the small details begin to surface, telling you that this is really something special.

It is under the radar; may be too quirky for some; and I probably wouldn’t recommend it as a person’s first Rolex because it is so non-traditional.

However, if you already have the Submariner/GMT/Datejust bases covered and want to put a watch on the wrist that shows just how well Rolex can integrate classic, iconic brand elements into something entirely new…this just may be the best Rolex has to offer and I am absolutely loving it so far!

Thanks for looking...and now…the pictures:)

[swexlin]

Congratulations. I own the 116, and love it's quirky quality. A great piece that can be worn with many different outfits.

[brandrea]

BIG congratulations Charles, it looks fantastic

[jb335]

I’ve really warmed up to the modern AKs over the last couple years. New one is very cool. Every time I see one in the wild on someones wrist I think it looks amazing.


Huge congrats!


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[jb335]

And great pics by the way! Bravo


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[DJFanUK]

What fantastic photos..... I to think it looks even better in person. Had both, sold the older bloodhound dial version. This watch really is the one. Congratulations

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by brandrea

BIG congratulations Charles, it looks fantastic

Thank you, my friend!

Originally Posted by jb335

And great pics by the way! Bravo

Thanks...I appreciate the kind words!

Originally Posted by DJFanUK

What fantastic photos..... I to think it looks even better in person. Had both, sold the older bloodhound dial version. This watch really is the one. Congratulations

Thank you, sir...this watch is very photogenic:) Yours looks great as well!

[puma1552]

Looks great!

[watchwatcher]

Love it!

[996marty]

Photos look great congratulations to you

[AJMarcus]

Congrats! Very nice indeed. Much prefer it with the crown guards. Wears well on you.

[Beyonder]

Congratulations! When I think about watches to potentially add to my collection and think "What's next?" the Air King is always up there, and it's one of those where I should pull the trigger because it's just a matter of time. Awesome choice!

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by 996marty

Photos look great congratulations to you

Thanks so much!

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Congrats! Very nice indeed. Much prefer it with the crown guards. Wears well on you.

I agree completely...the crown guards combined with the thinner case and polished bezel really works well together.

Originally Posted by Beyonder

Congratulations! When I think about watches to potentially add to my collection and think "What's next?" the Air King is always up there, and it's one of those where I should pull the trigger because it's just a matter of time. Awesome choice!

Thank you for the kind words...I think you would really enjoy it...great addition to any collection!

[ltmgeller]

Congrats!!!

[KatGirl]

Very nice! Congrats! I like it.

Kat


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[Gerardus]

Huge congrats

[Spectar]

Huge Congratulations

[GreatScott]

You want to know what would be the ultimate watch...???

An Air King if they put a GMT movement in it.

After all, it is for flying.

But for now, this is a fantastic watch.

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[Guppydriver]

I really enjoyed the preface Charles, really articulate way to describe the evolutionary process involved in obtaining your AK.

I really love this watch and hope to be part of the 126900 club soon.

Congrats and wear it in health and safety for years to come!

[worldofoyster]

the crown guard makes the watch look much better

[Kreyzhorse]

Congrats! It is my only Rolex and because it's so quirky, it's what drove me to buy it. It's under the radar but still very much a Rolex and well, your grandfather likely won't own one.

Great pictures too.

[DM101]

Congrats!

[rmlovett1]

congrats!

[Ontime]

Congrats.

[whatsthetime?]

Gorgeous!!!
Were it in good health and enjoy!

[PenDelicate]

Lovely shots!

[Recaro18]

Love mine!




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[Tortoise99]

Great watch, I own one too. Think they are the most underrated Rolex on the market.

[Hankman]

Congratulations, you nailed the preface. I also own this watch and LOVE it. Your statement "as you get closer, all the small details begin to surface, telling you that this is really something special. So true. The black is really black, the Green pops, the Yellow pops against the black, the various fonts are quirky and cool but not too busy. And your photos are awesome!!

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

I really enjoyed the preface Charles, really articulate way to describe the evolutionary process involved in obtaining your AK.

I really love this watch and hope to be part of the 126900 club soon.

Congrats and wear it in health and safety for years to come!

Thanks so much! It was definitely a fun journey to get to this point:)
Good luck in your hunt to add the AK in the near future...I look forward to seeing your pics!

Originally Posted by Tortoise99

Great watch, I own one too. Think they are the most underrated Rolex on the market.

Agree 100%

Originally Posted by Hankman

Congratulations, you nailed the preface. I also own this watch and LOVE it. Your statement "as you get closer, all the small details begin to surface, telling you that this is really something special. So true. The black is really black, the Green pops, the Yellow pops against the black, the various fonts are quirky and cool but not too busy. And your photos are awesome!!

Thank you for the kind words...I agree with you...it is all the subtle details and pops of color and contrast that really make this one special.