Air King vs. DJ 116200

[thechoson]

The bug is biting again. I am looking to add a "beater" Rolex, something decently affordable. Something I can wear around both casually and dresses up decently as well.

I'll be looking preowned.

I love the Oyster bracelet/ smooth bezel look, and have narrowed down to an AK or DJ 116200.

The AK definitely has affordability on its side, seems like BNIB versions can be had around 3k. That being said, lightly used 116200s don't seem to be too far off in price either.

Suggestions?

[Dr. Robert]

Both are sharp......I am not a fan of the PCLs on the datejust oyster bracelet...maybe you can find an older model that has the brushed one.

[kcmo]

You can't go wrong with either. It really comes down to whether you prefer brushed links (AK) or PCLS (DJ), and which dial you like. These models offer very different dial options.

[thechoson]

Thanks. Do you guys think the 34 vs 36mm size will make a difference on the wrist? Or pretty negligible?

[Dr. Robert]

A Rolex oyster case watch wears bigger than its specifications.

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by thechoson

Thanks. Do you guys think the 34 vs 36mm size will make a difference on the wrist? Or pretty negligible?

It doesn't sound like a big difference on paper, but in person, I think the difference is fairly considerable. I would definitely prefer the 36mm size and I have a fairly small wrist.

Have you considered a 36mm Oyster Perpetual (basically a no date version of the DJ)? They have some very unique dial options and it is a good midway choice between the AK and the DJ.

[thechoson]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

It doesn't sound like a big difference on paper, but in person, I think the difference is fairly considerable. I would definitely prefer the 36mm size and I have a fairly small wrist.

Have you considered a 36mm Oyster Perpetual (basically a no date version of the DJ)? They have some very unique dial options and it is a good midway choice between the AK and the DJ.

I guess I have more to learn about Rolex as I'm confused. So the Oyster Perpetual is a no-date 36mm version?

Isn't there also a 34mm dated version called the Oyster Perpetual Date?

I kind of excluded either one because it seems like I so rarely see them on the classifieds.

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by thechoson

I guess I have more to learn about Rolex as I'm confused. So the Oyster Perpetual is a no-date 36mm version?

Isn't there also a 34mm dated version called the Oyster Perpetual Date?

I kind of excluded either one because it seems like I so rarely see them on the classifieds.

Yes...you are correct. There is a non-date 34mm (Air King), a date 34mm (Date), a non-date 36mm (Oyster Perpetual) and a date 36mm (Datejust).

They all have different dial choices and some have different bezel choices also. Try to see a master catalog at the AD and see which dials grab your fancy.

[joe100]

AirKing for the win. As much history as any of the other sport models

[astndnbr]

I was recently in the same debate and I ended up going w/ a preowned DJ because the size and some other assets like the cyclops and fluted bezel.

I love the AK, but the DJ just looked better on my wrist.

[zak98]

never have been a fan of PCLs... so AK for me. here is a pic just to tease in that direction... my p series airking.

[thechoson]

Originally Posted by zak98

never have been a fan of PCLs... so AK for me. here is a pic just to tease in that direction... my p series airking.

Terrific looking watch, definitely my favorite AK with that engine turned bezel

[Ed Rooney]

You can get a pretty nice Omega for the price of a beater Rolex.

[Tan]

I'd go with the DJ. They catch my eye more than the AK.

[watchbureau]

Might depend on how long you keep it. The AK is easier to sell than the OP because it can appeal to women. Of course, the DJ will be the easiest to turn and hold value.

[The Archer]

Rolex also made an Air King Date, 34mm with a date function. They're pretty uncommon, but if you look hard enough, you'll find 'em.
Just to give you something to think about.

[GradyPhilpott]

Nothing can take the place of trying them on for yourself.

What works for others may not work for you.

I can tell you first hand that any Oyster watch is a robust and durable piece and will serve you well for your stated purposes.

[A.Sharp]

my 36mm is starting to feel like its wearing a little small. air on the side of caution - no pun intended.

[FNFZ4]

Originally Posted by thechoson

Thanks. Do you guys think the 34 vs 36mm size will make a difference on the wrist? Or pretty negligible?

They are noticeable in person

Originally Posted by A.Sharp

my 36mm is starting to feel like its wearing a little small. air on the side of caution - no pun intended.

you just need to warm up to the 36mm after coming from a 42

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by thechoson

Thanks. Do you guys think the 34 vs 36mm size will make a difference on the wrist? Or pretty negligible?

I like the AK's and think the dial with Romans to be one of Rolex' best looking. But, I'd get a DJ.

[Psmith]

DJ - has the date (kinda useful), and generally better/easier to resell

AK is a nice watch, but 34 mm is just too small imho

The OP holds no appeal for me. If you are going to get a 36 mm Rolex, then the DJ makes much more sense

[AH0RSEY]

I recently bought my wife the 34mm airking purely as the range of dial options seemed to be greater and therefore ability to chose on the 2nd hand market was wider. Also this is an everyday watch for her, so I specifically didn't want the cyclops to get knocked - if this is a beater I'd ask do you really need a date function.

btw - she's had it two weeks....from new mind you, not 2nd hand.... and its got HORRENDOUS scratches on the clasp...... I have to remind myself its her "Beater", but it does make me wince....so I got a Cape Cod coming so I can polish it up ;o)

my beater is a Bell and Ross Aviation BR03-88 quartz with two times, alarm and chrono.... cheaper than dinging one of my more favored watches

[DJJon]

I suggest your troll the pre-owned market until you find a dial that really really really sings to you, and do a final sanity check that the bracelet is not somehow an issue.
I love the PCLs but they become magnets for scratches, which by itself is easily rectified with Cape Cod cloths and/or an occasional polish (it's a bracelet !).

Let the 34 vs 36 mm and date vs non-date be the variables that can swing the vote but don't dictate the pursuit.

[LewisJ]

I love my air king but I hate to say it is to understated for my taste. I also lust for that ever so pretty Jubilee!

So I'm looking at picking up a DJ41, I want oyster bracelet but can't decide between a white gold fluted and steel smooth bezel. I much prefer the fluted bezel but Im not sure I can justify the extra few thousand for it!

Would love to hear some opinions of this?

So from personal experience, the AK is a beautiful well rounded watch but if you want to really feel like you wearing a Rolex I would choose the DJ

[FloridaSam]

Originally Posted by LewisJ

I love my air king but I hate to say it is to understated for my taste. I also lust for that ever so pretty Jubilee!

So I'm looking at picking up a DJ41, I want oyster bracelet but can't decide between a white gold fluted and steel smooth bezel. I much prefer the fluted bezel but Im not sure I can justify the extra few thousand for it!

Would love to hear some opinions of this?

So from personal experience, the AK is a beautiful well rounded watch but if you want to really feel like you wearing a Rolex I would choose the DJ

Welcome to the Forum!! I do hope in 7 years the OP has found the piece that makes him happy.

[Gerardus]

I did the other way around, went.....after wearing 1,5 years the DJ41 on jubilee and after that 1 month on oyster.... back to the 116900 AK.
No regrets, AK =King (IMHO)

Originally Posted by LewisJ

I love my air king but I hate to say it is to understated for my taste. I also lust for that ever so pretty Jubilee!

So I'm looking at picking up a DJ41, I want oyster bracelet but can't decide between a white gold fluted and steel smooth bezel. I much prefer the fluted bezel but Im not sure I can justify the extra few thousand for it!

Would love to hear some opinions of this?

So from personal experience, the AK is a beautiful well rounded watch but if you want to really feel like you wearing a Rolex I would choose the DJ