Could the 116900 AirKing be the best pre-owned value at the moment?

[Guppydriver]

First Off…


I KNOW. The AirKing is a polarizing model. It’s busy and unconventional. It’s a race car inspired watch with an aviation moniker.

However, If it’s your jam, I think the predecessor to the current 126900 may constitute one of the best values out there in the used market.

For prices in the mid to high sixes, you can get a like new condition 116900. Is the 126 objectively better? Sure, I think so too. But there’s not that much difference. Crown guards, an improved (symmetrical) 05 marker, marginal lume, and a few other things. The watches are very similar.

However, if you’ve always wanted to have a playful Rolex that looks great on an aftermarket strap as well as oyster and are budget conscious, this may be the way to go! With some mild negotiating, you are about $1500 under the after tax price of a new 126900 with no wait.