Why did they bother with the air king 116900 lume?

[JSolution]

(I hope that’s the right ref no )

Wore my air king yesterday for the first time in a long time and I enjoy it from time to time. As always I sleep with whatever watch I am wearing on.

I think it’s well known the lume is poor on this watch, and I don’t actually care about lume at all, but it got me thinking, what on earth happened here? Why did they release it like that? Over and over and over again lol? Obviously it’s not intended to be better or they would have just made it better some point during production, right? So why? It’s useless it may as well just not be on there?

(I’ve had three by the way, and it doesn’t bother me in terms of wearing the watch, just thinking to myself )

[inadeje]

Sad to say my $150 Seiko SKX gym beater has better lume than every Rolex I own.

[JoseR]

You're right. To me it really doesn't matter to me because I never wear my watch to sleep. But I love my AK, since it was my first Rolex, but it is funny when you mention the lune.

[43Airking]

I have limited experience with watches to just Rolex and have 3 including the AK - I’m not impressed with the lume on any of theme. The only thing that get’s them going is real sun. And they don’t hold that very long. The AK is the poorest performer then the SD43 then the GMT2 VTNR.

Was wondering if AP, Omega, GS . . .etc are any better

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by 43Airking

I have limited experience with watches to just Rolex and have 3 including the AK - I’m not impressed with the lume on any of theme. The only thing that get’s them going is real sun. And they don’t hold that very long. The AK is the poorest performer then the SD43 then the GMT2 VTNR.

Was wondering if AP, Omega, GS . . .etc are any better

My Omega Aqua Terra has a nice lune. Just a few minutes outside in the sun and it glows pretty good. Since I don't wear it during the night, I couldn't tell you how long it stays lumed.

[gt0279a]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Sad to say my $150 Seiko SKX gym beater has better lume than every Rolex I own.

I found the BGW9 / blue chromalight on the 6 digit Sea Dwellers and Submariners superior to any Seiko SKX / prospex I have had. Plus I like the blue color better. Now obviously, something like the Daytona or Air King is not comparable due to the smaller areas of lume.

[Kap007]

The lume on my 116900 works fine through the night. I hit it with my phone's flashlight for 60 seconds. Lasts all night; totally legible. However, Rolex should have given more lume like the 126900. Also, should have included the better clasp with safety.

[1st amg]

Jay....this would be grounds for divorce!!

[mozchron]

Agreed. I eventually sold my 116900 (my first Rolex) to help fund a Moser Streamliner. The lume was one of the reasons.

[Jackie Daytona]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Sad to say my $150 Seiko SKX gym beater has better lume than every Rolex I own.

Lol! Exact same here. My Seiko has much better and longer lasting lume than any of my Rolex