WWyouD?

[PoorlyTiedFly]

Hi everyone!
I am brand new to the forum and plan to be a first time Rolex owner here very soon. I have owned a dozen other 'better' quality watches (Speedmasters, Seamasters, Breitlings, Sinn, Tags, etc.) but never a Rolex. I wanted to see if I could get a few opinions to help me make my decision on my new watch. This month marks my 45th birthday and has been a very successful year - two great reasons to pull the trigger. In all of the watches that I currently and have owned - I am firmly a 40mm man.

I have budgeted myself up to $7,500 and see that I can go one of two directions... new or pre-owned. Scanning the available models, two stand out to me - the new AirKing 116900 and a pre-owned Yachtmaster 16622

Obviously these watches were born 10 years apart but i have always loved the YM (bought a few copycats from Omega and Tag over the years b/c I couldn't afford a YM). I also know that neither of these models are without criticism by some... that is OK - I like them both.

Buying 'brand new' really doesn't matter to me so that part of the discussion is mute... I will hunt down an excellent example of the YM if I go that route... I also really like the new AirKing. I know I am going round/round but just looking for a few opinions that might help me make up my mind. I have tried on a Milguass (very similar to new AirKing) and a YM 16622 - love both on my wrist.

Thanks in advance!!