The new Air King is a laughably lazy update

[rambo99]

i am thinking it would be better if the numerals other than the 3 6 9 are smaller.

[Gerry62]

I really appreciate the lugs to protect the crown and the touch-ups of the dial

[IR201]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

It looks thinner to my eye. Probably dropped the outdated Faraday cage. Also movement upgrade and flip-lock bracelet (better clasp imo).

I think the new version is way more attractive than the older model. Love the pop of color on the seconds hand and Crown/Logo, very playful and unique.

Having said that, I still think prefer the 214270 in this overall aesthetic.

Any confirmation of any of this? I am a believer that subtle changes make a big difference, and I've experienced that directly with the new Exp2 black which I love (though did not love prior model). A thinner, lighter airking, with the new AR coating (which people forget about), plus the new case shape and dial changes, could be great.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by rambo99

i am thinking it would be better if the numerals other than the 3 6 9 are smaller.

Or gone entirely.

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[JoseR]

Originally Posted by RolexPD

Well, they did change the entire case, new movement, added crown guards, changed bracelet and clasp, and reworked the dial. It seems like it’s an entirely different watch that just happened to keep the aesthetic that some people find unpalatable.

Anyone know the US cost? The Rolex site has been all kinds of weird on my phone.

I saw the price on Rolex website, $7,400. I got the 116900 in 2019 and it was $6,200. I like the new one, but will keep my 116900 since it was the first model with the color combination of yellow and green.

[dannyp]

1. I agree with the general premise of the thread.
2. Why spend the most effort (crown guards) on the part that matters least?
3. I just realized the sheer irony of the dial: The original AK was meant to pay tribute to WWII RAF pilots, but the 05-10-15-etc. dial was in fact a hallmark of many German WWII pilot watches (RAF, and USAAF, pilots all wore much smaller versions wit 1-11/12 Arabic dials).
4. Given what I'd hoped for (based on the great job done with the 124270 last year), this is the biggest disappointment by far.

[Willows]

Disagree. I love everything about it.

Minor updates, as needed... crown guards, better lume, new movement, slimmer case profile, locking clasp, symmetrical dial, AR coating underside of crystal.

I ordered as soon as the AD opened. Can't wait to own the 126900

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

At least they fixed the dial with the 05 and the lumed 3/6/9. Must have used up all those WG numbers from the Explorer MKI. Waiting for current owners to start saying "future classic"

I thought the same thing Adam, with respect to finally finishing up the old white gold 3,6,9's.

I agree on the 05 and the lume. I would also say making it thinner has helped too. I don't know about "future classics," but I absolutely love the new Air-King!

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Willows

Disagree. I love everything about it.

Minor updates, as needed... crown guards, better lume, new movement, slimmer case profile, locking clasp, symmetrical dial, AR coating underside of crystal.

I ordered as soon as the AD opened. Can't wait to own the 126900

Agreed on all counts! I'm first on the list with my local AD for this watch. I absolutely can't wait to add it to the collection.

[KeithP]

Originally Posted by airking29

How is it lazy? They fixed three of the biggest things people complain about...lack of lume, case thickness, and putting a zero before the five. Gave it an updated movement, added crown guards and gave it a better bracelet. Those are all solid upgrades. What were you expecting?

[KeithP]

Originally Posted by Willows

Disagree. I love everything about it.

Minor updates, as needed... crown guards, better lume, new movement, slimmer case profile, locking clasp, symmetrical dial, AR coating underside of crystal.

I ordered as soon as the AD opened. Can't wait to own the 126900

[Jackie Daytona]

I quite like it really as well.

[Malum]

If you no like you no buy .

[77T]

This is why…



If you wonder, that is. Steeped in the same tradition the DJ and the OP share at Geneve…
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[mquarter]

Funny how the Air King conveniently increased in popularity once the rumours of discontinuation started ....

[noshame]

No disrespect to the AK owners, but Rolex kinda just put lipstick on a pig, didn't they? It's a fun and quirky dial, and is an improvement over the previous, just not my taste.

[ajas]

Lumed numbers are quite good idea

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