New Air-King 126900 vs. Explorer I 124270

[Snikerdewdle]

Thanks for all the replies everyone, looks like a pretty even split with a slightly in favor of the Explorer. I think it's ultimately going to come down to which watch I'll be able to find first. Definitely going to keep poking around looking for an Air King to try on. I will post some pics and give a write-up once I'm able to find one.

[LFFL]

I’m in line for an Explorer but after seeing the new AK I’m intrigued. Love the new look in addition to the crown guard.

I know that I might be an outlier for saying this but I’d wish the Explorer would evolve a bit and add a set of crown guards. I think that would complete the watch and live up to its ‘sports watch’ title— crown guards are handsome!

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by 28mm

Why do you say this? It's not that big. What other watches do you wear?

I only wear a 114270 now, but, when I had others, they were still only the classic Rolex proportions, 36mm for plain bezel watches and 39-40mm for sport bezel watches. They all had about the same dial size. The exception would have been the Tudor Jumbo, but it was still only 37.5mm at the bezel.

[amphr1]

I do want to mention. If this was part of a large collection, I would have recommend looking at the TT Explorer. When you put them side by side, the SS and TT, you can tell that the TT looks a cut above.

[Bet]

The decision is a tough one, I like the new case of the new Air-king but if you’re have a smaller wrist I would say you go for the Explorer, but if you want something bigger you can go for the AK, I also find the AK dial more busy, but would advise you try both on at your AD, it will give you better insight on the one to purchase…Good luck.

[Marco Panti]

I have the new AK 126900 and my wife has the new 36mm Explorer.

The AK wears hugely bigger. This is because the dial area is much larger. If you have a larger wrist especially a flatter/rectangular wrist the AK is very comfortable indeed with the 21mm bracelet and low profile once sized correctly it will sit very securely and stable on your wrist this is a factor for wear during sports like golf or even just driving.

The bracelet on the 36mm Explorer is very narrow compared to the AK and the watch will move around a lot more unless tight. This bothers me but might not bother you perhaps.

Honestly I love the Explorer and I wish I had the 39mm which is much more comparable to the AK 126900.

The AK is now very sporty modern and sleek the case sides are chiselled as is the bezel and arguably the dial is sporty it reminds me of a 911 tachometer quite a bit. The wrist presence really is totally different to the old AK which appears more of a luxury watch albeit with a somewhat thick/flabby case. Rolex completely transformed/reinvented the AK as a sports watch, some love this and some prefer the previous models positioning I think.

The Explorer case is curvy and while the dial is quite sporty/tool watch the effect on the wrist is more classic luxury watch and somewhat dressy.

I suggest you visit a reputable secondary watch dealer and check out the 39mm Explorer. Try it on and take some wrist shots.

Then go to a Rolex boutique or AD as they now have exhibition models make an appointment to view the AK and the 36mm Explorer.

I think you’ll immediately know which way to go at that point.

Hope this helps.

Marco

[Daniel23456]

The Explorer is just more classic IMO... The AK is a watch I never fully understood and is far too big for what it is in my book.

An Explorer here!

[Daniel23456]

Originally Posted by Marco Panti

I have the new AK 126900 and my wife has the new 36mm Explorer.

The AK wears hugely bigger. This is because the dial area is much larger. If you have a larger wrist especially a flatter/rectangular wrist the AK is very comfortable indeed with the 21mm bracelet and low profile once sized correctly it will sit very securely and stable on your wrist this is a factor for wear during sports like golf or even just driving.

The bracelet on the 36mm Explorer is very narrow compared to the AK and the watch will move around a lot more unless tight. This bothers me but might not bother you perhaps.

Honestly I love the Explorer and I wish I had the 39mm which is much more comparable to the AK 126900.

The AK is now very sporty modern and sleek the case sides are chiselled as is the bezel and arguably the dial is sporty it reminds me of a 911 tachometer quite a bit. The wrist presence really is totally different to the old AK which appears more of a luxury watch albeit with a somewhat thick/flabby case. Rolex completely transformed/reinvented the AK as a sports watch, some love this and some prefer the previous models positioning I think.

The Explorer case is curvy and while the dial is quite sporty/tool watch the effect on the wrist is more classic luxury watch and somewhat dressy.

I suggest you visit a reputable secondary watch dealer and check out the 39mm Explorer. Try it on and take some wrist shots.

Then go to a Rolex boutique or AD as they now have exhibition models make an appointment to view the AK and the 36mm Explorer.

I think you’ll immediately know which way to go at that point.

Hope this helps.

Marco

This is completely the opposite for me... My Dweller is a heavier, bigger watch than my Explorer and moves much more than my Explorer if not tight on the wrist. The Explorer is by far more comfortable and easier to live with when worn tighter on the wrist which I love.

[AJMarcus]

Explorer. It’s classic yet with all the modern improvements. The present AK has strayed so far from its DNA that it’s become a caricature of itself.

[Giovannibravo]

Originally Posted by KeithP

If you see them both side by side, the new Air-King will win. It’s svelte, ultra legible and perfectly balanced.


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Where did you get that watch pouch? Looks nice.


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[Willows]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

Where did you get that watch pouch? Looks nice.


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Agreed! Awesome looking watch pouch!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

If you like the 36 size, the Explorer is the obvious one-and-done choice, IMHO.

If part of a collection, the new A-K has a lot going for it.

I agree

[KeithP]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

Where did you get that watch pouch? Looks nice.

Hodinkee

[Marco Panti]

Originally Posted by Daniel23456

This is completely the opposite for me... My Dweller is a heavier, bigger watch than my Explorer and moves much more than my Explorer if not tight on the wrist. The Explorer is by far more comfortable and easier to live with when worn tighter on the wrist which I love.

Yes I think it partly depends on your wrist shape, and like we both said how tight you like your bracelet fitting.

With more rounded/oval wrists the narrow bracelets seem to work really well, as do smaller cases especially the lug to lug length of the case.

With more rectangular/flatter/wider wrists a wider bracelet tends to work for those who prefer a slightly roomier bracelet fit. The watch just slides around a lot less due to the simple fact there is so much more bracelet surface area on the skin.

You just have to try them on as they are very different.

The AK is always going to be more polarising I think both the general style of the dial and also the new direction of the 126900 making it much more of a sports watch concept than before. Rolex took a bit of a chance with the new direction I think and it’s not for everyone. Some feel strongly positive and some really dislike it.

I’ve never seen anyone offended by the Explorer 36mm or 39mm, it’s just so classic and handsome/elegant at the same time, probably one of the best if not the best one and done Rolex you could think of for a lot of people.

See if you can try on a 39mm! Unless you really want a small/classic/vintage style fitment (and many do) I’d wager the 39mm would likely be the best pick for the OPs stated desire and wrist size.

Also bear in mind the 36mm does wear small, I think Hafiz made a YT video with precise measurements and from memory it’s actually closer to 35mm maybe 35.4mm across the case, you could check out the video. My wife also has a 36mm Datejust and it wears noticeably larger than the Explorer. We both agreed that her 36mm Explorer actually wears a bit closer to her 34mm OP than her Datejust 36.

I’m repeating myself again so apologies for that but you have to try these pieces on for yourself. The trend at the moment seems towards smaller fitments but it’s all relative to how each piece sits on your own wrist. I have a friend with very large thick wrists and somehow his DJ 36 looks great on him. He wears it very loose almost like a bracelet. Each to their own…..

If you can, share your pics after you try them on!

Marco

[28mm]

Originally Posted by Marco Panti

Yes I think it partly depends on your wrist shape, and like we both said how tight you like your bracelet fitting.

With more rounded/oval wrists the narrow bracelets seem to work really well, as do smaller cases especially the lug to lug length of the case.

With more rectangular/flatter/wider wrists a wider bracelet tends to work for those who prefer a slightly roomier bracelet fit. The watch just slides around a lot less due to the simple fact there is so much more bracelet surface area on the skin.

You just have to try them on as they are very different.

The AK is always going to be more polarising I think both the general style of the dial and also the new direction of the 126900 making it much more of a sports watch concept than before. Rolex took a bit of a chance with the new direction I think and it’s not for everyone. Some feel strongly positive and some really dislike it.

I’ve never seen anyone offended by the Explorer 36mm or 39mm, it’s just so classic and handsome/elegant at the same time, probably one of the best if not the best one and done Rolex you could think of for a lot of people.

See if you can try on a 39mm! Unless you really want a small/classic/vintage style fitment (and many do) I’d wager the 39mm would likely be the best pick for the OPs stated desire and wrist size.

Also bear in mind the 36mm does wear small, I think Hafiz made a YT video with precise measurements and from memory it’s actually closer to 35mm maybe 35.4mm across the case, you could check out the video. My wife also has a 36mm Datejust and it wears noticeably larger than the Explorer. We both agreed that her 36mm Explorer actually wears a bit closer to her 34mm OP than her Datejust 36.

I’m repeating myself again so apologies for that but you have to try these pieces on for yourself. The trend at the moment seems towards smaller fitments but it’s all relative to how each piece sits on your own wrist. I have a friend with very large thick wrists and somehow his DJ 36 looks great on him. He wears it very loose almost like a bracelet. Each to their own…..

If you can, share your pics after you try them on!

Marco

excellent post.

[boogeze]

the discontinued 214270 39mm Explorer is the sweet spot imo. That said, the new air-king dial and case are fantastic

[Splash]

Explorer. The Air-King and Explorer are both fantastic though, and I could be happy with either.

I wear the 39mm Explorer daily. My wrists are just under 7". I wish it was a 36 to be honest.

[Nico81]

New 36mm explorer looks way too small, especially with 19mm bracelet

It was a mistake going from 39 to 36mm


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[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by 28mm

Argh...i want that watch!

Argh...I'm waiting for a call! Personally I find the Exp too stayed. I much prefer the liveliness of the AK.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by KeithP

If you see them both side by side, the new Air-King will win. It’s svelte, ultra legible and perfectly balanced.


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So, I’ll admit, the more I see the new one, the more it grows on me, as in “I can see this working” rather than the “visual overstimulation, must close browser” of the last one. Would have been better (and better use of space) to have two rings of numbers, with sticks/1-12 on one ring, five-min intervals around the other.

But the new case, and consistent use of lume, do wonders for this iteration compared to its predecessor.

[Litflynt912]

I’ve had both the 124270 and 124273 and while I ABSOLUTELY love the new rolex in both flavors it does wear a bit smaller.

When I saw the new Air King this spring I was so happy rolex fixed all that was wrong. Now it’s a proper sports watch.
I hold the air king close because it was my first rolex almost 10 years ago.

I have a 7.1” wrist and am a bigger guy

My AD knew I wanted one and got the text last night. Got home a little while ago. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Wears like a sub but a little lighter and the crown guards round the model out.





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[Snikerdewdle]

OP here, since posting this I've made it around to all the local ADs in the area but haven't had a chance to try on the Air King. I've tried on both the 36 and 39 explorers and honestly, I like them both. I think it will ultimately come down to whatever I get a call for. I do feel pretty good about this decision though. Over the last couple of years, I've probably owned over 10 watches trying to find one that would be THE watch, and since deciding on one of these I've found that I've been spending less time looking at watch media in general (forums, youtube, Instagram). Time to sit back and wait....hopefully not too long.

[CedCraig]

If you like the way the Explorer fits, get it. Definitely a classic.

I also have 7.25” wrists and found the 36 mm Explorer to be way too small, especially with the super tapering bracelet. My watches range from 38.5 mm to 42 mm, so I like ‘em slightly bigger.

The new Air-King fits like a dream and I love it. The dial is certainly polarizing, which is part of the appeal for me, but on-wrist the watch flies under the radar (pun intended).