Got an updated Air King. Here the the last 2 models side by side.

[1William]

Congratulations.

[Cwillis0001]

I just don't understand why they couldn't have done full lume.

[wilsonpepper]

Originally Posted by IFlyPlanes

Yeah I actually got it because I’m a pilot and was looking for aviation inspired watches. It wasn’t until after that I learned about its current design history. I still love it though.

I have owned the new AirKing for about a year now, and as a 787 Captain, I can honestly say that although the "new" AirKing may be aviation "inspired" it's mostly worthless for professional aviators.

The most obvious problem is that there is not enough lume on the dial for dark cockpit use. Etc., etc., etc.

Similarly (but different), the GMT line (of which I have owned mostly all different models produced since the 16700), the lack of a lumed bezel makes the "24 hour hand" useless at night.

Too bad Rolex has not figured out what aviators need, in terms of a "tool watch".

They certainly had it right in 1958 / 1959 !

[WatchGuy1966]

I don't love the air-king. I think it's an abomination of leftover parts. Explorer digits. First the Milgauss Case, then the GMT or Sub case probably leftover from the 11 series Subs. Plus, I think it's schizophrenic with its numbering system.

OP, please don't take this personally. You have an amazing collection and I love your origin story about your mum. But if you were to consolidate, this one might be first.

[IFlyPlanes]

Originally Posted by WatchGuy1966

I don't love the air-king. I think it's an abomination of leftover parts. Explorer digits. First the Milgauss Case, then the GMT or Sub case probably leftover from the 11 series Subs. Plus, I think it's schizophrenic with its numbering system.

OP, please don't take this personally. You have an amazing collection and I love your origin story about your mum. But if you were to consolidate, this one might be first.

No offense taken! I love that Rolex designs are so subjective. The divisiveness on the AK is part of the reason I like it so much.

I plan on keeping the new one but listed the old one in the classified section.

I just love how quirky it is with the pops of green.

[Guppydriver]

I prefer the newer one and I'm on the list.

Personally, I feel the only real advantage of the older one is having the abilty to put that nice green rubber strap from Everest (or was it Rubber B?) if that's your thing. I don't think anyone makes them yet for the newer AK.