INCOMING Rolex Air King 126900 Stealthy Super Star

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Every few years I get the urge to try something new with my watch collection and having all the “traditional” Rolex bases covered, it has been a while since I have been able to buy a Rolex that feels like something completely new…like uncharted territory. That is why I decided to try the new Air King 126900

I know, I know…the 116900 has been out for a few years, but that watch never piqued my interest for a couple of reasons. The “mirrored” 3/6/9 in white gold were a deal breaker after being frustrated by a similar design choice with my MK1 214270 Explorer. The tall/bulky Milgauss case never appealed to me and the lack of dial symmetry and decent lume were deal breakers…it was novel, but not what I was looking for.

And then the 126900 update was released and boom…suddenly the Air King was everything I was looking for. It retained all the quirkiness of the 116900 and rectified everything that gave me pause. When Federer wore the watch at the Laver Cup during his farewell speech…I had been officially pushed over the edge.

If I had to describe this watch in simple terms…it is a “Super Explorer” and has all the same Rolex DNA from the 124270 but in a larger package. From a distance, it could be mistaken for an Oyster Perpetual 41, but as you get closer, all the small details begin to surface, telling you that this is really something special.

It is under the radar; may be too quirky for some; and I probably wouldn’t recommend it as a person’s first Rolex because it is so non-traditional.

However, if you already have the Submariner/GMT/Datejust bases covered and want to put a watch on the wrist that shows just how well Rolex can integrate classic, iconic brand elements into something entirely new…this just may be the best Rolex has to offer and I am absolutely loving it so far!

Thanks for looking...and now…the pictures:)