Choose only 1 : Air King 126900 or Explorer 40 ?

[Krash]

Explorer out of those two, but the Submariner is the ultimate black dial SS watch in the Rolex lineup.


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[wanethan]

Air King.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

Just because you don't understand the Airking dial shouldn't mean you don't choose it.

Airplanes pull away from the gate at specific times, thus it is important for the pilot to know the minute quickly and easily, hence the large minute numerals.

Even away from the airport, think about all the times you want to know the minutes at a glance, the AK does this better than any other model.

Yes, it's different, but beauty is found in unusual items.

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Yeah, except that's not why the Air King's dial is designed the way it is

This is why its designed that way :

https://timeandtidewatches.com/rolex...0-review-2020/

[Moonwatcher]

Neither, but if Explorer then 36. Too much empty space on the 40’s dial for my taste.

[Wee-Willie]

I loved the Air Kings from the 70's to 80's. My 1st Rolex was a two tone AK, fluted & jubilee, with a white dial & black Romans...wore it from 1986-95. In 1999 my wife bought me a SS AK, oyster. Still have it.

[JSol1]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

AK + 36mm Explorer ;-)

[Barada7]

Originally Posted by Gooswyn

Thanks for your reply. If the Explorer 40 more comfortable than Air King, may I know how do you feel it ? Is it in terms of weight or the case shape ?

Both. AK is heavier (more akin to the Milgauss).

[White Collar Boy]

Originally Posted by Gooswyn

Thanks for your reply guys. May I know any specific reasons why do you choose Air King (the 126900) over Explorer 40 ?

The Air-King’s dial is more interesting, both the reference you list and the previous one with ‘5’ instead of ‘05’. The busyness, the green and the yellow: small but piquant details, verging on bad taste but in an appealing way. Of course I know it’s not a “better” watch (as tempting as absolutism is), it’s just what I prefer.

[jmrxtr]

Air king not on my radar. Had an opportunity and jumped on it. Totally happy. Love the face, fit, size

[Ny325]

AK for me.

I’m bias because I have one. Love the subtle color on the dial. It’s different in a good way In my opinion. You don’t see many, and it’s not screaming for attention. Great watch!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Explorer for me. Never gelled with the AK. For me, it's like the Yachty II... kind of an island unto itself in Rolex-land.

[Jackie Daytona]

In the past I would’ve undoubtedly voted Air King. It’s just different enough that it’s a really cool watch. Love all the color on the dial.

However as years have passed it’s just too busy of a dial for me. Exp is just cool and classy and sporty all at once. Explorer for me.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I have the perfect Explorer, the most recent 36mm example, so that leaves the Air King which I like a little better with the crown guards than the first iteration without.

[Block506]

AK for me. The colors in the dial make it “different”. Explorer and DJ are similar to me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[KenRose]

I like the green on the Air King but I prefer the less fussy face of the explorer

[DLRIDES]

I would take one Explorer over two Air Kings just because of that horrid abomination of a dial !

[WatchTimes]

Exp
To me the Air King is the Clown King... I hate that dial, WAY too busy for a Rolex.
Too many colors and fonts

[Kenny G]

Explorer got my vote. The Ex1 regardless of size preference is a great watch. I find the AK dial just too busy and pointless. The green font is the only somewhat intriguing part.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Yeah, except that's not why the Air King's dial is designed the way it is

This is why its designed that way :

https://timeandtidewatches.com/rolex...0-review-2020/

I've said it before, but Rolex should have brought back the old Speedking name for that dial. Would've made a lot more sense. And people wouldn't have to worry about that pesky hyphen in Air-King.

[Jerrocop]

Explorer, a few years down the road you’ll regret getting the AK.


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[CedCraig]

I bought the Air King so that’s my vote. I find it more interesting than the Explorer.

[Gerardus]

If we are talking about 116900 that would be my choice, really like this watch.
The new model Airking nor Explorer, not my cup of tea, sorry.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I've said it before, but Rolex should have brought back the old Speedking name for that dial. Would've made a lot more sense. And people wouldn't have to worry about that pesky hyphen in Air-King.

Absolutely Adam

Would probably have changed many people's perception of the reference for the better too.

"Speedking" would have looked great on that dial

[SAP7]

The right answer is the Explorer 36 124270.

[Oldngrey]

Explorer 40 for me. I’m currently on a list for one.

[travisb]

Explorer. Clean, balanced, no frills.

[londondude]

Explorer. Don’t like the Air King messy dial. Way too much going on there. It could be a great watch with a different dial.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by travisb

Explorer. Clean, balanced, no frills.

That’s my thinking too.

[1William]

The Explorer 40 is the one.

[CaptT]

Between the two I grab the 126900 Air-King 20-to-1 over the 214270 Explorer (mk2, 39mm).

They’re equally comfortable, and no doubt the Explorer has a strong following and is an icon in its own simple, understated way, but between the two I find it less interesting and less inspiring.