Questions about Air King Perpetual

[DaveInLA]

I like watches, but can't afford anything too fancy. My current "nice" watch at the moment is a Seiko Kinetic Auto Relay. It's a nice looking watch, but I don't see it lasting 30+ years, something that I can pass on to my future kids/grandkids. My uncle, who's now 70ish, once showed me a Rolex he had from WAY back then. He said he bought it with his first paycheck some 40+ years ago. That's awesome.

Anyway, I'm thinking about getting something really nice. I can't really afford it now, but I'll likely have a significant pay increase in the next year or so, and may be able to shell out a few grand as a treat. I'm interested in the Rolex Air King, mostly because of the smaller (34mm) face, but have a few questions.

What kind of accuracy does the Perpetual automatic motion get (in an Air King)? After a month, for example, how much time will it be off by? Also, if it's not worn, how many days until the hands stop moving?

About purchasing a watch like this-- I've heard that it's not a good idea to buy them from online retailers, no matter how much credibility the website seems to have. Similarly, people say buying one from an Ebay retailer, no matter how much positive feedback, is not a good idea even with a decent discount (few hundred bucks). Do you think online purchases are an automatic no-no?

[entropydave]

I have an AK - and it is the most amazing watch - both in terms of accuracy and looks. it is totally discrete, so you won't get mugged for it, fits like a suit and for me was the ideal watch. Classic lines and classic style.
The movement is the same quality as all their movement and the watch has a 48hr power reserve btw.
As for purchasing - go to an AD - not worth the paranoia to save a few hundred quid!
My accuracy on my AK is around a second a day at the worst - but time trials with my one it lost around a second in a 5 day trial.

Buy one now!!
ps - congrats on getting a payrise, 'cos I sure won't get one as a government officer....

[entropydave]

BTW... welcome!

I'm a newbie too!

[stevemulholland3]

fyi,
if you are new to the internet than dont buy an expensive watch from it.
however,if you are willing to do a little extra work,than by all means buy from the internet.I buy and sell one or two watches a week (or more) and I have had very little negative experiance.for the most part the web is a viable trade entity that should be taken advantage of.I would never have been able to afford my first rolex if it where not for e-bay(that was a few years ago).
just post any pictures of the watch you are thinking about here in our "watchout+ section and we will try and let you know all that we can about the watch.
cheers and good luck,
steve

[Baptistman]

Its worth going for the new version of the AK, simply for the bracelet. I don't normally go on about the bracelet as I like the olde style ones, however on the AK you now have solid links and SEL, plus the clasp buckle looks really neat on the AK.

For peace of mind I really do suggest you go to an AD, unless you can get one here.

[DaveInLA]

Well, I'm not looking for a used one; like many, I want my first Rolex to have no history except my own. I'm mostly worried about getting a replica from a supposedly "honest" dealer online. I think I will find some ads and pick you experts' brians about their autheticity!

[Baptistman]

Originally Posted by entropydave

ps - congrats on getting a payrise, 'cos I sure won't get one as a government officer....

Thats because they pay you more than the rest of us anyway

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by DaveInLA

(...)What kind of accuracy does the Perpetual automatic motion get (in an Air King)? After a month, for example, how much time will it be off by? Also, if it's not worn, how many days until the hands stop moving?(...)

The AK uses the Cal. 3130 movt. that also beats inside the Sub No Date. Some of the Cal. 3130's get COSC rated, some don't. But don't put too much value into COSC rating. It's more marketing hype than a true indicator of the accuracy of a watch. The Cal. 3130 movt. is VERY accurate, also the non COSC rated version, and you can expect deviations of minus 4 to plus 6 seconds (COSC specs), but probably even better than that.

Personally, if I were to buy an AK, I would go a nice preloved example of the predecessor model, one like this one with a silver dial and with the "sharp" (not domed) polished bezel:


(Source unknown; pic from my Photobucket).

[artwigwa]

Blue dial and an engine-turned bezel, you cant go wrong

[Trurolexer]

Air-King is a good choice!!! I like the new with COSC. But the old without COSC is cool too!!! Whatever you choose, CONGRATS!!! AK is one of true classic Rolex.
AND WELCOME TO TRF, Dave!!!

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by entropydave

I have an AK - and it is the most amazing watch - both in terms of accuracy and looks.
Buy one now!!
ps - congrats on getting a payrise, 'cos I sure won't get one as a government officer....

Nice AK, "the other" Dave!!! Nice choice!!! I like the lume colour.

[oneillba]

Congrats on your soon to be new purchase. In your case, I think buying new and from an AD is the way to go. You can then start your own history with it. Welcome to the forum.

[Dan Pierce]

If buying new I'd suggest going with a local AD. Visit many and find one that serves your needs.
The AK is a great watch that when fully wound should run for about 40 hours when not worn.
Good luck and keep us posted.
dP

[Tools]

Good advice..

The Air King is a robust watch with rich history..

Aren't the newest ones up-sized to 36mm, the same as the DJ ?

[Lisa]

I love Air-King for the name and logo alone! You wouldn't go wrong with one.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by Tools

Good advice..

The Air King is a robust watch with rich history..

Aren't the newest ones up-sized to 36mm, the same as the DJ ?

Nah, still 34mm

[Tools]

Originally Posted by kcmo

Nah, still 34mm

Ah, yes.... that's right...

It's the new Oyster Perpetual that they increased up to 36mm.

A great alternative to those who like the Air-king look in a slightly bigger model.

http://www.rolex.com/en/collection/t...ications/index

[Baptistman]

Here's the one I had

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by Tools

Ah, yes.... that's right...

It's the new Oyster Perpetual that they increased up to 36mm.

A great alternative to those who like the Air-king look in a slightly bigger model.

http://www.rolex.com/en/collection/t...ications/index

Great alternative for sure!

[evy411nia]

I'm on the verge of buying one myself. The new one feels heavier with the center links solid all the way through. It wears bigger than you would think for 34mm.

[Wolfgang427]

The Air-King is a classic Rolex. Here's mine from 1981.
With proper care it will outlast you.