ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
1 August 2019, 08:14 AM | #1 |
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An argument for the modern AirKing
After recently purchasing (and falling in love with) the 116900 AirKing, I thought I'd shed some light on why this polarizing model is very close to perfect for certain use-cases. Some context:
I thought for sure that a model that eased all of the above issues would never exist in the Rolex lineup: I needed an anti-magnetic Faraday cage, that also had a highly-readable, minute-scaled dial, that also had a fully-brushed bracelet. Bonus points if it aesthetically-matched my 116710LN. And then...I discovered the 116900 AirKing that supported every feature listed. I use this watch as a true tool every day: I time development tasks with it, no longer need on-screen timers during live demos, no longer stress about magnetism or desk-dive scratches, and it gets more interest at watch gatherings than my 116710LN since it's not a widely-owned model. Sometimes it feels good to land on a specific model through genuine, organic need (even if it's a bit contrived!) For me, there's no better programmer's watch than the 116900 in the Rolex lineup. |
1 August 2019, 08:20 AM | #2 |
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cool watch, I actually like the dial
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1 August 2019, 08:27 AM | #3 |
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Absolutely love mine. All the reasons you listed - and it's quite comfy.
Cheers
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Sheldon Conrad Chilling in DFW - DD40 YG / DD40 WG / Explorer II / Daytona C / DJ28 (Wife) / YM37 (Wife) / DJ36 (Daughter) |
1 August 2019, 08:47 AM | #4 |
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This models definitely grown on me lately, such a unique dial. It’s interesting to think how previously less desirable pieces are now impossible to attain. Makes me wonder what the future holds for the Air King.
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1 August 2019, 08:51 AM | #5 |
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Nice summary and perspective!
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1 August 2019, 09:10 AM | #6 |
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Nice review. I love mine. It compliments other Rolex sports models in the line up. Definitely the sleeper Rolex imo
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1 August 2019, 09:31 AM | #7 |
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I think that it's a great watch, and brilliantly executed.
When you're under the hood, executing a standard no-gyro, 3degree per second turn, those big numbers make sense.
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(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member |
1 August 2019, 09:35 AM | #8 |
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Always loved the AK. I wore one as a daily for a year then traded it to my AD for a Polar. I do have a Zblue but still miss the AK.
Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk |
1 August 2019, 09:49 AM | #9 |
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Sorry. It's ugly.
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214270 | 116710BLNR |
1 August 2019, 10:06 AM | #10 |
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Congrats to you. For me a quartz watch accomplishes it as well.
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If you wind it, they will run. 25 or 6 to 4. |
1 August 2019, 10:09 AM | #11 |
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How's the desk diver rash?
I'm a rad and mine is trashed from desks. |
1 August 2019, 10:13 AM | #12 |
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My first and only Rolex. I love mine. Like the changes to the Rolex yellow crown, Rolex in green and the green seconds hand.. it's different, that's what I like.
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1 August 2019, 10:18 AM | #13 |
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Is a nice model!!.
Enviado desde mi SM-G975F mediante Tapatalk |
1 August 2019, 10:24 AM | #14 |
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Major on the minutes! Cool watch!!
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1 August 2019, 10:27 AM | #15 |
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I would have bought one is the 3,6,9 were replaced by 15,30,45
Seems unbalanced and looks like leftover spare parts/numerals from explorer 1 after the explorer 1 moved to lumed 3,6,9 Otherwise it would have been cool watch Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
1 August 2019, 10:50 AM | #16 |
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It’s taken a bit for the 116900 to grow on me but for the first time last week I got to see one in person. It’s a Great looking watch. Congrats!!
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1 August 2019, 10:56 AM | #17 |
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Rumour is it’ll be discontinued as soon as the Bloodhound SSC completes its supersonic 1,000 mph run. Then everyone will want one.
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1 August 2019, 11:16 AM | #18 |
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The AK has grown on me so much lately, I had to buy one Thank you for sharing your story and big congrats on a very unique and beautiful piece
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He could not just wear a watch. It had to be a Rolex. Ian Fleming |
1 August 2019, 11:27 AM | #19 |
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1.) Same, though I'm not an engineer. I keep my EXP2 on a nato so no worries. I've already ruined older watches with the MBP so I feel your pain.
2.) I believe you're referring to sprints. Good job breaking down what they are. 3.) Jony is gony so maybe we'll revert to plastic MBP's? Who knows. I like the AK. I would take this over the original explorer. The dial is so cool and everything about the watch looks proportionate. For some reason I figured engineers preferred the Milgauss just because the tech is so crazy. |
1 August 2019, 11:51 AM | #20 |
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Long live the king......
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1 August 2019, 12:39 PM | #21 |
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I really liked it so much I got one. My first luxury watch. It looks and feels great on the wrist.
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114060 Submariner : 116503 Daytona White 116710 GMT LN : 116710 GMT BLNR 116900 Air King : 126300 DateJust Blue : 126610LV Submariner |
1 August 2019, 09:24 PM | #22 |
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You can even do this for a change
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2 August 2019, 12:56 AM | #23 |
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I saw the New AIR KING, in Bermuda shortly after it's Bazel debut in June of '16. I loved it immediately. I really liked the dial styling and the Arabic numerals. I decided that it would be my next Rolex, having worn my Pepsi 16710 for years as my daily, or a Tudor Sub I had from the '80s.
I decided against it because I really wanted the BLNR GMT-II first. I like the 24 Hour Time and Date complication of the GMT, and loved the blue/ black ceramic bezel. By the Fall of '16, I was able to acquire the BLNR, and then through a sale of my Tudor Sub, ready to buy the AK. However... I bought a DJII Arabic instead. I felt was a better choice than the New AK, because it had the Arabic numerals I liked about the Air King, but it also had the Date wheel and full luminova numerals that the AK lacked. I also wasn't happy with the Smooth Bezel, and ended up with a fluted one on the DJII. All that said, I still like the simple styling of the New AK, and am leaning back to picking one up, now that I have the other watches. |
2 August 2019, 01:03 AM | #24 |
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2 August 2019, 01:08 AM | #25 |
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Great heavy watch - got mine last month.
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2 August 2019, 01:20 AM | #26 |
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To be fair that was my thoughts when I first saw it at Baselworld then got chance to try it on a few months after release and changed my mind completely so much so I purchased it there and then. Op enjoy your AK it’s a great watch I also love the fact that lots don’t like it
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2 August 2019, 01:31 AM | #27 | |
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Quote:
Not that I disagree, but I also work on Macs 12 hours/day and have been wearing watches with no magnetic protection, including a Rolex OP39 and a SubC. I have never had any of my watches magnetized. Aside from that, I agree with all other comments Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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2 August 2019, 01:37 AM | #28 |
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Interesting perspective. Glad you found your tool watch
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2 August 2019, 01:37 AM | #29 |
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I think the watch is cool, I just wish they would change the font of the AIR KING logo and also just make the rolex crown and logo black and white, not green and yellow. Its a cool concept.
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2 August 2019, 01:37 AM | #30 |
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Love the touch of green !
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116900 , airking |
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