New Air-King 126900 vs. Explorer I 124270

[Snikerdewdle]

I'm ready to buy my first Rolex but torn between the new Air-King and the Explorer I. The things I prefer about the Explorer are the 36mm size and the fully lumed dial, though I prefer the case shape of the new Air-King as well as the pop of color with the green second hand and the yellow crown. I know the dial design of the Air-king can be a bit polarizing but it's one that I like especially now that they've added lume to the 3-6-9.

I sold my other two watches to fund this purchase and the only watch I own right now is a Seiko Diver that I'm holding onto for sentimental reasons. I had wanted a 216570/226570 Explorer II for a long long time but after trying it on numerous times at the AD I just couldn't get over how big it felt, even though most stuff seems to work on my 7.25-inch wrist. This will be my one watch going forward so trying not to make a decision that I regret. Any opinions would be welcome.

[amphr1]

Tough choice. I really like the new case of the new air king. I think it is more in line with the professional watches. I still feel the dial is a bit busy. That said, I think between the two, it's really a question of case size. Do you want a full size watch (40mm) or a medium size (36) watch? And the whole question might be moot if you can't get either from an AD. Or you planning to buy grey?

[Cru Jones]

If you like the 36 size, the Explorer is the obvious one-and-done choice, IMHO.

If part of a collection, the new A-K has a lot going for it.

[Snikerdewdle]

Originally Posted by amphora001

Tough choice. I really like the new case of the new air king. I think it is more in line with the professional watches. I still feel the dial is a bit busy. That said, I think between the two, it's really a question of case size. Do you want a full size watch (40mm) or a medium size (36) watch? And the whole question might be moot if you can't get either from an AD. Or you planning to buy grey?

I've got my name down at a couple of ADs in my area for both, but not opposed to going grey either since prices seem to be dropping. I plan on buying some time between now and mid-September but I won't hold my breath that an AD will get back to me.

[EmpireCity]

Do you have an opportunity to try on at your AD? It'll become much more clear which one works best. Good luck with your search!

[matthew P]

I have a 7 inch wrist and I like the smaller size of the exp36mm…… but I could also wear the 39mm Exp MKII.

If you like the vintage/ classic sizing then Exp may be preferable, if you want a modern sport sized watch the AK will be better.
My guess is that wrist time with both will give you a quick gut check as to which one you prefer ….. that’s how it was for me



….Save the drama - I’m just here for the photos….

[IR201]

Did you try the 216570, 226570 or both?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[eijiboy]

Ak for me. Has the same clasp on exp and a sub case and of course crown guards baby





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Snikerdewdle]

I've not yet tried on the new AK but yesterday I was able to compare the 36mm Explorer, 39mm Explorer, and the previous AK at the same time. I was hoping to walk away with a definite idea of what to go with but I ended up walking out just as uncertain as when I arrived lol.

[Snikerdewdle]

Originally Posted by IR201

Did you try the 216570, 226570 or both?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've tried on both. The new glossy black dial 226570 is really great though I do miss the floating hand of the previous generation.

[douglasf13]

My wrist is 7” or so (and I’m tall,) and it’s all about 36mm, to me. Compared to my former SubDate and Exp II, I can literally do anything with my 114270 on and it doesn’t bother me, like sleep, drums, golf, tennis etc. I wear it 24/7.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

My wrist is 7” or so (and I’m tall,) and it’s all about 36mm, to me. Compared to my former SubDate and Exp II, I can literally do anything with my 114270 on and it doesn’t bother me, like sleep, drums, golf, tennis etc. I wear it 24/7.

Way to go Doug.

[Snikerdewdle]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

My wrist is 7” or so (and I’m tall,) and it’s all about 36mm, to me. Compared to my former SubDate and Exp II, I can literally do anything with my 114270 on and it doesn’t bother me, like sleep, drums, golf, tennis etc. I wear it 24/7.

The golf part might be what tips me over the edge, I play at least once a week.

[ap1]

AK for sure , the changes make it way more desirable relative to prior. Gone is the thick Millie case and now it’s sleek with better lume profile.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Snikerdewdle

The golf part might be what tips me over the edge, I play at least once a week.

Yeah, I mean, it’s certainly not hard to just put your watch in the bag, so it’s probably not THAT big of a deal, but I like that I can just leave it on without worry, no matter what I’m doing.

I’ve also always loved the look of the “smaller” Rolex watches. To me, if anything, it makes men look bigger.

[pamy104]

I have 7 inch wrists and thew new Air King is something unique, so slim, and under the radar. I really think they nailed the size on this thing. I owned the last Air King and this is literally night and day in terms of comfort. I haven't tried on the 36mm new Explorer but a better comparison may be the last gen 39mm.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[Brandband]

Originally Posted by Snikerdewdle

I've not yet tried on the new AK but yesterday I was able to compare the 36mm Explorer, 39mm Explorer, and the previous AK at the same time. I was hoping to walk away with a definite idea of what to go with but I ended up walking out just as uncertain as when I arrived lol.

Lol. I can relate to this as it's always a tough choice especially when both options are stunning. Well, I'll pivot towards the 36mm Explorer on this one because I feel it fits better.

[dshin525]

Since it's your first, I'd go with the explorer. Timeless design and iconic.
Airking is something I would pick up as a part of an existing collection, if I wanted to add something different.

[KeithP]

If you see them both side by side, the new Air-King will win. It’s svelte, ultra legible and perfectly balanced.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[28mm]

Originally Posted by KeithP

If you see them both side by side, the new Air-King will win. It’s svelte, ultra legible and perfectly balanced.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Argh...i want that watch!

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I’ve also always loved the look of the “smaller” Rolex watches.

Me too I don’t have an Explorer or AK at the moment and I would pick the Explorer over the AK without a second thought

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Me too I don’t have an Explorer or AK at the moment and I would pick the Explorer over the AK without a second thought

Yeah, I’d want like an 8”+ wrist if I went AK.

[28mm]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Yeah, I’d want like an 8”+ wrist if I went AK.

Why do you say this? It's not that big. What other watches do you wear?

[KeithP]

Originally Posted by 28mm

Argh...i want that watch!

[Trailboss516]

Originally Posted by KeithP

If you see them both side by side, the new Air-King will win. It’s svelte, ultra legible and perfectly balanced.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Off topics but I like that table

[1William]

I prefer the Explorer. A classic and so subdued.

[travisb]

Sounds like you prefer the 36mm size and the dial layout of the Exp is so clean and iconic. That's the one in my opinion.

[OrangeSport]

If it's to be your 1 watch I think the Explorer is more versatile in terms of dressing up/down as it is restrained ( so will work better in smarter situations )

[NachoNeal]

If you prefer the the new explorer, but find it too small, go for an older model.

[Ksbi]

Explorer gets my vote