Air-King or Explorer 1 40mm

[colonelpurple]

Looking for comfort and goldilocks size for me

Glamour or subtle ? Dull or interesting ? Beautiful or more beautiful ? Easy or Controversial ?

[espanol]

Essentially the same watch.

Which dial do you like more? Which clasp do you prefer? Do crown guards get you going? Same movement, identical proportions, only differences are above.

[colonelpurple]

Originally Posted by espanol

Essentially the same watch.

Which dial do you like more? Which clasp do you prefer? Do crown guards get you going? Same movement, identical proportions, only differences are above.

yes, indeed, a taste thing
I like the crown guards plus the multiple colours, fonts and sheer artistry of the Air-King.
On the other hand, the Explorer 1 is more classic, more subtle and a bit more sophisticated.
This is one of those cases where I would have both with the budget!

[espanol]

Originally Posted by colonelpurple

yes, indeed, a taste thing
I like the crown guards plus the multiple colours, fonts and sheer artistry of the Air-King.
On the other hand, the Explorer 1 is more classic, more subtle and a bit more sophisticated.
This is one of those cases where I would have both with the budget!

FWIW, I'm a huge fan of the Explorer line, however in the 36mm size.

The dial isn't boring to me, but it seems to be to many.

Great, unassuming watch. If you're looking for 'bling' or to stand out more, the AK would be slightly more.

[WatchTimes]

Love the Exp 1 especially in 36 mm
I find the AK has too many colors, fonts and #s on the dial. It looks really busy to me

[~Ocho1~]

I love the simplicity of the Explorer I.

The Air King seems a bit too busy for me.

[B2 Stealth]

Not a fan of either and consider the Explorer boring and overhyped. Like the Air-King history but this isn't remotely close to the Air-King of WWII.
Reluctantly would choose the Air-King.

[Exceeder]

air king. love crown guards and dial

[jlovda]

The Exp should be the one with the crown guards.

[Guppydriver]

This is a true poll of similar watches. Time only pieces on oyster with identical movements and water ratings.

I think it boils down to the splash of corporate colors that are unique to any model in the catalog. Rolex tends to be conservative , and the AK is one of the few exceptions.

My take. If you have a collection and need some fun , go AK. Small collection and looking for an amazing GADA… Explorer.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by espanol

Essentially the same watch.

Which dial do you like more? Which clasp do you prefer? Do crown guards get you going? Same movement, identical proportions, only differences are above.

Having a brain fart. Remind me how the clasp is different @español?

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I love the 36mm Explorer and consider the 40mm version a cynical marketing compromise. So while not particularly fond of the Air-King I would choose it hands down over the 40mm explorer.

[jitdc]

Both are great options. AK as part of a wider collection is great. Explorer if wanting a true GADA addition to a smaller collection.

Personally prefer the 39mm Exp 1, which was my first Rolex. I would happily add this new air king to the mix because I like the splash of color and crown guards.


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[Dendi]

Love the yellow crown and green text of the Airking. Explorer is nice, but too subtle for my taste. All day , I'll choose the AK

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by ~Ocho1~

I love the simplicity of the Explorer I.

The Air King seems a bit too busy for me.

Exact same

[colonelpurple]

Interesting results. Slight shift to explorer 1, but otherwise healthy on both sides
I am leaning to the Air-king, simply as it is more interesting and I have plenty of gada watches ...

[travisb]

Explorer. The AK dial is too busy and not as well balanced.

[rolexdream]

Explorer is boring for me has to be the AK

[1William]

I have tried them both, neither.

[ltmgeller]

I prefer the Airking

[JoseR]

AK.

[Brny11]

Originally Posted by espanol

Essentially the same watch.

Which dial do you like more? Which clasp do you prefer? Do crown guards get you going? Same movement, identical proportions, only differences are above.

This. Never been a fan of AK so I went Explorer 40. Ran into an old buddy recently who does not like the explorer (while wearing a new AK). This one is all up to you!

Unbias take, AK more unique and a tad more of a fun piece. Explorer classic more subdued piece. All signs point to AK for anyone contemplating IMO. I like classic under radar, so Exp easy choice for me.

[jacowestt]

AirKing works perfectly for me.

[espanol]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

Having a brain fart. Remind me how the clasp is different @español?

AK has a simple fold-over clasp. Same to the OP range. Explorer has the locking system.

[Mate1974]

Explorer will be my take on this for one too many reasons.

[IFlyPlanes]

This is extremely subjective. They are almost the same watch so it’s really dependent on what you like best. I have both but I love the quirkiness of the AK and the simplicity of the Explorer.

There are some great side by side videos on YouTube if you want to see them next to each other.

[Lu..]

EXP 40...it's not even 40mm....as for the Air King...if it had a jump hour complication I would consider it....

[HogwldFLTR]

Air-King is far more interesting to me. I had one and miss it.

[Zahnarzt]

I prefer the air king, the crown guards as well as the colors unlike any other time only model. I own the new airking myself.

[MSL]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

I love the 36mm Explorer and consider the 40mm version a cynical marketing compromise. So while not particularly fond of the Air-King I would choose it hands down over the 40mm explorer.

So true