I think the 39 Mk2 is the best execution of the explorer as i find new dial is too text heavy up top. By the way why does everyone think they can rap the Biggie verse on Notorious Thugs?😂
Oh, absolutely! The 39 Mk2 is undoubtedly the epitome of explorer execution. Who needs a clear and balanced dial when you can have all that delightful text piled up on top, right? And as for everyone thinking they can effortlessly rap the Biggie verse on Notorious Thugs, well, it could be a universal thing, for me however it tells me that you and I both are born in the 80’s 😆 talent that miraculously manifests to new generations, let’s keep it at that 😆
I find the AK dial too busy, but love the 124270. 3-6-9 dials look perfectly proportional in 36mm, it is sporty and classy with a n important history, robust and durable yet it disappears on your wrist, flies under the radar screen and is effortless to wear. My 124270 is one of my favorite watches in my collection. Cheers!
Explorer 1 “has” an interesting back story/history when comparing to the other models. I think the issue is the continued mainstream trend to wear bigger blingy watches. But the explorer flies under the radar that only those that know, will know. A true watch enthusiast’s watch. ✌️💪
I bought the Explorer 40 two days ago and love it, was never a fan because it looked too plain to me. Tried it on, it fits perfect 👌. So classy but yet sporty, a better OP41 if you ask me.
I'm trying to buy the 2023 air king. I can only find them between 9610 1000 change. I don't know where you say you can get 1 for 5 grand new, that makes no sense.
These newer Air-Kings are so rewarding to look at again and again during everyday wear. I like the simplicity of the line here-you never have to doubt your choice (36 vs 40, steel vs two tone etc.) Nice video too.
yet I swear the Explorer is the one of the most talked about Rolex on forums like Reddit, the ultimate one watch collection, also the most vintage modern Rolex
Absolutely! The Rolex Explorer is indeed a highly discussed timepiece on forums. Its iconic status and reputation as a versatile "one watch collection" make it a favorite among enthusiasts. I always thought, the blend of vintage design elements with modern features adds to its allure and makes it a standout choice for collectors. It's no wonder the Explorer holds such a special place in the world of Rolex aficionados.
I’m trying to find an Air King 2020 or 22 and still can’t find one at msrp or below on the gray market used. I like the explorer, but really want an AK due to being a pilot. Any leads?
I really enjoyed the current Air King when I tried one on a few months ago. It's haunted me ever since. It's on my short list. The criticisms I've seen about it mean nothing to me. It feels great on the wrist. The crown action, feeling and sound of the clasp, refinement of the edges of the bracelet links and case stunned me as it was one of the first Rolexes I've handled. Once I researched the Bloodhound SSC it was over. I'll be pleased if it is as easy to locate as you say.
Not too sure what you are referring to. New Airking from is 7,450USD, Explorer 124270 is 7,700USD with unknown wait list time. Got this from AD in Silicon Valley yesterday. Let me know if you actually have either of these reference numbers for < 5,000USD and you can verify they are real.
I got the call last year for the Air king and recently got the call for the Explorer. I also have received calls from multiple ADs for the two-tone Explorer being available, but I bought used in 2021 and they had not taken me off of the list. All three are great.
One you really understand the air king is like having a dashboard clock on your wrist, it’s actually a very fun and unique watch, also very cool and daring for a Rolex.
I have the new air king and absolutely love it’s quirkiness. I also have a non date sub and a black dialled datejust. But the air king gets more wrist time 🤷🏻♂️
The Explorer 39mm is the best understated Rolex watch, I’m guessing the new 40mm is too. If I didn’t already have one, this is the first Rolex I’d get especially at the price today.
Which watch would you pick? The Explorer is on the small size but wears well. I also believe the dial on the Explorer is either the same ie bigger than the Sub 41. The AirKing is also nice, but I find it a tad busy. I do like the green font and seconds hand. Thanks for the vid.
Certainly, personal preferences play a significant role in choosing. However, if I had to choose between the Explorer and the Air King, I would lean towards the Explorer. While it may be on the smaller side, it still wears well and offers a classic look. It’s a watch that definitely matures with you, especially when your wrist size only gets smaller from hereon 😆 However, given that I own the 39 case, I’d pick the airking on this occasion, I don’t mind a busy working dial, and the green, adds a touch of uniqueness. Ultimately, personal preference once again.. Thank you for watching
They never been really "desired" - people just bought them to flip for a few bucks AND/OR to gain a bit on their "purchase history record" - hopefully ADs "reward" regular wearers/keepers of these watch models by considering them next time for a faster delivery on desired ones
Multiple Rolex owner here. The reason they are not as desirable unfortunately is pretty shallow. The Air King and Explorer don't have the signature rolex "bubble" date window. I think some consumers want everyone to know they have a higher end rolex with the date function. Yes we see the oyster bracelet but no date window means entry level. (Daytona and Cellini etc being exception)
I like the dial on the new AK and the crown guard. The dial looks busy because of the different fonts the hour hand and the colors, but it draws passive attention from a distance against the black dial.
Not sure where you're finding these after market for under retail, but I haven't seen that in a LONG time. I do like the Air King in person, but the numerals are way too busy. The color is awesome, but I wish they just did the 5 minute numerals around the dial, and make them all lumed. Would be a killer watch. I don't like the minute numerals mixed with the 3, 6, and 9... it's just weird.
Agree with other commenters that the Airking dial is too busy with combination of minute markers and 3,6,9. IMO getting rid of 3,6,9 and replacing them with minute arabics would make the dial cleaner although may not be so much in line with heritage. The 124270 became less sought after with the release of 224270 no doubt but I agree that 214270 is the sweet spot.
Apologies for the mistake. You are absolutely correct. Calibre 3230 replaces the old one. Thank you for pointing that out. I appreciate your attention to detail, and I apologize for any confusion caused.
I’ve been on the waitlist for the 124270 at two separate ADs in Atlanta for almost two years with no results. You definitely cannot buy one on the grey market for $5k. You can’t even buy a 114270 for $5k, even well used.
Hi Jim, you absolutely can find it. I'd be more than happy to point you to some aftermarket dealers here in Dubai who would be willing to sell it to you for just over 5k. Mind condition if not brand new!
I love the Explorer 40mm. I had been hunting for a 39mm since 2021 but prices were ridiculous through pandemic so I held off. Got lucky to find and pick up a 40mm last week. It's beautifully understated piece, has a rich history behind it with a fully inhouse Rolex movement. It's a watch made for wearers that appreciate it's intrinsic and historic beauty, not for those that are looking to flash wealth at social gatherings. Any collector that knows watches will appreciate it. It's got a "subtle elegance" that simply states: "if you know, you know." Also picked up a black rubber strap for more toned-down events; hoping Rolex comes out with their own rubber strap + clasp soon. It's a watch you can dress up or dress down. I did consider the Airking for a short while as it's colors embody the Iconic Rolex brand, but opted for the Explorer instead. Happy with my decision. Thanks for your review!
Not facts , you will not get a new model airking below retail anywhere , plus you will have to wait to get one at retail at an ad for well over a year & that is just if u are lucky enough to get the call back , the airking is a a real nice watch in reality & I would say the best sports model Rolex that you can wear as a daily watch ,
Thanks for the review. I do like the AirKing a lot, it's in my collection and I noticed that I wear it more than some of my other watches. Weird = Good :)
If you follows any trends you'd know that trends are flexible and people always follow back and forth between what used to be trendy and what's trendy now. I'm sure smaller or vintage sized gentlemen watch will be increasingly fashionable .
I finally got the call for the AK 126900, I have net yet seen it list below retail in the grey market the predecessor perhaps. Anyhow I am stoked and yep “Notorious Thugs” is that Jam
Ridah! Great video as always. Glad to see you beefing up your content and looking forward to the podcast. I've owned both of these watches and enjoyed them. I moved the Air-King only because it felt too similiar to my black dial Explorer II. But I'm keeping the 36mm Explorer for my son. He's 18 and starting college. I'll give it to him down the road at some point. I was also surprised how well the 36mm Explorer wore....and it apparently is 35.3mm. Anyone thinking about an Explorer should at least try it on before deciding. Cheers!
Hmmm it’s not the case … where is this AD that you can find them easily available? Expect if you have a high profile they are not available .. but yes you can find in grey market the 124270 almost retail and if is used even slightly bellow .. the 126900 nope .. the 116900 yea you can find at aprox 7000$ but the newer Airking is levels above a proper professional Rolex.. taste is subjective guys
Very simple explanation why these 2 models aren't as popular as any other model is that because today's trend is showing off your wealth. The majority of people like showing off with blingy watches and going with the hype and these 2 models aren't gaudy in the slightest.
To me, what affects the perceived charm is the fact that the AK is associated heavily with entry level Rolex and hasnt been able to gravitate away from that stigma--like the OP's have. Problem is, most folks still think of buying a Rolex as an aspirational purchase and obtaining a Rolex watch associated with entry level just ruins that perceived value and charm imo 💯 The Explorer I, in contrast, though similar in its lower popularity as the AK has a niche following due to its more clean and easier to read dial. If they added crown guards to this model, I would purchase one. The only way to make the AK more popular is to make adjustments to the dial--perhaps offer colored options to the writing rather than just green; have it also available in red, turquoise, yellow, blue etc (like the OPs) and im willing to bet the popularity would explode...Rolex, make it happen 🍻
I dont like the crown guards on the air king, the old explorer 36mm looks the best, the new 36mm wears to small, more like a 34mm than 36. Anyway i would pick a iwc mark xx if i wanted an understated watch that covers most situations.
Strangely enough, the new Air King is one of my three favorite Rolex watches, with the other two being the ridiculously difficult grail watches. Fortunately for me, the AK is relatively easy to get, and now even better if you are correct and it's less expensive to get a new one in the gray market. No need to play the AD games.
There’s a very simple answer why people are turning them town - because they can’t flip them. Simple as that. On a different note, does Seddiqi still have their ridiculous “minimum spend” for all professional models?
Nonsense, I’ve been on wait list for the AK 126900 for 2 years. I finally got sick of waiting and overpaid for my 126900. You are NOT getting the AK new from an AD unless you are a favored customer like all the others…
Hello Brother, I will be in Dubai next week and I would like to trade a few watches. Do you recommend a location for my visit. I love your content and I am subscribed also. Thanks Smith
The Air King dial is an absolute mess no matter how you spin it. It’s fashioned after the instrument gauge of a land speedster. The Explorer unfortunately has proportions that don’t appeal to most modern men. The case is less than 36mm when measured but the biggest issue is the extreme bracelet tapper to 14mm. Most men will find it too small. I actually love the 124270.
I think it’s Rolexes fault that these watches are not as desirable. Why they make a big deal in their commercials about them the AD salesperson make them easier to attain , and even tell you to ask for this watch if you want something sooner. If they made this harder to get and stopped telling people how easy they are they may gain more followers.
The AirKing is cool, the green makes it pop and its an everyday sporty piece. The Explorer I on the other hand is too simple and plain, if you're looking for something that doesn't scream Rolex this will do the job.
