Is The New Rolex Air-King Cooler Than We Think? 

What are your thoughts on the Air-King Collection and the New 126900? I’m kinda on the fence. Love that its Design is different than any other professional model out there but also feel that its been put together by adding more clay to the sculpture instead of reducing to find that beautiful form. It’s different and out there (which is a good thing) 🥃

I absolutely love the new 2022 Air King. One of my favorite Rolexes. I got on the list as soon as they announced it and got it a couple of month ago. I would not change a thing about it.

As a professional airline pilot I find myself drawn to this watch. I can connect and create a story with this piece more so than I can with my dive watches as I don’t dive. I like the toolish look but ultimately , I think it’s because it says “Air-king” on it! That’s cool to me.

Airking is the only model which you can wear a sports Rolex with a crown guard but still keep the subtlety of a daily wear such as an explorer or an Oyster Perpetual. I love the 2023 model and already ordered one.

I have owned the “previous” version for two years now. I never get tired of its quirkiness, It works well in many situations, and sits nicely on my wrist. I like this new version as well. I never bought the idea that it was unloved, considering I had to buy mine grey, because I was not able to get one from an AD.

I bought the previous iteration because I liked it. The AD asked me why I wanted it. At the time they were an easy pick up. I replied truthfully that I especially liked the green on the dial. It arrived in a month. Three months later I had a phone call asking if I wanted another watch in green that was harder to come by. Yes, Dear reader I bought that one too.

Got to say, in my honest opinion You are wrong here. The numerals appeal for more to me than your batons at the quarters. It’s a very underrated watch, but that’s coming from a Sea Dweller & Mileguass owner I love it.

9:37 OMG your design concept is soooo great 😍 love it with that quarter indices change!

Never liked Rolex, until the 126900 came in. Something about that simplicity, subtlety and sportiness that's attractive... picking up mine today. can't wait!

Another interesting, educational and informative video. Many thanks! I do not have the budget for any type of Rolex but, if I did, then this one would probably be at the top of my list. I invariably find myself choosing an outlier over a common/regular model, so this one really calls to me. I could easily cope with the “busy” dial. In fact, the new, lumed numerals are one of the bigger attractions of this dial over the old one (I can’t cope with how polished numerals can disappear in the wrong light) and it is also the main reason I have never bought a Longines VHP. Keep up the great videos and keep well :-)

I have the 126900, but I think the redesign at 10:06 looks awesome! Well done!

I really like the new Air-King. I would like to see an entire Air-King line that included the old vintage style Air-King dials in the new case.

I kinda love this one because the dial looks like a speedometer from a 90s sports car in a subtle way that auto-themed watches never get right. But the lollipop hour hand and the giant 3 6 9 are still a bit gaudy. Overall, I prefer your redesign to what's out there.

I wasnt completely convinced from photos of the Air King 2022 and had registered an interest in the Oyster Perpetual silver dial at my local AD. Popped in at lunch today to have a chat and he let me try an Air King on. Wow ! pictures don't really do it justice- a stunning watch and I have now changed my registration ! Can't wait for my Air King to come- who knows when mind you !

I sold my previous version and got this one. Always liked it’s unique style, and the new one fixed the weaknesses of the old one.

I went from absolutely hating the air king to absolutely loving it when the new one came out. Amazing how such small changes totally make it a whole new timepiece.

At first glance it just doesn’t coalesce around any particular theme or purpose, but then when I reevaluate it’s unique and quirky design qualities, I think it has that slow release charm that I could appreciate for years to come. It’s far enough outside the usual conventions and formalities of the Rolex brand that I find it endearing. I’m not usually a fan of Rolex but this offering has me saying, “Cheers to Rolex!” 🥃 Well done my friend as always.

I have the new Air-King and absolutely love it. Every time I look at my wrist I get a smile on my face. It is just such a fun watch to see. I also have a Sub and GMT and they are great but not as fun. Also the Air-King is just much more wearable too. My go to watch at the moment!

I never was a big fan of the previous model but this one caught my attention. Interestingly, the Great Roger Federer was wearing this new model on his retirement ceremony night. So for me being a mad RF fan, this watch just became even more special.

Great video as always. Where did you get your Nato strap from for your FXD as I wan’t the same one for mine as I think it looks awesome. Thanks Baz

I absolutely love it! i love the playful green accent and really has a much sportier feeling. feels like a watch i would wear while playing tennis or something. referencing the famous green and yellow rolex logo that we see so much around many sporting events in tennis and formular one for example.

The introduction of 2 tone explorer, Air king, Milgauss and left handed GMT adds some polarizing and fun factor to the conservative nature of Rolex.

I had to pause your video at the baton mock-up and bask in the serenity of that perfectly balanced design. Wow! I do appreciate all the subtle changes made to the new model, but your change finally completes it. In a way, this change bring the watch back full circle by channeling the purposeful W10 watches.

I loved the one you designed without the 369 configuration. I think the best move to have a wild bloodhound watch should be putting a small second dial at six and make it a dual time watch, make it look almost exactly as the chronometer from the actual bloodhound car.

The 116900 was the first Rolex I ever wanted. After getting mine in 2018, is when I learned of the negative opinion that “everyone” seemed to have about it. So many suggestions thrown around on forums, as to how it could be improved. Well, it seems Rolex actually listened, and the 126900 is that execution. My opinion, the previous model was indeed quirky, not trying to be anything more than what it was; the new one doesn’t know what it wants to be. Regardless, the fact that it is a topic of discussion, means it is getting the respect it deserves.

I think it will be a future style icon. It may not seem so now but in 10, 20, 50 years from now people will be looking back to the Air King as an avante garde classic piece of modernism in art. It may have the same cause and effect appeal as the Daytona has today. The unpopularity of it today could make it a future collectible. As somebody once quoted, Rolex know what we like before we know it. Consequently I believe, just like other previously unloved Rolex models, namely the Hulk and the Kermit, tastes of collectors in the future will change and they will embrace these quirky unique designs. As for the names of the original series of Air-Lion, Air-Tiger and Air-King, these names reflect the watch's correlation to the military units or WW2 fighter planes. After all there was a famous American squadron called the Flying Tigers and a fighter plane called a Kingcobra. So an aviators watch incorporating these namesakes makes sense. Also it was mentioned in this review that the Air King doesn't have a clear identity in the Rolex catalogue compared to it's siblings. Well this argument relies heavily on the marketing. If Rolex better presented this watch tied to it's military heritage and the romance of WW2 aviation on similar strategy as the IWC MK series, then I think the public perception of this weird watch would be completely different. Take for example the Explorer. The current design of that watch bears no resemblance to the original Oyster Perpetual used on the Everest expedition, yet somehow it is anchored to one of the most significant achievements in mankind's history. It's all because of marketing. Ironically, that's what makes the Air-King so cool and unique. It's because it flies under the radar of social media hype and the obscure history behind the watch is only reserved for those who appreciate it and take the time to dig a little deeper.

Your mock ups Mr. IDG, are always great. If I may, I own the 116900 and I love the solid gold 3, 6, 9 which breaks up the dial in direct light and is absolutely gorgeous in low light condiitons. I don’t care much for lume but in your mock up, that may not be an issue for me. Keep up the great work, I really enjoy your channel!

Personally I've always liked the bloodhound air king its appeal is possibly in the designs un Rolex like overall appearance or it's stand out quirkiness...... either way another great video from you 👌

Controversial thought: An explorer dial with the air king crownguarded case

Dear Mr IDGuy, you are just getting better and better, with your explanations of our beloved watch interests. Love my Airking 116900. It’s just enough quirky.

Great episode! I do like this new model better than the old one. Still it isn’t for me. My vision of Rolex changed years ago when the Milgauss GV came to be. As a result i also started remembering the GMT master ads from NGC.

I love the stick indices on the quarters like you've done. Now move and proportion the Rolex crown to the 12 oclock position instead of the triangle, add a fluted bezel, and it would be perfect.

I got myself one for X-mas, totally happy with it and much prefer it over it's previous version. When the new model was announced, the crown guards made the difference for me and that's the reason why I got one. Great video, well done.

Love the redesign. An Airking II with a central minutes chronograph would be great, while we're dreaming

Hi ID Guy. Happy Thursday. Hope you had a great week.

In person the 2022 model is stunning. Great video and I sense a touch of Python in the maker.

I owned the previous Air King and for 1.5yrs, sort of miss it when I sold it early this year. I am actually ok with no "0" infront of the 5 as adding the "0" makes it much bigger than "10" which off balance visually and "confusing" to my mind when reading the time. The solid white gold 3,6,9 hour markers perfectly differentiate from the white minute numerals. The ability to read the time in a glance surprised me dispite the busy dial. More lume is definately welcomed but the lume filled 3,6,9 now sort of blends in with the white minute numerals which makes it harder to read IMO. Your baton design is the perfect solution, now just need to find some way to balance the "10".

Beautifully written and spoken script.

Love that you’ve got the stones to call out the pit stains..you’re truly a man above.. I like the air king but i never understood the polished bezel (screams dress watch) While everything else about the dial says “tool”. I think it would be a knockout as a 41 with a black ceramic bezel. Interesting topic.

I like your version with the batons. Brings to mind a crosshair or a propeller. Very much an Air-King.

Great ~ now I want one of these too! Just over 2 years waiting on the GMT Batman. Think I’ll get the Daytona first

I was on the waitlist for this watch for just over 18 months. I picked it up 2 days ago and I love it. Here is what I find interesting. When I wear my Milhauss it’s completely under the radar. It gets an occasional bit of recognition but not much. My Tag Monaco on the other hand gets comments all the time. I blame that one scene from Breaking Bad on that. People notice my Tudor Heritage Chrono, but hardly anyone comments on it. Now… 2 days in with the Air-King and I’ve had multiple people tell me that they love the look of it. I was always drawn to the design, I love the quirky nature of it, and the fact that it does feel different from your traditional Rolex designs. It’s the same feeling I had about those brightly colored Oysters, especially the yellow, green, and orange hues. The Air-King might feel a bit busy or odd to some, but I personally feel it’s like art or music. You like what you like. I wouldn’t change anything about the design of this watch, and if Rolex had done a better job of marketing and advertising it, I think everyone would have a different opinion. I’m going to ruffle some feathers here, but I personally think the Daytona is ugly and overhyped. Is it popular because Paul Newman wore them? People buy the Daytona not for the design, but because Rolex made it an icon through strategic targeted advertising. They turned it into a status symbol. Like most dive watches never go that deep in the ocean, the Daytona doesn’t see that much time at the race track.

Another great video 👏👏👏. I need to ask you about the NATO’s for the FXD - looks amazing. 👍

I very much like your version with the baton markers!

I was never totally sure why Rolex didn’t revive the Speed King name for this watch given the links to the Bloodhound project

I love it ! What the new Exploder should be !!! Daytona didn’t fit in 25 years ago either ! Nice video mate 🌴⛳️🏌🏽‍♂️😎🇺🇸🌴🥃

I love my 126900. At first I considered between new AK (Airking) and Explorer 40, but after see in person and compare these side by side, I pulled the trigger to the new AK ☺️

Those vintage air kings are pretty sick!!!!

Needs more 5s… got a question for you. Is the top of a Rolex box water waves or sand ripples?

Love the puns plus your suggested redesign, thank you sir.

Nice video. Also, I highly recommend Thompson Tees to solve your sweating problem 😅

I like the combination of different time designation.

Some people just don't get the purpose of the watch. This is not meant to be a elegant design piece its intended for those people that reach high-speed and want decreased read times. At mach3 you've already travelled over 3000km in a second of read time. If you fly a jet (airking) or your attempting to break land speed records (bloodhound) or generally do fast motorsports like racing this is a good watch for you. After all a watch is meant to be read and it is a instrument.

I LOVE your re-design. And may I segway into my IWC Mark 16 again here?!?! :) It has that exact missing numerals lay-out and I love how it allows the dial to breathe, to look less than just an Arabic dial clock - more of a cross-hair look... That Air king would be amazing with that same layout, but at least I have a watch that exists and more people should snap the few that are left up ! I thank you for bringing it to my attention, and I wait for the day when Rolex (or any other brand) employ you to design their next big watch! (p.s. I did try on the Air King a few months ago, and like most modern 40mm Rolex, I found it too heavy.... I think the only Rolex I would get would be 36mm... Currently I'm really looking at Bond era Seamasters like 2254.50 and the electric blue one.... So I may go that way in a while.. But for now, IWC is KICKING ASS! I love the contrast on the dial. The white is SO white against that black. Sometimes I just look at it and take a double take.... It just looks ultra ULTRA HD honestly) ... Nice work man

Is it me or was the seconds hand rotating counter clockwise? Great episode as always.

I love its quirkiness..and the touches of rolex green the gold crown add to that and the new model has an amazing movement inside ...great watch

I was lucky enough to get the new Air King just last month, it's my first Rolex and I love it. It is different, it does stand out from the crowd, and I think that is why I like it. It's so bloody cool. I also own an Omega Aqua Terra +15,000 Gauss with the yellow and black striped seconds hand and yellow text. That watch is also quirky and original with a story behind it. Both watches caught my attention whilst standing out from the norm, the expected and the popular. Long Live The King… or discontinue it and it will become even cooler!

I was lucky, had asked for this model, before a Daytona, sky-dweller, GMT and every other model. And so was able to get one. The more I look at it, the more time on the wrist, it has become my very favorite watch. Not just my favorite Rolex. I love it because of the fit and the feel. And because it looks like nothing else in my watch box. I do not think I could ever get rid of this watch.

I’ve seen rendered versions with a polar dial and a red second hand, all of a sudden the design made sense! As is so often the case with Rolex…..if only.

airking is my favorite!....currently lol

Not everyone's cup of tea but the most totally unique and stand out piece in the Rolex line up.

I fell in love with the AK in 2016, and finally managed to buy it in 2019, however when the new model came out in 2022 I was quite drawn to it and couldn’t look at my older model in the same way. So when I got the call from the AD 3 months later I instantly pulled the trigger. Personally I don’t understand what’s not to like about a watch that stands alone and looks completely different. The AK is the only watch in the Rolex line up to have the beautiful Rolex yellow and green colours in the dial, that alone separates it completely from the others, creating uniqueness in style. I personally love it and get compliments everywhere I go with it. Nevertheless I guess it can be considered the marmite watch because even the people in the comments that don’t like it had to at some point write Rolex Air King in their search engines to watch this video 😂

The model 4499 looked absolutely stunning with its bit of Art Deco styling. I have always liked the 5500. An understated piece at 34mm. It would be a great everyday wearer. The modern day Air King I don’t quite get. Based on the Bloodhound land speed record attempting rocket car which has failed its record breaking attempts so far. That isn’t something Rolex usually associate themselves with (failure’s). Rolex are more associated with being associated with record holders and winners and it was surprising to see Rolex ambassador Roger Federer wearing an Air King at the Laver Cup where he retired last month. Surely he would have chosen a heavier hitter for his retirement match but, maybe Rolex wanted more coverage for the Air King? Federers wife Mirka was sat in the sidelines wearing a platinum, diamond-pavè dial rainbow bezel Daytona. Surely that would have been more fitting for Rogers retirement alongside his team mates (Rafa Nadal’s) custom Richard Mille but, no, Roger (or Rolex) chose for him to wear one of the simplest Watches in the range, the new Air King. It does have a quirky fashionable style to it with the Bloodhound dial but, has never really appealed to me as a three handed model from Rolex. I much prefer the look of the Milgauss or the OP’s. The original dial with just the 5 before they added the 05 may well become more collectible. Who knows? Another interesting video from you here my friend. Keep up the great work and look after yourself. ✊

I thought of it being an ugly duck when it was introduced. And I still do with this 2nd version 😊 As always you prove to be the better designer over the bataljon designers at Rolex, Omega, Breitling etc. Well done 👌

You guys ever see the Rolex AirBud? That watch was a slam dunk!

Came to this video knowing you would have sorted the 3, 6, 9. I think that one little fix would make this watch a new icon.

I was just thinking about this reference last night, haven’t finished the video yet, but I think other than the crown guard they got everything right

Got mine from the AD before the price rises, I'm truly Blessed ❤ the watch,it's definitely a keeper in my collection 🙏

all laughter aside,i actually like the shape of the 'air-lion'.

I agree with the batons, and maybe a hunter green dial.

If you want it to make it more PILOT, you can replace the 6 o'clock baton and have a triangle pointing up. a reflection of the 12 o'clock triangle pointing down. In this way, the 3 and 6 o'clock batons will look more like wings or a balance line

Liked the previous model. I am not much bothered by so many 5s on the dial. 😊

Not only are your videos the most nuanced, detailed, and non-biased of all watch RU-vidrs, you re the most articulate, and as a linguist and academic, I like that and respect your output. Good job young man! However, you need some deodorant!!!

One of the best Flieger based design from Rolex..

I got the call for mine last month and the honeymoon rages on. It's weirdness is what drew me to it in the first place, but I think it's beautiful in person. Just can't bring myself to take it off

I’m on the infamous wait list for this watch and if 5 years before I would own this watch I would be a very happy man as I love this simple design and be proud also I’m a omega fan boy great experience buying my speedy and seamaster

I see this new Air King as a missed opportunity. Rolex's catalogue is so defined by existing models and designs they cant deviate too far from. The Air King has had so many variations over the years, they had a level of freedom in the design, that they wont have with any other model. They could have kept it simple, they could have gone wild, and anywhere in between...instead we got very little (aesthetically). To me the Air King could be a really desirable piece, it could be the stepping stone watch to the GMT. I don't think the changes they made, made it that much more desirable (other than it being a Rolex)

Agreed. Batten markers look great. More negative space, more symmetry, separates the watch from the Explorer 3/6/9 design queue. Altogether more unique, more special, more independent. I would buy that, but I wouldn’t buy the current AK.

Love it. Sleek, unique, fun, playful, and does not stand out like the others

It is odd how the watch ticks backwards. Way to innovate!

Favorite channel! 🥃 I feel like so many predicted it's demise for the past few years that Rolex doubled down for spite. It definitely feels forced.

There are watches (e.g. Hamilton Khaki or Farer GMT) which have 2 scales of numerals, 12 & 24. In such cases, 1 set of numerals is typically outside of the other, and is a different size than the other. The inherent design flaw of the Air-King IMO is that it has only 1 set of numerals, and merely differentiates the 3, 6 and 9 by size (and as you say, lume). That violates one of the basic rules of watches for me -- they must be very legible and understandable at a quick glance, e.g. while driving or taking some other action. It's a safety issue. I thought of the baton solution at 3, 6 and 9 too. That would really elevate the watch in my "view."

09:36 yes, that's what they should have done. And while they're at it, lume for the tiny markers at 5 minutes intervals please (not the numbers themselves).

Own the previous 40mm AK. My favorite Rolex.

Looks miles better with battons. 🤩

Very intrigued by this watch myself..I must admit, the batons really clear things up beautifully..seriously well done (Rolex are you hearing this???) Lastly, I think another drink is in order to clear that darn throat and cough, have one for me and I'll do the same on my side of the pond ..😊🥃🥃

I got this watch a month ago. It is not my first Rolex. I absolutely love it. It looks quite different from the other models. It is a fun watch to wear. I have got more comments about this watch than all the other Rolex I have worn combined. 😂.

Your design is great

Keep it! Air King is a very cool watch!

I’m new to Rolex, but I just bought this one. I like it more than any other watch $12k and under. A 2023 just sold for $18.5k today which blew my mind.

Good 👍🏻 review, although I respectfully disagree with your dial concept. As an avgeek who has flown over 2M miles thus far, the AK speaks to me. I love its history, how the green lettering together with the yellow Rolex crown pops on the black dial, how it feels and it’s only been 2 months since I got the call from my AD to pick it up, after a wait of just 5 month. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier!

I don’t know. Jefferson, I may be lost, as Stipe - Buck wrote into a song once. I really love my Explorer 1016 and the Air King 15000. These are truly classic designs and are iconic. Are they overpriced now? Yes. No doubt. I believe that the quintessence of good design is - less is more. What do you think, ID Guy? Lovely to know. And, yes, the Milgauss was always a bit larger and thicker because of the soft iron “Faraday Cage,” which was the anti magnetic element. Air King? Take me back the 1982 to maybe 2006 models. Less is more. No?

The airking was last on my list of Rolex as I continued to look at Rolex I kept liking the airking more and more over other models. I still want the other models but the airking I want as a everyday watch. I like the green accents a lot and the lettering. It’s different and I like that. I am set now I will order this one next month.

I passed on the last generation Airking in 2019. The new generation is better but I still don’t particularly like it. The bloodhound dial from a jet powered car (not plane) that DIDN’T break the speed record confuses me. Great watch but not for me, best regards.

There’s a lot I like about this model. As an aviator I appreciate the use of minute numerals combined with the 3,6,9 hour numerals: with an analog watch, it’s an extra split second to read minutes accurately so this convention (first seen in Luftwaffe B dials?) is really useful. Also strongly favor the lumed numerals over polished chrome numbers as in the last model so 👍 in that. I do wish the size was 38mm or so, no need for bigger unless you have a rotating bezel, IMO. I have an IWC Tribute to Mk 11, and for me that is preferable to the Air King, more beautiful and evocative.

Both air lion and air tiger almost sound like Tiger air and lion air. Those are actual airlines.

Another great video, but if I were to buy a Rolex (I wouldn't as I disagree with their practices) it would not be the Air King. For me, it is a 'so what'? kind of watch.

I just love the 126900 as it is.

The sad thing is that Rolex has the ultimate IN for the Air King in General Chuck Yeager. He purportedly was wearing a 34mm Oyster Perpetual when he broke the sound barrier, and if not the case, he would’ve been a natural shoe in for being the AK’s spokesman considering his then Rolex ambassador status.

I like the redesign in that it has given some space for the Gen2 Air King to belong in the Rolex design language while still developing its own identity beyond the spare parts recycling exercise of its predecessor. Also fond of the color scheme. Gold and green accents are very Rolex. And executed attractively in the otherwise somber professional black dial. Wimbledon datejust a parallel use of accent. I think it works as company livery, even if technically intrusive on the design. If it can dodge being obtrusive, nice occasional decoration The dial design needs to grow on me. Not fond of it at present. Overlay of a B flieger and the Explorer mainly provides me confusion. How to read it quickly and why it is like that. Your mockup improves that. IWC mark xx like in having bolder marks at the quarters to improve legibility and orientation. Mixed bag for me. Though I appreciate Rolex still makes these and should be in no hurry to discontinue them. Shows an experimentation, search for innovation they otherwise don't frequently exhibit. The most static designs, a horologic mausoleum.