Rolex Airking New vs Old. 116900 vs 126900 

Thanks so much to the divine and haunting tones that are the voice of Katy Jackson.

Oisin, you’ll always be the “Timeless Watch Channel” to me. Exudes class

Came for the Airkings, stayed for the scenery, music & general ambiance … incredible work as always Oisin, cheers for what you do fella 👍🏻

I’m all for the new air king. Upgraded movement, height reduction and the 3 6 9 lumed for the bonus are some highlights I admire. I think it’s a home run.

The new Air King is perfect now. Slimmer, Sharper, Sportier, Symmetrical, and Lumed 3 6 9. I honestly didn't mind the older one, but never considered purchasing it.

I am on you with this one, the old Air King wins it for me. Having owned the 116900 for 2yrs I am against the idea of adding "0" to "5" as it also look off balance being much bigger than "10". Looking at the 126900 now, the "10" looks off balance. The 116900 is surprisingly legible at a glance precisely because the 3,6,9 hour markers are applied full WG which differenciates from the other minute markers. The current lumed 3,6,9 to me makes the dial looks more busy and confusing as it blends in with the white numerals minute markers. Pilot watches are traditionally suppose to have big crown with no crown guards and somehow the new Air King ended up with crown guards 🤷‍♂️. My only grip is the lack of lume on 116900 and maybe Rolex should have just added lume to the white minute numerals or on the "-" of the chapter rings at every 5 minute interval like the vintage air kings with a dot lume at the end of the applied indices on the chapter ring.

Your ability to include the perfect music for your videos just shows your talent from your music background. It does make your content stand head and shoulders above so many. Love the way you shoot and collate your content, love live Oisin/ The Timeless Watch Channel 👍

I personally prefer the "5" on the 116900 over the "05", but other than that I think the 126900 is an complete and a total improvement.

I like the new air king better than the last air king.

I have to disagree- the "05" is a crucial element to the overall aesthetic of the watch's design. It's paramount to saying that single note was not crucial to the melody of a song. Maybe it isn't but it sure helps make everything complete. ...the lume, and crown guards also help a great deal.

Amazing scenery, appreciate the time spent to capture these to compliment a very comprehensive watch review. Thanks Oisin.

Thank you Oisin for this video and all the similar videos over the years. I value your insight on watches, creativity and passion for your hobby. Your music selections are a perfect compliment to the gorgeous footage from Italy.

The Air-King looks much better in person than in photos. Didn’t like it at all until I saw one in a shop window

First time commenting on your channel but have been subscribing for years. You do such great videography with Venice as your backdrop. I've got a 2011 Air King with the black dial and love it (have about a dozen watches including a Panerai). Keep up the great work!

Just got the call from the AD and picked up the new Air King last week, absolutely love it 💖💖

No one comes close to the quality and content of your reviews and videos. Thank you.

Wonderful video of Lido Italy. Loved the music too. You brought back some fabulous memories of my trip there with my wife. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

Thank you Oisin. The Timeless Watch Channel title will be missed.

Thanks for introducing me to Nomadic, really liking their Emerald green model, and thanks for that ending, Clair de lune just destress my life, beautiful shots of Venice help too😆

He’s back!!! 👍 More like this 🙏

Why is everyone changing their channel names all of a sudden?

I tend to agree. I realize this is subjective, but I prefer most of the physical characteristics, of the prior generation. To my knowledge, you are the first to bring the entire case redesign, to light. At least that I've seen. It really is quite comical, that everyone is so fixated on the slight dial change, and addition of crown guards, that they failed to realize, that 2/3 of the rest of the piece, has changed entirely, w/ the case and clasp. SMH. We really are an odd bunch. Great video. Here's wishing you, all the best, Oisin. Cheers....

Oh good, such an amazing video. The places are just gorgeous. The colours, The music, and the watches. All together and it's just a pure chef-d'œuvre. Thanks as always for this extraordinary work. The passion that doesn't have the watch dealers.

He’s Back! Great video! You and a couple of other channels give me a morale boost! Cheers!

Love it! Great video. At your best when you’re talking watches with beautiful city scapes as the back drop

Brilliant 🤩 video, loved it . Perfect match of scenery music and watch. I prefer that on the discontinued airking they had no crown guards . Those prawns 🍤 looked lovely 😊. Oisin back making terrific vids . Thanks 🙏

Wow. What a great vid. The "atmospherics" of the vid were great. It makes me want to buy a ticket and go over there. Your vids are so much better than someone sittingin a room talking about the watch. Thanks for this vid.

What a beautifully produced and presented review! I love the current and previous Air Kings'. I prefer the previous case, no crown guards and clasp. I prefer the larger dial, AR coating, and 05 on the newest. The larger dial makes a big difference.

Oisín , man love your videos. Anytime having a stressful day I will sit and watch a “TWC”. And for 20-30 min all my stress is gone. Keep up the Great work.

And this is why you should never stop making videos for us. Thank you for this fantastic comparison. For me one of your best - you got this "je ne sais quoi" that can't be learned: you have it or you just don't have it. Bravo. I do love my "old" one (big wrist guy) and will not trade it for the 126900 ... they tried to make it a little bit "more perfect". In a way this reminds me of the newer car-designs ... always "better" but they all look the f... same to me.

This is an interesting perspective. I always felt like the last iteration was a bit of a lazy design....a mashup of a Milgauss case with a dial variation of the Explorer 39mm. So for me, I welcome these changes to the new version of the Air-King, as it becomes something of its own. Anyway, nice video, as always.

What a brilliant video. Really wasn't expecting all the beautiful B-roll and background scenery. I can say I didn't understand the passion for Rolex models until hearing your perspective. I saw them as fairly homogenous, but the examples you gave of the case shapes and contours that separate the tool watches from the professional lines... I think I get it now. The new Air King certainly got me excited, but I never looked closely at the one it's replaced to be able to appreciate the nuances you've pointed out. I can see how how it's possible to perceive that the character has been lost. Enjoy your journey in good health.

These videos gives me so much nostalgia from my time in the Venice and Trieste area. I hope to return one day and possibly have smoke and a watch chat with you. Thanks for all the great content!

Great review as always. Bit different from the norm👍 I had the old Airking wen it first came out but sold it to get a 39mm Explorer One… and immediately regretted it. Put my name down to replace the Airking but was disappointed that the original was discontinued and the new version was not to my liking (mainly because of the revised case shape and crown guards). Then, while on holiday in France in June this year got a call from AD to say they had the discontinued model available if I wanted it. Reserved it and collected it on 24th June. It is registered with Rolex dated 24th June so must be one of the last registered originals

Awesome Video Oisin! Thank you for the amazing content…

Nice video Oisin, watching this with the seaside views and great soundtrack has lifted my mood

I agree with your opinion on the shape of the case. I personally owned 2 Milgauss and the old AK for this reason. This case is perfectly balanced on my wrist: a little chunky but very smooth and curvy at the same time.

Great video as always Oisin, when I heard the intro to Everybody's Talkin' I thought I was watching Only Fools' Jolly Boys Outing for a moment 😅 Superb song haha

Honestly, you cannot go wrong with the old or new! Rolex best sports model imo. Phenomenal comparison video Oisin as expected.💚

I know that we all came here for the Air King but, Osin your watch reviews are the best on RU-vid period. You just can't beat the scenery that you provide on your videos A1 quality 💯

Oh man….right around 21:45 it hit me, just how PLEASANT and RELAXING this video is!! Just lovely! Thank you Oisin! 😊

I know you're brilliant at the high production videos but these are without a doubt my favorite of yours. Seeing and learning about Venice and watches. So well done my friend!

Great review as always. Really enjoyed the way you express the pro and cons of the watch. Loving the view and calmness that you get from it. Cheers!

Very good content. I have the 116900 and I love it. Good to know the differences. thanks for upload.

Amazing video once again, by far the best watch content on RU-vid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beautiful as always, Oisin. Your videos are still the perfect way to start the day. Thank you 🙏😑☕️ PS, I’m already talking to my AD about my interest in a refreshed Z-Blue!🤞

You are spot on - the case is perfect for a proper Explorer II - seems like they really missed a great opportunity here - cheers my man 🍻✌🏽

Super, thanks for the brilliant review. Keep it up man. You have opened my eyes to these.

Always a great breakdown good scenery and music

Thanks for sharing Oshin

Great work as always sir. The blend of photography, editing, music and production is excellent.

Another masterclass in watch reviews & how to enjoy life.

No-one quite does what you do. Stunning and fascinating video. Thank you 😊

Great video Oisin 👊🏽 Production value top shelf as usual

Oisin- thx for the „old“ format of presenting. Like the old case, got the ExII 216570, interesting comparison from you. Get going 🚀

What a lovely relaxing video to watch. Thank you.

can't say enough about how we appreciate you showing us your wonderful Venice as part of your excellent watch videos. it's hugely appreciated. you don't actually make 'videos'.. you make beautiful little films. all the best to you from London.

You’re living the dream Oisin. Amazing work 👌🏼.

Got the call a couple weeks ago for the new Air King and I absolutely love it. I'm a big fan of the upgrades over the old one personally. The fact that they doubled down on this design alone makes it that much weirder lol. I disagree with you and think that the 05 makes it more symmetrical. Also like the thinned out case and crown guards personally. Both are cool new one wins for me and it didn't take me all that long to get one at retail, which leaves hope that it won't be so impossible anymore

Rolex clearly explained their reasoning in several of their literature. I don't understand why we keep harping on where the dial design came from. I loved the old Air King and love the new one even more. It is the only watch in Rolex catalog that is a tribute to the Pioneers in Aviation.

Enjoy your reviews, thanks for the nice little visual vacation you took us on.

Amazing film & music! Loved the scenes of Venice so much what an incredible place to live. Thank you!

Very nice Oisin. Tried the new one and like it, mainly for the added lume. The 5 vs. 05 thing never bothered me. Beautiful rendition of the classic Fred Neil tune. Jimmy Buffet’s live version is great as well. Cheers!

I love that you use good music and don't care about the monetising, Took be back to del boy and the jolly boys outing then the end tune I love that.

Nice video! I really like the new airking. The only thing that bothers me is the lack of aviation history in that dial, but anyways I might get one to use while im flying.

Great review! I’ll take either version.

I absolutely love your videos Oisin. The format is so relaxed and unique. Your Air-King breakdown was my thoughts exactly. I've owned both versions and like every "upgrade" on the 126900 better, but somehow prefer the 116900! I think because my daily watch is the 226570 Explorer II. You are spot on that the 126900 is essentially a 40mm Explorer II and the two watches were too similiar. I've just re-ordered the 116900 and I can't wait to get it back on the wrist. An aside, the 116900 is my wife's favorite Rolex by far!

I'm ambivalent on the design of the new Airking, but from an artistic standpoint I particularly appreciate your sophisticated use of color throughout the video imagery. The backdrop of Venice is quite a pallet to work with!

Great video, I really like this format

Just got in the 116900 think it’s a keeper the dial is just so unusual and made people aware of a model that was dying out .

I’m on a waiting list for it, I love the first dial & I love the second one too, I’m also on the list for the most beautiful Rolex which is as anyone with impeccable taste will know the Yachtmaster with the slate dial.

Some fantastic footage here, well done.

Watch Radar !!! Love that bit Oisin I hope it's a new regular part of the vlog 😁

126900 for me. loving mine sooo much.Great footage of Venice. Looks like a lovely pick pocket, mug free holiday destination. Stunning. Thank you.

A watch channel like absolutely no other one! Great stuff Oisin!

Once again great video Oisin. Watching it on holiday in Ravenna Italy.

I really like the value of the old version. Simple and uncomplicated great size, faraday cage, bigger crown without guards, brushed bracelet and a touch of bling with the bezel. I keep thinking of trading it but struggle to identify another option I like.

Beautiful and interesting video. Thanks. Enjoyed.

Beautiful to see other parts if Venice! Great vibes! Thx for the awesome video

Oisin your getting better and better sir, beautiful video and music

Nice video mate 🥃

Back on track. Good solid piece here - and showing Oisin's skills with this stuff. Not only about watches -- about a "day in the life" in & around Venice. I liked the old "precision" Air King myself - though it was a bit small (34mm.) but great for smaller wrist and women.

Great show Oisin as always. 🇬🇧

Just love the mix of Watches and the beautiful scenery of Venice !

Fantastic review and channel, I truly love the new symmetry of the new air king - but disagree with the new case. I had no idea that Cicada are there too, It had me going down a google search that is quite amazing. There loud as hell here but the sound bouncing off those buildings, I can only imagine lol.

Thanks - the video cheered me up

Circeled back to watch this again since you decided to part with the newer one. I’d forgotten how good this video was. BTW, RU-vid has added quite a few commercials to it. I certainly hope you get a taste. Even if you’re not in it for the money, it doesn’t hurt so I waded thru them all. Cheers.

Lovely video all around. Well made and good info.

Nice video’s Oisin, well done and greetings from Australia. I love Venice one of my favourite places.

Nice one Oisin beautiful footage as per.

Another great video! Would love to see your video review of the Speedmaster 321.

The explorer I shrank down to 36 mm to make room for this new air king (otherwise the two would’ve been too similar). I have the old one, so I don’t see much point in trying to get the new one. Probably still hard to get, even if the grey dealers keep saying flipping is dead. ADs will be the last people to adapt to “the change” in the market (it’ll take years).

Beautiful video! Thanks a lot!

Such a cool shoot location! THANK YOU!

Much prefer the discontinued AK. It wasn't made for symmetrical balanced dial but for a purpose.

Greetings, another enchanting video. The story, the people, the culture, the landscape, and the cuisine are just astonishing. These style of videos makes me feel present.

Love the music at the end - Satie on guitar - wonderful - so many thanks - Greetings from Germany

Awesome and continues to get bet better and better... Anyway reason for comment is about the milgauss future...sounds very plausible and wouldn't persuade me to get it over the current case

Great video, loved it

I can appreciate the new more sporty case design with the hard sharp edges and flat slab sides, but given a choice I much prefer the smoother, softer, and curvey style of the old case. More elegant and refined in my opinion. With the availability these days I’ll take either, but will admit the harder lines of the new case make it seem like I’d be less afraid of actually treating it like a tool.