Rolex Air King - I think I want one...

[dimots]

...I have two other Rolex watches...a Hulk and a faded old GMT Pepsi...and this seems to fit perfectly between the two. I don't need it but I think it looks like a more mature and understated option than the Hulk and I have seen one for sale locally.

Should I get it? Anyone had one? What's the back-story on the Air King? Seems like a relative bargain compared to the Sub/GMT.

[richthebike]

I have a 1990 AK 5500. Do it, they're awesome.

[dimots]

I found this very interesting history of the watch.

https://www.bobswatches.com/watch-resources/rolex-...

[ecain63]

My father in law is selling his through my shop. Pm me if you're interested rather than discussing here.

Delete if deemed inappropriate.

[andyman_2006]

I think the air king is a bit of a bargain, they are now 40mm size (compared to the older ones at 34mm), and are the same case as the more expensive Milgauss.

Nice looking dial, and overall a great looking watch, for RRP £4750 and relative ease to obtain, if you can justify one then get one, they look great on the wrist i think.

Its on my list of wants..

Andy

[dimots]

Ah is that the RRP? I saw one at a local dealer for that price and assumed it was a slight saving.

I may try and get a new one then.

[andyman_2006]

dimots said:

Ah is that the RRP? I saw one at a local dealer for that price and assumed it was a slight saving.

I may try and get a new one then.

Well it was £4550 until the recent price hike...

I would say be careful buying used for same as list because these are fairly easy to get when compared to say a Sub, GMT, Deepsea etc. You do sometimes see them for around £4K used but they are usually a bit older or show signs of wear.

A new one would also mean you get the benefits of being the first owner, like the full 5 year warranty, shouldn't need a service for up to 10 years either, and the experience of buying from a AD :-)

New is no brainer i say.

Andy

[dimots]

Yeah thanks it seems that way.

[Dolf Stoppard]

Might be worth trying on a Milgauss and seeing if you like it. As above, same case, but four different colours to choose from and a slightly less 'busy' dial. But I do like the Air King.

[dimots]

I’m not averse to the Milgauss, it’s ok but it reminds me of a Seiko model. I really like the Air King dial.

[595Heaven]

Thread bump…

Now £5,150 but one of my favourite Rolex designs (Steel Daytona more than I can justify!). Any one got any idea of availability? Suspect they prioritise the more expensive stuff…

[Crumpet]

595Heaven said:

Thread bump…

Now £5,150 but one of my favourite Rolex designs (Steel Daytona more than I can justify!). Any one got any idea of availability? Suspect they prioritise the more expensive stuff…

Been waiting for a while. The Sea Dweller 43 came quicker so I assume there’s still either a lot of demand or not much supply.

[apotek]

Times do change, 25 years ago our local Rolex dealer gave me a second hand air king free when buying a datejust for my wife.

[hilly10]

There is a March 21 from Goldsmiths over on TZ sales corner £5890. Only any good if you know someone who can get for you or you are a member

[Sunday Drive]

Did you buy the Air King? What do you think?

I just ordered an Air King myself. Considered the Milgauss but was not overly keen on the funk second hand shape.

[paulguitar]

Sunday Drive said:

Did you buy the Air King? What do you think?

I just ordered an Air King myself. Considered the Milgauss but was not overly keen on the funk second hand shape.

Do you mean you've gone on to a list, or they can get you one? I'm still waiting...

[EX51GE R]

Lovely watch, highly recommended

[Octoposse]

595Heaven said:

Thread bump…

Now £5,150 but one of my favourite Rolex designs (Steel Daytona more than I can justify!). Any one got any idea of availability? Suspect they prioritise the more expensive stuff…

You’ve touched a raw nerve there!

It’s exactly the watch I want as a work daily - antimagnetic protection a plus. Genuine local customer (they checked - a pretence (?) of curbing “shopping around”).

I’m on the “list” allegedly but they’re not going to sell me one - there’s always a golf club mate / mate of a mate / mate at the Lodge / partner’s bestie’s partner / relative stranger in a position to return a favour / etc to get the allocation.

Feel really pissed on. (Yes, I mean “on” not “off”!).

[dimots]

OP here. I didn’t buy an Air King in the end. I bought a Red Sub but probably should have bought a beater and not a perfect one because I didn’t feel happy wearing it daily.

So I thought about getting an Air King again but ended up being swayed by an ADG tribute to brown.

So now I have four Rolexes and no Air King. And I’d still quite like one!

[paulguitar]

EX51GE R said:

Lovely watch, highly recommended

Ah, the latest one, with crown guards. Looks fantastic.