Rolex: The Battle Of The Air-Kings - New vs Old
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- Опубліковано 13 жов 2022
- The Air-King used to be a very odd watch in Rolex's catalogue. So odd, that many predicted the watch would soon be discontinued. This did not happen. Instead, Rolex refreshed the Air-King earlier in 2022. Did they succeed? Let's have a look and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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I own both and the new one is a massive improvement. The biggest change is the thickness making the watch more wearable. It's also lighter again making it more wearable. You forgot to mention another important change...the bracelet went from 20 to 21 mm. This small change is very noticeable. It makes the watch appear broader and more masculine. My AK gets more wrist time than my Sub...that's how good it is.
Hey buddy if you get this message can you tell me - did they improve the anti-reflective coating? The new one looks clearer through the dial. The specs say the new one has AR coating but I assume that is just on the underside as Rolex tend not to put AR on the top. Did the old one not have any AR coating? Anyway let me know of your impressions on regards to reflections. Thanks.
@The Gorn yes. They did add AR which made a huge impact on the new one. The dial appears much more clear - appears inky black from most angles. The difference is extremely noticeable compared to the old one. Makes the entire watch look more attractive. Also, out in natural sunlight, the dial color appears to be a darker black compared to the old one which is slight more matte in color giving it a very dark grey look compared to the new one which always looks black. I've never heard anyone speak of this - just something I observed. This coupled with the AR makes the new dial much better looking.
Own both and I like the older version better … more masculine and truer to its design purpose. New one is a baby sub 😂
I found the previous version to wear better, less sharp edges, and much nicer looks.
@@ekimandersom4478 New version is by far the better looking and this being the reason Rolex changed its appearance
Love the new air king. Wear it more then my datejust, sub, or explorer 2. Its just so comfortable, and the dial is like a breath of fresh air. Hard one to take off.
I added the new Air-King to my collection becos of the improvements. Rolex did it right this time, and the AK is on my wrist more than my GMT, Miglauss.
Big fan of the AirKing with the Blood Hound dial. The earlier (2016) version has the same movement as the Milgauss, and the new one has the same movement as the Oyster Perpetual. I do like the bracelet and crown guard of the new version along with the cleaned up dial, but I like the Milgauss movement in an AirKing-there's a certain irony to it.
The new one is better with everything that's true!!!! But the old one with the individual 5 is according to the original!! And this mixture of everything like case digits makes them much more interesting than the new one! And yet I am not convinced of the new movement !!! Unfortunately, there are too many negative experiences...so the old one is the much more interesting watch for me personally
I have the old one and have only seen pictures of the new one. But from what I've seen, I'm glad to have the old one.
Putting a zero before a single-digit number for "balance" makes no sense to me. On the old model, the five had one digit because five is expressed with one digit. The fifty-five had two digits because you need two digits to express fifty-five. Form should follow function.
Putting a zero before the five so it can balance the fifty-five is like putting three X's before "oyster" in order to balance it with "perpetual."
The new model is sportier looking, but I think it's a notch below in terms of elegance. The white-gold numerals and rounded case of the old model make it a tiny bit dressier than the new one, although the new numerals are more legible.
Bottom line, they're both beautiful watches, and I'd be glad to have either one or both. But given the choice, I'm glad I have the old one.
it looks far more balanced as to its purpose like explained in the video.
New Air King all the way for me, definitely a future classic sleeper,
I personally could never understand why the older version had an oyster perpetual bracelet and clasp. 🤷♂️
I prefer the old one with the beautiful, curvaceous and somewhat chunky case, has lots of wrist presence.
I actually think that the new air king 126655 is going to be discontinued in the next year or two. Rolex is no longer associated with the bloodhound project but they couldn't just discontinue the 116655 without "fixing" it, that wouldn't be very Rolex... Now that the air king and all of its issues are fixed Rolex can safely discontinue the 126655 and move on. Rolex has the tendency of nailing certain references to absolute perfection and that's when they discontinue it. Seadweller 116600 for example or the white oyster 114300 - these were the perfect watches and were made only for 3 years. 126600 will fallow the same path - it is perfect now.
The discontinued model is the one to have. Despite the upgrades then discontinued model will retain the historical value even if it was the ugly duckling of the family.
I enjoy the older one due to the fact it’s an odd watch. If I would want the newer model then just get the date just.
Soz that’s rubbish. Visually Air King and Datejust are totally different watches. I wouldn’t buy a Datejust as just too boring, but would buy the new Air King, especially in this case
Just bought the new one. a truely quirky statement piece!
Not a fan on a leading zero on a number and the dial on the new Air King is no different. It would bug me and I am glad to have the previous one.
Put my name down at the AD not thinking I'd get the call, what do you know I received the called mid 2022 and even got it pre price increases I personally Loved the New Air King and will never sell ❤❤
I have both Airkings, and I must say the 126900 is the one I prefer, I had a submariner which I sold as I found it boring and there to many fakes around
You see my OCD immediately picked up the addition of the 0 in front of the 5 and the crown guards. But that's why we come here to watch these videos because I didn't know all the other improvements they made. Just one question. Why is that watch not similarly priced to the OP and they are asking for 7k?
With these luxury goods, pricing can often not be explained strictly based on value. E.g. look at precious metal watches and the premium you have to pay compared to stainless steel. There is often no correlation whatsoever between the actual increased cost of the materials and partly more difficult manufacturing compared to the increase in retail price.
Yet another excellent review. The enthusiasm for watches that Fratello has is refreshing, it's clear true enthusiasts are watching
Thank you, we really appreciate it 🖤👊
Excellent analysis. Not sure about the conclusion. But the argument is well made. Thank you.
Thanks, Mitch 🙏👊 What would be your conclusion instead?
Assuming that one has neither, I would conclude that the new Air King is the one to have AND wear! I would not go out of my way to buy the previous model but, if one owns it, it is a keeper. I have a predisposition towards Rolex watches with green hands, so I appreciate both models and would give a nod of respect to anyone sporting one in the wild.
@@mitchmitchell9588 Gotcha - makes sense!
I fear my answer was clear as a puddle of mud. Regardless, I enjoyed your video and look forward to more!
To me, the new AK is facelift / homage / tribute / heir to the discontinued Milgauss AK since the overall general design and esthethics especially its dial are based off the same design language and principle.
🤓⌚👍
Yup I agree, to me the new one is like a homage to the old one. The original 'bloodhound' design is the old one. Luckily for people like me that like the old one, I was able to purchase the old 116900 at a much lower price than the current retail price of the 126900 and that is because the grey dealer just wanted to get rid of the watch.
Hello.. I can't help noticing the Spaceman Figurine on your right. Would you please be kind enough to furnish me the details of where you bought the item? Can I still buy it and how much did it costs you? Thank you !!! Awesome review you gave !!!
Superb review , im sold
Great content as usual
🖤👊
I think, the new Air King is the perfect Rolex for you if you want to wear one without it shouting at everyone: Look at me, I´m a Rolex. This ist what attracts me very much to to this time piece. So I do agree. The new one is the one to wear.
Thanks 🙏🏻 for the review. The NEW AK for the win! I got it 2 months ago directly from my AD after waiting a short 5 months. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier! 😄
Dear Fratello - 07:25 not 3120, but 3230 caliber is used in 2022 AK.
You are absolutely right! You are the hero we deserve 🥲👌
@@FratelloMagazine 😅 just another rolex maniac here :) btw still waiting in a list for AK.
@@unnamedhero5111 Hoping you'll soon have it on your wrist then! 🤞
@@FratelloMagazine got call yesterday and picked up today - amazing watch, but for sure not as the first rolex (good addition to my set of 2 sub's and 2 gmt-master's).
Watch at 1.75x speed, you'll thank me later. Also the comparison fails to mention the difference in AR coatings. I'm amazed that so many "experts" have no idea on this topic.
Didn't realize how much I disliked the shiny numerals until I saw the new one and said 'WTF I love the Air King now.' The 05, the thinner case, none of that matters near as much as having the white 3-6-9 I reckon.
Brilliant. 🤝
I believe this watch 2022 will be discontinued also. The new model is very cool. 2 years from now it will be scarce.
Picked the 2019 116655 the day after I came back from my honeymoon in Wempe, couldn’t be happier. It wears bigger than the submariner, it’s so masculine watch. Have to try the newer one though, but will keep the old one certainly.
The old one is also 34mm IIRC.
The old, old ones were smaller, but the 116900 (the direct predecessor to the current model) was also 40mm. You can see it in the video: There's almost no difference when it comes to size.
Improved. The dial is a bit too broad as with the OP41s. There is a balance mistake there. On wrist these and the OPs look, or wear like a 42. Seldom do I see an op41 on someone and think that was a better choice than the 36.
116900 has been equipped with a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex anti-shock system. So no difference with newer version in terms of antimagnetic
What do I think of the Air King? I just ordered one.
They're both have an equally messy dial
New one to have and to wear!!!
Love The New One...Stealth Wealth..
New one is the one to use and have
The received wisdom that the dial was modelled after the instrument cluster in the Bloodhound speed record atrempt car, is completely misdirected.
The 116900 and 126900 reference dials are referencing something with a much deeper history, an aviation history.
In short, the two references in question are quite simply flieger style watches. Flieger watches and aviation go back together to the dawn of the wrist watch industry, and the dawn of aviation itself.
The Air King is now Rolex's flieger.
That makes sence for a watch called the Air King.
Word 👍🏽
Apart from swapping the case ( which was a mistake imo) I much prefer the new one over to 2016 version , neither are anything like the original whuch was more like an OP. The 2016 is thixker nkt because of the movement its because of iron core anti magnetic sheilding .
All the way … the new one
Is just like bank note collector which they are looking and keeping those faulty bank notes. So will go to 116900 and because it tied with stories of bloodhound. 6 years production means more exclusive ?
I agree, if the 126900 has a longer or even the same length of production as the 116900, I think in the very long run the 116900 would prove to be more collectible as it's already seen as a 'mistake' and definitely one of the quirkiest Rolex ever made.
I would say basing on the ill-fated Bloodhound LCR doesn't do any good to the marketing of the 2016 Air King.
I would definitely consider the Air King if they added full lume on the 369 and the indices, and the non 369 numerals to be indicate the hours instead of minutes. It would be better IMO :)
Even the Rolex site literature states that the older Air-King reference 116900 uses an Oscillator Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. So your statement is untrue. ☠
I'm very pleased with my 2021 Air King but I must say this watch was my 3rd choice but once I got the call I had to jump at the chance to finally own a Rolex.
literally just purchase a new one yesterday
7000 euro's? Where to find?
Old one did nothing for me. New one did and I bought it.
Each one to their own. If we all liked the same thing it would be a boring world.
I prefer the new Air King. I would buy and wear it if I have the chance to purchase one.
The new one definitely improved. I sold the old and bought the new.
I did the same, and honestly so happy I made that choice. Out with the old and in with the new.
Big mistake
No wrist shots? Ok...
No
Someone who left 5 on the old dial should leave watch designing forever😜
Too many 5’s.
Dude had no idea how to open the clasp lolololl🤡🎈🎈🎈
Great analysis, thank you!
New by a mile
Man was still speaking soo slow even in 2x
Crown guards 🤢 some people just wanna be wrapped in cotton wool
126900 is THE Air KING 👑
2016 edition is the proper one .. for anyone who’s brain hasn’t been supplanted by a cauliflower.
Apparently, my (Timo) brain was supplanted by a cauliflower. I have vegan thoughts. Nice.
Sorry that is quite stupid. a Rolex airking will never be a collectible watch, neither old nor new. we are talking minor differences between the 2 in price.but the new is far better
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.
WHAT'S WITH THIS "DEBUTED" NONSENSE...IT IS PRONOUNCED "DEBUED" IN PHOENETIC TERMS.
Thanks for pointing that out. We're not native speakers, so stuff like that happens every now and then.
@@FratelloMagazine Ok, no worries.
What’s with this “PHOENETIC” nonsense… it is spelt “PHONETIC” in the English language 😂😂😂
@@robertkwan186 Hey little bib... perhaps your "mother" was a Psittacus erithacus, grey, both in colour and personality. I command you to look up the above and further command you to respond, this next post from you better be of a much improved standard or you will be held back a year... not for the first time... little bib... the only 27 year old still in school. Hope that helps little bib.