Rolex Air-King Review (116900) - Will it Double in Value?
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- Опубліковано 9 вер 2024
- We review the Rolex Air-King 116900 and discuss the attributes that would determine whether the Rolex Air King will become more collectable and increase in value.
What do you think about this controversial Rolex watch? Do you love it or hate it? Is this a good investment watch?
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You will notice the people who hate it, are people who are too "safe". Rolex came out with such a unique piece, something very different to what they normally come out with. Rolex went off the beat and track and the fan boys hated it because all they are doing is looking at it, they are not looking behind the face of it, the relation with the Bloodhound SSC project etc, if only those people stepped back and realised how different it was, coupled with videos like this pointing out key points, they'd soon changed their mind.
Many people are starting to love the 116900 because people like you are making videos like this. Keep up the good work.
We completely agree, the Rolex Air-King is such an underrated watch and many people are going to miss the boat on this one.
Nice review on this unique model. I’ve got one and compared to the Milgauss, that I traded in, i prefer it!! Doubtful that it’s your introductory voyage into Rolex buys but if you want something different it’s just the ticket. As for Bloodhound connection that was one of the pulls that led me to it! Pitty Rolex pulled it’s sponsorship, although the project went ahead.
I don't hate it ,, just better than it out there
@@JohnSmith-gs2rv it's a none starter with me omega Aqra Terra blows it out the warter ,
I own one and fell in love with it the first time I saw it in person. Pictures and videos does not really show the true beauty of this Air king Milgauss.
same, I had all three watches in hand at AD, 116900, 214270mk2, 216570 black dial. Tried all on and went with AK. It 's brilliant and feels, wears exactly how I wanted.
@@swizznasty211 I love it i started my rolex collection on the 116900 and a Daytona and just fell in love with them
Haven’t seen one in person but I’m going to try to get one from an AD. We’ll see what happens. All around awesome watch
In mid 2017 when I first saw this watch I was immediately blown away by it! It was such a unique one and so special and then I saw that it was related to the design of the SSC Bloodhound. I told my dad that someday, if I can obtain an expensive watch, this will be my first one. When I told him that we were driving from England to France on the ferry. A few months later my cousin and I talked watches and I told him that this air king will get so expensive someday since there are so many things that Rolex has never done before and additionally the watch is hated so much that nobody really cares about it (The same thing as with the Paul Newman daytonas). Then time went by and then on June 28th I got my a levels and together with it my dad actually remembered what I’ve said a year ago and eventually bought me this watch... I’m so thankful to have the privilege to own such a watch at my age and will definitely not sell this at any time in my life.
Now, exactly 2 years later, so many videos have popped up regarding this watch being a sleeper watch and how much it could increase in value! Really curious how this watch will develop over time in terms of value and desirability!😎👌🏼
Congratulations on you achieving your A-Levels and your Rolex Air-King. We love this watch and we think a lot of people will finally realise about the Air-King when it is discontinued and too late.
@@CultivatedWorld Hahha thanks you very much! :) yeah that’s what I was thinking as well! Let this thing discontinue and watch the prices skyrocket!
It's a great underated piece and is starting to gain popularity
I absolutely love this airking! I picked one up last year. I just love how unique it is.
Yes, it's a fantastic watch and the Air-King so underrated.
Love the green black and yellow combo. The Airking has certainly been undervalued in the past.
Yes, we think so too. People will start to wake up when it's discontinued.
Love the green and yellow
There is not too much green nor too much gold colors, in my opinion the dial works beautifully! Love that yellow/gold Rolex crown-logo!
I think in a decade this will be a watch that will be hard to get, I know mine won’t be for sale. I absolutely love it, it looks so much better in person.
got my call today to buy one! waited a month for the call....can't wait to pick it up!
This model can be bought relatively easily at the RRP from an official retailer after a short wait and I note that on the secondary market they can be acquired at only a small premium, so yes, it could probably be described as one of the least popular of Rolex Professional watches. If Rolex do discontinue it, I think there will be enough people like me, who like the look of the watch, coupled with the rarity, that will ensure that prices do shoot up over time, as for example the Steve McQueen Explorer II (ref 1655) has done.
But that would take a decade, we are in very deep recession.
The secondary market has them listed for 6800~7200. I paid $6400 at my AD and I’ve been keeping track if they will receive more. They have not. It’s much harder to find this time piece. Lots of waiting lists and wish lists. I’ve called and done my homework. This Air King is indeed sought after no matter what anyone says. Call around you will see.
ekim andersom no one said you can’t find on secondary market. They are referring to official dealer. I walked into a store in Madrid today and by chance they had one. After looking at the watch I really liked the difference to the normal Rolex designs, so I bought it at 6.1k €. Happy purchase
@Scott Wexlin Hi Scott, sorry that I did not reply earlier. I am located in London, so my comment might not be appropriate for the USA. My suggestion is to approach an official Rolex dealer and ask to be put on a waiting list. In the end, the only way to get a Rolex is through the official dealers and that is how the resellers on eBay and other second hand sites get them. If you do not want to wait, then there are sites where specialists sell unused watches including eBay and Watchfinder.
@@lightweight5276 I agree. I called all around So Cal. Got on 4 lists. Got a call 1 month later to pick up an Air King. I kinda got lucky. Most dealers only get a few a year
This watch is unusual, unique, one of a kind Rolex and that's why I love it so much.
Its one of the best as an entry level rolex watch in my opinion, history and rebelious design of this watch should see it become very collectable at a later date. Im sold on one. Love it
Great choice for your first video. I have one and it is controversial. First I didn’t like it when seeing it online but different story after putting it on. Heard people saying it is a playful rolex. Be waiting for your videos every Sunday 👍🏻
Yes, you really need to see the watch in person and try it on. It's a great watch.
I Love the green text and gold crown
The green text and gold crown make it so unique.
I always love the Milgauss and would say that I've had opportunity to get one but always delayed the purchase. Now I'm loving the Air-King more than the Milgauss. The final decision will be to try on watch.
I love the weirdness of the 3 6 and 9 combined with the 5 minutes
A handsome, well proportioned, easy to wear, and best value SS Rolex from Professional Series.
I wanted the new Batman jubilee in 2019 and my AD put me on the list. It was my grail watch after owning a 16750 Pepsi jubilee for over 30 years and selling it in 2016. Got a call that an Air-King was available.This was after waiting 6 months for the Batman. Well, I accepted it and was glad to get it. It is a perfect fit in every way. I love the brushed Oyster bracelet, which is very comfortable. As it did not cost a fortune, I could wear it doing anything. No one looks at it or notices it is a Rolex, which is kind of nice to me. Four months later I got the Batman. I was very uncomfortable wearing it. The edges were/are sharp. I kept thinking I would scratch it or ding it. It is very noticeable in public. So the Air-King gets worn 95% of the time almost 2 years later. When I look at the dial of the Batman now, it seems too small. Mind you, I still love the look of the Batman but the Air-King is a perfect watch. I love the green second hand and how easy it is to glance at it for 1/2 a second to tell the time. An excellent choice I am glad I made. Who knows, the AD may have waited to sell one before he’d sell the other. Worked out.
Green crystal and orange lightning bolt second hand; That's why I went with the Milgauss.
Only dislike of the Milgauss is the shiny bracelet if it was a dull finish like the Air King that would be a perfect watch.
Great video this, I have the piece and I just love it for all the things people don’t like. The dial is quirky and original and in person when you handle the watch it all just works
That written Rolex in green with the gold crown logo coupled with the inverted 12 o’clock lumed upside down triangle/pyramid marker and the green second hand makes this watch. Those features combined actually oozes the tradition of Rolex like no other model. On the other hand, i am not much a fan of minutes in Arabics and wish they would have done the markers in white hour Arabics. Nevertheless, I think the Air King will be a future classic along with the Wimbledon dialed Datejust 41. Both watches being very under appreciated at the present time in my opinion. I am just trying to decide which of the two to purchase next.
We agree with you completely, they're both greatly underappreciated. If you need help deciding, check out our video of the Datejust 41 'Wimbledon': ua-cam.com/video/k6JyOob70_g/v-deo.html
I have the Air King too, I think its genius of Rolex to be able to put both minute and hour markers on the same track and yet be easy to read the time in 1 glance. I believe the white gold applied hour markers without lume unlike the new Explorer is on purpose to let you easily distinguish the painted minute numerals with the full white gold 3,6,9. However the lume is where my gripe is... Just lume at the 5mins interval of the minute track would be great.
last year new dealer price was 6200 now used are running 8200 to 10g so much for a hated watch very nice piece
I have this AirKing and I love mine !
I truly hope this watch continues to gain traction. I love like mine and it is a lot better looking in person than in photos or videos. It wasn’t easy to locate & purchase from an AD either.
any tips on how to get it from AD?
@@Alexpress81 I searched western Canada, many AD’s in the US, Sweden, New Zealand etc. ended up getting it in Scottsdale, AZ. It took persistence, a good story of why you want that watch and convincing them you aren’t flipping it. Make it known if they get one you will act immediately, also it’s a pilots watch look at places where people have private planes and jets. Major vacation spots etc, maybe around the PGA tours stops where they fly in and out of small airports?
I pick mine up on Saturday. I got so excited when the Goldsmiths dealer sent me a video of it with a little message added.
If you can find someone with one on their wrist, ask them if they like it. They will tell you they LOVE it.
This watch man. Saw this watch when it first came out and I knew it would be my first Rolex. 4 years later and it has! I think it’s the most beautiful Rolex with the green logo and yellow crown.
I appreciate what Rolex has made with this newer Air King. So much so that I went out and bought one. To be honest I was looking hard at the Explorer but wanted something a little bit more substantial for my larger wrist. I'd always liked the color scheme of this Air King and when a real live deal popped up (2 month old, AD purchased, for under $5800) that was it. Couldn't be happier with this watch. I'd owned the new Explorer II Polar in the past but this Air King feels much better on the wrist. Is it a Rolex Sleeper? Who cares....
Who cares indeed. It doesn’t really matter what other people think about the watch or if it goes up in value. As long as you're enjoying the Air-King, nothing else really matters. 👍
I’m considering both an AK or an explorer ii polar. If the AK was 42 mm it would be no question
@@richardgalyajr.7838 The Explorer II with the polar dial is another great watch. We will be reviewing this watch very soon so keep an eye out for this one.
@@richardgalyajr.7838 I will tell you I had the new explorer II a few years ago with the black dial. It was my grail watch for a long time and finally got it. I ended up getting a little bored with it and to be honest it was almost a little to big at the 42mm case size. That along with the maxi dial and huge wide hands it felt more like a Breitling than a Rolex. I have had and still have many big watches.. Brietling...Panerai and so fourth and the Explorer II still felt a little big for a Rolex. I have the AK now and will tell you I like it better! AK has more of the classic oyster case styling but still modern and the crown is chunky (much bigger than an Explorer crown), almost like a vintage "no crown guard" sub.
We've just posted our review of the Rolex Explorer 2. Check it out and let us know what you think: ua-cam.com/video/mFCPrjqehFg/v-deo.html
I have been following the Bloodhound LSR progress since the beginning. Sad to say, it will be extremely difficult for the team to get funding in the current economic climate. Also, when the project went into administration in 2018, Rolex already pulled out their sponsorship. The car did its 2019 test runs without the Rolex speedometer. They were replaced with digital displays.
The 116900 will get discontinued with the story as being part of the most promising LSR attempt that failed. That will be its tragic hero story.
I simply love this watch for all reasons that others hate it for...
So relating to you! It’s not to dressy, but it’s more bulky and sporty...
@@rthom7699 👍 correct!
Awesome watch, growing to like it more and more
It's a great watch. The more you look at it and spend time with it, you notice more and more details.
I own one and i love it. Its not flashy and not very boosy its really sporty and everydays watch, i just enjoy watching it and wearing it.
In Germany it’s hard to find one under 10.000€
The problem I have with this watch is first of all that the dial is out of balance with all the minutes containing 2 digits except the 5 and on the second place there are way too many fives on the upper half of the dial. At first I thought this was a playful watch that presented us something new but once I’ve seen and really took notice of the two points I mentioned before I can’t unsee it. Nice video though and it’s a good thing we all have our own taste and preferences.
Well seeing lots of 5s tends to happen when you mark 5 minutes intervals...
Great sleeper Rolex no one would look twice it’s not too flashy and some would like that lifestyle
We agree, not everyone wants the attention that a Submariner or GMT Master gets.
Probably this version will be discontinued in the near future...
Made some enquiries about this watch with my Ad after looking for my next watch for the past months and keep looking at the Air King can't wait to see it in the flesh and try it on. Great video thanks hope it looks as good as it does in you're video.
I think it will look even better in person. Let us know what you think when you finally get your hands on the watch and see it in person.
I will do many thanks, it will be some yet I guess due to this pandemic but I'm hopeful it will be soon and that I love it. I was however surprised by the AD to have offered me one they had in stock but wanted the full price up front to reserve the watch until I could arrange an appointment with them which I said no to as I thought this was bad practice? I certainly won't be handing over 5k without having it on my wrist.
Picked mine up yesterday finally made it my AD. Once I tried it on I made my mind up and bought it.
Have had this watch for several years now. I also have a 1987 Submariner 5513. Both are great watches. I put a Rubber B band on The Air King and wear it alot. I love it because it is different and interesting. Love the colors on it. I know Rolex fan boys don't like the new Air Kings but frankly I don't care.
I have one with Omani crest engraved on the case back. It’s yellow crown and green second hand make a smart and perfect match. It is a stunning watch 😁👍
That’s a very unique piece with the Omani crest, congratulations.
It is a sleeper watch! Its got history for being like the black sheep of the family. I am confident 20 years down the road this will be hunted. Even daytona was severely judged when it came out now its barely available.
We think it could be a good investment too. Only time will tell.
What an amazing looking watch. That case is Sexxxxy, AF!
Yes, it's a beauty!
I tink it looks awesome
I hope so, everybody told me not to buy this one;), but I like differences in a brand. I don’t know if I would sell it anyway
reply from the new bloodhound lsr company regarding the rolex gauges: Thank you for getting in touch. The Rolex dials were returned to Rolex when their sponsorship of Bloodhound Programme Ltd ended in December 2018, when that company went into Administration. We, Grafton LSR Ltd, are an entirely separate organisation with no ties with the blue and orange liveried car.
Thank you for the insight. Did you contact Grafton LSR Ltd directly?
@@CultivatedWorld this comment was sent to someone else who contacted them. I just put it here for info.
Isn’t the anniversary for the AK already due ? Or Rolex did not give it an attention to celebrate its 100 anniversary ? I love the watch, but I doubt that it withstand the current recession in case, God forbidden, you are forced to sell it in the coming years.
Air king logo very nice
Once it’s discontinued and the new replacement model comes without the green and gold Rolex element, the value will sure rocket up for this pcs...
Yes, we completely agree. Thank you for watching. 👍
This watch stands out
Very nice, would love to own this unique build. P.S.Tx.
I own a Daytona / Zenith and a GM2 BATMAN. I prefer my new AK. Hurry up , the prices are going up !!!!
Tried an Air King on today, on the fence between it and the classic Explorer 1. Both exquisite. The 36mm Datejust was stunning, but also too dressy for me.
I was under the impression the Bloodhound failed in its bid 🤔 maybe I heard wrong.
I’ve also bought this and I love it! All those being negative will be first in line when they become collectible
The company that was originally funding the project went into administration in 2018. A new company took over and the new team became 'Bloodhound LSR'. Hopefully they can push through and break the record. Congratulations on your Air-King, it's a great watch!
Cultivated World really appreciate the information 👍🏽 makes me feel better knowing this AirKing isn’t tied to an unsuccessful bid! Fingers crossed 🤞🏽
This watch is growing on me
Wow amazing to see how many views in such short time though not surprising with such good content and editing
Thank you for your kind words. We’re glad to hear that you are enjoying our watch videos.
It's so hated that eventually it will become a cult classic like the white explorer and you won't get it for under 10k after they stop making it.
how much for Airking used in the market now? thanks
I think it would have been super cool to just put the minutes on the dial, like in the rocket car. also there are as much different fonds as on a yellow press title - too many for my taste. and the dial could be a bit larger. the green-yellow thing is fucking cool.
I think it's a sweet watch! and will have its glory... no doubt in my mind, same as the 40mm yachtmaster period.. it works plain and simple. ROLEX GOAT!
We just posted our Yacht-Master 40 video, let us know what you think. ua-cam.com/video/dJ8kNgFH5uw/v-deo.html
how to get it at AD? any tips?
well it would be worth having for if has fitted a much more complex chronograph so to be entitled as king, the air king chronograph
Thanks for the video, I'm going to get this one.
We really love the Air-King. You'll enjoy wearing it.
Gorgeous timepiece. It is one of my favourite watches.
I actually love the looks and I love mine❤️❤️
Stunning just ordered mine!
it already did double in value and its going for triple
nice watch.... but for the price I would buy something else ... but YES it is very nice...
It Will!!!
It's great, it's quirky and fun etc but they really could have done a better job with the lume surely
I want to get this as my first rowlecks it’s nice. And the price is right.
Interesting they call it the "Air-King" when the dial is fashioned after a Ground King. ;) Note that it's a Milgauss in disguise...same movement and the same inner ring to protect it from magnetism. I own one. It's not super special, but it's fresh and different. I don't think it will double, but it will obviously go up at least a bit when it's discontinued.
The blood hound dial looks great, going back to the Airking it's easy to see why it fails. The 3,6,9 look out of place. One might think that they did it just use up their stock of Explorer dials from before 2016. The dial too is not symmetrical, it should be 05. On the blood hound this issue is not so obvious due to the extra dial. Great first video 😃👍
Maybe '05' would have evened things up a bit. That's a good suggestion.
I recently bought an Explorer 1 and the AD had an Air King as well. I didn’t appreciate the mixed markers. If it had all markers in minute, I would get it in a heartbeat. Oh wait, I also didn’t like the colorful letterings. I’d rather have all in white.
I hated the air king at 1st but it grows on me and I bought it about 6mths ago. After wearing it I find the design ingenious to have the 3,6,9 in applied white gold as it differantiates it from the white painted minute markers. Rolex manage to put min and hr markers on the same track and yet I have no problem reading the time in hrs and min in a glance easier than a watch with just stick/dot or 1 to 12 markers!
I love it. It’s beautifully crafted IMO
Very cool video! Great content and I really appreciate the style. Would love to see more of these...
Thank you very much. There's definitely more to come!
Just can’t seem to like this watch. 🙁 However, nothing against it. I am sure there are many people who love it.
I really liked the style and content of this video, I have decided to take the plunge and get one, you may be named in divorce proceedings!
Thank you very much. Show the video to your wife, maybe she'll understand 🤷♂️. Good luck with your new watch, it is a great timepiece.
I loved it and I would like to know how much it is
I think it’s cool. Not sure if I’d part with my hard earned for it, but it is cool.
Air king and Milgauss. The only SS Rolex that's still affordable
I’ve placed an order for air king and explorer.
Great watch, bit of a chunk, but wears well on a NATO, undervalued.
Giggity
The reality of this Airking Dail design is more on "Functional" rather dress watches, may not for everyone but definitely for those who like form follow function style and daredevil type after dogmatic is boring.
Why would you pay the extra over the op doe
The bezel is a tad too big imo.
I feel this watch is for Rolex ultra fans only. They want the Rolex green with the yellow crown. I’ve tried it on and to be fair it wears very nicely and, of course, is finished to the highest standards. The one big flaw. The dial. That’s one confused looking dial. I just can’t connect to that dial. It’s just a weird Milgauss. If I had twenty Rolex watches and a few hundred grand burning a hole in my pocket I’d have bought it. But that’s not the case so it’s a no. Not all discontinued Rolex rocket in value should it happen. Take the white dial Milgauss. It’s gone. But prices haven’t gone crazy. Why? It’s also shit...
Love it!
Giggity giggity
Yep, double now 😄🤪
It's always the same argument. Air-King = Daytona of the 1960s. It's not ugly; it's misunderstood for our times. I'm still waiting for a movie star to wear the Air-King though.
👍
Thank you
Air King? Oh the A class Mercedes Benz or the MB Smart car. Don't get me wrong the Air King is a decent watch riding on Rolex's laurels however the watch is not worth double in value. The reason they used the Green logo and letters is to try to market it and increase sales but its not working. For the price you can get a Grand Seiko. Whats with 5 different fonts? They couldn't decide which one they wanted to use or was the bloody designer inebriated? Yes I would recommend passing on this model.
love this Airking
It will never double in value ,, it's going to be discontinued
Lol what?? When the hulk was discontinued, it doubled in value... solely because it was discontinued...
@@MrBenzo35 this is not a sub and that's all Rolex people talk about it's boring let them rot for me I left Rolex watches a long time ago
I think the Air King is an uglier version of the 214270 Explorer Mk I.
It's going to half in value. This watch is hella ugly.
Don’t talk crap
You pay more for the Milgauss because you lack taste. If you are silly enough to buy a Milgauss, they know you're silly enough to pay silly money!
유니크
Too many ‘5s’ on the dial.
Yes, there are a lot of '5' markers. 555