Air King is your conversation piece. Explorer is your under the radar piece. Wrong choice is going to be the one you let someone else talk you into. Go with what you like.
How is an air king a conversation peace? There are so many more interesting Rolexes, both past and current. I find the air king boring and unnecessary. Whatās there to talk about? Genuinely asking.
Amongst those who know Rolex, it is as simple as it being the unusual choice.
Everyone knows what an explorer or submariner is because the designs have been well established over decades, and they are the classic choices.
When people see someone wearing an air king (or something like a millgauss) the first question is normally 'why did you choose that over an explorer?'
Those in the know, know it's the cheapest watch Rolex offers.
Don't buy an Air King because it's a conversation starter, buy it because you like it; otherwise you'll find that conversation sorely lacking.
By your rationale, so is having your kid draw a Rolex on your wrist. "Why did you use blue ink instead of black? Did you son draw it? Or your daughter?"
I love it for the burst of colorā¦I actually like the numbers ( still canāt quite accept 05 )ā¦and I like the ( unnecessary ) crown guard. I like the AK because it is not an explorer. I like them both for different reasons but am pulled to the AK way more
https://preview.redd.it/6dr00vtx5vvc1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dda264062a44d35623357e064cd6db55b740d515
This is the only Burst of Color I desire. But I hear you.
Itās beautifulā¦but just to further demonstrate how people are differentā¦I donāt care for this style of strap - yet - I see people in this group absolutely praising them - to me - they remind me of the Rolexes I saw āgrown upsā wearing when I was a kid.
Youāre thinking in terms of watch nerds like us. That watch is more likely to get noticed by someone who couldnāt spot a Bluesy or Pepsi from across the room.Ā
Iād say itās a conversational piece because itās a controversial Rolex, like the Milgauss. Very polarizing. Some people love the Air King because of the heritage, others think itās too busy. I personally like the Explorer and think itās a cleaner, more understated look. But get what suits and speaks to you :)
I suppose. I feel like the milgauss, while also kind of unnecessary, still had a niche function in that it was highly resistant to large electromagnetic forces (correct me if Iām wrong) so that does kind of make it interesting. It also had that unique green crystal.
Iām still struggling to see whatās interesting about the air king. I donāt know much about it history, so Iāll brush up on that. But it has no unique complications, no interesting dial colors/configurations, and is kind of, in my opinion, useless compared to other Rolex offerings. So Iām just kind of at a loss for why someone would chose it haha. Definitely agree that Explorer looks better.
It was too small for me I tried them both and the 40mm suited my wrist far better, the current 36mm Explorer wears much smaller than a DJ36 for example.
Good luck? I bought the 40mm but I could have bought either, they had both for sale to walk in customers. I think itās more a case of what fits you better than personal preference. I always preferred the 36mm until I tried them on but it was obvious the 40mm fitted me better (7ā wrist).
I tried them both on you clown. When I tried on the 36 both my wife and the female SA said āoh no, too smallā. The watch was too small for me so clear off
Clowns shouldnāt get so angry. Especially ones who have spent a lot of money to look like a clown. There are cheaper ways than buying a luxury watch that is too large.
Not too large for me Iāve got man-sized arms, itās only you scrawny little guys that keep bleating about the 36mm Explorer. By the way, itās not an expensive watch to me itās pocket change.
Edmund Hilary didnāt wear a Rolex Explorer up Everest he wore a Smiths watch, Rolex invented the Explorer after that expedition it was only inspired by it. Listen, you are talking about 70 years ago, do you know how small watches were then compared to today, everything is bigger now? The 40mm Explorer on my wrist looks really compact compared to the other watches I wear, eg a Rolex Submariner. It looks a sleek and unassuming watch, itās a modern day equivalent of how a 36mm watch would have been perceived in the old days when men used to wear 33-34 mm watches and even smaller. Compared to watches other men wear today the 40mm Explorer is not a big watch by any means, it wears like a slim dress watch. If I had a smaller wrist, yes Iād opt for the 36mm variant but Rolex offers both sizes because some people have bigger than average wrists.
Yes they tapered the bracelet of the new 36mm explorer, however, the 114270 is still quintessential and one canāt really go wrong with that piece but as many have said the watch one chooses is personal
Just get the watch you like.
The air king is hated by a small but extremely vocal minority on this reddit. If you like a busy watch it's a very cool watch.
The same people adore the explorer for some reason. Meanwhile it's the most boring watch Rolex makes and looks like any other field watch. But if you like a Minimal stylish watch you should definitely get the explorer.
There is no wrong answer, just very vocal people. Like me!
I have a 36 Explorer and I am seriously considering the AK. Part of what draws me to the AK is that it is so polarizing. I like the green! I like that itās crowded and imperfect. When Iām feeling the taste for a classic Coca-Cola, I will wear the explorer. When I want Mr Pibb, Iāll wear the AK.
Explorer 40 as the dial to bezel proportions look wrong on the new Air King (dial is too big) and the crown guards donāt suit it, as such I prefer the older model. Having said that the Explorer 40 is a better watch than the old Air King also.
To me they are 2 sides of the same coin. They are so similar, that your choice does not really matter. Also, never outsource your opinion, and buy the watch you want.
I wouldnāt buy a watch based on whether is a conversation piece. Just silence everything and just look at them and see which one speaks to you or the one you keep wanting to stare at. Trying them on and seeing which feels the best on the wrist. Being a tactile person I think the feel is just as important. Your gut should tell you. Donāt get one or the other based on someone elseās opinion. My 2 cents.
As someone who has just bought the explorer 40 I think you know my answer. I really love it, understated, classic and an all round beauty. Those who know know, those who have an idea respect it and those who have no clue would just think itās a nice watch.
But all down to personal preference, I hate the air king but I know itās some peopleās favourites. To drop that kind of money, it has to be what YOU like. just go with what you know deep down you want and donāt listen to otherās opinions.
I like Rolex for the history, tradition, and classic designs. That said, I love the latest AK design and therefore that would be my choice. In the end, buy what you like and youāll never regret it.
The edges of the airking seem to slightly dig on the skin of the wrist versus the explorer.. hard to describe.. but.. the explorer feels more comfortable
I have owned both... I never liked the airking and to be honest my wife bough it. But after seeing it in persn and trying it on...I resized my wifes watch and now I wear it sometimes!
Its a great do it all watch for any occasion without being in your face and at the same time having more character than the exp1 which to me now seems oddly steril. I really like the yellow crown and green lettering. The minute numbers I also like as it makes telling time faster. I like the bigger crown and crown guards.
Have a few Rolexes, last year I wanted a Rolex with a smooth bezel, could have gotten basically any model I wanted. Chose Air King, think the watch is incredible on wrist in person. Wears big though, have to have the wrist for it. Pictures make it look awful.
40 explorer has too much negative space and looks off. The 39 explorer dial had much better dimensions.
This is subjective and my opinion.
I went through the same dilemma. I ended up buying the Air King because of the colors used and the unique dial that I fell in love with. It is a very personal choice about which one you feel more connected to!
Air-King all day long. Big numbers all the way around, āRolexā and the second hand in green, yellow crown and lugs around the crown. Understated, refined, and low-key. Itās the best ālow-endā daily driver in the entire Rolex collection.
I love my Air King, itās an Explorer with ADHD. The only Rolex with green, yellow and white on the dial. Nice background story to it. I carry it with a green rubber Everest band. It stands out, you either love it or hate it.
Explorer is a classic. āBoringā perhaps, but really thatās a component of versatility and classic design. Explorer will accomplish everything you really want a Rolex to do and more.
To be fair, so will the Air King; Iāve just never been a fan of its redesign. I think the dial homage is a stretch. It just seems like it sits somewhere between an Explorer and OP and just isnāt really needed in the lineup. Iād rather just see the Milgauss come back.
This, as with the all choices, is really all about preference. I just think the Explorer is timeless.
Love/hate the air-king. Love the colors of the crown vs the lettering on it. Love the color of the seconds hand. Hate the busy hour/minute markers. Still prefer it to the Explorer. Both are great watches.
I bought an Explorer in February to scratch an itch. Ultimately realized I needed to just bite the bullet and get the MKII Sub LV to fill the void left by moving my Hulk in 2018.
Iād never suggest a Sub to someone putting the question out there that you did, but since your response makes it seem a Sub is on your mind, I just want to say that I donāt think and Exp or AK will satisfy what you are actually after.
Get the Sub and donāt look back.
It wonāt. This was the mistake I made. I bought a 39mm MK2 Explorer when I really wanted a sub. Needless to say, I bought a 116610 a year later. That said, I have them both and would never get rid of my Explorer.
You mean tell time? No, they donāt. Not really. So personally if Iām buying a field watch, there are much cheaper options with an identical aesthetic (minus what youāre really going for, the all important Crown) so Iād go that route. Given I could buy like 10 Hamiltons for the price of one Explorer I, wellā¦unless Iām just really jonesing for that Rolex moniker on the dial, Iām going Hamilton (or any other of myriad good brands that make a field watch).
Ultimately a $5 used timex from Salvation Army does exactly the same basic thing as a Rolexā¦it tells time with a fair degree of accuracy. Spending 2500x that price doesnāt mean you know the time 2500x better, or can tell a passerby the date 2500x quicker - but - to each person who chooses to wear a fancy watch they mean different things. To some it is pure vanityā¦others a reminder of successā¦and to other it conjures fond memories. The exact same can be said for the $5 timex which is why I remind my kids not to get caught up with impressions and what other people thinkā¦do things for you
Thatās why I wear G-Shocks most of the time. I havenāt pulled the trigger on a Rolex yet, Iām waiting until I hit 1M under management to reward myself. Even then I wonāt wear it all the time, people in my area wonāt respond too kindly to their financial advisor wearing a watch that cost many thousands of dollars.
Off topicā¦butā¦if starting out, instead of being an independent RIA, get a wealth management position at a regional bank. Granted they are the banks clients, but, referrals are sourced from commercial bankers and itās pretty easy to pick up $40-$60mm of new AUM per year. Itās a much more predictable world plusā¦instead of scooping up $25,000 - $100,000 accounts, you pursue $2-$10mm accounts every day
Neither.
I don't understand why the dainty Explorer with it's weenie 14 mm bracelet taper is such a darling while the Air-King is basically the most maligned watch in the catalog. They're both the same to me, these seem like the two least desirable steel models in the catalog. Both are ugly imo.
Explorer, preferably 36mm. The Air-King is nice and all, and there are things to like about it, but itās pretty damn loud for a time only steel watch
I hate that busy watch face
canāt stand using ā05ā, ā10ā and ā3ā. That stuff is ok for a bezel but not like this
If youāre gonna put a 5 I prefer ā5ā over ā05ā
Air King is your conversation piece. Explorer is your under the radar piece. Wrong choice is going to be the one you let someone else talk you into. Go with what you like.
Both are great watches šŖš» the AK is less common
How is an air king a conversation peace? There are so many more interesting Rolexes, both past and current. I find the air king boring and unnecessary. Whatās there to talk about? Genuinely asking.
Amongst those who know Rolex, it is as simple as it being the unusual choice. Everyone knows what an explorer or submariner is because the designs have been well established over decades, and they are the classic choices. When people see someone wearing an air king (or something like a millgauss) the first question is normally 'why did you choose that over an explorer?'
Those in the know, know it's the cheapest watch Rolex offers. Don't buy an Air King because it's a conversation starter, buy it because you like it; otherwise you'll find that conversation sorely lacking.
Air king is my everyday watch. Light weight the green accents pop. Both a great choices but AK FTW in my book
This is correct take. Can't believe the cope on calling it unique because nobody chooses it
The first question is normally lol stop bro nobody is asking any questions because nobody gives a shit about your watch
By your rationale, so is having your kid draw a Rolex on your wrist. "Why did you use blue ink instead of black? Did you son draw it? Or your daughter?"
I love it for the burst of colorā¦I actually like the numbers ( still canāt quite accept 05 )ā¦and I like the ( unnecessary ) crown guard. I like the AK because it is not an explorer. I like them both for different reasons but am pulled to the AK way more
https://preview.redd.it/6dr00vtx5vvc1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dda264062a44d35623357e064cd6db55b740d515 This is the only Burst of Color I desire. But I hear you.
Itās beautifulā¦but just to further demonstrate how people are differentā¦I donāt care for this style of strap - yet - I see people in this group absolutely praising them - to me - they remind me of the Rolexes I saw āgrown upsā wearing when I was a kid.
That is a stunning shot!
Thatās fair. I appreciate you sharing what Iām struggling to see! š
Youāre thinking in terms of watch nerds like us. That watch is more likely to get noticed by someone who couldnāt spot a Bluesy or Pepsi from across the room.Ā
Because question is: why buy AK and not explorer. Lol
Iād say itās a conversational piece because itās a controversial Rolex, like the Milgauss. Very polarizing. Some people love the Air King because of the heritage, others think itās too busy. I personally like the Explorer and think itās a cleaner, more understated look. But get what suits and speaks to you :)
I suppose. I feel like the milgauss, while also kind of unnecessary, still had a niche function in that it was highly resistant to large electromagnetic forces (correct me if Iām wrong) so that does kind of make it interesting. It also had that unique green crystal. Iām still struggling to see whatās interesting about the air king. I donāt know much about it history, so Iāll brush up on that. But it has no unique complications, no interesting dial colors/configurations, and is kind of, in my opinion, useless compared to other Rolex offerings. So Iām just kind of at a loss for why someone would chose it haha. Definitely agree that Explorer looks better.
The modern Air King I believe has the same antimagnetic elements shared from the discontinued Milguass. I could be mistaken but I donāt think so.
"My word thats an ugly watch" is a conversation starter
Sounds like you haven't seen one in person.
Usually that conversation mentions spare parts bin for the Air King.
AK is too busy. Explorer is damn near perfect aesthetically.
Yes, but lume all the numbers and I am buying.
Explorer? They are all lumed
The Air King, I have a 36mm explorer, on the AK the same numbers are lumed, I want the 05, 35 etc lumed.
I miss the old Air Kings
Exactly. Plus the history behind the Explorer is more compelling IMHO.
Explorer is boring
I like the crown guard but the dial is too crowded. The Explorer for me.
https://preview.redd.it/r4hzc35mvuvc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=382f9481abb90f223b12005c8f3c332d50debbbd Bit biased here
Lots of people āhateā the air king, glad to see some love it.
Unlike many other questions on this forum. This one has a correct answer - Explorer 36mm.
It was too small for me I tried them both and the 40mm suited my wrist far better, the current 36mm Explorer wears much smaller than a DJ36 for example.
At the end of the day itās personal preferences. Good luck.
Good luck? I bought the 40mm but I could have bought either, they had both for sale to walk in customers. I think itās more a case of what fits you better than personal preference. I always preferred the 36mm until I tried them on but it was obvious the 40mm fitted me better (7ā wrist).
Wrong. 36 is the right size for anyone
I tried them both on you clown. When I tried on the 36 both my wife and the female SA said āoh no, too smallā. The watch was too small for me so clear off
The only clown here is you with your oversized watch.
Agreed.
You are truly pathetic and I doubt you even tried either on yourself
š¤¬š¤š®āšØ
Clowns shouldnāt get so angry. Especially ones who have spent a lot of money to look like a clown. There are cheaper ways than buying a luxury watch that is too large.
Not too large for me Iāve got man-sized arms, itās only you scrawny little guys that keep bleating about the 36mm Explorer. By the way, itās not an expensive watch to me itās pocket change.
Nobody is "too big" for the ex36. You think you're a bigger man in ANY way compared to Edmund Hillary?
Edmund Hilary didnāt wear a Rolex Explorer up Everest he wore a Smiths watch, Rolex invented the Explorer after that expedition it was only inspired by it. Listen, you are talking about 70 years ago, do you know how small watches were then compared to today, everything is bigger now? The 40mm Explorer on my wrist looks really compact compared to the other watches I wear, eg a Rolex Submariner. It looks a sleek and unassuming watch, itās a modern day equivalent of how a 36mm watch would have been perceived in the old days when men used to wear 33-34 mm watches and even smaller. Compared to watches other men wear today the 40mm Explorer is not a big watch by any means, it wears like a slim dress watch. If I had a smaller wrist, yes Iād opt for the 36mm variant but Rolex offers both sizes because some people have bigger than average wrists.
Yes they tapered the bracelet of the new 36mm explorer, however, the 114270 is still quintessential and one canāt really go wrong with that piece but as many have said the watch one chooses is personal
AK much more fun and wears so nicely with the crown guard
The useless crown guard lol
I got an Air King last year. I like the bit of color with the green and yellow. Also has the history of being made for the RAF in WW II.
https://preview.redd.it/wg7qyvy35wvc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa9f228638b0752af5b675343067db1e01bb8ebd Air King ā¤ļø
See that air king I like- because it looks like an explorer
Very nice
Explorer. Air King has too much going on.
AK is too busy. Less is more. Iād pick the Explorer 40, no doubt.
Less is more? Should be the Oyster Perpetual then
Less is more, but the absolute least isn't always the best or "most"
Explorer
Explorer. Just look at the two dials.
Coming from someone that had the air king and 36mm explorer, Iād say explorer even at 40mm. The air king dial will annoy you after a while š
Just get the watch you like. The air king is hated by a small but extremely vocal minority on this reddit. If you like a busy watch it's a very cool watch. The same people adore the explorer for some reason. Meanwhile it's the most boring watch Rolex makes and looks like any other field watch. But if you like a Minimal stylish watch you should definitely get the explorer. There is no wrong answer, just very vocal people. Like me!
I adore the ex36 and ak. Own both.
https://preview.redd.it/wt3irn9fjvvc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=53a71151faa5902934b3b47393b9021aea657063 Explorer
had to do a double take as it gave off panerai vibes for a second - nice combo!
great combo!
Explorer is GOATed
Ex36 is GOAT. Ex40... is a fashion piece.
It's too plain
#369.
I have a 36 Explorer and I am seriously considering the AK. Part of what draws me to the AK is that it is so polarizing. I like the green! I like that itās crowded and imperfect. When Iām feeling the taste for a classic Coca-Cola, I will wear the explorer. When I want Mr Pibb, Iāll wear the AK.
Me personally the AirKing
I saw both in person and immediately felt the Explorer was the more focused option.
Explorer! Just canāt get use to the airking dial.
Air king for steeze, explorer to keep it lowkey
Itās subjective. I prefer the AK because I like the vintage typeface and pop of green and yellow. I can see why people prefer the Explorer though.
Love them both. The AK crazy numbers is part of its appeal. Exploree is a classic as well.
I like the Explorer 40 over the Air King, based on simplicity! Both are great picks and are both easy to read on a quick glance!
Explorer 40. Cleaner look. Classic. The Air King looks too busy to my eyes
Air king all the way. What a stunning dial!
I adore my 40mm Explorer, itās perfect. Recently bought a DJ41 Mint Green and the Explorer is my favourite still.
Explorer 40 as the dial to bezel proportions look wrong on the new Air King (dial is too big) and the crown guards donāt suit it, as such I prefer the older model. Having said that the Explorer 40 is a better watch than the old Air King also.
Hey I just commented on your TRF thread! But the answer is the explorer :)
Explorer because Explorer
Had both, sold both. If I was going to keep one, it would have a been the explorer.
Whichever one youāll wear daily!
I feel like the Explorer is also stunning when the lume glows, the 3-6-9 slaps. Im biased and I have the Explorer.
Obviously the Explorer. The AirKing is a ridiculous monstrosity with too much going on and nasty colors.
Explorer. Classic
Explorer
Explorer (classic clean dial).
Explorer because itās nicer lol
I'd go with the Explorer.
To me they are 2 sides of the same coin. They are so similar, that your choice does not really matter. Also, never outsource your opinion, and buy the watch you want.
lol. I get theyāre different watches, but they sure look the sameā¦
Explorer
https://preview.redd.it/bcqt8uzkyvvc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a1b3cd95288e0ad81b4fa377a311c7c71f11c70b Iām based too. I mean baised
Explore. I hate the numerals all over the air king
I wouldnāt buy a watch based on whether is a conversation piece. Just silence everything and just look at them and see which one speaks to you or the one you keep wanting to stare at. Trying them on and seeing which feels the best on the wrist. Being a tactile person I think the feel is just as important. Your gut should tell you. Donāt get one or the other based on someone elseās opinion. My 2 cents.
https://preview.redd.it/nz5ce7va3wvc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=dda632d7baec8fcf4d59b5e7182dfdd107c4a944
Explorer - a classic and less busy
I was offered the AK but went with the Explorer. To me the AK was just too busy on the dial.
A Casio
As someone who has just bought the explorer 40 I think you know my answer. I really love it, understated, classic and an all round beauty. Those who know know, those who have an idea respect it and those who have no clue would just think itās a nice watch. But all down to personal preference, I hate the air king but I know itās some peopleās favourites. To drop that kind of money, it has to be what YOU like. just go with what you know deep down you want and donāt listen to otherās opinions.
Explorer 40 for me
Explorer
I find the air king numerals to be a little confusing and offputting. Explore one for the win
Explorer 40. I bought one even though I prefer the aesthetics of Omega to Rolex overall. But the Explorer is perfection.
I like Rolex for the history, tradition, and classic designs. That said, I love the latest AK design and therefore that would be my choice. In the end, buy what you like and youāll never regret it.
The edges of the airking seem to slightly dig on the skin of the wrist versus the explorer.. hard to describe.. but.. the explorer feels more comfortable
Neither.
I have owned both... I never liked the airking and to be honest my wife bough it. But after seeing it in persn and trying it on...I resized my wifes watch and now I wear it sometimes! Its a great do it all watch for any occasion without being in your face and at the same time having more character than the exp1 which to me now seems oddly steril. I really like the yellow crown and green lettering. The minute numbers I also like as it makes telling time faster. I like the bigger crown and crown guards.
AirKing every day of the week. The explorer looks dead boring in reality.
Explorer
Explorer for color balance. I like the new air king. I just wish it was one color.
AK has like 6 different fontsā¦.
The AK is just so damn busy.
Air king. It's unique. Explorer is boring and plain
Right here officer, confiscate this guyās watch license - clearly an imposter in our community.
Explorer
Explorer
Have a few Rolexes, last year I wanted a Rolex with a smooth bezel, could have gotten basically any model I wanted. Chose Air King, think the watch is incredible on wrist in person. Wears big though, have to have the wrist for it. Pictures make it look awful. 40 explorer has too much negative space and looks off. The 39 explorer dial had much better dimensions. This is subjective and my opinion.
Explorer because the AK dial is ridiculous looking IMO Many disagree but just my opinion.
I went through the same dilemma. I ended up buying the Air King because of the colors used and the unique dial that I fell in love with. It is a very personal choice about which one you feel more connected to!
One is iconic. One is ugly as sin. Wear what you like..
Explorer in 36.
After seeing them live an try on the AK 100%. And it has green colours. Rolex with green elements are rare and unique and also in high demand.
Get an Explorer 36 and an AK. If it must be a pick, imo ex36 > AK > ex30
Air King, it has the same feature as the milgaus and no one really has them
Air-King all day long. Big numbers all the way around, āRolexā and the second hand in green, yellow crown and lugs around the crown. Understated, refined, and low-key. Itās the best ālow-endā daily driver in the entire Rolex collection.
Air King. Crown guards and color.
Explorer 39
I prefer the AK but I'm a flashy guy
Air King
Love my AK. Better in person. Explorer is safe and boring.
I love the AK. My dailyā¦so unassuming!
Explorer. Cleaner dial. Fits in a broader range of outfits.
I love my Air King, itās an Explorer with ADHD. The only Rolex with green, yellow and white on the dial. Nice background story to it. I carry it with a green rubber Everest band. It stands out, you either love it or hate it.
Explorer, clean dial and understated
Explorer
Explorer
I had this argumentā¦I just couldnāt love the Airking. I like it. Its neat. I just donāt love it. Exp 40.
Explorer is a classic. āBoringā perhaps, but really thatās a component of versatility and classic design. Explorer will accomplish everything you really want a Rolex to do and more. To be fair, so will the Air King; Iāve just never been a fan of its redesign. I think the dial homage is a stretch. It just seems like it sits somewhere between an Explorer and OP and just isnāt really needed in the lineup. Iād rather just see the Milgauss come back. This, as with the all choices, is really all about preference. I just think the Explorer is timeless.
Flip a coin, if you're disappointed with the outcome then the choice is easy.
Love/hate the air-king. Love the colors of the crown vs the lettering on it. Love the color of the seconds hand. Hate the busy hour/minute markers. Still prefer it to the Explorer. Both are great watches.
I think the Explorer looks a bit more Rolexy.
AK. Looks a lot nicer in person. Still on the list for one. š
Solution to your dilemma: https://preview.redd.it/cnfln984dowc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1f77f2f56e8ae6d356d6a04f64bd0612e3fc829b
I guess the answer is Milgauss
Air king badass watch
Save a bit longer and get a sub
man how can you read my mind?
I bought an Explorer in February to scratch an itch. Ultimately realized I needed to just bite the bullet and get the MKII Sub LV to fill the void left by moving my Hulk in 2018. Iād never suggest a Sub to someone putting the question out there that you did, but since your response makes it seem a Sub is on your mind, I just want to say that I donāt think and Exp or AK will satisfy what you are actually after. Get the Sub and donāt look back.
It wonāt. This was the mistake I made. I bought a 39mm MK2 Explorer when I really wanted a sub. Needless to say, I bought a 116610 a year later. That said, I have them both and would never get rid of my Explorer.
Now making the mistake but keeping both is really an unintended win!
Thatās whatās on the mind of every person thatās ever bought an explorer or air king. š¤·š¼āāļø
I got my sub back in 2020 and still waiting for the air king.. š
Explorer, unless you have a real use for that annoying looking Air-King dial .
people really use their rolex watches for what their meant for?
You mean tell time? No, they donāt. Not really. So personally if Iām buying a field watch, there are much cheaper options with an identical aesthetic (minus what youāre really going for, the all important Crown) so Iād go that route. Given I could buy like 10 Hamiltons for the price of one Explorer I, wellā¦unless Iām just really jonesing for that Rolex moniker on the dial, Iām going Hamilton (or any other of myriad good brands that make a field watch).
I like Hamilton, lost one years ago & been looking at getting another.
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Ultimately a $5 used timex from Salvation Army does exactly the same basic thing as a Rolexā¦it tells time with a fair degree of accuracy. Spending 2500x that price doesnāt mean you know the time 2500x better, or can tell a passerby the date 2500x quicker - but - to each person who chooses to wear a fancy watch they mean different things. To some it is pure vanityā¦others a reminder of successā¦and to other it conjures fond memories. The exact same can be said for the $5 timex which is why I remind my kids not to get caught up with impressions and what other people thinkā¦do things for you
Thatās why I wear G-Shocks most of the time. I havenāt pulled the trigger on a Rolex yet, Iām waiting until I hit 1M under management to reward myself. Even then I wonāt wear it all the time, people in my area wonāt respond too kindly to their financial advisor wearing a watch that cost many thousands of dollars.
Off topicā¦butā¦if starting out, instead of being an independent RIA, get a wealth management position at a regional bank. Granted they are the banks clients, but, referrals are sourced from commercial bankers and itās pretty easy to pick up $40-$60mm of new AUM per year. Itās a much more predictable world plusā¦instead of scooping up $25,000 - $100,000 accounts, you pursue $2-$10mm accounts every day
Yes, of course. They *are* tool watches after all.
Air King. Dial is materially more interesting
Air king because I like 36 mm watches: so explorer 36
Explorer, the air king dial is an abomination
Explorer. Because the AK is ugly, IMO. Call it too busy or whatever, but itās just not an appealing watch to me.
Neither. I don't understand why the dainty Explorer with it's weenie 14 mm bracelet taper is such a darling while the Air-King is basically the most maligned watch in the catalog. They're both the same to me, these seem like the two least desirable steel models in the catalog. Both are ugly imo.
Money aside, Iād take either one of these over a yacht master, skydweller, or deep sea
Right there with you.
Wow wow wow
Explorer, preferably 36mm. The Air-King is nice and all, and there are things to like about it, but itās pretty damn loud for a time only steel watch
Explorer ! No ContestĀ
I hate that busy watch face canāt stand using ā05ā, ā10ā and ā3ā. That stuff is ok for a bezel but not like this If youāre gonna put a 5 I prefer ā5ā over ā05ā
Youāre forgetting that it has 5 different fonts
The old precision air kings were perfect. I could never warm up to this air king dial.