Just thought I would sneak over from the vintage forum- shhh, don’t tell them. My third Rolex, 1999 14000, second owner, bracelet is currently residing on my 1978 OPD and I have a B&R Auburn pebble grain incoming for this...although I normally hate Nato’s (and have way too many) it’s pretty damn awesome on this. The simplicity of this watch is stunning compared to my OPD or my GMT- no nonsense- love it. And it wears much bigger than the 34mm would suggest, it’s a chunky sucker.
Congratulations! Even with a diameter of only 34 mm, it still has a well-proportioned presence on your wrist. Can’t wait to see pictures of it on a leather strap.
And the strap is in-this is a stunning piece of leather- and the fit to lugs is perfectly flush- rarely do I get a strap that fits a case this well. Gotta give it to B&R, their customer service is great. I got the wrong color, emailed them on Saturday night, got a response same night (Saturday) apologizing and got the strap today with a prepaid envelope to send the other back- can’t ask for better than that. https://www.bandrbands.com/19mm-Auburn-pebbled-calf-classic-watch-band.aspx
Ahh, it's a very interesting story actually ... well, maybe I shouldn't spoil the fun of your research.
It’s amazing what getting a Rolex that’s never been polished looks like. Those of us vintage buyers rarely know what that is...razor sharp edges- ouch!
I really like the older AKs but couldn’t get on with 34mm on my 8 inch wrist. Looks great on OP especially on the NATO. The new one however makes me want to heave
I love these Airkings. I had a 114234 but could not get on with orange and silver dial so had to let it go. But am looking to replace it with another
The 5500 and 14000 are bargains imo. If you dig the smaller size, they are about as pure in design as it can get with Rolex. And they can be had under $2.5k which is a lot of watch for the money.
My 47-year old Air-King Date. One owner. Me. Still runs great, though I seldom wear it. I won this in a Rolex sales contest in 1971. My kid wore it for less than one year when the watch was 10 years old. He was tough on watches, and I thought this one might bear the brunt. Boy! Was I wrong! I took it away from him after less that a year, and he went back to junker watches that I resurrected as necessary. Owing to the fact he trashed the original bracelet, the one in the picture is after market. That isn’t lint on the dial. Lacquer is beginning to show its age.