Hey guys, Hope you're all good. Recently joined the forum, after being a long time lurker and looking to get advise on all things Speedmaster related. I recently started a site and post a few thoughts and pictures that I take about watches. Anyway, I recently uploaded some thoughts on the (now, not-so-new) Air King 116900 after living with it for a few years. In case anyone is interested, here's some shots and a link to the article I posted here. Enjoy! Daniel
Nice little site you got there One could also argue that the name Air-King was a little off on the older models as the watch is not particularly pilot-like, which “Air-King” might imply and that it shouldn’t be called anything besides “Precision”, since the term “Air-King” doesn’t bring anything new (from my knowledge anyway). Not that I don’t like them, they are very nice and I have almost bought one on several occasions. Now I haven’t read up on my Air-King history so I might be missing something but at least the new Air-King resembles the type B pilot watches. The thing that jumps at me the most is that it is unlike other Rolex. Something about the minute markers on the dial that makes it a little too busy and un-Rolexy in a way. I haven’t seen one in the flesh though for a long time so I might have warmed up to them without knowing it
One could also argue that the name Air-King was a little off on the older models as the watch is not particularly pilot-like, which “Air-King” might imply and that it shouldn’t be called anything besides “Precision”, since the term “Air-King” doesn’t bring anything new (from my knowledge anyway. The name Air-King has worked for Rolex for at least 50 years. Maybe take it up with Rolex.
Hey @Canuck, what’s the difference between the Airking date and the Oyster Perpetual date of the same time period?
And I agree, the current Airking looks more pilot-like then the former, but it’s a love child of the current Explorer (which is nothing like the former explorer), and a b-uhr. I really wish Rolex would let a model name die and bring out a new name rather than muddy the waters with revisions and updates on former models.
A side by side comparison including a view of the two movements, a view of the inside case back, a comparison of the model numbers of the two, and the use of a digital metric caliper might disclose a difference. Perhaps someone else might be able to answer your question without the benefit of a direct comparison.
Good write up - thanks for Sharing. I’m sure more people will consider the Air King off the back of your review - and rightly so.
Apparently 100$ in 1971 was around 620$ in 2018 so 215 back then is like seeing a price tag of 1300 and I don't think that's so bad IMO.
I do that for a lot of different item for fun, for example when I watch historic movie to see how much they were making or paying etc. Watches are one of the most inflated price. This how I understood why many watches were bought by army troops overseas back then.
I think the most recent air king is a fascinating piece. It’s a Rolex that does not take itself to seriously. However I can’t help but feel an identity crisis. Since the dial is almost lifted off wholesale from a Bloodhound SSC land speed record CAR! It should have been called a Speedking instead. This model existed in the 40’s.... ish
Perhaps you knew. Rolex had a Speed King model, at one time, decades ago. It was a manual winder. There is quite a few listed elsewhere, for sale.
Always wanted one but they are small by modern standards at around 30mm. Perhaps on a bund or one piece strap they would feel a little beefier- that’s what I do with my older military watches to make them wear a little larger.
Yes yes! I have one, and since Rolex hasn’t used the model. I hope one day Rolex may release a Tudor priced Speedking series. Could make a good entry level range.
That’s what kills me about the explorer and Airking- they were the simplest of the line and were once considered the “bargain” in the lineup, attainable even by someone with modest means- not anymore.