Rolex

[BMW F22]

^ agreed with you. Be very mindful and careful in Paris, especially on metro and tourist attractions.

[jsf721]

They were 75 grand. And I did not think I’d ever turn a profit off that becuase generally keep my watches. I only sell the ones I don’t like for some reason. I went with a two tone Daytona with the navy face. It’s my daily and I love it.

Originally Posted by SigmaShift

One thing I've learned is, never pass up what an AD offers you if you can make a few bucks

[gatorfast]

Can’t beat Rolex and F1

[SteVTEC]

My latest acquisition picked up last December, 126610LN.

[oneofew]

First Rolex, purchased it in Paris 1999. Served me well over the years.

[SteVTEC]

Nice Daytona!

[SigmaShift]

Latest acquisition, brand new GMT II "Bruce Wayne"

[CTPJ]

40th Birthday present from my wife (many years ago).

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by SigmaShift

Latest acquisition, brand new GMT II "Bruce Wayne"

Congrats. I’m still waiting to see it in person but if I’m going to get another GMT it’ll probably be 5 digit Coke bezel.

[SigmaShift]

Originally Posted by 0-60Motorsports

Congrats. I’m still waiting to see it in person but if I’m going to get another GMT it’ll probably be 5 digit Coke bezel.

the grey component is lighter depending on the lighting

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by CTPJ

40th Birthday present from my wife (many years ago).

What year is this piece?

My dad has the modern blue Sub with...blue dial

[CTPJ]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

What year is this piece?

My dad has the modern blue Sub with...blue dial

She purchased it new for me in 2000.

[2022M550i]

The watch everyone loves to hate…Air King. This is my favorite Rolex/daily wear. #126900

[surbrar]

Received it from my dad, who got it as a wedding present right after WW II. Never serviced but still works.

[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

The watch everyone loves to hate…Air King. This is my favorite Rolex/daily wear. #126900

Absolutely agree. I'm wearing my #126900 right now.

However, it's caused me two problems.

1. I'm medically grounded by the FAA at the moment but expect to get my Medical back around October. I've already talked to my AD about getting another piece then in celebration of "having survived something that should and would have killed me".

I was leaning towards the 40mm Explorer, since I've always wanted one.

HOWEVER-- I've been wearing my Air King a lot lately out of rotation and have really started to enjoy it. My wife had gotten it for me as a present since I'm a professional pilot and at first, I didn't love, love, love it but couldn't say anything since she'd gotten it for me.

That's changed. Now, the Explorer looks boring and the Air King just looks..... right. Yes, the dial's a little complicated, but I get a lot of comments on it as it's a bit of an "unusual" Rolex. I definitely get a lot more notice with it than I do with my Sub.

So, I don't think I'll be picking up an Explorer (unless Rolex *finally* comes out with a white face) and I'm starting to consider a GMT Master II. But that causes its own issues as I'm torn between the Pepsi and Batman.

2. The Air King is absolutely savage on leather straps. Everest et. al. only make rubber straps, which I'm not fond of. I'm going to get a perforated goatskin leather strap with Rolex green stitching custom made with curved keeper bars. The issue is that the new Air King (and Explorer, fwiw) have sort of a sharp "notch" under the bezel when you remove the band. That notch just utterly destroys a normal leather strap (which is probably why you don't see any). I just got done taking pictures and measurements for the custom strap maker, but he's about 4-5 months out.

R.

[Nivarox]

I used to own one of those Air King models as well. I like Air King models but not among my fave Rolex watches either . The watch is missing a huge piece to me : It needs a GMT MASTER II like or Submariner style bezel . In a sports watch, smooth bezel never works neatly to me

[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by Nivarox

I used to own one of those Air King models as well. I like Air King models but not among my fave Rolex watches either . The watch is missing a huge piece to me : It needs a GMT MASTER II like or Submariner style bezel . In a sports watch, smooth bezel never works neatly to me

I'd argue that it's more of a tool watch than a sports watch, being all pilotey.

And therefore, the bezel should DO something. The ones on the Sub and the GMT are there for a reason-- either second time zone or dive time elapsed. Not sure what putting one on an Air King would do unless you included a hack function.

Just my 0.02.

But for the record? The new #126900 is a HUGE improvement over the previous one. I'm very glad my wife didn't get mine any earlier. The odd single "5" always irritated me, and I really like the new crown guards and appreciate the new movement and power reserve.

R.

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by flybigjet

But for the record? The new #126900 is a HUGE improvement over the previous one. I'm very glad my wife didn't get mine any earlier. The odd single "5" always irritated me, and I really like the new crown guards and appreciate the new movement and power reserve.

I agree. The loom inside the 3,6 and 9, the new case with the crown guards, wider band with new style clasp… new movement. To me it’s a Home run.

I love the corporate green logo/secondhand with yellow crown. To me, sometimes simple is better. I have a submariner and a Pepsi GMT, Omega Speedmaster racing…. the air king is hands-down my favorite. I love it. I don’t have to worry about Setting a date or anything. Throw it on and it is easy to see with my aging eyes. there is no other Rolex like it and I’m glad they kept it around.

It’s almost like a 50-50 split. 50% of the people hate it, 50% of the people love it.

BTW- from your previous post, I have my share of health issues… I get it. Good luck with continued health improvement and getting back up in the air!

[Lady Jane]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

The watch everyone loves to hate…Air King. This is my favorite Rolex/daily wear. #126900

I for one, just love the looks of it. Very clean design and classy and doesn't look like a billboard. A+++

[flybigjet]

Sigh--

My AD texted me today and offered up a 40mm Explorer. I've always wanted one since it looks *outstanding* on a perforated black leather band with red stitching.

But..... it's just *too* similar to my Air King, so I passed.

Still holding out for a Pepsi or a Batman I think.

R.

[GeorgeR]

I don't wear it much or enough.

[pneumodoc]

Anyone with experience purchasing from ADs in the Pacific Northwest? I just got put on the waitlist for a stainless submariner, and a GMT II in either black/grey or black/blue. No clue how long that might take..