I mis-spoke on the bracelet width, this new Air-King now has a 21mm bracelet at the lug, not 20mm any more. That may be why it felt bigger than the Explorer. It also has crown guards that I forgot to mention.
@@Explorer40mm haha and @Explorer40mm would know! I take it you have a 224270? I've been on a list for 10 months now. Didn't think it would take this long!
@@OBWAT yeah, I’ve always been a small Rolex guy. 36 mm OPs are my favourite. But the explorer 40 looks great with the 21mm lug width. As for the waitlist, it’s a shame that Rolex based their system on nepotism rather than chronology of registered interest. I was and still am on a list for a green op36, it’s been over 2.5 years and I have no doubt the dealers forgot about me in favour of their repeat customers, friends and family. For that reason I doubt I’ll ever buy another Rolex. They are simply a customer service failure. I got the explorer 40 from a reputable grey market dealer and it got rid of all my feelings of anticipation. Been a pleasure just wearing and enjoying the thing rather than always wondering if or when.
@@Explorer40mm That's exactly my sentiment with Rolex. Many of the ADs don't seem to be capable of differentiating between the genuine watch enthusiasts and flippers. To be treated as the latter when you are the former is a very off-putting experience. In the UK the grey market price for the 224270 is getting very close to RRP so I am increasingly tempted to do the same as you. The only thing holding me back is that going grey market would prevent me from building a purchase history with an AD, and I would quite like to pick up a sub in a few years. Hard to not play the game unless I snub rolex entirely, but there are plenty of great alternatives
The starkest difference between the two are the sides. The Air King has a flat, sheer side like the Sub/GMT/etc, while the Explorer has as fluid side like a Datejust/DayDate/Daytona. I much prefer the Explorer between these two.
That’s the biggest difference for sure and why I sold my Explorer 40 and got the King. Much prefer the square sides and it balanced much better with the clasp. The E 40 seemed like a mismatch to me. Wanted to love it.
I agree about the 05 on the AirKing. The 40mm Explorer is a gem but it sure as Hell marks and scratches easily. I love mine and it keeps fantastic timing.
They tout using a higher grade stainless steel, but my Breitling SuperOcean doesn't show scratches anywhere near as much as my old Sub Date did. In fact after 28 months of daily wear, the SuperOcean looks damn near unscratched. I don't know what it is about Rolex steel, but it scratches so easily.
Thanks for this video! My AD offered me an explorer today and I already have an Air King. I’m realizing how redundant having both might be so I think I’m going to turn it down. It should be noted that a lot of the external difference between the 2 are pretty recent as you’re showing the new Air King reference that was released last year. The model before was almost identical to the Explorer aside from the dial. I think I’ll hang onto the the AK as I love the quirkiness of the colors on the dial and vintage font. Plus referencing the gauge in the Bloodhound is kind of neat as well
These are two very different watches. Apart from the obvious aesthetic differences on the dial, the case design is completely different. The crown guard is also a massive difference
No question for me, the Explorer is by far the best looking of the two. The best looking watches from Rolex are Submariner Date or without Date black/steel and the Explorer 40 mm.
Thanks for the comparison video of these 2 models. I personally prefer the Air King since it’s more unique with the touch of colour and more solid case. The explorer is pretty plain and boring, just an overpriced OP really. Especially in the 40mm theres a lot of empty space with the explorer text at the top instead of the bottom like all of the sports models. Explorer looks more proportional in the 36mm. The Air King also seems to have a richer, darker black dial and better ARC, the explorer dial looks almost like a faded black.
I had the opportunity to buy either of these at an AD whilst I was on holiday recently and I bought the 40mm Explorer, it’s honestly as close to perfection as a wrist watch can be. There are a few things about the design of the Air King that don’t look quite right. Firstly the dial looks too big and the bezel too small it looks odd to me. The old Air King looked much better in this respect they got those propositions spot on. I don’t like the 05 I think it’s unnecessary I couldn’t care about the symmetry argument, watches have never been symmetrical, remember 1 & 11? The 05 also adds more clutter to the dial. Then there are the crown guards, it just doesn’t suit a watch with a steel bezel, since when did you get crown guards on a pilot’s watch? Overall it looks like a parts bin watch crossed with a Submariner but the bezel fell off. By the way I owned and loved the older model, the 116900, will buy one back in the future it’s a very beautiful watch.
I totally agree. I have been waiting for the 116900 I oredered. I have been asked many times why I did not go for the newer AK. The crown guard was the deciding factor.
I had this dilemma and chose the AK mk2 over the EP 40, the fact is it’s more of a sports watch like the sub/gmt due to its all new case and crown guards, the mk1 AK was basically a milgauss with a different dial, hands down since getting the AK as my daily I get way more comments and compliments than my sub and sea dweller ever did, I also think its because there way less common, I love the dial and splash of colour also the mk2 dial is now more balanced with the 05 instead of just 5 .. its a gorgeous timepiece
I have been waiting for a side by side review of these watches. I got the call for both watches last November. I bought both of them but regret the purchase of the ex1. It a lovely watch but I am always drawn to the Airking. My ex1 has not been worn which is a bit of a disappointment. The AK has a lot more character but is still understated, plus because of the 21mm bracelet the watch looks better on my 7.3/4" wrist
@@whereRbearsTeeth to make it look more “toolish” every other tool watch in their catalog has crown guards. They should have made the explorer the same design and platform of the new air king. IMO.
Thanks for the comparison video of these 2 models. I personally prefer the Air King since it’s more unique with the touch of colour and more solid case. The explorer is pretty plain and boring, just an overpriced OP really. Especially in the 40mm theres a lot of empty space with the explorer text at the top instead of the bottom like all of the sports models. Explorer looks more proportional in the 36mm. The Air King also seems to have a richer, darker black dial and better ARC, the explorer dial looks almost like a faded black.
I mis-spoke on the bracelet width, this new Air-King now has a 21mm bracelet at the lug, not 20mm any more. That may be why it felt bigger than the Explorer. It also has crown guards that I forgot to mention.
The explorer also has 21mm lug width
@@Explorer40mm haha and @Explorer40mm would know! I take it you have a 224270? I've been on a list for 10 months now. Didn't think it would take this long!
@@OBWAT yeah, I’ve always been a small Rolex guy. 36 mm OPs are my favourite. But the explorer 40 looks great with the 21mm lug width. As for the waitlist, it’s a shame that Rolex based their system on nepotism rather than chronology of registered interest. I was and still am on a list for a green op36, it’s been over 2.5 years and I have no doubt the dealers forgot about me in favour of their repeat customers, friends and family. For that reason I doubt I’ll ever buy another Rolex. They are simply a customer service failure. I got the explorer 40 from a reputable grey market dealer and it got rid of all my feelings of anticipation. Been a pleasure just wearing and enjoying the thing rather than always wondering if or when.
@@Explorer40mm That's exactly my sentiment with Rolex. Many of the ADs don't seem to be capable of differentiating between the genuine watch enthusiasts and flippers. To be treated as the latter when you are the former is a very off-putting experience. In the UK the grey market price for the 224270 is getting very close to RRP so I am increasingly tempted to do the same as you. The only thing holding me back is that going grey market would prevent me from building a purchase history with an AD, and I would quite like to pick up a sub in a few years. Hard to not play the game unless I snub rolex entirely, but there are plenty of great alternatives
Both of these watches have 21mm Bracelet
Air King for me but I would own the explorer, timeless beauty as well.
The starkest difference between the two are the sides. The Air King has a flat, sheer side like the Sub/GMT/etc, while the Explorer has as fluid side like a Datejust/DayDate/Daytona. I much prefer the Explorer between these two.
Thanks for the info!
I was wondering about that. I thought the 36 had the fluid sides and the 40 had the slab/flat sides.
That’s the biggest difference for sure and why I sold my Explorer 40 and got the King. Much prefer the square sides and it balanced much better with the clasp. The E 40 seemed like a mismatch to me. Wanted to love it.
Whereas I prefer the curvy sides of the Explorer. Both are cracking watches.
Working’s dial is way too busy. The legibility of the Explorer is unmatched
I dig the Air King. It has what the Explorer has, plus some pizzazz.
I agree about the 05 on the AirKing. The 40mm Explorer is a gem but it sure as Hell marks and scratches easily. I love mine and it keeps fantastic timing.
Mine scratched on the way home from the AD. Unsure how. Probably just looking at it.
They tout using a higher grade stainless steel, but my Breitling SuperOcean doesn't show scratches anywhere near as much as my old Sub Date did. In fact after 28 months of daily wear, the SuperOcean looks damn near unscratched. I don't know what it is about Rolex steel, but it scratches so easily.
Thanks for this video! My AD offered me an explorer today and I already have an Air King. I’m realizing how redundant having both might be so I think I’m going to turn it down.
It should be noted that a lot of the external difference between the 2 are pretty recent as you’re showing the new Air King reference that was released last year. The model before was almost identical to the Explorer aside from the dial.
I think I’ll hang onto the the AK as I love the quirkiness of the colors on the dial and vintage font. Plus referencing the gauge in the Bloodhound is kind of neat as well
Had both ! Pretty sure Airking has larger dial
These are two very different watches. Apart from the obvious aesthetic differences on the dial, the case design is completely different. The crown guard is also a massive difference
No question for me, the Explorer is by far the best looking of the two. The best looking watches from Rolex are Submariner Date or without Date black/steel and the Explorer 40 mm.
Thanks for the comparison video of these 2 models. I personally prefer the Air King since it’s more unique with the touch of colour and more solid case. The explorer is pretty plain and boring, just an overpriced OP really. Especially in the 40mm theres a lot of empty space with the explorer text at the top instead of the bottom like all of the sports models. Explorer looks more proportional in the 36mm. The Air King also seems to have a richer, darker black dial and better ARC, the explorer dial looks almost like a faded black.
I had the opportunity to buy either of these at an AD whilst I was on holiday recently and I bought the 40mm Explorer, it’s honestly as close to perfection as a wrist watch can be. There are a few things about the design of the Air King that don’t look quite right. Firstly the dial looks too big and the bezel too small it looks odd to me. The old Air King looked much better in this respect they got those propositions spot on. I don’t like the 05 I think it’s unnecessary I couldn’t care about the symmetry argument, watches have never been symmetrical, remember 1 & 11? The 05 also adds more clutter to the dial. Then there are the crown guards, it just doesn’t suit a watch with a steel bezel, since when did you get crown guards on a pilot’s watch? Overall it looks like a parts bin watch crossed with a Submariner but the bezel fell off. By the way I owned and loved the older model, the 116900, will buy one back in the future it’s a very beautiful watch.
Thanks for the great feedback!
I totally agree. I have been waiting for the 116900 I oredered. I have been asked many times why I did not go for the newer AK. The crown guard was the deciding factor.
@@user-qh7mv8np2sit’s one of the reasons I bought it! Different strokes.
You seem to have missed the important fact that the Air King has a case more like a Submariner !?
I had this dilemma and chose the AK mk2 over the EP 40, the fact is it’s more of a sports watch like the sub/gmt due to its all new case and crown guards, the mk1 AK was basically a milgauss with a different dial, hands down since getting the AK as my daily I get way more comments and compliments than my sub and sea dweller ever did, I also think its because there way less common, I love the dial and splash of colour also the mk2 dial is now more balanced with the 05 instead of just 5 .. its a gorgeous timepiece
I have been waiting for a side by side review of these watches.
I got the call for both watches last November. I bought both of them but regret the purchase of the ex1. It a lovely watch but I am always drawn to the Airking.
My ex1 has not been worn which is a bit of a disappointment.
The AK has a lot more character but is still understated, plus because of the 21mm bracelet the watch looks better on my 7.3/4" wrist
The Explorer should be in the Air King case, and both need a quick adjust clasp. Good comparison 👍
That would be a winner! It’s why I sold the E 40 and bought the King.
Im trying to decide between the two of those right now. I think the Explorers lume is edging it, but I do prefer the AK case & guards.
air king is just a sub no date without the bezel
It’s nothing alike?
So basically 100% different 😂
For me both are realy nice and great,personaly i prefere the airking but if you offer me the explorer i will accept with pleasure haha
I wish the explorer had a crown guard.
Why?
@@whereRbearsTeeth to make it look more “toolish” every other tool watch in their catalog has crown guards. They should have made the explorer the same design and platform of the new air king. IMO.
@@kurtlawson9136 Hard disagree. The curvy case of the Explorer is so much nicer than the sub/gmt style case with the straight, flat flanks.
Explorer is too plain Jane...
That’s the whole point point of it
Thanks for the comparison video of these 2 models. I personally prefer the Air King since it’s more unique with the touch of colour and more solid case. The explorer is pretty plain and boring, just an overpriced OP really. Especially in the 40mm theres a lot of empty space with the explorer text at the top instead of the bottom like all of the sports models. Explorer looks more proportional in the 36mm. The Air King also seems to have a richer, darker black dial and better ARC, the explorer dial looks almost like a faded black.