In my opinion the 05 looks more balanced then the previous 5, and the new 3/6/9 look nicer then the previous old fashioned white gold numbers. Beside of the mentioned changes there are a some more major and a few minor changes. This 2022 model is a complete new watch with a new movement which is much better in many ways, a new narrower bezel, new bigger dial, different hands, different lugs, a broader bracelet and a flatter case dimension. All in all much better and more contemporary than the pvevious version.
Agreed! The more time I have spent with it, the more I realize the changes. It's incredible how such extremely subtle changes can totally change the feel of the watch. It does indeed feel better than the 116900.
My watch was purchased 2 years ago from AMZWATCH and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.
I picked up my 126900 on 26 July and have worn it every day since, I absolutely love it! I think it's under appreciated too - I suspect most people who say they don't like it haven't tried one on. About the white gold, according to 'The Rolex magazine' issue 10, Chromalight is more expensive per gram than "precious metals", so perhaps not a change to add margin (my AD gave me that magazine when I registered my interest in the piece).
@@howlsy6388 Intriguing regarding the chromalight! Thanks for sharing that! And that’s so awesome that you’re enjoying your Air-King so much, man. Same here! And agreed, I believe those that don’t like it have never actually experienced it in person. Is an absolutely gorgeous watch in real life! Pictures and videos don’t do it justice.
I think it looks uniquely beautiful, I mean it is a true “tool watch” at heart as rolex’s whole starting point and represents the core design language of Rolex flawlessly I actually don’t understand why it’s so under appreciated
@@فيصل-و3ي I don’t understand why either. And it seems like everyone who has actually had real world, firsthand experience with one loves it. It’s usually the folks who have never actually seen or worn one that don’t appreciate it.
I have watched many many reviews on the Air King because I want one. You have mentioned some really good points and some points not usually mentioned in many reviews so well done A+++
love the 126900- couldnt agree more on the point of having clarity on the time while you're focused on other things at hand. its a watch that's born from function & minimalism for sure. using it as a weekender as it's just so legible and "boring"- that way, I spend more time engaging with the world & family than with my watch :D
Excellent. I have the previous model and adore it. What other Rolex watches have their true colours , yes zero. Love all you AK lovers and greetings from Ireland
I must hold the record for fastest acquirement, I got my AirKing 126900 offered to me after 48 hours, it might of just been luck from calling into the AD at the right time
@@ParallisixYT Well, my very first Air-King, the 116900, I sent an e-mail to a random AD asking for it and they responded right away and said yes, that had one and if I would like to purchase it! Of course I said yes and went and got it the next day.😅 But that’s not quite the same as asking for one and being told to wait, then 2 days later getting it, so… You might still be the fastest!😄
@@PricklyPearAC didn’t even buy it from my local AD! I was in Spain and I went to get added to the list, but they told me there’s one coming in and it’s mine if I want it! So I got lucky there, was a memorable experience but Spain isn’t hard to get to so I’ll probably do my future Rolex purchases there, but overall I adore my 126900
Love the Air-King, it does look so much better in person. I do disagree with you on a different point; the the Oyster Perpetual is an entry level Rolex vs the Air-King being an intermediate level Rolex. The both use the same 3230 movement and have the same bracelet. The dial (actual dial, hands and indicies) and the AK having a crwn guard are the only real differences. What makes it intermediate compared to the OP? I love both, and im waiting for a call from my AD for either the OP or the AK, whichever comes first, so im not biased either way... but they are on the same awesome level to me.
@@robertmatas4192 Actually, the bracelet is not the same! Rolex actually made the bracelet wider on this Air-King model; something I forgot to mention in this video. And don’t forget the Oysterlock clasp, also not found on the OP! But you do bring up other fair points! Thank you for sharing! 😃
The crown of the AK is bigger and the bezel is flat, the OP's bezel is rounded. Also the case side is flat on the AK vs. rounded on the OP. The OP is dressier, the AK is more sporty.
Awesome review. I’m picking up my Air King on Saturday! Can’t wait to wear it. I love the Air King’s quirkiness, just like the Milgauss, my other favorite.
Thank you! That's awesome! Congrats, dude! Yes, the Air-King is a fantastic watch. I also used to have a Milguass, but sadly I sold it right before they discontinued it! I regret it so much!
@@richardlau2447 It’s incredible how different a watch can look in person vs. photos and videos! Not to say that this one doesn’t look good in photos and videos, but when you see it in person it’s like “wooow”!!
@@wayneslifestyle. Thank you! And agreed, it is indeed a great watch. Took a little while, actually! About 8 months! These new references are still a little bit difficult to get, I think.
Great review… I’ve had my AK 126900 for 8 months now, stunning watch. It's my first Rolex and I chose this piece because it's different and “unliked”It will, for sure imo, become a very sought after iconic piece in the future… Thank you Roger Federer ;-). Mine will be passed on to my first grand daughter who was born in 2023, the year i purchased the AK.
@@DarrenHorspool-or2lp The 116900 was my first Rolex! Always great to hear of someone else entering the Rolex work through an Air-King. It’s a wonderful watch. And great story about your plans to pass it on to your granddaughter! She’s going to look like such a badass with this on her wrist, haha!
I love Rolex, but they play fast and loose with their branding of different models and their "updates". For example, the dial layout of what is now branded as the Explorer used to be the dial layout of several iterations of OP (116000, 114200). The older Air King (5500) used to look like a current model OP. And the dial layout (numerals) for the current Air King used to just be the layout for an OP (116000) concentric dial; and even in this older model the "05" was used. I think they try to fool us sometimes.
A very down to earth review, just as if one were having a conversation with a friend who’s also passionate about their second Rolex watch. However I disagree with your view on 2 things, the change of the numeral 5, although I understand your logic; it adds to the uniqueness of this piece IMO making it more original! 2 the change of the white gold numerals. The color was off compared to the rest of the beautiful steel structure, I consider the switch an improvement AND yes, as a passionate Avgeek, I love its beautiful unpretentiousness plus, the nice effect the contrast that the yellow crown together with the green hands have against the black dial 🤩, I appreciate your sincere review, so thank you…good job! Going into my 6th month since I got it and I’m just loving it!
@@andrepg549 Thank you very much! I appreciate the compliments! I hear you on the changes as well. Regardless of my opinions on the changes, I still think it’s absolutely gorgeous and awesome, and I’m still a huge fan of it! It’s one of my favorite Rolex models, without a doubt!
@@alangreenspun179 Thanks, Alan! I appreciate that! Both are great activity/adventure watches, but I personally prefer the more eccentric (for Rolex) nature of the Air-King. I do, however, love the two-tone 36mm Explorer Yellow Rolesor! Gorgeous watch!😍
For what it's worth, my buddy has an Explorer 1 40mm and I have this Air-King so I've been able to compare them in person. I think the splashes of colour in the coronet and "ROLEX" make the AK dial more interesting, although the white gold on the extra applied indexes on the Explorer do catch the light nicely. The AK case is sportier IMO too, with the more angular sides and crown guards. I'm very happy with my choice 🙂
@@howlsy6388 Totally agreed. It’s incredible how eye catching the small amount of color in the Air-King really is. Explorers are cool, but a bit too plain for me. I do very much enjoy the two-tone yellow rolesor though. That really spiced up the Explorer for me.
In my opinion the 05 looks more balanced then the previous 5, and the new 3/6/9 look nicer then the previous old fashioned white gold numbers. Beside of the mentioned changes there are a some more major and a few minor changes. This 2022 model is a complete new watch with a new movement which is much better in many ways, a new narrower bezel, new bigger dial, different hands, different lugs, a broader bracelet and a flatter case dimension. All in all much better and more contemporary than the pvevious version.
Agreed! The more time I have spent with it, the more I realize the changes. It's incredible how such extremely subtle changes can totally change the feel of the watch. It does indeed feel better than the 116900.
I am on the waiting list for this one and I suppose I won't have to wait too long.
@@Zuerityp True, the waiting list for these is typically not long! You’re going to love it!
My watch was purchased 2 years ago from AMZWATCH and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.
@@MadalinaPollo Glad to hear she’s running good! Rolexes are very tough watches. With simple care, they will run far longer than we will.
Good looking Rolex. Unique, versatile and durable. The perfect daily driver.
@@drnick40 Indeed! It’s definitely one of my favorites in the Rolex lineup.😀
I picked up my 126900 on 26 July and have worn it every day since, I absolutely love it! I think it's under appreciated too - I suspect most people who say they don't like it haven't tried one on. About the white gold, according to 'The Rolex magazine' issue 10, Chromalight is more expensive per gram than "precious metals", so perhaps not a change to add margin (my AD gave me that magazine when I registered my interest in the piece).
@@howlsy6388 Intriguing regarding the chromalight! Thanks for sharing that! And that’s so awesome that you’re enjoying your Air-King so much, man. Same here! And agreed, I believe those that don’t like it have never actually experienced it in person. Is an absolutely gorgeous watch in real life! Pictures and videos don’t do it justice.
@@PricklyPearAC No worries mate, and agreed 100% - pictures don't do it justice!
Got my airking. Has anybody notices the arc of the crystal elevates this watch and so easy to read in any situation
The great readability of the watch is perhaps my favorite thing about it!
I think it looks uniquely beautiful, I mean it is a true “tool watch” at heart as rolex’s whole starting point and represents the core design language of Rolex flawlessly
I actually don’t understand why it’s so under appreciated
@@فيصل-و3ي I don’t understand why either. And it seems like everyone who has actually had real world, firsthand experience with one loves it. It’s usually the folks who have never actually seen or worn one that don’t appreciate it.
I have watched many many reviews on the Air King because I want one. You have mentioned some really good points and some points not usually mentioned in many reviews so well done A+++
Ah, I really appreciate that! Thank you so much for the compliment! And I’m glad you enjoyed the video!😃
love the 126900- couldnt agree more on the point of having clarity on the time while you're focused on other things at hand. its a watch that's born from function & minimalism for sure.
using it as a weekender as it's just so legible and "boring"- that way, I spend more time engaging with the world & family than with my watch :D
@@bryce380 Very well said!!
Excellent. I have the previous model and adore it. What other Rolex watches have their true colours , yes zero. Love all you AK lovers and greetings from Ireland
@@andrewallen2038 Haha, well said! I love all the AK lovers as well! Thanks for commenting!
I must hold the record for fastest acquirement, I got my AirKing 126900 offered to me after 48 hours, it might of just been luck from calling into the AD at the right time
@@ParallisixYT Well, my very first Air-King, the 116900, I sent an e-mail to
a random AD asking for it and they responded right away and said yes, that had one and if I would like to purchase it! Of course I said yes and went and got it the next day.😅 But that’s not quite the same as asking for one and being told to wait, then 2 days later getting it, so… You might still be the fastest!😄
@@PricklyPearAC didn’t even buy it from my local AD! I was in Spain and I went to get added to the list, but they told me there’s one coming in and it’s mine if I want it! So I got lucky there, was a memorable experience but Spain isn’t hard to get to so I’ll probably do my future Rolex purchases there, but overall I adore my 126900
@@ParallisixYT That’s an awesome story! Yeah, if you have a good experience with a particular AD, keep going back to them! No matter where they are!
Love the Air-King, it does look so much better in person. I do disagree with you on a different point; the the Oyster Perpetual is an entry level Rolex vs the Air-King being an intermediate level Rolex. The both use the same 3230 movement and have the same bracelet. The dial (actual dial, hands and indicies) and the AK having a crwn guard are the only real differences. What makes it intermediate compared to the OP? I love both, and im waiting for a call from my AD for either the OP or the AK, whichever comes first, so im not biased either way... but they are on the same awesome level to me.
@@robertmatas4192 Actually, the bracelet is not the same! Rolex actually made the bracelet wider on this Air-King model; something I forgot to mention in this video. And don’t forget the Oysterlock clasp, also not found on the OP! But you do bring up other fair points! Thank you for sharing! 😃
The crown of the AK is bigger and the bezel is flat, the OP's bezel is rounded. Also the case side is flat on the AK vs. rounded on the OP. The OP is dressier, the AK is more sporty.
Awesome review. I’m picking up my Air King on Saturday! Can’t wait to wear it. I love the Air King’s quirkiness, just like the Milgauss, my other favorite.
Thank you! That's awesome! Congrats, dude! Yes, the Air-King is a fantastic watch. I also used to have a Milguass, but sadly I sold it right before they discontinued it! I regret it so much!
I tried on the Air King. It fits the best. Why? AK has a clean look when you see it in person.
@@richardlau2447 It’s incredible how different a watch can look in person vs. photos and videos! Not to say that this one doesn’t look good in photos and videos, but when you see it in person it’s like “wooow”!!
great watch how long did it take to get it from your AD
@@wayneslifestyle. Thank you! And agreed, it is indeed a great watch. Took a little while, actually! About 8 months! These new references are still a little bit difficult to get, I think.
Great review… I’ve had my AK 126900 for 8 months now, stunning watch. It's my first Rolex and I chose this piece because it's different and “unliked”It will, for sure imo, become a very sought after iconic piece in the future… Thank you Roger Federer ;-). Mine will be passed on to my first grand daughter who was born in 2023, the year i purchased the AK.
@@DarrenHorspool-or2lp The 116900 was my first Rolex! Always great to hear of someone else entering the Rolex work through an Air-King. It’s a wonderful watch. And great story about your plans to pass it on to your granddaughter! She’s going to look like such a badass with this on her wrist, haha!
@@DarrenHorspool-or2lp And thanks for the compliment and comment! Much appreciated!
I love Rolex, but they play fast and loose with their branding of different models and their "updates". For example, the dial layout of what is now branded as the Explorer used to be the dial layout of several iterations of OP (116000, 114200). The older Air King (5500) used to look like a current model OP. And the dial layout (numerals) for the current Air King used to just be the layout for an OP (116000) concentric dial; and even in this older model the "05" was used.
I think they try to fool us sometimes.
@@dalesmith7250 Interesting theory! You certainly make some good points.
A very down to earth review, just as if one were having a conversation with a friend who’s also passionate about their second Rolex watch. However I disagree with your view on 2 things, the change of the numeral 5, although I understand your logic; it adds to the uniqueness of this piece IMO making it more original! 2 the change of the white gold numerals. The color was off compared to the rest of the beautiful steel structure, I consider the switch an improvement AND yes, as a passionate Avgeek, I love its beautiful unpretentiousness plus, the nice effect the contrast that the yellow crown together with the green hands have against the black dial 🤩, I appreciate your sincere review, so thank you…good job! Going into my 6th month since I got it and I’m just loving it!
@@andrepg549 Thank you very much! I appreciate the compliments! I hear you on the changes as well. Regardless of my opinions on the changes, I still think it’s absolutely gorgeous and awesome, and I’m still a huge fan of it! It’s one of my favorite Rolex models, without a doubt!
Cost…?
The current retail price for the Air-King is $7,450.00, plus tax! On the grey market, they’re currently selling for about $8,000.00 to $8,250.00!👍🏼
Gorgeous watch and thoughtful review, am deciding between this and an Explorer
@@alangreenspun179 Thanks, Alan! I appreciate that! Both are great activity/adventure watches, but I personally prefer the more eccentric (for Rolex) nature of the Air-King. I do, however, love the two-tone 36mm Explorer Yellow Rolesor! Gorgeous watch!😍
For what it's worth, my buddy has an Explorer 1 40mm and I have this Air-King so I've been able to compare them in person. I think the splashes of colour in the coronet and "ROLEX" make the AK dial more interesting, although the white gold on the extra applied indexes on the Explorer do catch the light nicely. The AK case is sportier IMO too, with the more angular sides and crown guards. I'm very happy with my choice 🙂
@@howlsy6388 Totally agreed. It’s incredible how eye catching the small amount of color in the Air-King really is. Explorers are cool, but a bit too plain for me. I do very much enjoy the two-tone yellow rolesor though. That really spiced up the Explorer for me.
Tried both. Exp is more dressy. AK is sportier
@@goodlifebdg Ah, very good observation! I agree 100%!
Based on explorer but is beautiful I love it
@@olgerjovani8653 Definitely beautiful! A bit more expressive than the Explorer, in my opinion, but both are gorgeous!
great video, very informative
@@chindit9749 Thank you! I really appreciate that! 😃
Great review !
Thank you! It’s a great watch!😃
Looking forward to the next review!
Thank you!! Coming soon!!😃😊
Lots of mumbling about nothing!
Thanks, dude! Looked for your Rolex videos but couldn't find any. All I found was a weird video of a cat and a baby.