I choose an air king, if nothing else for the simple fact that they are quircky and not popular. If you go to a business function, there is a good chance you will be the only one wearing it. Same cant be said for the sub. Cheers!
I've got an earlier Airking without the 05. It's a marmite watch but I like it and that's all that matters isn't it? Some people think that the Airking is a less desirable Milgauss. Well I've got one of those and I've got a subby and a explorer 2. They are all great watches to be enjoyed!
I also have a 126900, it’s a fun watch. One of the most interesting aspects of the design is that the “Air King” writing on the dial is in Hans Wilsdorf’s handwriting.
I honestly believe the Air King might have been Rolex's hottest watch if they had put circles on the hour markers instead of numbers at 1 2 4 5 7 8 10 & 11 markers. Giving it it an unique look among it's line up that I think more people would had gone for.
I have the airking and the 114060 sub (no date) I also had the SD43 and hands down I get more compliments & interest in the Airking, it’s such a beautiful timepiece and stays under the radar infact it’s never off my wrist, the dial is gorgeous and is now well balanced with the 05 I especially love the splash of colour text. Great video I really enjoyed it 👏🏻
It’s a real apples to oranges comparison. That said the Air-King is a much more interesting watch. The Sub is just another overpriced uninspired diver. Yes, it’s well made but it’s missing something design wise. It needs some soul. I’d take a Seamaster over a sub any day but there’s nothing that really compares to the Air-King.🍻
I actually prefer the air king in the new version crown guards, bracelet, movement and lume are way more improved and the color/uniqueness make it a better piece for me.
Absolutely love the Air King, such an underrated watch which makes it even more desirable and special in my opinion, definitely a sleeper watch. One of its kind for sure with the original Rolex colours in the dial. It’s gonna be big one day.
The Air King is superb. The Submariner is superb too. Both versions, date and no date. And the Explorer 1 is fantastic as well. Once you wear a Rolex, it is difficult to go back to other watches.
You are speaking the truth. I bought the air king last month and I love it. Now I can't wear anything but Rolex. I am trying to get my hands on the silver OP 41mm now
I love a LOT about this watch but one thing for sure is that the casual observer might not catch that it's a Rolex, but a "watch person" will. I don't want to attract attention, but I might want to invite a conversation with someone who knows watches. I work in a dark environment, so legibility is a big deal to me. That the Air King is dressy and casual, is a big appeal.
Fantastic review as always. Looks like the Submariner has a more commanding presence on the wrist yet the Air King has more color. I have a 8 inch wrist that that expands and contracts constantly therefore I’m going to pursue the Sub. Many Thanks for your work.
AK over sub as (1) too many subs in the world (and real good fakes), (2) less popular and thus less in the wild, and (3) quieter luxury, and (4) much more quirkier, functional and rugged. It's like an Explorer but with a pop of character and tells people you aren't as NPC as you look 😂 Been a short while since I got my 126900 and loving it since!
It literally looks like a Rolex from afar, like a bigger 40mm Explorer 1. Then the green Rolex text and logo is hard to miss. If you really want a discrete Rolex, buy a vintage Air King, or a Cellini.
They rounded it up... It went from 40.3mm ish on the 114/116 gen to 40.6 ish on the 124/126 gen. Same lug to lug distance, slightly reshaped lugs. I personally think the Submariner is boring as fuck, but acting as if this minuscule borderline imperceptible change is a "disastrous decision" is laughable, it's the same watch.
I choose an air king, if nothing else for the simple fact that they are quircky and not popular. If you go to a business function, there is a good chance you will be the only one wearing it. Same cant be said for the sub. Cheers!
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for watching.
100% agree. Thats why i love the millgauss so much
I appreciate how you have provided these comparisons...no one else does this, and we as fans are appreciative
Thank you so much!
The Air King is the most interesting watch in the Rolex lineup. Just because it is so different.
I've got an earlier Airking without the 05. It's a marmite watch but I like it and that's all that matters isn't it? Some people think that the Airking is a less desirable Milgauss. Well I've got one of those and I've got a subby and a explorer 2. They are all great watches to be enjoyed!
I have these 2 exact watches from my AD. Air king don't do justice from pictures or video but in person it is beautiful watch.
I love the Air King the green just pops
Exactly
I also have a 126900, it’s a fun watch. One of the most interesting aspects of the design is that the “Air King” writing on the dial is in Hans Wilsdorf’s handwriting.
Great fun fact! Thanks.
I honestly believe the Air King might have been Rolex's hottest watch if they had put circles on the hour markers instead of numbers at 1 2 4 5 7 8 10 & 11 markers. Giving it it an unique look among it's line up that I think more people would had gone for.
Too close to a Explorer 1 40mm. The 05 10 etc design is the specific aspect about the Air King.
Love that no date!
I have the airking and the 114060 sub (no date) I also had the SD43 and hands down I get more compliments & interest in the Airking, it’s such a beautiful timepiece and stays under the radar infact it’s never off my wrist, the dial is gorgeous and is now well balanced with the 05 I especially love the splash of colour text. Great video I really enjoyed it 👏🏻
You didn‘t ask, nevertheless, AirKing!! Sub is obviously a great watch, but the 126900 is a unique watch! Thanks for the video
Glad you enjoyed it!
It’s a real apples to oranges comparison. That said the Air-King is a much more interesting watch. The Sub is just another overpriced uninspired diver. Yes, it’s well made but it’s missing something design wise. It needs some soul. I’d take a Seamaster over a sub any day but there’s nothing that really compares to the Air-King.🍻
I agree for the most part! I made this comparison video at the request of a viewer. Very apples and oranges.
@@casualdudereviews I meant no criticism by that. I thought you did a good job.
@@therenaissancetinker2972thank you so much!
Another nice video. Might I ask how many pieces do you have in your collection?
Currently 15. I had more at one point but I’ve downsized a bit and am looking to downsize more.
@@casualdudereviews Cool. Thx.
I actually prefer the air king in the new version crown guards, bracelet, movement and lume are way more improved and the color/uniqueness make it a better piece for me.
I own the Airking, I like it because it’s not common and not too flashy. Under the radar watch.
Agreed completely!
Great video and two awesome pieces.
Thank you kindly!
True.. the air king is really great daily watch plus it looks interestingly captivating
Absolutely love the Air King, such an underrated watch which makes it even more desirable and special in my opinion, definitely a sleeper watch. One of its kind for sure with the original Rolex colours in the dial. It’s gonna be big one day.
The Air King is superb. The Submariner is superb too. Both versions, date and no date. And the Explorer 1 is fantastic as well. Once you wear a Rolex, it is difficult to go back to other watches.
You are speaking the truth. I bought the air king last month and I love it. Now I can't wear anything but Rolex. I am trying to get my hands on the silver OP 41mm now
I love a LOT about this watch but one thing for sure is that the casual observer might not catch that it's a Rolex, but a "watch person" will. I don't want to attract attention, but I might want to invite a conversation with someone who knows watches. I work in a dark environment, so legibility is a big deal to me. That the Air King is dressy and casual, is a big appeal.
Great reasoning!
luv the air king 126900!
Fantastic review as always. Looks like the Submariner has a more commanding presence on the wrist yet the Air King has more color. I have a 8 inch wrist that that expands and contracts constantly therefore I’m going to pursue the Sub. Many Thanks for your work.
Thank you so much for watching!
I got a Airking its an interesting watch with a beautiful dial. It scratches two itches first one to buy a inspired pilots and second to buy a Rolex
It is a pity that the air King is a bit too loaded with numbers and words, takes too much space, otherwise I would buy it immediately
The Explorer I comes in a similar form factor without the clutter. I kind of like the noise on the Air King.
I love the air king personally. I don't get the hate.
Being able to own any Rolex is a statement. My preference is a less busy dial so the AirKing is my least favorite model along with the DeepSea.
That’s totally fair! I have a soft spot for it.
Crazy how one you can go buy right now at any AD and the other, most likely not lol
Yeah I got the Air King in a week. Took about 2 months for the Sub. Air King is definitely divisive but I love it.
Rolex Air King is the best.
I think the air king is my favorite Rolex.
AK over sub as (1) too many subs in the world (and real good fakes), (2) less popular and thus less in the wild, and (3) quieter luxury, and (4) much more quirkier, functional and rugged. It's like an Explorer but with a pop of character and tells people you aren't as NPC as you look 😂
Been a short while since I got my 126900 and loving it since!
Yes, two great watches. But imo, the Submariner wins when comparing these two.
I will buy Air-king only coz I don't want non watch enthusiasts to know what I am wearing.
It literally looks like a Rolex from afar, like a bigger 40mm Explorer 1. Then the green Rolex text and logo is hard to miss. If you really want a discrete Rolex, buy a vintage Air King, or a Cellini.
@@troisk Thank you!
The 41mm Submariner is a disastrous decision by Rolex. 40mm is a perfect spot especially the maxi case size is amazing size.
They rounded it up... It went from 40.3mm ish on the 114/116 gen to 40.6 ish on the 124/126 gen. Same lug to lug distance, slightly reshaped lugs. I personally think the Submariner is boring as fuck, but acting as if this minuscule borderline imperceptible change is a "disastrous decision" is laughable, it's the same watch.