That's a great watch. I got mine at a Rolex AD. It has been babied a bit as I already have a large watch rotation. I do agree that when worn, not many people know that it's a Rolex. Agree with the comfort too.
This is one of my favorite watch reviews of any kind. I have to admit that my initial impression of the new Air Kings (2016 and 2022 models) was, "Ugh!" However, it is slowly growing on me, and more so now that when my wife and I went into a jewelry boutique to check out the watches, she said the Air King, with its green and yellow accents, really caught her eye among the sea of relatively staid and conformist Submariners and Datejusts. I would love to one day own a Rolex, and I think I'd like this Air King (actually, the newer, 126900) to be my first. And like you, I wouldn't baby my watch. I'd buy it fully intending to wear it as my everyday watch, the same way I'd use a S500 Mercedes as my daily driver if I could afford it. 😂 The fact that you've used it as a daily wear watch, gone swimming, hiking, wrenching on tools, ATV riding, and just general daily living - makes me smile. Here's a luxury watch that is fully living life! It's too bad that scumbag grey dealers snap up watches fully intending to sell them at a markup where regular Joes like me, even if we save our pennies to be able to afford them at retail prices, can't even have them available for purchase. I've always hated scalpers, but alas, that is our great capitalist system. 😢
Thank you so much for your comments. Yes I still daily wear the Air King. Well I swap between the Air king and my Omega Deep Black Planet Ocean. Those are my main 2 daily wear watches. And yes I still do not baby either of them and still wear the Rolex in all kinds of situations and don’t care. That being said I’m not abusing it or intentionally trying to scratch it. But it is living its best life out on the world not hiding in a safe.
@@DirkWerning That's great! I do understand the instinct to "protect your investment" when one owns an extremely valuable item (and especially one that has, almost without fail, *appreciated* in value over time), but I feel like items made for a purpose (whether a wristwatch, a car, a handbag, an item of clothing or jewelry) ought to be used in the manner intended. People who buy a Rolex just to immediately put it in a safe, never to see the light of day remind me of the character of Cameron's dad in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" where he kept his mint condition car garaged in a climate controlled environment, almost never drove it, and thus rarely actually enjoyed it.
@@b.santos8804 great analogy. I totally agree we need to use the items as intended. While yes sometimes affording them the care they deserve and not doing intentional harm. Scratches are just scratches and if the value goes down slightly if I were to sell it, I would just consider that monetary loss as the ‘rent’ I paid fir the enjoyment of the use I got out of it.
I have a "typical" two tone datejust but I really like the simple look of these. I would like to get a datejust with a black dial, smooth bezel and an Oyster bracelet because I need to have the date. Whenever I wear a watch without it I really miss it.
Beauty! I love the minute marks, very utilitarian. I do wish Rolex made those in a more classic size...perhaps 38mm, and not due to my wrist size. Just think a simpler cleaner design looks better when smaller.
I just bought this .. my first Rolex .. probably my only one, and it’s just brilliant. And I’ll admit I wanted this one precisely because it doesn’t look like a Rolex, doesn’t scream it’s value in your face .. and is unpretentious. Always though I wanted a GMT master II, but with Rolex being a bunch of ass-hats with who they let buy their pieces .. I’m just refusing to engage with all that.
Fun vid to watch. Came over here from Random Rob’s recommendation. I agree about your advice to just wear the watch. I still don’t like scratches and dings, though, so I limit myself to sub-$500 watches. Each scratch/ding hurts less 👍😁
I don't know man. There are different watches for different things. I would never a watch with all the polishing that watch's case and bracelet has while working on cars and things. However, I do agree with the general premise that watches are made to be worn. But dang bro it hurts my heart to see the state of that watch. That said please don't polish it, just clean it with some light soap and water using a soft brush.
Oh I’m not planning to polish it at all. I don’t intentionally abuse any of my watches but I don’t baby them either. If I’ve got it on and need yo work on a car…it is what it is. Just wear them they won’t break they are designed to be worn in harsh environments.
@@DirkWerning I hear you, that poor polished case, as well as sides and center links of that beautiful oyster bracelet though. Just pop it off real quick and put on a tool watch. Or not. I mean, do you brother, but maybe buy a Casio or something for while you are working on vehicles. Or atleast something that has a brushed case and bracelet.
@@rickyromano6659 I’ve got several Casio, among other watches. Agreed I will try to tailor my watch fir the activity but also…I’m not keeping a safe Queen so it’s all good.
Nice vid Dirk and sweet watch! I got an explorer 14270 end of last year and love how it is low key for a Rolex like the air king. Also I second Creations Fine Jewelers as being awesome, I got my speedmaster from there almost a year ago and it was a great experience. Also picked up my first real watch there which was a Tissot about 5 years ago.
I want to purchase a used one like that so I will not feel guilty when I wear it everyday and scratch it . I wear my watches , and use all 4 of my awesome knives. Have a great day Brothers/Sisters !
Is it easier to wear a $7k watch everyday, than to carry and use a $7k knife everyday? As far as your feelings on the appearance of everyday wear marks, scratches, snail trails in the metal, etc
That’s a great question actually. Might have to do a follow up video on that one 🤔 I actually had to stop and thing, because my most expensive knife (Frank Fischer Battle) doesn’t get carried that much because I don’t want to get it scratched up or damaged. Hmm what’s up with my thought process here??? Great comment thanks. Will DEFINITELY do a video on that soon as you’ve got me thinking now.
I’m definitely interested in a video on your thoughts on the subject. Sometimes I compare it to the fact that I have a $1k iPhone in my pocket with a scratched, cracked screen and I’m like meh about it, and then I’ll baby a $60 budget knife, haha. Logic!
Watches are intended to be used and enjoyed. Thanks Dirk. 👍⌚
Absolutely.
Air king is the best!!!!!!
Very true.
Better than you’re subby?
🤔
@@DetroitSpartan lol
That's a great watch. I got mine at a Rolex AD. It has been babied a bit as I already have a large watch rotation. I do agree that when worn, not many people know that it's a Rolex. Agree with the comfort too.
Thanks for watching. It’s truly such a GREAT piece.
This is one of my favorite watch reviews of any kind. I have to admit that my initial impression of the new Air Kings (2016 and 2022 models) was, "Ugh!"
However, it is slowly growing on me, and more so now that when my wife and I went into a jewelry boutique to check out the watches, she said the Air King, with its green and yellow accents, really caught her eye among the sea of relatively staid and conformist Submariners and Datejusts.
I would love to one day own a Rolex, and I think I'd like this Air King (actually, the newer, 126900) to be my first. And like you, I wouldn't baby my watch. I'd buy it fully intending to wear it as my everyday watch, the same way I'd use a S500 Mercedes as my daily driver if I could afford it. 😂 The fact that you've used it as a daily wear watch, gone swimming, hiking, wrenching on tools, ATV riding, and just general daily living - makes me smile. Here's a luxury watch that is fully living life!
It's too bad that scumbag grey dealers snap up watches fully intending to sell them at a markup where regular Joes like me, even if we save our pennies to be able to afford them at retail prices, can't even have them available for purchase. I've always hated scalpers, but alas, that is our great capitalist system. 😢
Thank you so much for your comments.
Yes I still daily wear the Air King. Well I swap between the Air king and my Omega Deep Black Planet Ocean. Those are my main 2 daily wear watches.
And yes I still do not baby either of them and still wear the Rolex in all kinds of situations and don’t care. That being said I’m not abusing it or intentionally trying to scratch it.
But it is living its best life out on the world not hiding in a safe.
@@DirkWerning That's great! I do understand the instinct to "protect your investment" when one owns an extremely valuable item (and especially one that has, almost without fail, *appreciated* in value over time), but I feel like items made for a purpose (whether a wristwatch, a car, a handbag, an item of clothing or jewelry) ought to be used in the manner intended. People who buy a Rolex just to immediately put it in a safe, never to see the light of day remind me of the character of Cameron's dad in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" where he kept his mint condition car garaged in a climate controlled environment, almost never drove it, and thus rarely actually enjoyed it.
@@b.santos8804 great analogy. I totally agree we need to use the items as intended. While yes sometimes affording them the care they deserve and not doing intentional harm.
Scratches are just scratches and if the value goes down slightly if I were to sell it, I would just consider that monetary loss as the ‘rent’ I paid fir the enjoyment of the use I got out of it.
I have a "typical" two tone datejust but I really like the simple look of these. I would like to get a datejust with a black dial, smooth bezel and an Oyster bracelet because I need to have the date. Whenever I wear a watch without it I really miss it.
That’s nice. This is one of my only no date watches. I prefer no date myself.
It really is a good looking watch. I like it's simplicity hard to believe it's been a year and a half already lol. Great video 👍
I’m surprised it’s been that long too lol
I love an honest watch. Honest wear makes it a treasure.
Thanks. No safe queens here. I just wear them.
Beauty! I love the minute marks, very utilitarian. I do wish Rolex made those in a more classic size...perhaps 38mm, and not due to my wrist size. Just think a simpler cleaner design looks better when smaller.
Hmm I wouldn’t want anything that small for myself. But I get it.
I just bought this .. my first Rolex .. probably my only one, and it’s just brilliant. And I’ll admit I wanted this one precisely because it doesn’t look like a Rolex, doesn’t scream it’s value in your face .. and is unpretentious. Always though I wanted a GMT master II, but with Rolex being a bunch of ass-hats with who they let buy their pieces .. I’m just refusing to engage with all that.
I totally get you there. Congrats I still love the AK.
Fun vid to watch. Came over here from Random Rob’s recommendation. I agree about your advice to just wear the watch. I still don’t like scratches and dings, though, so I limit myself to sub-$500 watches. Each scratch/ding hurts less 👍😁
Thanks for swinging by much appreciated.
Don’t get me wrong it’s not that I live the scratches or dings BUT just part of owning watches I think.
I really like this air king.. great Job
Thanks my friend.
I have one.loving it
That’s awesome. I still have it and love it also. One of my most worn watches…STILL
Thanks man
That’s exactly what I what I’m doing 😂
Thanks. It’s still my most worn watch.
i love this watch. love that you wear the hell out of it!!!
Thanks man. Really appreciate it.
I had the air king for a year, love it. But really fed up with the Rolex AD. For your Omega, do you get any discount from your AD.
I don't know man. There are different watches for different things. I would never a watch with all the polishing that watch's case and bracelet has while working on cars and things. However, I do agree with the general premise that watches are made to be worn. But dang bro it hurts my heart to see the state of that watch. That said please don't polish it, just clean it with some light soap and water using a soft brush.
Oh I’m not planning to polish it at all. I don’t intentionally abuse any of my watches but I don’t baby them either. If I’ve got it on and need yo work on a car…it is what it is.
Just wear them they won’t break they are designed to be worn in harsh environments.
@@DirkWerning I hear you, that poor polished case, as well as sides and center links of that beautiful oyster bracelet though. Just pop it off real quick and put on a tool watch. Or not. I mean, do you brother, but maybe buy a Casio or something for while you are working on vehicles. Or atleast something that has a brushed case and bracelet.
@@rickyromano6659 I’ve got several Casio, among other watches. Agreed I will try to tailor my watch fir the activity but also…I’m not keeping a safe Queen so it’s all good.
@@rickyromano6659 the air King has a fully brushed bracelet, no PCL’s.
now that the prices came down, looking to get one closer to retail
Good luck. It’s such a great piece. Still loving mine and is one of my most worn.
I agree, wear your watches…
Yep yep.
Nice, that's a great daily Dirk.
Thanks it’s great.
Nice vid Dirk and sweet watch! I got an explorer 14270 end of last year and love how it is low key for a Rolex like the air king. Also I second Creations Fine Jewelers as being awesome, I got my speedmaster from there almost a year ago and it was a great experience. Also picked up my first real watch there which was a Tissot about 5 years ago.
That’s AWESOME!!!!
Say are you here in Napa?
@@DirkWerning Yep!
@@Levi_1911 sweet. Keep in touch maybe we’ll get together for show and tell sometime.
@@DirkWerning Sounds good! maybe we can get a little group of people to get together to hang out and talk watches/knives and stuff.
I want to purchase a used one like that so I will not feel guilty when I wear it everyday and scratch it . I wear my watches , and use all 4 of my awesome knives. Have a great day Brothers/Sisters !
Better jump on it as the pricing is only going up.
I’ve also bought new watches (my Omega Planet Oceans) and I wear them just the same. If they get scratched they get scratched.
Great review and I totally agree with your comments. I love myAK 😊
Thanks. It’s still after 2+ years one of my most worn watches.
Love your take. Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate that.
Is it easier to wear a $7k watch everyday, than to carry and use a $7k knife everyday? As far as your feelings on the appearance of everyday wear marks, scratches, snail trails in the metal, etc
That’s a great question actually. Might have to do a follow up video on that one 🤔
I actually had to stop and thing, because my most expensive knife (Frank Fischer Battle) doesn’t get carried that much because I don’t want to get it scratched up or damaged. Hmm what’s up with my thought process here???
Great comment thanks. Will DEFINITELY do a video on that soon as you’ve got me thinking now.
I’m definitely interested in a video on your thoughts on the subject. Sometimes I compare it to the fact that I have a $1k iPhone in my pocket with a scratched, cracked screen and I’m like meh about it, and then I’ll baby a $60 budget knife, haha. Logic!
@@Stahlwerk88 right we make no logical sense lol.