Before the start of any significant watch event, predicting what were likely to see while we await releases with bated breath is par for the course. But, while arrivals are frequently the topic of discussion, models likely to depart the scene for good are less often thrown out for consideration. Only introduced in 2016, the Rolex Air-King 116900 has been a candidate for the chop for the last two or three years. Thats quite understandable, too. Fair or otherwise, it is one of the most openly reviled Rolex sports models among aficionados.Why exactly is it that the 116900 Air-King isnt popular? There are various reasons, but the most common blame is that its design isnt Rolex-like or even worthy. These gripes are best illustrated by pointing at various design elements that wouldnt match those of a real Rolex. Ill get to those in a bit
Rolex Air-King 116900 still in the gameJust like every year, most people guessing about Rolexs novelties and moves were utterly wrong. Agreed, it was expected that something would happen to thenow 50-year oldExplorer. Nobody expected the Explorer to show up in two-tone, and nobody expected what Rolex had up their sleeve for the Explorer II. Almost nothing. Indicated by only one digit differencefrom 216570 to 226570. The Explorer II changes are hardly noticeable. Slightly slimmer lugs, as a result of a 1 mm wider bracelet C or the other way aroundand a caliber 3285 that brings the Explorer II up to the standard of its GMT Master II brothers.Further, and I actually didnt want to mention it, but theres a little crown between Swiss and Made at the bottom of the dial. Rolex fan-boys and girls at least expected a ceramic bezel for the Explorer II. Unfortunately, or not, Rolex didnt hear them.
The new, 2021, Explorer-II, ref. 226570.Rolex didnt listenRolex didnt listen to the Explorer wish-list, exactly like the brand doesnt listen to the general noise surrounding the Rolex Air-King 116900 that itin its current formshould leave the stage. Of course, there wasnt word from Rolex, but as its still available in the online catalog, we now know that the 116900 isnt gone. Yet.?And, to be honest, Im happy about it. Im one of the few fans of this Rolex Air-King. Yes, I bought one a few years ago already. I heard that people were even forced to do soI wont drop names hereto be granted a GMT Master II sale. But I wasnt forced; I went to a Rolex boutique out of freewill and swiped my credit card.
Why is an opportunity?never missed?to disparage this Air-King?Let me keep my promise and explain the major supposed issues why many people dont like this Air-King. I think there are three. One: The Rolex logo and crown should not be in yellow and green. This kind of frivolity doesnt suit Rolex. Two: The 3, 6, and 9 shouldnt be polished; they should be white filled. And besides that, the applied polished 3, 6, and 9 dont match the other white, printed, double-digit numerals. Three: The 5-minute index numeral should be double-digit05like the other minute numeral indexes.a solid explanation..For some of these issues, theres a solid explanation. Inspiration for the colorful logo and double-digit numerals were two analog instruments of a record-setting supersonic car, the Bloodhound SSC. Rolex worked with Bloodhound SSC since 2011 and produced a speedometer and a chronometer for them. These instruments had the same dial design as used for the Air-King 116900. True, these instruments didnt have the polished 3, 6, and 9. And true, on the Explorer, Rolex had just ditched the polished numerals and changed them for lume-filled ones. One should expect that that must have been for a reason. Or probably there wasnt a reason at all; either way, we will never know.
What puzzles me is why Rolex made a dial that refers to a project that failed miserably. Unfortunately, because of financial reasons, the Bloodhound SSC project prematurely came to an end. It has been continued as Bloodhound LSR, but without Rolex as a partner. Meanwhile, Rolex doesnt mention the Bloodhound project in conjunction with the 116900 Air-King anymore. Its now presented as a homage to aviation.And why is the Air-King 116900 an attractive watch anyway?Although you might or might not like the dials design, there's a pleasant surprise on the technical side of the current Air-King. While the name has always referred to aviation, technically, the Air-King wasnt very suitable as a pilots watch. Often in airplane cockpits, magnetic fields are present, and none of the former Air-King models was seriously anti-magnetic. Of course, Rolex has a model available for use in magnetic environmentsthats the Milgauss. To overcome this flaw, Rolex decided to use the 116400 Milgauss as a base for the Air-King.
Probably not to emphasize the lack of magnetic resistance of former Air-King models, Rolex didnt talk much about this rather substantial improvement. Mind you; the Air-King 116900 doesnt just share its casing with the Milgauss. It includes the internal magnetic shield and the caliber 3131 with a Faraday cage as well. Suddenly, the Air-King is not an entry-level Rolex anymore. However, one of Rolexs serious professional tool watches.a brushed bracelet is exactly how I like it.Besides the dial, theres something else to the Air-King that is slightly different from a Milgauss, and thats the bracelet. Although both Oyster-type, for the Air-King, the center-links of the bracelet arent polished. The entire bracelet is brushed, exactly how I like it.
Attractively priced and availableDesign-wise, it is at least exciting. Technically, it is surprisingly impressive. Best of all, Rolex offers the Air-King 116900 at a very reasonable price. On introduction in 2016, its price was 5,650. Meanwhile, five years later, Rolex sells it new for 6,100. Thats an increase of only 8% in five years. And not only that but with virtually identical tech to the Milgauss (minus that fancy crystal) makes it look a real bargain given the Milgausss list price of? 7,9001,800 (or 30%) more. We are all aware of the recent crazy situation that sports Rolex models arent available for sale at official dealers. One might be lucky, however, and could find an Air-King.a brilliant business model.Available worldwide,?Chrono24 shows 223 Air-Kings with their original box and papers right now. One hundred and thirty-nine of these are brand new, and eighty-four are pre-owned. Rolex apparently decided to sell only to private individuals through a grey dealer network. Its a different approach from the one were used to, but if its good or bad is none of our business. Who knows, it might even be a brilliant business model What do you think of this watch and Rolexs practices? Let us know in the comments below.
