Rolex has, after
many years, updated its Air-King in 2016. The price of the watch is around 47k
HKD. At this price point, it is definitely an entry-level Rolex. So, is it an
able contender against the Explorer and the Milgauss, which have always been
very iconic?
Let’s look at what
the new Air-King has to offer. At first glance, I almost could not believe it
is a watch produced by Rolex. Its design is unlike any other Rolex which are
mostly conservatively designed. The new 116900 Air-King is a bold watch. At
40mm, the watch has a polished bezel and a dial full of fun. Some may argue
that the dial is too busy. However, it is also the dial that sticks to the
aviation theme. It mixes the hour markers 3,6 and 9 with the minute markers. It
does look like an Explorer I 214270 with Arabic minute markers. But is this
what Rolex has to offer? A modified Explorer I?
No. The new
Air-King has a fun dial as I mentioned. Other than the mixture of hour and
minute markers, the dial features a yellow Rolex crown, green “Rolex” letters
and a green second hand. Green is the color of Rolex and this watch has a theme
of green. The font of the letters Air-King is full of style as well. The watch
has soft-iron case inside which makes the new Air-King anti-magnetic and truly
adheres to the aviation theme.
This is quite a
comprehensive package for an entry-level Rolex, isn’t it? But how does it
compare with the Milgauss and the Explorer I?
First, let’s talk
about the Explorer I. At a slightly higher price, you can an 39mm watch which
has very rich history. The dial of the Explorer I is much cleaner and simpler.
It is also more classic, if that is the word. However, it lacks the funky
elements that exist on the Air-King dial. It has the shock absorber that the
new Air-King does not have. However, it is not anti-magnetic like the new
Air-King.
How about the
116400GV Milgauss? The Milgauss is famous for its green sapphire crystal and
its anti-magnetic capability. It is a very accurate watch. The dial of the
Milgauss is not as busy as the new Air-King but it is colorful enough. It has
an all polished case and polished center links on the bracelet. On the wrist,
the Milgauss looks very sharp and elegant. The shades of green on the sapphire
crystal keep bringing you surprises under different lighting.
The price? It is
slightly higher than the new Air-King. But I do think that the design elements
of the Milgauss seem better than that of the Air-King and that makes the
Milgauss my choice among the three contenders here.
What is your
choice?
HK Snob
HKWF Group
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