2022 Rolex Air-King, Luxurious grab and go or Pilot watch?

Pilot watch or Luxury item, Balanced or Atypical?
These are the topics of the day, We are looking at the 2022 Rolex Air-King, a watch that was for so long the least wanted crowned watch.
Enjoy!

[@duckies717]

The air king is a massively underrated watch. I absolutely love this watch, partly because it doesn’t have hype associated with it. Its stylish, subtle and very beautiful to look at

[@yoyo50658]

I'll be getting one next month, i checked the OP and the explorer, the air king is the quirckiest one of them, love it.

[@dixonstreetdrummer1846]

Proud owner. I wanted one. Got one. Didn’t want any other one. The dial, the fit, the lume, the colours … sublime. A future classic. I own some other very nice watches, but this one has stolen my heart and will never leave my collection.

[@andrepg549]

I couldn’t AGREE more! 👊🏻🥂 😎

[@massimilianotedesco2158]

I treated myself to a magnificent and phenomenal Air King, because it’s the most beautiful sports rolex of all, and it’s not the usual traditional and boring model. It’s fantastic. 😉👍🏻🔝

[@michaelbishop9157]

also have one and absolutely love it

[@mikegarfield5919]

Exactly why I purchased one as well.

[@georgebeebe2385]

Just picked one up last week and I love it more each day!

[@stevebrady7948]

I love everything going on with the dial - have had mine for about 8 weeks love it.

[@doca203]

1:40 true pilot watch. The best sports model money can buy!

[@gynechiatrist]

This is the only Rolex I want. I own 5 Omegas. A Panerai. An IWC. A Glashutte. 2 Tudors. And now I want the ultimate flieger. Many thanks for this timely review.

[@drnick40]

Air King along with the Milgauss are the two “cool” and different Rolex models. This is the the reason I love it. It will go down in history as a highly collectible piece.

[@DD-hj3sj]

Most Rolex enthusiasts will disagree

[@gopherstate777]

I think Air King speaks to a specific buyer. An older buyer and someone who is looking for something unique and not overwhelming. I like the colors and I don't want diamonds all over it. Nor do I want something in solid gold or platinum. I also think a price point for a solid used piece should be about $4-$4800. And now that it has been discontinued I expect the price and interest in it to go down because it is a unique timepiece for a specific buyer. Just my opinion, I'm no expert.

[@Johnmcs1]

100% correct.

[@khoimavlogs5161]

I have both air king old and new. I also have white milgauss and sub 41. I guess I have 3 out of 4 Rolexes are considered by Rolex enthusiasts as ugly ducking. I guess only time will tell.

[@Siju2235]

​@@khoimavlogs5161 does your watch keeps accurate time after an year. Most of the automatic watches either loses time or gain time.

[@WhatTimeIsIt999]

Air king is my favourite rolex line

[@BraveBeaters]

An appealing watch, no doubt about it. Great Pilot!

[@WhatTimeIsIt999]

@@BraveBeaters the mix colours on the dial is what is appealing about this air king

[@Melontheyoutuber]

Agreed. Just a beautiful and interesting concept

[@johnnyappleseed68]

I purchased a used 1972 Rolex Air King back in the mid 90's in a small watch shop located in the Roosevelt Passageway inside Grand Central Terminal in NYC. I paid $1,500. I love this watch and it can be seen on my wrist in many photos that span my 20 year career. Today, I'm awaiting UPS to deliver me that very watch after a month long overhaul service. I love the Air King.

[@WievielUhrhabenwir]

The Airking is my all time favorite of all steel sports models. I had it on my wrist at the AD and it wears so damn good, better then my Sub! The proportions are perfect in my opinon. Fantastic Watch but im still waiting to get one :( Peace from Germany :)

[@Ibowers2]

I owned the previous version of the air king and loved to quirky dial. I sold it because it was top heavy with that thick Milgauss case. I am eagerly waiting to buy this new model. While I am not excited about the increased lug width, the updated movement, case shape, dial updates and better lume were definite improvements. Why do I like this watch so much? I like that it's a watch that IWC could make but it has Rolex flair. The 4 different colors used on the dial and dial layout are things I like rather than the ubiquitous design elements of other Rolex models.

[@brettrun8575]

I have never been interested in or wanted a Rolex until I saw the air king. I bought it. I love it.

[@silvestrocrino3256]

Love the new Air King. It seems to have a 3-dimensionality on your wrist that you really can't see in pictures. And the design versus the prior version just makes sense. Lots more interest on that dial verses the Explorer 1.

[@f.r.cofresi3497]

Great job; I agree 100 percent with your assessment; now I understand why when I tried this watch, it felt so big. I like this model a lot and will not hesitate to buy it if they offer it to me, especially after they put lume in the numerals. I always want to buy a 39 Explorer, and this watch is the closest thing to that but with a twist. Cheers and hope 2023 will be a great year emotionally and financially.

[@BraveBeaters]

Thank you! Same, have a great 2023! :) I think the explorer 39 might look big as well

[@ekremphotography9236]

The old reference 116900 didn't appeal to me much, but I absolutely love the 126900. I think when it's discontinued, it will skyrocket in value, and as a proud owner, I can rejoice in having such a watch. It will always remain in my collection.

[@ShambaBasher]

I own the new Airking and I absolutely love it!

[@scotttorrens1863]

I have a 7-1/2 inch wrist and this watch fits beautifully. It’s a great watch and a conversation starter for those that know. It’s fun and different then other watches.

[@jameshoward9700]

Absolutely spot-on, couldn't agree more. Many aspects of Rolex's modern proportions are being missed/ignored and you nailed them! Personally, I think the bigger/slab-sided designs are losing finesse and charm. Sometimes this is because the watches are growing in size, sometimes because they have changed proportions. The Air-King has some nice details (green/yellow) and I absolutely appreciate the move to a toolish design, but I still think it is too large for a simple watch, too impactful and visually heavy. Worst Rolex? Yacht-Master II.

[@BraveBeaters]

Haha! YM is not one of my prefered, but not sure if it's my least favourite :) Cheers James!

[@Melontheyoutuber]

This and the Milgauss are my favorite models. The least boring of the whole lineup

[@BraveBeaters]

Nice picks, different from the collection :)

[@LittleJohn-vw3di]

Nice review! I personally like Air King, it has all the elements that I want than a traditional Rolex: messy dial, yellow crown, green Rolex test, green minute hand, no date, shiny bezel. Inspired by Bloodhound project, the dial design may be changed in the future with the closure of the project, combined with the uncertainty whether or not it will be discontinued in the future makes it even more attractive to me.

[@benzinbruder96]

I think that the Air King is a watch, that you have to see in person and put on your wrist to really appreciate it. I was looking for a 36 OP, when the AD suggested to take a look at the new AK. I always liked the design, as it is different from all other models. Unfortunately the old model was too bulky and top-heavy for me. Now with the new model, the slim case and classy proportions of the lugs I immediately fell in love with it. By the way: Great review with beatiful shots of the watch, keep up the good work!

[@BraveBeaters]

I fully agree! A far superior watch compared to the OP and a piece to experience in person, indeed. Wear it safely and enjoy it! Thank you :)

[@johnpatricklopez]

I went to an AD to get on a list for OP36 and Explorer. Saw an Air King instead. Now, that's what I am looking for.

[@markikn3183]

Excellent edition. The more I learn about Rolex, the more i understand why i fell in love at first sight with my Longines😁

[@paulsnijder2031]

Air king 👑 is my fav Rolex design by far.

[@dufferjuice]

I love the Air-King. I had the prior version and foolishly sold it to fund another purchase. Its one of the few watches I regret selling. Perhaps I will be reunited with an Air-King at some point in the future.

[@moiselj19]

Almost sold mine too , but i kept it….

[@JFK-1984]

Happy with mine, one of the finest peaces in my collection. I bought it in 2022 at an AD in Amsterdam. Great vid

[@Sebastian85]

Saw it at the AD, tried it on, felt instantly in love > "waitlist"

[@BraveBeaters]

Waitlist or whishlist? :D here they sell only wishes.

[@thehanke]

What a well reasoned commentary. Such good job mate.

[@BraveBeaters]

Thanks :)

[@L.A.C_Santos]

In my opinion, the air king is a watch to wear with casual outfit, sporty automotive looks, or jeans and sweatshirts. It is a bloodhound chrono dial. It looks like a dashboard instrument. It’s a watch o wear on a motorcycle, a fast car, a speedboat, a plane.

[@cyberjoetech13]

You can wear it to play golf on the weekends or sailing. But if you are going to have wine at the Chateau leave the air king at home and break out the Patek.

[@waynecastleman1363]

Then I'll have the Crown Royal, a rooftop pool and wear the Air King 😊

[@GeorgeinBrighton2007]

Great review sir. I really like the Air King, such an underrated watch, along with the Milgauss. I would also prefer a 20mm lug width and a slimmer taper to the bracelet plus lume on the white indexes. This is the only Rolex sports model I'd like to own some day, along with the discontinued 39mm Explorer 214270.

[@kjakan79]

They only sell because you cant get the watch you want. This used to be in the the AD’s window for weeks.

[@BraveBeaters]

True. It was for a long time an entry to get what you really desire

[@ShambaBasher]

So did the Daytona! Lol😂

[@GMack17]

I like the crown guard addition to make it look more sporty. But the dial doesn’t work for me. Too busy

[@montha123]

put my deposit down last week for one after just over a year on the waiting list , looking forward to getting it very soon as it’s my favourite Rolex from the professional line up

[@mikemush9741]

Really great video. I love in-depth conversations around proportions. It's the most interesting part of watches. There's so much more than just the nominal case diameter. Rolex is making a very purposeful move towards wider bracelets and thinner lugs. Do you think this is a move up-market? Do you think they are trying to emulate the Nautalis and the Royal Oak with their own version of an integrated bracelet?

[@michaelg8258]

Definitely on the radar now. Thanks, very nice review.

[@Bigheaddonut]

This is a good replacement of the now discontinued Millgauss. I enjoy the bold yet consistent colourful dial. This watch is understated yet unique in the sea of submariners.

[@weezkidtube]

Great review on the unit, although IMHO it can never match IWC's Pilot watch. The Air King has such a cluttered dial, different sized numerals, multiple fonts.

[@andrepg549]

This is the first time checking out your reviews and although at first I thought your commentary approach to the watch wasn’t something I was used to, at the end of your review I concur with your evaluation. My respects and thanks for making me additionally feel I chose well on this, my second Rolex! 👍🏻😉

[@bh848]

I absolutely love mine. I have the 126900 which I like way more than the 116900, and the fact that whenever people notice it they're surprised it's a Rolex and love the color combos. Personally I like how subtle and understated it is. It fits well, wears well, reliable, easily red, and a simple every day tool/field style watch. Jack of all trades. I'm 50/50 on if I wish it had a date window tho. If so, I don't know where they'd put it.

[@vetman548]

Got shown one of these used that had just came in at the place I shopped. Would have loved to get it but it was 8k and I could not afford it. I got a used Omega Aqua Tera instead for just over 3k. One day I will own a Rolex just not yet and I love my Omega.

[@willielarsson9651]

I paused the video at 9:01 to see that was the air king you were wearing, it looks magnificent

[@ChaosAI24]

Of all present in this clip Air-King I like the most, is like Rolex entered modernity and sophisticated 'simplicity', or maybe I'm wrong and is just like jumping from a Rolls to a Bugatti!

[@BraveBeaters]

For sure a different, courageous watch with a distinct appeal, that's Rolex's pilot! :)

[@thegorn]

Whenever I want to create a balanced dial, I usually smoke three packets of cigarettes. Being on an iron lung really helps my creativity.

[@BraveBeaters]

always! it works / worked for me as a designer :)))

[@cyberjoetech13]

Just bought mine at my AD and its a great watch to wear for all occasions. It stands out from the other models. The 40mm size is perfect. I also own a Tag Formula One watch which is 43mm and there is a huge difference. Love both of them. My next watch is the no date submariner so we will see.

[@Dread_Pirate62]

Just placed an order for the Air King with my AD. The wait begins…

[@losangeles9320]

The most important lessons in design is contrast. Black/White. Square/round. Soft/hard. Smooth/rough. Man-made/natural. Big/small. Close/far. Etc... The round case/Eurostile type font. Cold WHT/Silver/Black n warm Yellow/Greens. Brushes/Polishes. All refinements which have evolved over many references.

[@losangeles9320]

🙏

[@Michael-ko8uf]

Well, then they forgot to add some contrast to the bracelet.

[@losangeles9320]

@@Michael-ko8uf Simple fix get leather strap chief.

[@Ten.to.one.handmade]

Great video! I’ve always found the airking to be a bit strange. I’ve wanted to like it but it’s not quite there yet for a pilots watch. I think Rolex will nail it one day

[@gabrielg842]

Are you a pilot? Just curious.

[@Ten.to.one.handmade]

@@gabrielg842 definitely not! 😃 I should have said, it’s not quite there yet for what I imagine to be a pilots watch* 🙂

[@Henry-fh7uh]

The only Rolex with a sports case and smooth bezel. Love this watch

[@blackout8845]

Can you go deeper into the fibunaci / golden ratio incorporated into the design of watches? And how to use it in dial and case designing?

[@BraveBeaters]

It's interesting to deep dive yes. Will do. Promises :)

[@carolc6085]

I appreciate the detailed description of this watch. I like this watch; it's kind of an underdog. The new ones have a clean crisp look. However, I don't see how this is useful as a pilot watch except that it's easy to read. The GMT Master II has the 24hr hand which is useful. My husband is an airline pilot, he notices mostly Breitling, Apple Watches, and then some Rolex. He wears an Apple Watch for work.

[@yoggernaut]

@8:31 I own a Wimbledon Datejust and I dont think its the worst Rolex . btw I love your points about the air king, and it does seem to have their reasoning for the design. It reminds you of one of the flight instrument, and has its own appeal for sure (y) I do hope to get one soon...

[@user-pb8ng4eq6x]

Great review! Informative and quite enjoyable. Thank you! Please allow me to disagree on your comment regarding legibility: Recently I was formation flying - two aircrafts flying very close to each other in turbulent air, so close that the wingman cannot lift their gaze off the lead aircraft for more than a second, otherwise… bad things could happen. Manifold pressure and prop rpm I had to judge by ear, flaps, carburetor heating and other knobs by muscle memory, since there was no time to look down and find those visually. I still needed to know the time occasionally and as you probably feel by now, I had just a second to read the dial. This Rolex dial… just too confusing for me, personally. My Bulova Lunar Pilot is way more suitable for quickly reading the time - or a Speedmaster or Laco would be, I guess. Perhaps it is different for others, this is just my experience. I really enjoy your reviews, please keep them coming!!

[@BraveBeaters]

OMG! That's a dangerous job you have!! I would be scared AF! 🤣 but I get your point, the amount of reflective elements might need time to read in crucial "vibrating" moments both lunar / speedy have better contrasts compared to the airking. Stay safe, Andrei :)

[@macrowatchman]

Your video quality is amazing! Keep it up!

[@BraveBeaters]

Thank you!!

[@TRZ74]

I really find the Air King dial has the most beautiful and interesting dial. I like the yellow and green and the new 3-6-9 numeral. What turn me off is the plain bazel. Giving me the impression of an unfinished design.

[@koochie88]

Love it! Have it! Keeping it!

[@BraveBeaters]

hahaa! Congrats! Stunning watch!

[@ph69jbl]

I think the lumed double digit hour markers will be the upgrade for the next iteration (as the creative process after another 3 packs of cigs)

[@BraveBeaters]

That would be really cool, yes

[@bayflowshow65]

What I love about the Air King? It’s not what a person looking a Rolex looks like. People want a rotating bezel or a fluted bezeled Datejust or DayDate. I also like how the low profile and flatter case, it fits my 7”+ wrist. I like the 🎄analogy. Anyone that knows Rolex branding, the can appreciate the green and yellow highlights. But doing it on a tool watch with a larger than average dial makes this a watch for my life time💯

[@russcornfield4241]

Great daily wear it’s a sleeper 👌.

[@fabfour289]

Rolex, for this AK model, why not change the 3,6 n 9 to III, VI and IX to avoid confusion with the numbering? Also relaunch the white dial with this model. Thanks for the vid, man.

[@Roy.Visser]

Would have been cool to see your take on the design Andrei ;) I like symmetry in my watches, a date window is all I can manage to look past in a design of a watch, the rest needs to be there for a reason (functionality/ estaticly pleasing) this is trying to combine things which shouldn't be combined, their own design philosophy combined with that of a flieger. Don't know why they insisted on keeping the explorer numerals. Get rid of those and fill those in with the minute markers, size it up by a couple mm, lose the color in the logo (yellow/green) and use the gained space because of the bigger size to put Air-King below oyster perpetual in the green of the second hand. Voila, sexy watch ;)

[@BraveBeaters]

That's actually a great proposal, Roy! Maybe we can do a "mini workshop episode" and redesign some watches, the air-king would be a great theme to redesign by getting rid of the metallic numerals :) Cheers!

[@Roy.Visser]

@@BraveBeaters Love it!

[@dominicfarrello3860]

i own 5 different models and the new air king is my favorite one i wear it every day

[@marius.calderwood]

I think it’s the best looking Rolex, or at least the only one I like

[@frankmason1472]

I love it. It just POPS somehow.

[@omega6962]

То еще занятие конечно рекомендовать дизайнерам Ролекса, но мне кажется все-таки маленькие метки из люма над каждой цифрой вместо просто нарисованных, и вида не испортили бы и читаемости точно добавили. А так моделька конечно очень красивая, ну если Ролекс вообще можно подгонять под какие-то общие понятия. Ролекс он и есть Ролекс.

[@BraveBeaters]

haha, agree! a Rolex will be a Rolex in the end :)

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Another amazing production!!

[@BraveBeaters]

❤️

[@Watchmade]

Great vid especially the part on size and diameters!!

[@BraveBeaters]

Thank you :)

[@Techaktien]

Well done.

[@loopbloke]

If you want the subtlety by not poping out Rolex but would like to have crown guard and that Mercedes hand, Air King is the only option.

[@davidwarburton8890]

I am still trying to figure out why I actually like this watch, I just do. No, I didn't have to smoke cartons of funny cigarettes to come to this conclusion. Thanks for the review!

[@BraveBeaters]

It's unique, has interesting accents which makes it less sober, affordable compared to the rest of the collection. Smoking is no good :D I have to learn this lesson

[@ahojnazdar3656]

Great exhaustive expression of point of view. I personally prefer little bit Milgauss which I find similar.

[@Max-mj5cc]

great and thoughtfull review! enjoyed it very much

[@redtop1705]

Fantastic watch I’ve brought the 116900 and the 126900 it’s so different.

[@douglascohen2521]

It’s going to be discontinued. Their not making a lot of them. It’s the rare king. If you see it and like it buy it.

[@sashnaumoski7479]

Talking bullshit It's a new model It will run its cycle for 4 or 5 years then who knows.

[@ericfoucher1175]

Merci pour cette superbe vidéo, J’apprécie votre analyse 👌 , Car j’hésite pour ma prochaine montre entre une Rolex Air-King et une Explorer 1 40mm

[@Friede86]

What is the waiting time for this piece?

[@pinkbono]

This specific 126900 AK is the only one Rolex I want. I wanted the previous 116 already and I want this one even more.

[@ph69jbl]

Same here!

[@Eliehbk]

Your reviews are delicious. Do you mind sharing your wrist size please? I have a 6.5!inch wrist and trying to decide if it would fit me. Thank you.

[@DenisHauser]

Great Review!

[@fidelpablo6340]

What the?! Is this a coincidence? I just went to an AD and asked for this. They told me to wait 3-5years... Oh well. 🤷

[@Xtrem666tony]

Very nice review! 👏👏👏

[@Allroundwatch]

Great Video 😊👌

[@BraveBeaters]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SingleTrackMined]

I don't care for the Air King. Mixing numbers doesn't do it for me. But I'm sure it's nice.

[@BraveBeaters]

It's well put together, I would say.

[@wuyeah1980]

no lume on all numerals, no supporting. all numerals should glow gracefully for the price.

[@Klose_11]

Spot on !!

[@bjoernaltmann]

The AirKing used to be the entry model, without a chronometer certification. -The new AirKing has very little to do with a pilot's watch. The dial design is based on the Rolex designed gauges of the Bloodhound project vehicle that was created to break the land speed record. Yes it is powered by jet engines, and the driver is sort of a pilot, but it's a bit of a stretch. It always reminded me of a speedometer before I heard of the Bloodhound project.

[@Sebastian85]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/imOxan-jgpZoqdE

[@JM-yu9jo]

Great review

[@insydegroup]

That can be only Rolex I do really like. Period.

[@palashkale]

I really like it,,,, I also liked milgauss, but I never liked, Celini and daytona

[@bobbydazzler1780]

I wasn’t keen on the old model and even less so on the latest version. It’s that horrible dial. Quirky maybe but just an eyesore.

[@saadalturki1847]

The more talked about And less wearing it Make it even better I have one and it’s gorgeous Eye grabbing 😊

[@RitchieBui]

Do you release videos without watching them beforehand? The audio is terrible

[@BraveBeaters]

Hi, OFC I double checked and the audio is good.

[@RitchieBui]

@@BraveBeaters The volume is very low

[@ChaosAI24]

@@RitchieBui is not! Maybe you are used to other channels where they scream and bring forward a strident voice!

[@mummymonkey]

The audio is fine

[@RitchieBui]

@@ChaosAI24 This has nothing to do with how things are being said. The volume is objectively lower than everything else I'm listening to: other youtube, spotify, netflix. It's also muffled. His mic needs to be closer or the gain needs to be increased.

[@Walem_B]

any thoughts about value retaining ?

[@gjonno]

Unlikely to go for much less than retail. It’s a great watch. I generally wear mine on a black Rubber B strap with the original Rolex clasp. It’s just about the most classy look you can get. Just buy!!

[@Walem_B]

@@gjonno yeah I know, gets the most watch time.on a rubber strap? been thinking abt it for my reverso but that should actually really work , sounds good any brand in mind for the 129600?

[@gjonno]

@@Walem_Bmine is the Rubber-B strap. Not cheap but great quality and the fit is perfectly integrated into the case. There are other makes available but I can’t comment on those. Also have a GMT Root Beer S&G and bronze Tudor on the Rubber-B. Both look fab

[@Michael-ko8uf]

The bracelet is too simple for me, completely brushed and uninspiring stainless steel bracelet does not match the rest. I like the dial with its many elements, but the case could also be more refined. As always, it's a matter of taste. This design could be justified with tradition and the success proves Rolex right. But I think Rolex is stuck too much in their tradition. As if they are too afraid of doing something wrong.

[@steve8510]

The crown guards on a fixed bezel is pure sex

[@tomkhong9828]

I’ll keep my money

[@BraveBeaters]

Money are good in the pocket :)

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

The brand is soo exposed now unfortunately, its like driving yellow Lamborghini

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

This and the “celebration” dial OP are Rolex’s two worst designs ever.

[@machoneboard]

Professional tool for pilots? Which pilots, exactly? Reality check, there are few pilots that can afford this, unless they have/had a rich Mummy and Daddy or won the lottery.

[@alteregoestamicus]

First one ! :D

[@BraveBeaters]

Cheers!

[@tapirdeaalex7104]

For me it's ugly. Even the few that like this would not take a second look if it didnt say Rolex on it

[@jerryglasses2229]

Worse than a Celini. Worst watch in the catalog. The dial doesn't know what it wants to be.

[@massimilianotedesco2158]

It’s FANTASTIC!!

[@wmen48]

Only Rolex I like.