My First Rolex!* - Air King 116900 - *Review

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Extra long intro today as this is my first Rolex (review). What do I think? Well, I loved it. Not cheap, obviously, but then it is the only watch I have reviewed so far which will actually be an appreciating asset in the years to come. With that in mind, the value equation changes considerably. Would I buy an Air King? No. Would I buy a different Rolex? Watch and find out. Cheers, JOMW!

[@carpandrei7493]

What I really appreciate is that Mr. X wears his watches, regardless of their price tag. A watch needs to be on a wrist, not in a box.

[@diycraftq8658]

You are turning into my go to for watch reviews Sir !

[@user-et8vm9cc3t]

Exactly. What's the point of a watch if it stays in the box/safe/cellar/ground (...) ?

[@hughmckendrick3018]

Yeah you'll pay thousands for a car but you won't keep it in the garage at home.

[@alejandroperalta1982]

I'm not a watch expert,but 1 question: why I see a lot of comments around KZbin talking about people hate this watch? I think this is going to be my first Rolex and I dont care if some people hate it.

[@alejandroperalta1982]

@Dat Phung yes you might be right,I was confused at first when I was on their website,but then I was like:ok so its easier because you have all the numbers there.but maybe that's the reason.

[@alejandroperalta1982]

@@benlesperance yes,but you get use to it like a new phone for example,but yeah that's why.

[@user-qh7mv8np2s]

I'm gonna get mine sooner. A few weeks more of waiting.

[@gilliebrand]

My first Rolex was an Air-King too. Totally love mine.

[@gadsta93]

Same. Just got it. Love it.

[@eljayr4669]

I have never had a “grail” watch but 5months ago I bought a Rolex Oyster Perpetual because I liked it over an Omega I was considering. I haven’t take it off since I bought it and I have Tags, Omega’s, Tudor, Breitling etc. I just love the accuracy, quality and to me the way it is completely understated. Not for everyone, possibly, but I am very impressed and would now consider a Submariner, a watch that has never been a “must have”.

[@-Dash-]

I always liked the black, green and yellow colourway of the Air King.

[@sam9242]

Makes me appreciate when I got my GMT II for 20% off. The only reason I waited 6 weeks was because I wanted the black bezel and Jubilee bracelet. Ah the good old days.

[@llm32514]

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. That’s what makes the world go around after all. This watch is gorgeous in person and the case is the star of the show imho. Beautiful curves and fits great on the wrist. It’s a watch that you can dress up or down which makes it much more versatile than the other sports models. It’s elegant, classy, unobtrusive and best of all different. I eagerly passed over Submariners and Explorer II’s and bought the only Air King this AD received in months. That should tell you something.

[@hoppysport2872]

I really like the look of the Air King. My favorite Rolex design is the Turn-O-Graph.

[@ZCherish]

I speak only for myself, but I very much enjoyed the extra time in the video! You're always pleasantly concise, but there was a lot to discuss here, and I appreciate the increased length.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks mate! Much appreciated.

[@jacc88888]

Like the understated look, fantastic movement precision, and the way it hugs the wrist so well. These kinds of Rolexes are high-end everyday watches but I like that about them.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great review as always! Can’t wait for you to review the other 13 rolexes!

[@thewatchloungechris]

Great review as always ! I like the airking but have a feeling my first Rolex will either be an explorer or explorer ii :)

[@CDP-1802]

One of my pet peeves is inconsistent lume, this kept the Explorer I off my want list until Rolex finally started applying lume to the white gold arabics.

[@DeusNyx]

CDP 1802 AND no lumed indices. My OCD is making my itch!!!!!!

[@Martinlavell]

I've visited many watch review channels and no one, No One has a channel that does it for me. Sir, you just gained a subscriber. Thanks for not being a "snob"

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Welcome! And thank you very much!

[@heresaron]

Great video ! Really informative and enjoyable :)

[@BigbubbaJ1000]

what make are your watch winders in the background ?

[@ID-Guy]

When you said at 13:55 "Once you see this, you cannot unsee this" I paused and had a good look at the dial. It always has looked strange to me and something really stuck out all of a sudden. The imbalance between the 55 and 5 on the dial! The 55 leaves a significantly smaller gap to the Triangle at 12. Just that alone changed my opinion on the dial layout. I much prefer the photoshopped numerals. If each numeral had a sliver of white gold around the minute track, it would be a proportional beaut! Superb review as always, laddie!

[@khoimavlogs5161]

What imbalance dial better than any Rolex with cyclops. Cyclops make dial unsymmetric dial.

[@branguzzi1]

Another thorough and informative review, Jody. Must say I get a more robust, um... excited feeling, out of finding the super values. Looking forward to seeing you get your hands on Mr. X's Submariner.

[@aporbanderwala]

Love the Senna quote t-shirt!!

[@rolexandrealestate]

Congratulations on your first Rolex my friend 👍👍👍

[@amjr7607]

I really enjoy your watch reviews Jody. Your perspective on Rolex is also refreshing compared to other reviewers I’ve watched. I think the EXP suits you well, looks good on your wrist- perhaps a deal with Mr. X on that watch is in your future...

[@smr32061]

Nice video review and commentary. Aspiring to own a Submariner or a Oyster Perpetual is a great choice. I have owned a Submariner for almost 18 years and have loved it and worth every penny. And last year was able to afford a Datejust 41 Stainless Steel with white dial. These two are perfect watches (in my opinion) to rotate back and forth.

[@genemolineux6864]

I've watched a few of your videos already and had no idea you're based in Sydney! Great video as always, from Adelaide.

[@mihir1997]

are rehaut and chapter ring interchangeable terms?

[@trevorlynn7276]

could you tell me about the watch winder on the bookcase?

[@wigmaster7894]

enjoyed the longer video. this kind of discussion will appreciate in value

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks!

[@NovemXI]

The dial and green accents are quite nice. The "Air-King" font is a different story - but it's still a good looking a watch.

[@shaneweightman]

I don’t normally go for Rolex, but love this one, cheers Shane uk

[@marcmadcalf9956]

Hello ! What is the brand of your colour winding boxes on your left on the video please :-)

[@johnsrabe]

The Air King was my first Rolex … jot new but a lovely 1970s vintage piece from a reputable shop in LA (Second Time Around). It’s a joy to wear and it was affordable. Think about getting a used one, my friend. They also look so much better than the junked up new style.

[@lisaisanut]

I have a gentleman's agreement with my Dad that if I graduate my degree with a first class honours he'll put two grand towards a watch for me, and the Oyster Perpetual is one of the options I'm considering. Great review! Nice to see a slightly jazzier Rolex showcased.

[@nicholasjoseph9062]

Lisaisanut 2 grand would get u 4 great watches or maybe 1 Rolex. It's your money.

[@lisaisanut]

I know, it's a long way off I'm still deciding. My thoughts with going one BIG watch, such as a Rolex, or an Aqua Terra from Omega, are that I'm unlikely to be able to afford one of those at any other time, whereas I could pretty easily save for a £500 watch.

[@paulsykes4847]

I went into the AD to buy a milgauss blue they ordered it in so i could see it .as i looked in the windoe i saw the air king and loved it..had both together the air king screamed out for me to buy it.i loved the dial the none shine cener link ..was not till i got home with the watch i found it has the milgauss case.bracelet the link to the bloodhound world speet car clocks...am i happy with my purchase i am delighted..and as a bonus i did buy a milguass that was £1500 cheaper than the blue with better dial and charactor..that could appreciate in the duture..i love the watch it reminds me of an old british Smiths w10 military watch only bigger...if you see one of thease watches in real life you will love it..a future classic...

[@ymaa007]

Paul Sykes I’ve got a GMT 2016 and an air king - strangely I use the air king for best

[@TheSweede12]

I like it however I am not sure I will keep liking it. The dial appeals to me at the moment but I am pretty sure the day will come when it doesn't. On the plus side it has no date. I feel tòo many dials are ruined by punching a square hole through them. Great video again, looking forward to more.

[@WatchDisplay]

Great review. I like the mock up better myself.

[@mariodavidpalacio]

Awesome! Thanks

[@jmhxxivkt5331]

Rolex use to come in green Italian Leather boxes, they were beautiful.

[@roeimessica3757]

Where can I buy watch winders like yours?

[@adnkhn2]

Great watch . OP is first and only rolex . I really love it . ❤

[@saulespino2510]

Just One More Watch reviewer said he has used the micro adjust. on this watch a couple of times during summer. Makes me think the reviewer is indeed Mr. X

[@mistahell101]

Hello I'm a subscriber from Singapore!

[@timking8617]

I own one of these. Bought it as something to leave to my kids, and maybe their kids. It’s not your normal Rolex. I’m not bowled over by it, but I have a feeling it could become iconic because of the break in character you “expect” a Rolex to look like. It grows on you, and it’s very very different to all other Rolex’s...

[@lonefather]

Great review as usual, interesting description. However it makes me like my Air King 14000 Black Dial even more. Plain, simple and reliable.

[@alexlao1808]

what winder are those?

[@markplayford5836]

Great review and good objective thoughts on the brand. Just think they looked very dated really. My favourite is the the Polar Explorer 2 (it looks almost modern!), plus the sizing does not suit me either on many. Worse still I do not aspire to owning one really, just a heap of money on 1 watch when there are nicer much cheaper options. Cannot argue with the investment potential but have no siblings to pass it on to either, so not for me.

[@STONEAJE]

Mad props for that Senna shirt!!

[@SS-bp8yq]

Lets all remember that the Daytona once was a hated watch too. Rolex has created obscure timepieces in the past which are more or if not highly valuable now. It'll be interesting to see where the value will be in about 20 years. Thanks for the videos!

[@sumosupremeking360]

I like this watch I think it’s easier to read with a good handsome like to it

[@mikeoreilly4011]

Love mine Saw it loved it right away My everyday watch

[@dirt2595]

Annnnd there it is!!! I knew sooner or later... you done came up!!! #Dope 🔥🔥🔥💯

[@Timberjagi]

the 904L steel is just a marketing thing, its easier to polish back up. but my BLNR gmt damaged much much faster than many of the other watches i own

[@user-et8vm9cc3t]

Man, that white dial Oyster Perpetual is gorgeous ! But I also like the white dial Milgauss.

[@strobelight8047]

Great review, awesome that you're into motorsport as well! Would love to see a vid on rolex daytona alternatives/homages ranging from say $100 to $500?

[@gtbigdog3507]

Chris Strobel great idea. A review of the Citizen Motorsport watch like I have would be good also

[@gtbigdog3507]

It’s called the Citizen Promaster Racing JW0111-55E

[@hcshcsdazzle]

Congratulations Jory

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Not mine! Borrowed from a friend. Hence the asterisk ;) Cheers though!

[@eddieangeles13]

Wow. Congrats!🎉🍾

[@daniellee8162]

Wish the had some lume on the outside indecies. With those second markers, it has a field watch feel and would seem to work as a pilot watch too since it is a Air King. It's already not a dressy piece by any stretch so it wouldn't hurt.

[@paulwinkfield6560]

Loved this video! Just the right amount of information. I respect Rolex for all their Motorsports support. I wonder if it wasn't for Ian Fleming, would the brand be as popular. It's was Bond that got me to lust after one, (and the delicious Aston Martin) I was a Sky King TV show fan as a kid, thought the watch was related, untill my paper route customer, a watchmaker set me straight. Personally, Air King don't give me the rush like a Submariner (no bezel to play with!) Bravo on another wonderful video!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for your kind words! Cheers.

[@jdkimple]

Also, in the minute arabics, almost all are 2 digit Except for the first "5". Perhaps if they used a "05" the dial would be a bit more balanced.

[@KM-bh5gl]

That t-shirt you have on and mention of Sir Jackie Stewart reminds of a famous interview of Ayerton Senna by Sir Jackie.

[@shawnbra9095]

Man I love the the green and yellow color play but I don't like the minutes on my hour marks but in the end I would own this watch

[@josephj6521]

Shawn Bra love the green touches too. Nice.

[@atthelord]

Would it be possible for you to do a review of the New 2018 black/white OP 39? Thanks! 😁

[@marcdee4427]

Love the airking , a future classic, will rocket in value if they discontinue it. Don’t forget the Daytona was received well when it first came out. Was NOT received well I meant

[@stephenwilliams7056]

Maybe they discontinue it this year 2020? Who knows.

[@simonroberts362]

Hi, Bit late to the party but I just stumbled on this great review… subscribed👍

[@craig2100]

Congrats, nice looking watch.

[@stojadinsport]

Motosport, watches and dogs 🤟 Ps. Just one more watch is my favorite watch channel.

[@chrissearle23]

Mine too

[@True-os6tg]

It's a breath of fresh air .The last thing I ever thought I'd say about a Rolex,Of course that's the last thing on the mind of the typical Rolex customer so will be about as popular as New Coke .

[@stewarthendry2837]

Another cracking review there. Don't particularly like the dial design and actually think the Milgauss is a bit more refined. One small point to make, should you not blank out the serial number on your video, especially as this is Mr X's watch? Happy to be corrected on this if I'm wrong though!

[@kanemillard3315]

what is that pepsi dialed watch in the watch winder?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Mate, it is an Aquatico Sea Star 300, review on Tuesday. Cheers!

[@JungleEddie]

I think my taste in Rolex is similar to yours. The no date Submariner and the Explorer are my favourite of their current models. In the relatively new, used models I would like a Sea Dweller 116600. That said I can never see spending half that much on a watch. I would be afraid to wear it.

[@danexp10]

Nice Senna shirt! His helmet was unforgettable!

[@TomSmith-kc8mz]

As an Aviation and watch geek I got the air king first because it's the easiest to get in the current steel sports line and it's also not going to be around that long so get it now before it goes up and I can collect the other precious examples later. As of 2020 the watch in the US is 6,250 USD. No discount.

[@nunomendes2484]

Nice... Something to dream about

[@harrisjon1]

Would you suggest the air king over the speedmaster moon watch? Cant decide.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Very different watches mate. Buy the one that you'll wear more.

[@wonderbreadmodelsandhistor1566]

SOB...not to dig up the bones of an old review Jody but this one is really speaking to me. I have the explorer 1 39 mil and find the size about perfect (7 3/4 flat wrist). I like the under the radar feel of the explorer and with all the craziness in the world of Rolex this ref. can still be had. I may make the plunge. Explorer as my biz/cas and the Air King as my weekend? Am i crazy? I currently have the explorer 1 and a DJ 41 on a jubilee but find i never wear the DJ...I love it but its just too dressy for my lifestyle. Value of the DJ41 is substantially up from when i purchased...i guess im just a more casual guy. Pickles and mustard

[@YBFMusic]

I want to get this one as well as the OP36.

[@camarossdriver]

My first Rolex was the white face "Air King"...actually it was a wedding gift from my wife in 2003. It looks just as good now as it did the day that I opened the box! You DO kinda get hooked on these...I think my next is DEFINITELY going to be a Submariner.

[@roberth.8807]

Nice review. What's your wrist size?

[@planetdee3587]

I actually think the design of this watch makes sense. Having numerals for the minute and hour tracks adds for easy fast reading (and not translating or converting). This merges a minute and hour track to save space but is almost as affective as a field watch which often have full numerals for both minute and hour tracks.

[@kma86]

My thoughts exactly! I work in the aviation industry, though not a pilot, I find the 5 minutes graduation useful for us who needs to tell the time in the flash. Personally, I'd go for this or the Explorer rather than the more sought after Sub or the GMTs

[@planetdee3587]

@@kma86 this is very true about easy readying. We get so use to translating time in our heads that we do not realize it is actually a process and not the same a reading the time. I work in a field where a field watch is the desired watch of choice for this very reason and using military time. Having numbers (and in my case a 24 hour number track on the dial as well) allows me to simply read the time and not convert.

[@drwindsurf]

An “affordable” Rolex...interesting choice for your first Rolex review. I agree, if I were to buy a Rolex it would be an Explorer 1 or Sub. I was a little surprised that there was no mention of the Ginault...maybe Mr. X can lend you one for a comparison video. Thank you to Mr. X for sharing his watch with us, and thank you for another brilliant video Jody :)

[@stevejamieson1613]

I think you would appreciate a Rolex. They are so quiet. Can’t even feel the counter balance move! I had a 79 Datejust, blue dial with white gold accents on a Jubilee. God I loved that watch! Sadly it had to go when I was made redundant in 2016 along with a couple of Longines to keep the mortgage going (proof they are a good investment) happily I did find long term employment within the Federal Government so at some stage there will be another Rolex in my future. Once you own one, no other watch even comes close 👑

[@michaelhorn8962]

You're welcome.

[@siamwatchaddict9072]

Very nice Jody .. I am making a long drawn out consideration of my 1st 4,000 Dollar plus watch purchase and so far I am drawn to The Grand Seiko Heritage line up.. Spring drive.. I have to move a few pieces 1st .So plenty of time before I pull the trigger...

[@stewartnovinger102]

I completely disagree that you need to go to an AD to purchase this watch or any other Rolex. I got my Air King 👑 from watch box preowned. The watch had been purchased 3 months before being returned by the original owner. I got a great deal, all box and papers, and watch box gives a warranty to replace the manufacture warranty. There is also Bob's watches in California. They deal with almost 100% preowned Rolexes, they are very up front in giving you information about the watches they are selling, whether or not they come complete and what condition they are in. Considering certain steel models are hard to find these days the preowned market is a great way to go as long as you are willing to pay for it.

[@evanwojtowicz3399]

I just did a watch trade for an air king with B&P from watch box. How was your experience? Quality of watch, shipping time etc.

[@chindit9749]

another great vid by my man

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks mate!

[@Gustavo-dh5dx]

Very nice and entertaining video, Jody, thank you. Rolex is in 4th position of my watch taste and a Submariner is the only option. That will be after a Panerai Luminor GMT, an Omega Speedmaster and a Breitling Super Ocean. Thank again and greetings from Melbourne

[@jarrodlee1506]

gustavo0510 .no offence but panerai are the ugliest luxury watch I've seen and I know some are ETA. Why?

[@thegentcase7360]

Good job!

[@diamondbed86]

Just for a second, when you mentioned "Sydney," I thought that you accidentally mentioned "Mr X's" first name.

[@corbanfraser3582]

Gets a like from me for just because you mentioned Sir Jackie Stewart.

[@greamespens1460]

Anyone know what is the Flieger watch in the top right winder?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Laco Aachen 39. Review coming soon. Cheers!

[@greamespens1460]

Just One More Watch Thank you for your reply. I would like to say that I really enjoy your channel and I think it greatly compliments the other channels like the gent who tells the time, perhaps he is auditioning for sesame Street ;) and the other hosted by another expat.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks! I also watch both of those chaps. No shortage of accents and personalities in the watch channel space, that's for sure. Cheers!

[@EMKWANREVIEWS]

Bravo 👏🏾 The AirKing is going to be an investment in the future.

[@ekimandersom4478]

They all are

[@johnnyhall2080]

I’ve liked your channel since I first found it,and now I understand why I like you,being a Motorsport fan myself.I like F1,Lemans,V8 Super cars and Indy Cars here in the USA. My grial watch is an Omega Speed Master, maybe one day that dream will come true. Keep the great review’s coming...

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for your kind words! Cheers. I am also an Indycar fan, great series with some fantastic drivers, Power, Dixon, Newgarden etc. I still remember when Paul Tracy was roughing everyone up, ha! ALONSO TO INDY 2019!!

[@JohnnyParanoid]

Honestly, I don't understand why they keep those Explorer style Arabic numerals on the Air-King dial. It really breaks the continuity of the dial. The mock-up looks much better! I love the Explorer (my favorite Rolex and the one I would want), but isn't this supposed to be a pilot's watch? It should look like the mock-up, imo. Thanks and cheers!

[@Dimas_Pardede]

I’m interested in your nice t-shirt of Ayrton Senna’s quote more than the rolex itself.

[@shaneweightman]

I love my divers, but would never want a Rolex submariner, yrs ago when I was really into motorsport all the adds I ever saw were Tag Huer , however I love the looks of this Air King , ,,if the ship ever comes in ,,this is what I would buy,, love it ,, as things stand in my life realistically Tudor black bay is as high on the luxury ladder as I’d be affording to climb , cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧

[@chrisneed_for_speed851]

Did you buy the new one or used? I'm asking because there is some scratches on it.

[@petershallis2294]

Will appeal to people who like looking at the number 5

[@the_9ent]

Yh. 5 5’s

[@ehuntley83]

I really wish Rolex would add a 0 before the first 5. A 05 would balance the 55 on the opposite side of 12 o'clock much better than the single 5... Oh well, I still actually really like the new Air-King. The Rolex-green pops nicely, in my humble opinion.

[@user-et8vm9cc3t]

Or you can buy a Seiko 5 and spare a few thousand bucks. Dat shield tho...

[@thiswan1]

Beethoven fans maybe!

[@dgrantreiter]

It's the same number layout as a Flieger Type B, less the 3 , 6, 9 quarters. Which makes sense for a aviation theme watch. I think the only connection to the Bloodhound Car is the colors and fonts

[@MrBrynjolfurSig]

I misted an accuracy report for this watch. It would have been fun, even though this was a Rolex. Hopefully in the next Rolex review.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I didn't even bother as +/-2s/d. Maybe next time to prove it. Cheers!

[@mattydomingo]

Rolex doesn’t use AR coatings?

[@antepavelic4082]

I am not going to lie. At first I thought this watch was horrible, after a few days I started getting mixed feelings for it. The dial is somewhat a mess which made me hesitate a lot. But on the pictures it looked unique. I went in the store actually to buy the Air king but when I put it on the wrist it didn't give me that "Rolex feeling". It felt like I was wearing a 200 dollar Seiko watch (not saying that Seiko is a bad watch). I felt like the numbers on the dial are not suitable for a 40mm watch. It didn't stand out that much. When I tried on the Datejust 41mm black dial, I got hooked and the Datejust was actually my first Rolex.

[@Elroiden]

I own this watch and could have easily go with the submariner hype momentarily. This one goes under the radar and it is something different than hot models. I like the special edition dial based upon the bloodhound, and can guarantee that if this supersonic car sets a new speed record, this will become a special edition watch / discontinued; a future classic and good investment!

[@lamadoo]

hows the lume on that ugly duckling?

[@WetWatches]

Wet watch 💦 happiness after I got mine. Thanks for helping me out to decide to get one from my AD this week.