ON THE WRIST: Rolex Air-King
THURSDAY APRIL 2, 2015
The Air-King may be the entry model to men’s Rolex but you are definitely not getting anything that’s inferior. Its 34 mm case looks no less than perfect if not slightly rugged on ladies. Retailing at about fifteen thousand ringgit is extreme value since the Air-King shares the same 3130 movement with the more expensive Submariner. More importantly, the AK has been around for a good 70 years as a dedication from Hans Wilsdorf to commemorate the bravery of British air pilots.
PRO
Fit and finish
In-house manufacturing
On-wrist comfort
CON
Petite in size
SPECIFICATION
34 mm Diameter
12 mm Thickness
100m Water Resistance
42 hours Power Reserve
41.8 mm Lug to Lug
RM 16,800
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" With that crown strapped to your wrist,
the world is yours "
This oyster captured me by surprise when I was deciding on whether to join the Submariner or Luminor bandwagon as we are now in the age of larger watches. Fortunately, I was particularly drawn to the Air-King’s understatement and simplicity. However, I prefer the even cleaner design on vintage AKs (reference 5500) where less is more because ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ just makes things somewhat cluttered.
After having lived a year with the Air-King, it has been a more than positive experience as it is the one that has spent significantly more time on my wrist than other watches. Credits can go to the cleverly designed oyster bracelet making it so convenient in putting on and taking off. The AK’s weight too is spot on, by no means a light but possesses a heft that oozes quality. All that makes this watch seriously comfortable on the wrist resulting in often being unnoticed as you get by the day.
The AK is no less than perfect therefore I would not like it more if it were bigger, bulkier or shinier. There’s just something about having the Air-King as a companion.. from its brilliant proportions giving it an excellent stance to the sounds it makes as you move. All in all, buy the watch that defines you and not the one that is favoured by others. The Air-King will never be a disappointing choice for anyone’s first watch, be it a graduation or to commemorate an important day.