Collection
LarsG's personal journey to acquiring a Rolex Air-King ref. 116900 offers a refreshing perspective on watch collecting, highlighting the dedication and saving often required to obtain a desired timepiece. His narrative underscores that passion for horology transcends brand loyalty, focusing instead on the emotional connection a watch can evoke. This article explores LarsG's path and the community's shared appreciation for the Air-King.
We all share a passion for watches. Some for the design of watches, some for the technique and craftmanship, some for value, some for aesthetics, wearability, durability etc. The different tastes is what makes it so beautiful.
For years I have been a daily visitor on this fantastic Forum. I have learned a lot, wondered a lot, laughed a bit, admired the most. I love to look at all your fantastic watches and admire them without envy at all. Just because I love timepieces. From the cheap cool ones to the expensive artistery.
Some of you can easily buy the watches you want (if you are so lucky the watch is even accesable) and some of us has to save up money for a short or a longer period of time.
So for a year and half now I have worked my a** off, took an extra job to save up money for this one.
I’ve
owned Omega Planet Ocean, Breitling Superocean, Bell&Ross, Cartier,
Chopard etc. But I’ve never seen myself as a Rolex-guy. I understood
all the arguments to own a Rolex - history, toughness, coolnes,
craftmanship etc. - so i tried different Submariners, Datejust II,
Oyster 39 and 36 but they didn’t sing to me.
Then about 1,5 year ago I saw the Air-King 116900 at display at Rolex, in my hometown of Copenhagen. Boooom!!!!!! Signing out loud and proud to me when I tried it on. I wanted that watch and new I had to start saving up.
Then 5 days ago I found a mint example for sale here in Denmark, for a fair price (even more after negotiating). From 2019, all boxes, papers and original receipt from the AD in Copenhagen.
Guess I have to join the role-call.
But
for all my hard work, the getting up before the sun, coming home with
the moon, I am totally in love with this Rolex. My Rolex!
It is indeed “The fruit of my labor”.
Here’s a pic.
The Rolex Air-King reference 116900, introduced in 2016, represents a distinct departure from previous Air-King models, adopting a more robust and visually striking aesthetic. This reference integrates design elements reminiscent of Rolex's professional instrument watches, particularly with its unique dial layout that features prominent minute markers alongside the traditional hour markers. It stands out within the Oyster Perpetual collection for its specific design language and technical specifications, offering a contemporary interpretation of a long-standing model line.
This reference features a 40mm Oyster case crafted from Oystersteel, a proprietary stainless steel alloy known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. The case is fitted with a fixed smooth bezel and a screw-down crown, ensuring water resistance to 100 meters. Powering the watch is the automatic Caliber 3131, a COSC-certified chronometer movement equipped with a Parachrom hairspring for enhanced shock resistance and magnetic field protection, providing a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial.
The Air-King 116900 appeals to collectors seeking a modern Rolex with a distinctive character. Its unique dial, featuring a combination of large Arabic numerals for the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions and prominent minute markers for the remaining hours, sets it apart from other Rolex sports models. The green Rolex logo and seconds hand, along with the yellow coronet, add subtle color accents. This reference was produced until 2022, making it a relatively recent yet discontinued model within the brand's history.
www.watchprosite.com
And yes I enjoy it immensely. Just took it for a swim in The ocean. Such a cool watch.
I feel what you told. You work so hard night and day for a watch, are you mad? Hahaha, i made a joke. The Rolex story. I have simular experience, but only online, and in paper magazines. How different it is for me when i see Rolex watches stored on a display in a store. And not only a few models, there are a lot i like in real. The ones that catch my eyes the most are Milgauss, Submariner Hulk, and the black basel and dial Yachtmaster - white gold , 116655. Hulk 116610LV. Sure, the Smurf, the su
This happened when i bought a Longines. I was so over the moon, a Tudor that i seen in a window was not important. When i bought my Omega, the Tudors in the store looks poor. At the other hand the Rolexxes where sublime, and the lovely Breitlings. A Royal Oak looks sad too. Always when i see Omega’s, never disappointing. Do you know Breguet? This is fantastic, i had it in my hands, great Marine. I am looking for a silver one, or the one with the blue silver combo. years, 2010 to 2019. Here a pic
I will sure post a pic on the roll-call later. Thanks for the link
All your passion is also a great inspiration.
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