24th of February 2019: My first birthday with the Rolex Air King 116 900.
Here is a story which demonstrates the reason behind that statement.
On the 24th of February, I was in Spain, Valencia, for some days with my daughter.
Just to spend some time with her and to grab a watch she and I love a lot, the rolex Air King.
One month before, I was at the Roissy Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, and I saw the Air King in the window display of the Rolex AD. It was a time when you could still buy a Rolex, do you remember?
I took my credit card, and the damn plastic thing was not the correct one, so it didn't work...
We were a Sunday, the bank was closed, I couldn't do it.
But I took a picture of the Air King and sent it to my daughter who immediately answered me with these words: " Too cool! Take it, please. "
So, I secured another one in Valencia...
We went there, my daughter and myself, had a great lunch with our local friend Vicente, who brought me to the AD. I picked my watch.
Back from Spain, two weeks later, this Air King was stolen to me...
I finally said to my daughter that a ... of the ... stole it to me. She was really disappointed, as she really loved it and wanted to take it from me some years later.
Then came something really surprising and moving. The Watchprosite Community organized the purchase of another Air King. Michael C, Christian in Denmark and Arie organized everything.... And the Community was behind them!
On the 14th of April, another well known partner in crime, Mike H, gave me a phone call and asked me if my daughter and myself were free for a lunch.
During the lunch , he gave me the watch... Incredible.
My daughter, who met quite a lot of my watch friends, told me " You have incredible friends, Daddy "...
And we all were deeply moved.
Since then, this is a watch I immensely enjoy, because of its character, of course, with its crazy dial, but, you understand it now, also because of the story behind this watch, symbol of love, friendship, solidarity and brotherhood.
This is a watch which I always have with me, even when I don't wear it.
But during the year 2018, it got most of the wrist time. Everywhere I was... In France, or abroad.
Morocco:
During a week-end with the daughter near Paris:
Lille:
Even when I went to visit some Manufactures, such as Omega or Jaeger-Lecoultre!
Le Sentier, Vallée de Joux:
It is not, by far, my most expensive Rolex, nor the most famous or sought after, but it is one of my most important watch.
A watch I will keep for my daughter, who was the witness of all these moments, as a symbol.
Yes, now you understand why watches are just more than watches!
Best.
Nicolas
Increadible post, dear Nico, please wear this watch in the best of health! [nt]
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Oh yes, I remember as if it was yesterday my friend ! 😉
That surely makes this Air King a very special specimen in your collection.
Enjoy it a lot Nico, wear it in the very best of your health, and give my kindest regards to your little princess (although she is not anymore little btw 
).
).I have lunch with her, today... Coincidences. ;) Thank you, Mike. [nt]
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As the saying goes...
Life is like a box of chocolates, we live and enjoy new experience every single day. Best with our loved ones and dear friends!
Cheers!
SF
Cheers!
SF
That watch means so much more my friend
because of all the good and positive feelings all around that went into it.
I really enjoy seeing you enjoy it and I know when the time comes you daughter will wear it close to her heart as well.
Of course, but it will be time for me to get another one, as I will let this one to her. [nt]
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beautiful reminicense...
well written Nico !
& couple of years, that piece goes to your daughter...be ready !
Best,
mahesh.,
So many bad things happen in this world...
it’s heart warming to see something so good happen.
The spirit of kindness burns bright in our community.
Long may it last !
That puts some strong value to this watch, the best value: Sentimental. [nt]
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Great post my friend . I remember that story very well .
Wear the watch in best of health .
Yes I remember that story...
It was heartwarming to see our community doing something collectively to help a friend.
Enjoy the watch, you certainly deserve every minute of it.
Enjoy the watch, you certainly deserve every minute of it.
Thank you so much. I will always have this story and this gesture in my mind. [nt]
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It’s a wonderful story Nicolas about community and shared passion.
Unfortunately it looks really good on your daughter’s wrist so you may not have it long 
Thank you for this post, Nico.
It’s always a treat to be reminded of what this life is all about. Love, friends, family, experiences together. Thanks for such a positive expression to give some perspective this Sunday.
My pleasure, BMR. Yes, we always should remind the positive things in life. Thank you. [nt]
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...
Can't say I'm a fan of this watch but every time I see your pictures I think it looks pretty good (I would put it above a Milgauss).
How did it get stolen?
It is not a consensual watch, which is normal as it has a lot of character and originality. I like the Milgauss, but I like the Air King even more! Thanks, PalmSprings. [nt]
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