Air-king 116900 vs Submariner 114060

[Willows]

Hi,


I may have the opportunity to purchase a Submariner 114060 at some point in the next few weeks. However, the Air-King 116900 is my current daily wear, which is a model I love. It's a great size, I love the case shape and the wrist presence, and it is a relatively obscure model to the casual observer.


The Submariner offers a few advantages, as far as I can see; 
 
• The Fliplock clasp with glide lock, one of the best bracelets ever made.
• A fully-lumed dial (the biggest weakness of the Air-king, in my opinion.)
• Increased water resistance (a non-issue for me).
• Timing bezel - always handy, I suppose.


 
The Air-king sports the 3131 movement with better magnetic resistance, which is more useful for me over say the 300m water-resistance of the Sub. I'm also aware that the Air-King line is older than the Submariner, although its current reference has only been around since 2016. I still like the fact it's one of the older model lines that's still in production. 

I'm still debating this purchase, and I know these are small worries and mostly subjective, but I'd love to know YOUR thoughts? 


Thanks
 

[brandrea]

The Submariner is one of the most iconic wrist watch references ever made.

The 114060 is a modern interpretation of the original, and in Rolex style, they’ve made changes to the design that over the years were gradual, incremental and over time, obvious.

I personally love the super case, maxi dial design. Others here prefer the 4 and 5 digit references. There’s no right or wrong. IMHO it’s one of the very best divers there is in any form.

If you are jonesing for one, I’d highly recommend it. It’s one of my favourite watches and I’ll always have one in my modest collection.

[Krash]

114060 is my favorite watch. I’d never wear the Air King if I had one.




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[mykii]

I'd get the 114060. It is a great watch and if you dont like it, you'll have no issue selling it. Give it a chance!

[Claven2]

Originally Posted by Willows

Hi,


I may have the opportunity to purchase a Submariner 114060 at some point in the next few weeks. However, the Air-King 116900 is my current daily wear, which is a model I love. It's a great size, I love the case shape and the wrist presence, and it is a relatively obscure model to the casual observer.


The Submariner offers a few advantages, as far as I can see; 
 
• The Fliplock clasp with glide lock, one of the best bracelets ever made.
• A fully-lumed dial (the biggest weakness of the Air-king, in my opinion.)
• Increased water resistance (a non-issue for me).
• Timing bezel - always handy, I suppose.


 
The Air-king sports the 3131 movement with better magnetic resistance, which is more useful for me over say the 300m water-resistance of the Sub. I'm also aware that the Air-King line is older than the Submariner, although its current reference has only been around since 2016. I still like the fact it's one of the older model lines that's still in production. 

I'm still debating this purchase, and I know these are small worries and mostly subjective, but I'd love to know YOUR thoughts? 


Thanks
 

In my opinion, if you like the air king, the SM is not a clear "upgrade". If you dont like it LOT more, dont do the swap.

Put it this way, they are both stainless sports watches of similar size with black dials. Maybe you should save up for something much different to diversify your options?

[Claven2]

So, the air king still had 5-digit sized lugs. The new sub has the huge lugs on a maxi case. I know which aesthetic I prefer, do you?

The sm will look much more angular and less refined on the wrist. Some like that, others dont.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Claven2

In my opinion, if you like the air king, the SM is not a clear "upgrade". If you dont like it LOT more, dont do the swap.

Put it this way, they are both stainless sports watches of similar size with black dials. Maybe you should save up for something much different to diversify your options?

I didn’t read it as though the OP was going swap but rather he is considering to add the Submariner.

[Willows]

Hi guys,

I think because they're so similar, it'll be one or the other, not both.

I'm a big fan of the super case, so that's not an issue :)

Time will tell!

[AJMarcus]

Pickup the Submariner. They are quite different enough to own both. That’s how you start a nice collection. Your third one will bring it up. Not to worry

[AJMarcus]

Pickup the Submariner. They are quite different enough to own both. That’s how you start a nice collection.

Inadvertent dupe. Please delete mods. Sorry about that

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Willows

I think because they're so similar, it'll be one or the other, not both.

I don't understand that comment. They're completely different watches.

[Willows]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I don't understand that comment. They're completely different watches.

Yes, point taken. I worded that incorrectly. What I meant was I would rather diversify my collection with other models/manufactures, like a GMT, a chrono, or something more complicated, than have two black dial three-hand Rolex Professional models based on the same movement.

Not that that would be such a bad thing, of course!

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Willows

Yes, point taken. I worded that incorrectly. What I meant was I would rather diversify my collection with other models/manufactures, like a GMT, a chrono, or something more complicated, than have two black dial three-hand Rolex Professional models based on the same movement.

Not that that would be such a bad thing, of course!

Got it.

[burnthesehills]

It appears you really love the Air-King. With this in mind, I don't think the Submariner will realistically offer you much more.

• The Fliplock clasp with glide lock, one of the best bracelets ever made.

True, but do you really need the extra security and adjustability? I assume your AK bracelet fits you fine.

• A fully-lumed dial (the biggest weakness of the Air-king, in my opinion.)

Rolex lume stinks IMO. It glows brightly for about 15 minutes when "fully charged". Otherwise it is completely underwhelming.

• Increased water resistance (a non-issue for me).

A non issue for you.

• Timing bezel - always handy, I suppose.

I think I used mine twice in the past year. Your cell phone is a better timer.

[APPRF]

They are quite different watches, you can have both. You can put the Air King on rubber to differentiate them further.

[Brny11]

Originally Posted by Willows

Hi guys,



I think because they're so similar, it'll be one or the other, not both.



I'm a big fan of the super case, so that's not an issue :)



Time will tell!

Neither. 116610ln or 214270. But of course, just one opinion!

[racemekanic]

I recently traded my 6 digit sub for the 116900 Air King (with cash my way). That said, my next watch will be a 5 digit sub or gmt, I prefer the smaller lugs and classic styling. However, having the Air King now is just a joy and I wear it with great pride compared to when I had the Sub, it's different and has a lot that resonates with me personally.

Heres a picture I took yesterday with it.

[APPRF]

Very nice Bloodhound Air King.

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by racemekanic

I recently traded my 6 digit sub for the 116910 Air King (with cash my way). That said, my next watch will be a 5 digit sub or gmt, I prefer the smaller lugs and classic styling. However, having the Air King now is just a joy and I wear it with great pride compared to when I had the Sub, it's different and has a lot that resonates with me personally.

Heres a picture I took yesterday with it.

I'm sure you meant 116900...:) It's the latest Air King. ;)

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[racemekanic]

Ah yes my bad, I had my submariner reference stuck in my head. Edited.

[Skydwella]

Submariner gets my vote however the Air King is also a stunning piece on the wrist whichever you end up with you can't go wrong.

[Claven2]

Originally Posted by racemekanic

I recently traded my 6 digit sub for the 116900 Air King (with cash my way). That said, my next watch will be a 5 digit sub or gmt, I prefer the smaller lugs and classic styling. However, having the Air King now is just a joy and I wear it with great pride compared to when I had the Sub, it's different and has a lot that resonates with me personally.

Heres a picture I took yesterday with it.

Looks great on you!

Did you do the swap through a dealer, or privately?

[mrfallover]

I think the Air-King is a great looking watch.

[racemekanic]

Originally Posted by Claven2

Looks great on you!

Did you do the swap through a dealer, or privately?

Thank you! It was swapped through a dealer

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by racemekanic

Ah yes my bad, I had my submariner reference stuck in my head. Edited.

This was my first Rolex and I got it last year for my 60th birthday. I liked the dial color and it's different from the norm. Also, the price was right for my first Rolex. It's 152 grams, but it's well balanced on the wrist and not too flashy. Doesn't get much respect, but I'm glad it was my first choice. :) might be discontinued, but who knows, we'll see. ;)

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[VonDutch]

Originally Posted by jrubero

I'm sure you meant 116900...:) It's the latest Air King. ;)

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Nice Bloodhound! Its good to see them... not a popular model, but one with a fantastic history already! Soon to be axed???