Thoughts on the Rolex Airking 34mm?

One of the most badass Rolex models ever. I love that it’s 34mm. Kind of a power move to wear a smaller watch and rock it!

White dial looks very cool indeed 😎👍🏻

Still a bit difficult to decide. At those prices, isn´t Explorer a bit better?

I personally don’t care for Mercedes hands. I really like the batons that you get on the old air king.

If what you really want is an Explorer, get an Explorer. I think the Air King is really cool and a less ubiquitous choice (and personally I think 34mm is a unique and unappreciated size) but for that price point you should get exactly what you want.

The white chronometer would be my first choice ( blue plain index second). It's so unique. You don't see a white explorer dial every day. Normally I would hesitate with a watch that small, but since I got a vintage ø33mm dress watch, it's a perfectly fine size! Unless that watch is proportionally too thick, like infamously the recent Tudor Black Bay Pro. Still, that didn't stop many people getting it, so it's up to you.

I absolutely love the 34mm Air King I plan on buying one at some point, want one of the neo vintage ones from the 2000s with a saphire crystal. The new style air kings are I'm just not into at all.

Here's a photo of one I tried on a while back; sadly did not end up purchasing, looking back I kinda wish I had snatched it up. I think the 34mm size is perfect and I wouldn't make it any bigger

One of the Tudor reps I met with on the day I picked up my Black Bay 54 had a 34mm Air King on with a silver/champagne dial. It was absolutely beautiful. You could hardly tell it was any smaller than my Explorer 124270 (36mm, but actual measurement is around 35.5 I think). Depending on your stylistic preferences and wrist size, you may not like the 34mm, but it was a gorgeous watch.

Super underrated watch (their loss, our gain). I was considering one for a while. I was surprised that it was 34mm, I thought in person it wore more like a 36mm. The white and silver dials with 3/6/9 are my favorite. Fun fact: Ryan Gosling owns a 34mm Air King

Precision dial looks cleaner/less cluttered

Love the aesthetic but don't like 34s with rolex

I have the 34mm and love it. I think it is perfect size and style for me

Absolute classic. The Stick Indexes Air King is timeless.

Not many variations of white dial Rolex sports models. But the 34mm the legibility would give me concern. I did like the OP39 ref 114300 white dial. Since it was in production for only 2 years it commands prices around the 8-10k mark.

But I will still consider it as a safe buy due to its short production run. If you ever had second thoughts and need to part ways I believe there won’t be a significant loss.

Whichever you choose. Enjoy the hunt. Try on and take your time. Pictures are cool but in person on your wrist will give you assurance on if your making the correct choice.

Quite a unique one you won't see often, it has that going for it. At 34mm though even on my small wrist not sure I could pull it off

If you are worried about the size, maybe look for a white dial OP34 114200? This prior version of the OP actually measures closer to 35mm, and because of the white dial, looks nearly identical in size to the current 36mm Explorer. That said, it was only in production for a couple of years, so will be more expensive than the air king (which is a great watch). And, of course, it doesn't have the 369 dial, which is really unique/cool.

Edited to add: I believe an earlier version of the 114200 was labeled an air king, and had the 369 dial. Is that the one you found? If so, I believe it has the same case shape, which should be closer to 35mm:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost.php?p=11803276&postcount=43

If it's not chronometer rated a Seiko 5 is probably more accurate, if you want to spend several thousand on such a watch it's your call. You can get 1960s Seikos good for a few seconds a day accuracy, Chronometer grade.

I’ve had it, and at the end was a no-no for me. Too small, after the honeymoon you will regret the purchase. Go Explorer 36mm.

The white dial so so beautiful that I wouldn’t care it was 34mm 🧐

This one has been on my list for a while now

My partner has the one in the 3rd picture. Blue dial, with the 3,6,9. It’s absolutely stunning. He got it as a college graduation gift in 2004 and wears it constantly. It makes we wish they did the Explorer in different dial colors. I have the new 40mm Explorer and I adore it, but that Rolex blue is just mesmerizing.

I say go for it!!

In the past I owned both precision options and tried on plenty of the updated case chronometer versions. I like the older precision case better. The simplicity of either is great. I never compared them to the Explorer or yearned for an Explorer.

Honestly, it sounds to me like you want an Explorer, just hang tight a bit and pick one up when you are ready.

To answer the question, if you are more sporty, for for the numerals, if more classic, dressy or “formal” go for the stick markers.

From left field, I had a 6694 manual wind precision 34mm that was pretty darn cool with some “vintage” ish charm.

Let us know which way you land.

Cheers

The accuracy can't be that bad could it? I mean build standards it is still probably far better then a Seiko. I'd prefer the index markers. 34mm is quite small even for the average small wrist. I'd look for something 36mm at least. Happy hunting!

If I was going to get a rolex other than for the jubilee bracelet,definitely be one of these vintage bad boys 🔥

I mean, ideally I would like both. But being as young and poor as I am, I need to choose and all these comments, they just give me even more doubts but I love the discussion and feedback. Thank you!

I believe that is my biggest fear. That phase after the honeymoon…

I will certainly have a look at it! Thanks for the heads up

I had one for a time, it was just too small. I don’t have a large wrist, 6.75. It looked like a child’s watch, a really nice one though.

The black and white air king is beautiful and unique! I have a 36mm Explorer and now I’m confusing this watch.

I like that white on