Rolex Air-King: Modern Freccione Successor?
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Rolex Air-King: Modern Freccione Successor?

By Baron - Mr Red · Mar 16, 2017 · 25 replies
Baron - Mr Red
WPS member · Rolex forum
25 replies8872 views2 photos
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Baron - Mr Red explores the growing appeal of the Rolex Air-King, particularly among vintage Rolex collectors, and posits whether it could be the modern-day successor to the Explorer II 'Freccione'. He draws parallels between their distinctive aesthetics and the unique ownership experience they offer, prompting community discussion on the Air-King's potential as a future classic.

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I think more and more people are being swayed by the Air King. In fact, i see very few Rolex afficionados being anything other than positive. This is especially true for vintage Rolex collectors. And this prompted me to wonder why? There is no doubt in my mind that the Air King is tapping into something.




Could it be that it is evoking memories of the Explorer II Freccione? Where the Freccione struck its chord with its distinctive orange hand, the Air King is doing the same thing with its distinctive green hand. The non-insert bezel is similar. There is a feeling of a lot of metal on this watch. It also has a different feel to the Rolex DNA....just like the Freccione.

Is the Air King the modern day Freccione?


I have owned my Explorer II for a number of years now. On many occasions, I have decided to sell it....but it remains .It is a survivor! I think many people buy vintage Explorer II and are subsequently suprised by what it feels like to own it. It is not like owning a typcial Rolex like a Sub. It has a totally different feel...and it takes a lot of getting used to. However, once I understood teh watch and allowed it to grow on me, it became a part of my core collection.

I wonder if this will be teh case for the Air King? I am very tempted actually.



About the Rolex Explorer Ref. 1655

The Rolex Explorer reference 1655 is a specific iteration within the Explorer model line. This reference is identified by its unique design elements that differentiate it from other Explorer models.

Information regarding the case material, crystal type, and movement architecture is not provided.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a distinct Explorer model. Its specific characteristics position it as a notable piece for those interested in the variations within the Rolex Explorer series.

Specifications

Caliber
1575
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
100m
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
GE
geross
Mar 16, 2017
I agree with you. That the green seconds hand makes the watch very interesting.

The contrast with the black dial and the yellow crown insignia , all are pleasant to the eyes. Cheers. Geross.

AG
agyzace
Mar 16, 2017
In my eyes, it is the matt black dial Milgauss with the green glass that has this appeal

I like the Air King, but I would much prefer it if the hour and minute markers were just lume, without any metal. That would fit a lot with the brushed case and make it more aviation like. At the moment, it is a masqueraded Milgauss to my eyes, offered (for hard to understand reasons) at 2K less of the Milgauss price... All the very best, Alex

NO
Nono01
Mar 16, 2017
...

I had tried the new Air King for 2-3 weeks. I have to say that i didn't bond with it at first, but after a while it had got under my skin. It's very understated and under the radar Rolex with i like, and i could see the clarity of the dial pass the chaos in a few days after i got used to it. As for Freccione tribude, i would leave that to the last gen Expl 2 Here are a few shots

BA
Baron - Mr Red
Mar 16, 2017
three things....

.......first, stunning camerawork.....lighting on that second shot is uhmmmmm. ....second, yes, i think I understand that initial reaction. I think this is a watch that needs to grow on you. ....third, i didn't mean to suggest it was in any way a tribute to Freccione.....not at all. But rather that in the odd way that the Freccione became a classic, I feel the Air King has a similar quirkiness and similar persona that could lead to it becoming another classic.....not meaning it was a tribute. Gl

NO
Nono01
Mar 16, 2017
....

Thank you I think it can become a Future classic. As long as Rolex won't change it every few year or so, I think it will be. I would allways rather go for Air King, than let's say Milgauss. I'm a sucker for brushed cases As for this Air King, i didn't go for it. As it turns out, I'm a sucker for Freccione details as well. So i had gone with this

AG
agyzace
Mar 16, 2017
stunning camera skills...wow and thanks for sharing! [nt]

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