Rolex Air King 116900: 2d Birthday.

Feb 24, 2020,10:57 AM
 

I shared the story of my Rolex Air King 116 900 several times. How I almost bought it, then how I bought it, how it was stolen to me two weeks after, and how I was gifted it due to the incredible generosity of this community of ours. 


The link is here: 

www.watchprosite.com  

This is a special watch to me. First of all, because it was love at first sight when it was unveiled in 2016. Its dial was a revelation for me. Some will still say it is messy, quirky, weird, busy, I for one would describe it as original, young, fresh, mad, special, full of life, with its blend of numbers, colors ( green and yellow ). The brushed bracelet and the thin lugs, compared to the models using the " maxi case " are a big plus for me, too.

Moreover, it is a Milgauss, with its soft iron case and its ability to resist to magnetic fields up to 1000 Gauss, which is really useful in the magnetic environment we live in ( Cell Phones, Lab Top computers, Loudpeakers, even hairdriers! )

Then because if the personal story which links this watch to me, of course. 

I would also say that during these two first years of common life, it is a watch I brought with me everywhere, during summer holidays, business trips, and so on. 

I can tell you that the more I wear it, the more I like it. And it is one of the watches I wear the most. It is a fearless watch, you can swim with it, have some beach time, it doesn't fear water nor sand. There are some hairlines on the bezel, they are part of its charm. A real tool watch, for me. 

The kind of watch which always brings a smile on your face. 

Here are some unpublished pictures, to celebrate this second birthday. 

In Valencia, where and when I bought it first: 



In Morocco, August 2018: 



In September 2018 during a week-end with the daughter.



In Corsica, last summer: 



During a business trip, in the Volvo P1800.



A Star among the Stars, not because it is exceptional from an horological point of view, of course, but because it is really dear to my heart and to my daughter's heart.



Two years after, the love affair is stronger... Is everything perfect? No... For example, I would have preferred to have all the painted minute markers luminous. Indeed, only the triangle at 12, the seconds, minutes and hours hands are luminous, which is a bit meager, in the darkness, in terms of legibility. This is may main concern. I would also have liked a slimmer bezel... But it is nothing compared to the pleasure and the satisfaction this watch offers. 

And it seems that more and more of us are falling under the special charm of this Air King. 

Long Life to the King! 

Best,

Nicolas


More posts: Air KingMilgaussP 1800Volvo

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Not perfect but a great watch.

 
 By: drphileasfogg : February 24th, 2020-11:19
It will two year in April since I got mine. I feel the same, I love it more and more...

What a great story

 
 By: Weems@8 : February 24th, 2020-12:53
The Rolex Airking is a king 🗽. For me it is the first Rolex i’d got information searched, because it is the cheapest one. In a time i was a poor man in terms of economics. That Gassan cap is evidence you shop there? I’ve got a limited edition Longines wat... 

Very special Rolex airking

 
 By: Weems@8 : February 24th, 2020-13:45
Unbelievable. Be very secured for your Rolex. Gassan is an AD who breath Rolex to all their veins. Rolex can be proud on such an AD. Longines have very good relations with Gassan, and IWC is at the right adres. Maybe i buy a new Ulysse Nardin Executive du... 

I can’t be it’s been two years...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : February 24th, 2020-13:36
Keep enjoying it 🥂

I do. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 24th, 2020-13:36

I love it for the same reasons! 😀

 
 By: @lberti : February 24th, 2020-14:07
Fresh, great color combo (the only rolex with a yellow crown!). And of course the freshness and coolness of the watch. Happy to hear you enjoy, because i enjoy mine a lot 😀 ...  

It is indeed...

 
 By: @lberti : February 24th, 2020-14:40
I find myself wearing this a lot, eventhough i try to match my watchws with the suits, but not with this one😁....

I will never shave! ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 25th, 2020-12:48

;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 25th, 2020-14:26

A great story first (but not the stolen part), and a cult Rolex perhaps.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : February 24th, 2020-16:18
It’s a funny one this Air King. I have this feeling that if it ever went away there would be many of us here thinking “we missed that one”. Not because of anything monetary but because of it being an un Rolex Rolex, usual and different, and against the gr... 

It’s amazing during my visit to Paris...

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : February 24th, 2020-16:40
There were 1 in CDG and 1 in PV ready for purchase but gone were the days, not that long ago if you think about it. Like your comments, I just wished there was lume on the numerals and would have jump on it.

Great post, Nico!

 
 By: ChristianDK : February 24th, 2020-21:18
It still looks great on you and you obviously share some great moments with it. I can’t believe it is two years ago now. How time flies! Best Christian

My pleasure, mon ami. ;p [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 25th, 2020-01:07

That dial is really alive!

 
 By: Mary Anny : February 24th, 2020-23:43
And what a story. Enjoy it Nicolas!

Grazie, Amico. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 25th, 2020-01:08

Congratulations

 
 By: toxly347 : February 25th, 2020-00:39
I remember your post from one year ago. Seeing your photos with your daughter and your Rolex was very moving. I am as impressed today as I was before by the quality of the friendships you have nurtured. I can only congratulate you on your Air King and aga... 

Remember

 
 By: Jurry : February 25th, 2020-02:19
I remember this story all too well as it occurred when just had discovered this forum and started to “get into it”. It was great to see how your personal story became a group story of and I’m sure that those who were involved will see it a bit as their pe... 

Clearly. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 25th, 2020-10:17

Dear Nico,

 
 By: MTR : February 25th, 2020-12:04
what a wonderful relationship full of deep feelings and thoughts. That is what our „hobby“ and enthusiasm is for. We are talking about feelings, friendship, memories and ... addiction. Wear your Airking in best health for many, many years to come and with... 

Great watch - great story

 
 By: Colin W : February 25th, 2020-15:01
Long may you enjoy that watch and the great memories it holds

That was a very moving story. I love it when a watch has a deeper meaning.

 
 By: Costa (aka Connie) : February 25th, 2020-22:36
This is what makes a watch priceless and shows how powerful a community can be. I hope you and your daughter treasure it forever. Thanks for sharing. You made my evening Nico. CB.

Just collected mine today

 
 By: Cookies : August 6th, 2020-04:49
Fell in love with it by looking at it. Actually it is my first time handling the piece when I collected it today. It looks right at home. ...  

Huge congrats! Please post it in our roll call, too!

 
 By: amanico : August 6th, 2020-06:19
Here is the link: www.watchprosite.com

Great story

 
 By: gregcarraram3 : August 8th, 2020-20:33
And looks awesome on you!

Thanks, Greg. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : August 8th, 2020-23:14

It looks great on you!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : August 9th, 2020-04:27
You make the Air King even cooler than it already is! Here’s to many more years! Cheers, Hermano! Alex