For the most part, the Rolex Explorer has adhered to similar design specifications as the premiere model from the 1950s, featuring a similar 3/6/9 dial layout, a time-only movement, and a smooth bezel. On the other hand, the Rolex Air King has undergone an interesting transformation over the past few years, and with it, it has become more similar in design to the Explorer. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the similarities between two recently discontinued models, the Explorer 214270 and the Air-King 116900.
The Explorer model 214270, released in 2010, features some much-needed updates. For example, the dial now has more luminous details. Called the “Chromalight Display” by Rolex, the bright spot on the best swiss replica watches glows blue in the dark and lasts for eight hours – perfect for a full night’s sleep; in addition, Rolex fixed the proportions of the central hand a few years after the model’s initial release, making it wider and longer on the number 214270. Some people had previously complained that the hands on the first version of 214270 were too small for the larger 39mm case, so kudos to Rolex for fixing that problem. The second version is now known as the “Mark II” dial, and Rolex has replaced the white gold 3/6/9 Arabic hour markers with full cursor markers to match the rest of the dial.
The Air-King ref. 116900 is a completely different story. Rolex revived the discontinued Air-King model in 2016 as a version of the Air-King, unlike anything that had come before. Not only does it have a much larger case, but, in this case, a very diff
erent dial, which we will detail soon.
The biggest aesthetic difference between these two models is, of course, the dial. The Explorer has a straightforward black dial layout with a mix of numerals and sticks indexes, while the Air-King’s dial is more dynamic. Its black dial sets the stage for the minute markers, 3, 6, and 9 numerals, green seconds hand, and the multi-colored Rolex logo and crown combination. Love it or hate it, this is a more direct expression of its “King of the Air” aviation spirit.
The Explorer 214270 and the King of the Air 116900 are available on a 20mm dial. 116900 are both presented on a 20mm Oyster strap. Both of these watches would look great on a leather strap. On the contrary, they are equipped with different clasps. The Explorer has a folding oyster lock security clasp, while the Air-King closes with an oyster clasp. What’s the difference, you ask? The Explorer is more secure because of the extra folding action. But both have the Easylink 5 mm extension system. This is a very practical way to allow the wearer to extend or shorten the bracelet as needed.
The anti-magnetic properties of the 3131 movements are why the Air-King is 2mm thick to accommodate the magnetic shield. The only Rolex watch with this shield is the Milgauss. While the Explorer does not have the same resistance to magnetic fields as the Air-King, it does have the Paraflex shock absorber, unlike the Air-King.
While they were still in production, the Rolex Explorer 214270 was slightly more expensive at $6,550, while the Air-King model cost $6,200. The 116900 had a $6,200 price tag. Thus, the $350 difference is inconsequential in the grand scheme of things (related to luxury who sells the best replica watches) when it comes to choosing the right Rolex. The two models are often seen as substitutes for each other in Rolex’s various offerings.
Rolex released new versions of the Explorer and Air-King in 2021 and 2023, respectively, making the difference between the two models slightly wider than the features that once made them so similar. For example, the 2021 Explorer ref. 124270 goes back to its roots with a smaller 36mm case. With the new case comes a new movement, the caliber 3230 – Rolex’s latest and greatest chronograph movement, with a longer 70-hour power reserve and a more efficient Chronergy escapement. The dial still features the full-gloss Chromalight Arabic and baton hour markers and hands, similar to its predecessor, the Mark II model 214270. The new Explorer 124270 also features the latest Oyster strap and Oysterlock Easylink buckle.
The latest version of the Air King, ref. 126900, hits the market in 2022. Unlike the 2021 Explorer, the case remains the same size at 40mm. However, it still gets some pretty significant upgrades that are not available on the Explorer in the form of a sportier crown protector. Rolex has also upgraded the Air-King to an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock and Easylink comfort extension clasp. The dial still has polarized Arabic hour markers and green and gold symbols, except that the 3/6/9 Arabic hour markers are now fully illuminated, eliminating the silver symbols altogether, and Rolex has replaced the “5” hour marker with an “05” to look more symmetrical with the rest of the dial. Like the Explorer 124270, the new Air-King is powered by the 3230 caliber.
The new Explorer ref. 124270 retails for $7,200, while the new Air-King retails for $126,900. 126,900 is now priced higher than the Explorer at $7,400.
Both then and now, the Explorer and Air-King are excellent entry-level “professional” Rolex models. However, while the Explorer remained arguably more understated, the Air-King went its own way by adopting a more sporty aesthetic.
