Rolex Explorer vs Air-King (2022): How Are They Different?

When Rolex released the new versions of the Explorer (ref. 214270) and Air-King (ref. 116900) at the 2016 Baselworld Watch Show, pretty much everyone thought that they looked a little too similar. While this is true at first glance, you will notice some crucial differences between the two when you take a closer look. Also, these two models have completely different backgrounds, although you wouldn’t be able to tell just by looking at them. If you’re wondering which model is the better match for your luxury watch needs, here’s an in-depth comparison of the Rolex Explorer and Air-King, taking their history, design, and movements into consideration.

Rolex Explorer vs Air-King Comparison Chart

Before and After

The Explorer got a minor facelift while the Air-King got a complete makeover.

The new Explorer comes with a bunch of much-needed improvements from the old version and the most obvious one is the dial. It now sports luminescent accents which Rolex calls “Chromalight Display”, giving off a nice blue light in the dark for up to 8 hours. Another upgrade you can enjoy with the new Explorer is the center hands, now with much better proportions. Rolex was receiving complaints about how they were too small on the first Explorer model and so they went ahead and made them longer and thicker.

If the Explorer got a minor facelift, then it looks like the Air-King got a complete makeover, its new model looking nothing like the old discontinued version. Not only does it come with a much larger case, but its dial has been revamped as well (more on these details in the next section). It’s interesting to note that because of the small improvements in the Explorer and the drastic changes in the Air-King, these two models somehow ended up with similar looks and are now comparable to each other.

Design

The Explorer and Air-King are different when it comes to their sizes, dials, and clasps.

When it comes to design, the most obvious difference between the new versions of the Explorer and Air-King is size. The Explorer has a 39mm Oyster case while the Air-King has a slightly larger one at 40mm. To boot, the Air-King is also 2mm thicker than the Explorer, confirming that it’s the bulkier model of the two.

Another thing that sets the new Explorer and Air-King models apart is the dial. On the Explorer, you’ll see a black dial marked with a mix of numbers and indexes, altogether giving off a simple and straightforward look. As for the Air-King, its black dial sports a more dynamic pattern of minute markers and numbers. Not to mention its second hand is green and the Rolex logo is colored as well, giving it that aviation look that the Air-King is known for.

The last difference you’ll spot between the new Explorer and Air-King models is the clasp. On the Explorer, you’ll find a folding Oysterlock safety clasp while the Air-King sports an Oysterclasp. This is where the Explorer gets the slight upper hand because that extra folding action means that it’s more secure.

These things aside, the new Explorer and Air-King models do share quite a few design similarities. Both are made with a stainless steel bezel, sapphire glass, and Twinlock winding crown. Both also come with a 20mm Oyster bracelet as well as an Easylink 5mm extension system, allowing for easy adjustment. When it comes to water-resistance, both are again on par with each other, able to withstand up to 100 meters.

Movements

Both the Explorer and Air-King are time-only watches but are powered by different movements.

Even though both the new Explorer and the Air-King models are time-only watches with 48 hours of power reserve, their movements couldn’t be more different. The Explorer is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3132 while the Air-King runs on the Rolex Caliber 3131. While both the Caliber 3132 and 3131 are certified Swiss Chronometers, having passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests and reserved for high-precision watches, they have different properties.

The Caliber 3132 is equipped with a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, making it that much more resistant to shocks and extreme weather conditions. The Caliber 3131 doesn’t have these features although it does have anti-magnetic properties, thanks to its magnetic shield (this is the reason why the Air-King is slightly heftier than the Explorer). The only other Rolex watch that’s capable of withstanding magnetic fields is the Milgauss and so you can say that it’s quite a unique feature.

Verdict

It all boils down to your personal preferences and budget.

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There’s no denying that the new versions of the Rolex Explorer and Air-King are great upgrades from their old selves. In fact, they ended up with specs that are quite similar to each other’s. So how do you choose between the two? It all boils down to your personal preferences as well as your budget. The Explorer is the perfect choice for you if you’re into watch designs that are more simplistic and straightforward. Another good reason to choose the Explorer is for its shock resistance features. As for the Air-King, it boasts of a slightly more bold design, making it the perfect choice for you if you want to sport an eye-catching watch. To boot, the Air-King has anti-magnetic properties. Price-wise, the Air-King is slightly more affordable than the Explorer, allowing you to save around $300.

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