lock 0 Posted July 23, 2014 I have read all the newbie guides and advice and have searched without luck for an answer. I want an accurate Air King with the standard 34mm case. But it seems all the reps are 36mm or 39mm cases. I found one thread where someone thought that the Air King reps are just built into DateJust cases, hence why they are the wrong size. I have looked through all trusted dealer sites, google, etc. And I've not had any luck. Can anyone shed any light on this. Would it be possible to find a 34mm air king with the correct domed glass? or am I wasting my time? (no pun intended ;-) ) cheers in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ag69 0 Posted July 23, 2014 Try sending an email to one of the td's here with a pic of what you want. They'll let you know if one is available or not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 81 Posted July 24, 2014 As far as I'm aware, they're all built in DJ cases. I've not seen a 34mm AK rep... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RussP 22,281 Posted July 24, 2014 Welcome to the forum. Just wondering if you were slender-wristed (like me) or is this a gift for a special someone else of the fairer sex ? Russ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
James. 4 Posted July 24, 2014 Its probably best to not bother emailing a td either as most wouldn't really be aware or bothered with the 2mm case differential, and your probably find them telling you its 34mm when its 36. If i were you, hit up a stock std DJ 36mm or exp 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lock 0 Posted July 24, 2014 don't have the biggest wrists, but not so small. Mainly its because Im not a fan of the big watches, and I have to wear suits, cuffed shirts, so I want something discreet. I have always been a fan of the mid size omegas and small rolex. I guess I'll go for the older 36mm explorer :-( would be nice to find a 34mm air king though.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lock 0 Posted July 24, 2014 http://www.silix-prime.so/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=116_205_217&products_id=1785 What do people think? Will this be a long way off from a gen in terms of features? I'm not so concerned with the movement as I assume I found drop in a better hi beat movement later if the case is good.. Reasonable idea? Its the only 34mm I can find anywhere, if it is really 34 ?? :-/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Left Coast Guy 24 Posted July 24, 2014 As others have said, its doubtful that its actually 34MM. The dealers are just dealers, most times they take the spec sheets directly from the factory and paste them word for word on their website....and the factories tend to embellish on sizes for models they know they don't have right. Same thing happens with the Rolex Explorer II, supposed to be a 42MM case, but they use the same 40MM case of the submariner cause its readily available...doesn't make sense to mold a whole new case for 2MM difference. (BTW -- 34MM is a really small case, anything less then 38MM is going to look like a ladies watch) Also, if you really want an accurate rep, don't go for the Silix cheapie. Silix has great watches, but there is zero chance anyone would mistake a Silix cheapie for the gen. You can't really expect to get an accurate copy for $72. Can you explain what you mean by "features"? The Air King isn't a tool watch....it just tells time. The big accuracy areas for you to be concerned with are the dial, the bracelet quality (inc clasp), the mov't (for the sweep), and overall finish. You should be able to get most of that from the info and pics on the dealer site. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lock 0 Posted July 24, 2014 Yea this is what I expected. I wasn't interested because of the price. More because it said it was 34mm. By features I meant, security features making it accurate to a gen. I.e. rolexrolexrolex lazwr etched around dial, crown etched in 6 of sapphire, hologram, correct clasp for watch.. Etc. Cheers for the feedback. I have noticed from the pics on different sites. The explorers 1. Look like they all use the same dial and case, and just have different movements and price, perhaps the pics are misleading though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Left Coast Guy 24 Posted July 24, 2014 Yea this is what I expected. I wasn't interested because of the price. More because it said it was 34mm. By features I meant, security features making it accurate to a gen. I.e. rolexrolexrolex lazwr etched around dial, crown etched in 6 of sapphire, hologram, correct clasp for watch.. Etc. Cheers for the feedback. I have noticed from the pics on different sites. The explorers 1. Look like they all use the same dial and case, and just have different movements and price, perhaps the pics are misleading though... Yeah, typically the fit an finish is better for the higher end watches. You'll generally see three price categories, Under $175, $175 - $275, and $300 Plus. Generally, the Under $175 category is mostly crap, some dealers like Narikaa and WBK on RWI scout very small inventories of reps in this category, so their quality has been "pre-screened" if you will, but at most of the other big dealers, its just a low-end offering to provide another option versus the high-end offering. You can find good value in the middle range, but you probably need to read reviews from other who bought the same model first to make sure. Then, above $300, you're generally getting something pretty darn impressive on your wrist, at least from a fit/finish perspective. So likely not the same dial and case from high-end models to low end models, but you probably have to have a pretty good eye for detail to pick out the differences. Once you've been digging around here for a while, you'll start picking that up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lock 0 Posted July 24, 2014 cheers man, good to hear. I may do a bit of leg work, at real markets and shops as if Im spending $300+ it would be nice to see in person first, I'd like to compare to say a Tissot Visiodate, as if the quality is less, I may aswell get one of them or similar... I was wearing an old Seiko 5 auto. I thought it was a 35mm case and I like the size hence why I was after the 34mm rolex, but it turns out its a 37mm case, so I'll look at the explorers anyway. cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Left Coast Guy 24 Posted July 24, 2014 cheers man, good to hear. I may do a bit of leg work, at real markets and shops as if Im spending $300+ it would be nice to see in person first, I'd like to compare to say a Tissot Visiodate, as if the quality is less, I may aswell get one of them or similar... I was wearing an old Seiko 5 auto. I thought it was a 35mm case and I like the size hence why I was after the 34mm rolex, but it turns out its a 37mm case, so I'll look at the explorers anyway. cheers Yeah, my Seiko 5 measures closer to 38mm with 18MM lugs, thats about the same size as the Explorer or the vintage style Explorer. There is actually a very cool vintage "Paul Newman" explorer for sale on RWI (the sister forum to RWG) if you're interested. The guy is selling because its too small. Here's the link - (http://www.replica-w...ad.php?t=189964) $140 I believe. Just my take, but if you aren't comfortable throwing away $250 on a rep that didn't work out, this hobby may not be for you. I've personally only had one problem watch out of a dozen, but I'd estimate the repair rate for reps is 15% or even 20%. Its just a function of getting an automatic watch for so cheap....the factories can reduce costs because they don't have the same QC and testing protocols as the genuine makers. So most times, you're getting a solid product, but there is a very real chance you get a dud; and while this forum and the mods can help, any issue will cost more money for repair or return of the watch, so it can be a trying process. If you're not comfortable buying a watch without seeing it in person and holding it, etc, this hobby may be out of your comfort zone. That said, the M2M sales section is a great place to find deals, as those watches have already been worn and put through their paces a bit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites