Rolex Air-King GMF / BP - purchase proccess

[LucaBel]

Hi, finally my first thread!

I have been a member for a couple of months now, and even though I was a bit skeptical with rep watches, after reading and reading this blog I decided I am going to buy my first rep
I had several choices in mind: Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, Air-King and Daytona. But since I saw the Air-King is a less frequent Rolex and I consider it quite discrete, I decided to go for it.

In this thread i am going to post about the proccess of buying it, including QC pics, delivery time or final opinion on the rep.
At the moment I just contacted the seller Jtime (Li) and he answered quite quickly and friendly, offering his help/advice.

I currently think the GMF is right choice, for I have seen on pictures and comments from other members. But does anyone know the main differences between Airking GMF and BP?

Thank you, I will keep you posted!

 

[KJ2020]

There are also models offered by JF and Noob.

The biggest difference between GMF and BP is GMF is 904L steel. There are different movement choices but GMF only offers the "3131", which is an SA3135 with fake 3131 engraving.

If you aren't aware, the SA3135 is the least preferred of the clone 3135 movements. VR>SH>SA

BP offers two models, both 316L. One is the reliable tried and true 2836 movement. The other would be an identical SA3135 with fake 3131 engraving.

BP and GMF are partner factories, so you aren't going to aee significant differences in overall apoearance. The dials are probably identical, I can't pick out any differences.

TD Trusty has a special discount on the Noob right now that I keep thinking I should grab. 2836 at $268 is a nice deal.

https://trustytime.shop/index.php?ma...ex&cPath=1_236

There is a whole thead discussing the Air King picking the models apart in detail. There are some subtle differences in the dial numeral fonts and spacing, hands shapes, etc. I'll post back with a link if I can find it.

 

[LucaBel]

KJ2020 Thank you very much. I wasnt aware of the movement differences as I am still iniciating in this world.
i am not sure if its a nobel’s mistake to just focus on the visual part of the watch and not so much on the mechanism. That is the reason why I am thinking to get the GMF.
For what i have read in other threads, the GMF is the most accurate rep put there (in terms of visually), would you agree with that? Because otherwise the discount you mention on the noob version is very very nice and worth considering

 

[KJ2020]

Yes GMF looks best but BP is going to be the same in appearance and can be gotten with 2836. The Noob numeral 3 has a wrong shape on the right edge, it is slightly too curved. Is that worth $150 when the GMF movement has the worst 3135 movement? Only you can answer that for yourself bro.

 

[LucaBel]

I am really really glad you gave me your insight, as this morning discovered that the 3135 is not very reliable.... i think you are right... maybe I should go for the BP with the 2836.
I also read that there is not much difference on the 904L vs the 316L (main difference: price)
KJ2020 thank you very much

 

[KJ2020]

You're welcome bro, that's why we are all here.

FWIW, I'm going to buy that exact watch and equip it with double 9's. I already have the donor 9's.

https://timeandtidewatches.com/a-mo...-of-the-air-king-116900-doubled-up-to-the-9s/

 

[LucaBel]

UPDATE #1

After taking into consideration both options, GMF and BP, I am finally going to order the BP version for the following reasons:

• Price was a bit lower for the BP version
• Movement of the BP is considerably better than the GMF (2836 vs 3135), or more reliable from what I have read in this forum
• The 316L bracelet is not so different from the 904L bracelet (in visual aspects)

Although the GMF is considered a better rep, its movement and its price tag has dragged me to choose the BP version

Li, from JTime, is being extremely responsive and helping through all the proccess. Thank you!

As soon as I receive the QC I will post them for the next update

 

[LucaBel]

UPDATE #2 QC pictures

I just received my QC pictures of the BP Air King, I think they look very good, but I have to say I have an untrained eye for this kind of detail. My observations:

- Im not sure about the 3, 6, 9, in some pictures it has a strange white shade, I guess its just the lighting?
- The "5" minute number looks a little bit small?
- In the left side of the clasp (picture 8), it looks roughly done?



Could anyone give me their oppinion? I am quite a rookie in this field....

 

[nomana]

UPDATE #2 QC pictures

I just received my QC pictures of the BP Air King, I think they look very good, but I have to say I have an untrained eye for this kind of detail.
Could anyone give me their oppinion? I am quite a rookie in this field....

You can not post qc pic without specific question. There’s a rule

 

[Ellisg93]

Must say, the Air-king is a model which i've overlooked for a very long time. Having seen the QC pics here, i'm super tempted.
They look very, very nice.
Can't personally see anything on the QC pics that caught my eye, but like you, i'm relatively new to this!

Good luck with your new timepiece.

 

[LucaBel]

Sorry my bad, I was too excited to share it with RWI. I just edited the post with some views on the QC. Thank you nomana

 

[KJ2020]

Sorry my bad, I was too excited to share it with RWI. I just edited the post with some views on the QC. Thank you nomana

Your QC is fine bro. The 5 just looks small because it's the only single digit seconds number. It's opposite double 5's so there is a little imbalance there. All of the 5's on the dial are going to be the same size.

3 6 9 numbers are polished silver. They will reflect light differently depending on the angle of view and the light source. There is nothing wrong with them.

The clasp has protective tape on it. What you are seeing there is a row of bubbles under the tape. Take a screenshot of the QC pic, then zoom in on your screenshot you can see it better.

I got my QC pics from Li today also. Approved right away. These models from BP are solid.

 

[LucaBel]

Ellisg93 Same story here, and after reading a lot in RWI, I just went for it. Cant wait to receive it.
The QC pictures, I agree with you. I dont see any "disturbing" deffects. Maybe in picture #8, on the left side it seems a little bit dodgy?

In terms of alignment of numbers, and the rest I think this rep is quite accurate

 

[LucaBel]

By the way, does any one know what the numbers in the machine indicate? I have seen them in a lot of QC, but still no idea what they mean

 

[LucaBel]

KJ2020 Thank you very much for your insight. It really helps to get other users help. I personally think this models are really solid as well. Did you post your QC in other thread? Would love to check them!

 

[Ellisg93]

By the way, does any one know what the numbers in the machine indicate? I have seen them in a lot of QC, but still no idea what they mean

From what I know...
28800 is the BPH or beats per hour - so I think that's 8 beats in between seconds to give the smooth sweeping second hand.
+2s/d means it's going to gain 2 seconds per day.
250 is the amplitude, 270 is considered good, 250ish is very acceptable.

 

[Ellisg93]

From what I know...
28800 is the BPH or beats per hour - so I think that's 8 beats in between seconds to give the smooth sweeping second hand.
+2s/d means it's going to gain 2 seconds per day.
250 is the amplitude, 270 is considered good, 250ish is very acceptable.

https://www.bobswatches.com/watch-resources/how-to-use-a-timegrapher

Actually, here's a really good article I just found!

 

[CaptainSplash]

UPDATE #2 QC pictures

I just received my QC pictures of the BP Air King, I think they look very good, but I have to say I have an untrained eye for this kind of detail. My observations:

- Im not sure about the 3, 6, 9, in some pictures it has a strange white shade, I guess its just the lighting?
- The "5" minute number looks a little bit small?
- In the left side of the clasp (picture 8), it looks roughly done?



Could anyone give me their oppinion? I am quite a rookie in this field....

If your question is "the 5 seems a little smaller in print" the answer is that it is an optical illusion due to the angel of the shot. The dial print is equally sized, to my eye. Beautiful watch, wear it in good health and come show off your pics in the various sub forums - We'll see you there! One thing to watch out for, this is addictive .

 

[FREEWIFI]

Looks really good

The effect on the 5 is usual as well as the white shines on the angles of the 3 6 9

In this angle you can see better the “ visual effect” of the 5

 

[LucaBel]

Ellisg93 thank you very much, these little things help me learn everyday from this new world im discovering. I hope I can help someone in the future with this