Air King in need of love.

[aklover]

Hello all
New to this this forum. I have an Air King date, pre 91 with a plastic glass. It needs some tlc. Can anyone recommend an independent repairer that is able to use genuine parts? I'm based near Diss, Norfolk, UK.

Thanks
A

[dysondiver]

welcome to the forum ,,, the guys in the know will be along soon.

[joe100]

The rsc is your first bet. Photos please

[aklover]

Thanks for the replies.
I take it rsc stands for Rolex service centre? Will these tend to be very expensive compared to and independent? I'll dig out the extension tube & 50mm lens for some shots later.

Ak

[aklover]

Evening
First time posting a photo.
In addition to a repair maybe a new glass if the still do them?

Ak

[aklover]

Code on underside.

[aklover]

Back to the normal zoom lens.

[aklover]

Standard zoom lens.

[aklover]

Would love to get it working again and wear it. Can someone please explain what rsc stands for?

Ak

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by aklover

Would love to get it working again and wear it. Can someone please explain what rsc stands for?

Ak

Rolex service center, I don't know any independants in the UK, Wish I could help.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by aklover

Would love to get it working again and wear it. Can someone please explain what rsc stands for?

Ak

RSC does stand for Rolex Service Center.

Yes, the RSC does generally charge a hundred or so more than an independent. However, they also change all the mechanical parts considered expendable such as gears, jewels and mainsprings.. they also include the acrylic crystal. They will also take the movement completely apart down to the last screw.

There are probably several good UK watchmakers who can also do a wonderful job and have a Rolex parts account, but they won't be "cheap" either. I'm sure that some of our UK members have a suggestion or two.

I believe that you will find your Air-King is much older than you think..

[aklover]

Thanks for the replies.
Tools - useful information. I was guessing 70's. Can it be dated from the number on the underside?
I may have to bite the bullit and get it done. At an rsc am I looking at £600-700?

Ak

[joe100]

The code on the end link, 574, is a part number for the end link. 574 means the part is a 19mm oyster end link for the 78350 bracelet.

*** need ** take off the bracelet and get the serial number for an approximate date. The serial and model number are between the lugs, etched in** the case. The model is 5700, Air King Date, and the serial will be the longer number on the other side.

The AirKingDate was only sold in the commonwealth countries like the UK, Australia, Canada etc and while not rare, aren't extremely common either. Don't read this as valuable though. Most AKDs are worth a small premium over their 5500 non-date counterparts.

*** can read more about the AK in this article I wrote: http://rolexb***.b***spot.com/2013/0...ing.html#links

[joe100]

But really the rsc is the way ** go unless someone can recommend someone they trust. Shoot me a PM, I may know of someone in the UK who can help *** out. He's a good watchmaker but I'm not sure if he has a Rolex account though

[aklover]

Thank you Joe. A mine if information. Would you mind posting that link again as there is some text missing.

Ak

[Old Expat Beast]

Joe's link in full. A great read:
http://rolexblog.blogspot.hk/2013/07...-air-king.html

[Snoodles]

I would use Bill Rice in Hull who is Rolex accredited or Duncan at Genesis watch makers... PM if you need any further help...£3-400 for a service I would guess and with either of them you can say what you want or not want done. Good luck.

Vince

[joe100]

Thanks Adam. The curse filter glitch killed my link. Glad that's been fixed!

[aklover]

More pics. Model & number. Cross referenced from a link on minus4plus6. I recon 1970. Bang on with the model Joe.

[aklover]

Watch number.

[joe100]

Well they only made 2 AKD models, the 5700 and 5701 so don't give me too much credit!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by joe100

Well they only made 2 AKD models, the 5700 and 5701 so don't give me too much credit!

[joe100]

1970 or 1971 on the date. All of the dates are approximate as Rolex doesn't release this information.

By the way, I was wrong above. I said 574 end links were for the 19mm 78350. That's incorrect. I was speed typing and not paying attention to my own fingers. The 574 end links are for the 20mm 62510h jubilee bracelet.

[Storky]

Originally Posted by aklover

Hello all
New to this this forum. I have an Air King date, pre 91 with a plastic glass. It needs some tlc. Can anyone recommend an independent repairer that is able to use genuine parts? I'm based near Diss, Norfolk, UK.

Thanks
A

Just sent you a PM

[dysondiver]

handy , as most of the independent guys seem to be over in the us , a list of uk guys would be useful .
im sure it will clean up and turn into a very nice every day wear.

[aklover]

So far I've discovered there are 2 rsc's in the South East and 2 independent Rolex accredited workshops further north. The full works will be around £430. Shame I have no box or papers to make it a complete package.
Ak

[joe100]

Originally Posted by aklover

So far I've discovered there are 2 rsc's in the South East and 2 independent Rolex accredited workshops further north. The full works will be around £430. Shame I have no box or papers to make it a complete package.
Ak

Eh, box and papers are just something else to store and you can't wear them anyway. A 5700 is a fine watch though. I'm sure you'll find someone to service the movement

[aklover]

Update.
Watch posted on the 12th and returned on the 28th. Fully serviced & cleaned losing none of it's vintage charm. Work was done by Duncan of Genesis Watchmaking in the UK. Highly recommend.
I've quite enjoyed this. Wonder where I can get hold of more classic watches to play with.

Thanks to all for your help.
AK

[CrownMe]

looks great. Congrats. she cleaned up very nicely

[dysondiver]

fine looking watch