ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
30 September 2020, 01:16 PM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
1975 Rolex Air-King
For the last three years I’ve been searching for a vintage 1975 Rolex and finally came across one that I’m excited to see in person this weekend. Serial is 41xx. Bracelet is a 19m 7835 with 357 end links. Dial, hands, lume plots all look original with even patina. I’m meeting the seller at a jeweler to open the case back and check the movement. Anything else I should be mindful of before completing the transaction? Appreciate any advice.
|
30 September 2020, 01:52 PM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Montreal
Watch: The Habs pick 1st!
Posts: 3,589
|
That is a nice watch. See the A on the band blade? It means 1976 date code. What is the asking price? Should be model 5500
|
30 September 2020, 02:02 PM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 467
|
It would be worth looking in some detail at the end links (especially the one at 12 o'clock) as neither of them fit the profile of the case very well. I think the 7835 bracelet and the 357 end links are correct for the watch so it might just be a simple problem of bent spring bars or the incorrect shape of the end pieces.
You might have to take the bracelet off the watch head to properly see what is happening. It would be best to know exactly what is causing that problem before committing to purchase it so you know what the cost of a remedy is likely to be. The fit of that bracelet and end links will never be perfect by modern standards but you should be able to get it a lot better with a little work. |
30 September 2020, 02:05 PM | #4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
Hi Harry - Thanks for your input. Yes it’s a 5500. Asking price is under $3K.
|
30 September 2020, 02:06 PM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
Thanks for the tip, CTech!
|
30 September 2020, 02:37 PM | #6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Montreal
Watch: The Habs pick 1st!
Posts: 3,589
|
Well, it’s a great watch. It’s a 34mm case so it’s not large. The band is in great shape. There are tubes hooking the first link. These Are in great shape. Good deal
|
30 September 2020, 10:49 PM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
Thanks, Harry.
|
1 October 2020, 05:24 AM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 813
|
Does anyone know, when Rolex started using 1002 case backs on 5500s?
|
1 October 2020, 09:17 AM | #9 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 467
|
Quote:
The earliest one I have seen advertised recently was lot 170 in Sothebys New York auction on 4th September 2020. This was serial number 1418280 and it was on a riveted Oyster bracelet. It looked genuine and original and was dated 1966 by Sothebys. |
|
1 October 2020, 10:28 AM | #10 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
Quote:
https://www.rescapement.com/blog/for...reference-5500 |
|
1 October 2020, 11:44 AM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Japan
Posts: 4,367
|
Welcome to 1970s Rolex quality control. Cost of repair is whatever you pay for a pair of pliers and some protective tape to bend them out a little.
|
1 October 2020, 12:23 PM | #12 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 6,297
|
Quote:
To the OP, 34mm is pretty small for many people, but if that size works for you, it looks like a nice honest watch with typical wear as far as I can tell from the photos. Price is in the right range.
__________________
@oldwatchdan on IG |
|
1 October 2020, 01:13 PM | #13 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
Quote:
|
|
1 October 2020, 01:17 PM | #14 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
|
1 October 2020, 01:44 PM | #15 | |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Real Name: Kat
Location: CA, USA
Watch: 126233 Wimbledon T
Posts: 7,165
|
Quote:
|
|
1 October 2020, 02:21 PM | #16 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
Quote:
|
|
3 October 2020, 08:41 AM | #17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
Bought it today! Watchmaker opened it up for me. It’s been well cared for over the years. He counted four different service engravings. It has the 1520 movement and 1002 case back. Thank you all for your input. Very happy with my first vintage purchase!
|
3 October 2020, 08:44 AM | #18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
Additional photos...
|
3 October 2020, 08:57 AM | #19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 6,642
|
Nice watch - congratulations!
|
3 October 2020, 12:32 PM | #20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Real Name: Eric
Location: Texas
Watch: 1975 Air-King
Posts: 35
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.