The Rolex Air King (Past and present)

[Byron]

Recently, my uncle brought this out from his memory box and I was wondering if anybody had any more information about it. He has had it in his possession since the late 60's early 70's. Before that, it belonged to my great grandparents.

5500 is engraved between the lugs and a serial number that begins with a 369XXX is engraved between the other side of the lugs. I'm not sure if this is a Explorer or Air King.. Tested out the lume and it still worked a bit. I couldn't quite capture it. All I had with me was my iPhone 4s.

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!
Byron

[alex456gt]

My 1975 Air King (my father upgraded after 33yrs and gave it to me) and my 2007 Sub with that irresistible green bezel.




It had recently returned from a full servicing at the RSC in NY, I couldn't have been more pleased with the way it turned out.


This one is due for a service in the very near future, mostly to buff out a few small scratches.


regards,


Alex

[joe100]

Looks like someone had the 5500 dial refinished. Also could be a 6352 dial installed. But, it's absolutely a 5500 AirKing. No 5500 was a certified chronometer

[GoyGuy]

Here's my Air King Ref.5500, purchased new in 1976. Originally it came with the thinner 'folded link' bracelet, which I later replaced in 1980 with the solid-link bracelet shown here, otherwise it's all original. Presently loses 3 secs p/day, which I think is pretty good for a mechanical. Tritium has died, many years ago.

Interesting thread!

[joe100]

The somewhat uncommon blue dial, very nice! Nice to see your dial hasn't chipped. A lot of blue dial AKs and DJs from that era with a blue dial had a flaw in the paint and chipped where the tritium was applied. Very nice example you have there!

[GoyGuy]

Originally Posted by joe100

The somewhat uncommon blue dial, very nice! Nice to see your dial hasn't chipped. A lot of blue dial AKs and DJs from that era with a blue dial had a flaw in the paint and chipped where the tritium was applied. Very nice example you have there!

Thanks joe100, here are my two blue boys

[joe100]

Nice OQ!

[GoyGuy]

Originally Posted by Air King Dan

Here is my Rolex Air-King as requested!

Dan

Beautiful example of a 5500? You must be very pleased with it, black is a great dial color, steel work and band look great!

[Tony1]

My Blue M serial 114200 says Hello :

[joe100]

I'm really loving the blue dials boys!

[GoyGuy]

Very happy with this OQ.

[GoyGuy]

Originally Posted by Math23ews

I would like to hear some facts about model numbers and production years![img]http://www.************/28.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/02.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/03.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/05.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/04.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/29.jpg[/img]

My blue Jubilee OQ is a model ref. '17014A', not sure what the 'A' stands for. It has a 'PXXXXXX' serial which suggests early Y2000 manufacture. Has 'SWISS MADE' at the 6 o'clock position, which always seems to be seen with the newer white 'super luminova' lume.

More to follow regarding an early ref. 17000, when I get my hands on it...

[JCW1980]

I've been collecting watches for a number of years and have been kicking around the idea of delving into Rolex for the last few months. As my collecting tastes have matured, I find myself leaning more and more toward vintage Rolex. I'm attracted to the classic designs, smaller sizes (sub-40mm), and the sport/adventure oriented history.

I think the Air-King may be my first, and I'm leaning toward the reference 5500. This has been a great thread! Very informative! I'll be reading the AK History thread next.

[jot_]

Originally Posted by joe100

The AK gets a lot of schtick around here but it really is an excellent watch. Draws little attention, classic design, great history, and a price that won't break the bank. A good one can cost as little as $1500. Less than half of any of the other sport models. It's also very versitile too. Dress it up or down, doesn't matter and it's comfortable as well.

Without a doubt! I've been through all manner of watches, and the AK is the only mainstay of my collection. It takes a lot of heat for being 34mm, but I've always found it to wear very well. It's my daily wearer and one piece that I don't intend on ever selling.

[joe100]

Obviously I agree! Ha

[AzPaul]

Just this morning, we had a '67 Air-King pop up for sale here locally. The ad says the dial has been 'refinished to the highest possible standards' but refinished is still refinished.

It's a too close to my own 1501 to actually pursue but it was nice to see one for sale anyway. We don't really get that many offered from private sellers here.

[Walter Wharton]

Dear Members,

I have a Rolex Oysterdate prescison how does this model differ from the Air King it dates from around 1975 / 1976

Regards

W.W.

[joe100]

Well it has a date and it's manual wind

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Walter Wharton

Dear Members,

I have a Rolex Oysterdate prescison how does this model differ from the Air King it dates from around 1975 / 1976

Regards

W.W.

Well, your Oysterdate is manual-wind, and has a date on it. But they're both 34mm.

[powerfunk]

Derp, missed your post Joe. Summed it up succinctly!

[Black Shamrock]

Are Air Kings waterproof or just water resistant?

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Black Shamrock

Are Air Kings waterproof or just water resistant?

New Air Kings are rated to 100m. Older ones 50m. So, I'd call that waterproof, as long as you've pressure checked it recently.

Some might say "there's no such thing as waterproof," but Rolex marketed Oyster watches as such for many years. ;)

Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2

[joe100]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

New Air Kings are rated to 100m. Older ones 50m. So, I'd call that waterproof, as long as you've pressure checked it recently.

Some might say "there's no such thing as waterproof," but Rolex marketed Oyster watches as such for many years. ;)

Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2

Rob is correct. 100m will suffice in almost any situation for a normal human.

[Black Shamrock]

Thanks for the replies. I have a 1995 Air King. Is that considered old (50m) or new (100m)?

[joe100]

Originally Posted by Black Shamrock

Thanks for the replies. I have a 1995 Air King. Is that considered old (50m) or new (100m)?

100m with ref 14000

The 5500 was rated to 165' or 50m. I have mine tested to 100m no problem. Rolex, like BMW, likes to underestimate their products a bit.

[trippntx]

Here's a photo of my "new" 5501 Air-King. It's a 1979 TT with a very light silver face (looks closer to white) with a non-Rolex strap and buckle. This photo is from the ad that coerced me into buying the thing. :)

[joe100]

Muy nice Trip!

[trippntx]

Originally Posted by joe100

Muy nice Trip!

Thanks much Joe!

Have been wearing the 5501 for four days now and love it. I think me 16233 is getting lonely. :)

[joe100]

There are many Rolex models and dials without numbers. The 5500s, 14000s etc

[Concord]

I won this Air-King date in a Rolex sales contest in 1971, when I worked for a Rolex dealer. The band is not original, but other than the usual genuine Rolex repair parts, it is all original. This one came to me direct from Rolex, Toronto, with the point of sale price ticket still on it. Read it and weep! In 1971, this watch sold for, get this, $ 215.00 in Canada!