1975 Rolex Air-King

[Timetogetawatch]

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.

[harry in montreal]

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

[CTech]

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.

[Timetogetawatch]

Hi Harry - Thanks for your input. Yes it’s a 5500. Asking price is under $3K.

[Timetogetawatch]

Thanks for the tip, CTech!

[harry in montreal]

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

[Timetogetawatch]

Thanks, Harry.

[Vlad]

Does anyone know, when Rolex started using 1002 case backs on 5500s?

[CTech]

Does anyone know, when Rolex started using 1002 case backs on 5500s?

I doubt if you'll get a definite answer on this. Most Internet sources say all 5500s had 1002 case backs by the (early) 1970s, which might imply only some had them prior to that.

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.

[Timetogetawatch]

Originally Posted by Vlad

Does anyone know, when Rolex started using 1002 case backs on 5500s?

Here’s the best article I could find on this topic:

https://www.rescapement.com/blog/for...reference-5500

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by CTech

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.

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.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by zapokee

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.

This made me smile, thinking about the many hours I have spent tinkering with Rolex end-links. Different tools. Different spring-bars. Tape. Not relevant here, but the RUSA bracelets are the worst! Lots of great RF posts with hints and tricks.

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.

[Timetogetawatch]

Originally Posted by Dan S

This made me smile, thinking about the many hours I have spent tinkering with Rolex end-links. Different tools. Different spring-bars. Tape. Not relevant here, but the RUSA bracelets are the worst! Lots of great RF posts with hints and tricks.

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.

Thanks for your input. Sounds like you have a lot of experience with vintage pieces. I own two modern Rolex watches (116520, 116610LN) and am fully expecting this to feel small. But I like the classic, clean look of the 5500. It’ll be a nice, unique addition to my rotation, assuming it all works out.

[Timetogetawatch]

Originally Posted by zapokee

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.

Love it. Might need a YouTube video to guide me.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Timetogetawatch

Thanks for your input. Sounds like you have a lot of experience with vintage pieces. I own two modern Rolex watches (116520, 116610LN) and am fully expecting this to feel small. But I like the classic, clean look of the 5500. It’ll be a nice, unique addition to my rotation, assuming it all works out.

It should look great. My son wears an OP from 1958, as his dailywatch, that I bought a few years back. He loves it and receives a lot of compliments. Every time I see him, I check the integrity of the bracelet, because of its age, and make any necessary adjustments.

[Timetogetawatch]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

It should look great. My son wears an OP from 1958, as his dailywatch, that I bought a few years back. He loves it and receives a lot of compliments. Every time I see him, I check the integrity of the bracelet, because of its age, and make any necessary adjustments.

You and your son have great taste! I’ll definitely get the bracelet checked out.

[Timetogetawatch]

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!

[Timetogetawatch]

Additional photos...

[winst]

Nice watch - congratulations!

[Timetogetawatch]

Originally Posted by winst

Nice watch - congratulations!

Thank you!