A few questions about a vintage Air-King

[Ferrari308]

A friend of mine has this watch. He has had it for several years. It was a gift from his wife. All he knew is that it was a Rolex. I took some shots of it, but I had a few questions that I was hoping someone could help with.

It is a 34mm Air-King, but I have no idea on anything about these.

1. Which model is this? Can anyone give me a rough idea of the model or a date range?

2. Does anyone know where we might look to source a proper link or two? He can't wear the watch because he needs at least one more link, maybe two.

3. Is there anything else he should know about the watch?? Which movement it might have, etc...?

Anyone??

Thank you!!


PDG

[Kap007]

I think late 80s. I have a 14000 from 1993 and they look similar. They have not changed much over the years however. I got extra link at local shop on jewelers row in Philadelphia; easy to source most places. The bracelet on these are not very good. A friction fit clasp that I did not find secure. I put mine on a NATO.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Kap007

I think late 80s. I have a 14000 from 1993 and they look similar. They have not changed much over the years however. I got extra link at local shop on jewelers row in Philadelphia; easy to source most places. The bracelet on these are not very good. A friction fit clasp that I did not find secure. I put mine on a NATO.

Friction fit clasps are fine if you adjust them properly. I’ve set some of mine so tight that it’s painful to open them.

[Ferrari308]

Originally Posted by Kap007

I think late 80s. I have a 14000 from 1993 and they look similar. They have not changed much over the years however. I got extra link at local shop on jewelers row in Philadelphia; easy to source most places. The bracelet on these are not very good. A friction fit clasp that I did not find secure. I put mine on a NATO.

This one appears to have a 19mm lug width - I compared it with my 1014 which I am wearing today and it was about the same.

I was thinking it was probably a 5500, but you think it's a 14000? I know very little about the Air Kings, so this is all new to me. I was hoping that the numbers on the bracelet might give away some information to help decipher it without completely removing it.

Thanks again!


PDG

[Tools]

Plexi crystal so it is likely a 5500 Air King, and pre '89 when it was replaced with the sapphire crystal 14000. Hands look like 70's, maybe early 80's.

Likely contains a 1520 movement, so parts are getting scarce for these.

A link can be found at most Dealers although some may need to order it for you. The numbers on the bracelet don't tell you anything about the watch model.