Air King date-opinions needed

[Jdot]

Hi Everyone,

I recently inherited an air king date (roughly 40 years old) which is currently at Rolex being serviced. RSC Toronto suggested a new oyster bracelet at the cost of $950. I keep flipping back and forth between getting it replaced or maybe just putting a leather strap on.

Just wondering what would you do?

Thanks,

J

[dddrees]

I would probably put it on a leather strap.

[watch watcher]

Having recently aquired two important watches (not Rolex) through an inhertitance, here's how I look at it: Since they were "free" and belonged to an important person in my life, I went full bore and restored them to their original condition. But, a new strap would not be sacrilegious and is also a good option.

You could also just get a strap now and get the bracelet later if you wanted.

[mr500cm]

When I think of Rolex, I really don't think of leather. Sorry but thats just me.


Lance

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Jdot

Hi Everyone,

I recently inherited an air king date (roughly 40 years old) which is currently at Rolex being serviced. RSC Toronto suggested a new oyster bracelet at the cost of $950. I keep flipping back and forth between getting it replaced or maybe just putting a leather strap on.

Just wondering what would you do?

Thanks,

J

Well myself would put it back to original with the oyster bracelet.And today many Airking models are now becoming collectible especially the Airking dates with the red date roulette type.Most sort after Airkings now are models like the 1960s 5504 with the honeycombed dial that type of dial was a Rolex first.Now the first Airking date arrived on the scene late 1960s Ref 5700 and were only sold in the then Commonwealth countries like Canada and the UK.Now they did make a 5700n A/K Explorer Date but that one was only sold in the USA.Later on in the 1970s the 5701 Airking dates had the cal.1525/35 movements,and they made a TT version of the 5701 quite rare not many of those around, but again made for the Canadian only market the Airking date faded out of production in the 1980s. IMHO a shame the Airking has quite a lot of steep history and its one of the longest production run watches for Rolex, and IMHO now a very very underrated watch.

[GradyPhilpott]

If you can afford it go for the bracelet.

If not, put a strap on it.

You could then save for a bracelet at a later date.

I find the price of SS bracelets to be rather shocking, but that's the price you pay for authenticity.

[ecsub44]

What about a vintage bracelet? It might be a bit cheaper...and maybe more "appropriate" for your watch.

Either way...my vote is for steel!

[beaglehusky]

Get a leather strap, use it for a few weeks and decide if you like it or not.

[cbusjer]

I second the vintage bracelet. I have a few vintage pieces and new "stuff" on them never feels right. Besides, you'll definitely save some money. I recently picked up a 1967 stretch rivet bracelet completely Rolex serviced (new springs, etc) for $450 for my most decent vintage project watch. Go to VRF and have a look around, or even post a WTB. I've always been able to find what I need there, BUT be careful... Vintage Rolex watches are an insane addiction ;-)

[MoBe]

Since it is your money that I`m spending I recommend the new Oyster bracelet.

[bradiowausa]

I would go get a new oyster bracelet - provided that they let you keep the old bracelet for collection purposes. I have an AK and I think its the most underrated rolex.

[cajunron]

You have to ask yourself, "what would JJ do?"

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by MoBe

Since it is your money that I`m spending I recommend the new Oyster bracelet.

I voted for the Oyster bracelet as well. Both would look great but I'd prefer a metal one.

[Jdot]

Thanks for the opinions so far! I just received a call that my watch is back from RSC. I was trying to decide on the bracelet before it came back, so I guess I have more time to decide......I am leaning towards steel tho

[slcbbrown]

I prefer the steel bracelets, in general, but have a couple Rolex on straps, too. If your old bracelet is a mess, do what you can afford. If you felt your bracelet was serviceable when you sent it to Rolex, I'd just keep using it. Used stainless bracelets are available and often at reasonable prices on the used market.

If you're concerned about keeping this watch as close to original as possible, Rolex is going to put a modern bracelet on it-- not a 40 year old model.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by bradiowausa

I would go get a new oyster bracelet - provided that they let you keep the old bracelet for collection purposes. I have an AK and I think its the most underrated rolex.

For $950 I'd bet that includes a trade in - Rolex keeps old.