The Air-King is dead. Long live the Air-King!

[Haywood_Milton]

As the current range of new Rolex sees the Air-King disappear, to be replaced by smart but sterile-named "Oyster Perpetuals," perhaps we should celebrate its life with some memories of the more funky versions.



When I first saw this bicolour Air-King I knew it was correct, for the champagne dial simply wouldn't be right for a steel model that might have been doctored. However, I expected to find that it would be a much earlier model, like the six-digit Explorer Dates and so on.

It is in fact a 9-million case number 5501 model with (one might have guessed) the 1520 calibre movement.

It was sad to hear a year or more ago that the Air-King name was going. If you have or have had an unusual treasure in this long line, let's celebrate its demise with a parade!

Haywood Milton, UK

[Old Expat Beast]

My IV/64-stamped 1.1mil A-K 5501. Note the lack of minute markers.

[JimSnyder]

I'm a Air King fan

[Vetteman]

While its not Rare... It was sent in for a Dial change ... This is what came back



This is how it started life... Wife just couldn't see past the concentric rings.. But it did stay blue

[TheRolexKingofLV]

I love Air Kings! Great pics! Thanks for sharing those ol' skools

[AU_911tt]

Can't leave out the Dominos Air King.

[Marrk]

@AU_911tt: I like the look of that, but maybe without he Dominos logo.

Air-King name going? ¿Por que?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Marrk

@AU_911tt: I like the look of that, but maybe without he Dominos logo.

Air-King name going? ¿Por que?

It's now a 34mm 'Oyster Perpetual'. Presumably because 34mm is a size mostly favoured by women these days, and (dare I say it) they may tend not to identify much with the Air-King's heritage or name. Upsizing the A-K to 38mm or so would have been a better move, IMO.

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

It's now a 34mm 'Oyster Perpetual'. Presumably because 34mm is a size mostly favoured by women these days, and (dare I say it) they may tend not to identify much with the Air-King's heritage or name. Upsizing the A-K to 38mm or so would have been a better move, IMO.

Women. Sheesh. If I didn't love 'em so much, I'd hate 'em.

[mineral]

Originally Posted by AU_911tt

Can't leave out the Dominos Air King.

Thanks for posting.

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

My IV/64-stamped 1.1mil A-K 5501. Note the lack of minute markers.

I noted the lack of writing under the center stack, too. Is this dial variation common?

[SpaceWanderer]

I really see Rolex bringing back the Air-King name at some point. Will it be a larger watch? I would think so. I wear a 34mm Air-King and a 42mm Pelagos. Love them both. The AK is a great watch, weighs nothing and looks fine. I have a 7.5 wrist and it certainly doesn't look excessive small to me.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by Marrk

I noted the lack of writing under the center stack, too. Is this dial variation common?

It's common, just another variation of the dial, nothing out of the ordinary

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by joe100

It's common, just another variation of the dial, nothing out of the ordinary

I believe the lack of the word "precision" on the dial indicates a 17-jewel movement instead of 26 jewels. These were made for the US market in the 1960s and (I think) early 70's to get around some kind of import taxes on luxury watches.

[SpaceWanderer]

When I sent my dad's '78 5500 AK in for service NY RSC, the old dial did not say precision. They replaced it with a new one that did. I don't knew if the movement was upgraded; there were undoubtedly a lot of parts that were ready for replacement. I do know it now keeps excellent time, and seems to have a power reserve that is much better than before. Like an idiot I misplaced the paperwork (but not the warranty card). I wonder if I called RSC they could give me some information on the movement. It's still under service warranty for a few more months.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I believe the lack of the word "precision" on the dial indicates a 17-jewel movement instead of 26 jewels. These were made for the US market in the 1960s and (I think) early 70's to get around some kind of import taxes on luxury watches.

I'd tend to agree, but as I've seen a bunch pop up in the commonwealth nations, I can't be too sure. It'd be nice to know for sure though

[RRGHOST1]

Air-King is a great name and hope they bring it back, maybe an Air-King GMT. It is sad to see the name disappear. Are there any other names of Rolex watches that we don't have any more ?
I see Haywood has listed his fantastic collection of watches, I have seen them, very impressive !

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by RRGHOST1

Air-King is a great name and hope they bring it back, maybe an Air-King GMT. It is sad to see the name disappear. Are there any other names of Rolex watches that we don't have any more ?
I see Haywood has listed his fantastic collection of watches, I have seen them, very impressive !

Dozens! There should be a list somewhere.

[goin camping]

I have received more compliments and questions from women about my SS, Silver faced AK than any other watch. Other Rolex's included.

Very elegant watch.

[jmlcihpe]

What is the story behind the Domino Pizza Air King dial? Was it originally a company award of some sort?

[JimSnyder]

Yes they could be had by breaking a certain sales goal for one weeks sales that was set by the company. I was a Dominos manager back in the 80's and was part of the team for two different store managers breaking their records. I missed mine by less then $2,000

[scotrick]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I believe the lack of the word "precision" on the dial indicates a 17-jewel movement instead of 26 jewels. These were made for the US market in the 1960s and (I think) early 70's to get around some kind of import taxes on luxury watches.

Thanks for the insight Joe, Adam. I am particularly interested in this dial because I have a 67 with leaf hands and a 70 with pointy baton hands, both are the 1520 cal.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by scotrick

Thanks for the insight Joe, Adam. I am particularly interested in this dial because I have a 67 with leaf hands and a 70 with pointy baton hands, both are the 1520 cal.

Interesting....aside from the gold/steel difference, your 5500 dial looks very similar to my 5501.

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by scotrick

Thanks for the insight Joe, Adam. I am particularly interested in this dial because I have a 67 with leaf hands and a 70 with pointy baton hands, both are the 1520 cal.

1520 is the same calibre as in the often-sought-after 5513. A workhorse and a great movement.

[scotrick]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Interesting....aside from the gold/steel difference, your 5500 dial looks very similar to my 5501.

The hands and dial look really nice on your 5501 Adam. My 1970 5501 has a few differences, the Precision script and minute track dial, and baton type hands.



Cheers,
Rick