Buying my first Rolex-Air-king 5500 Arabic Dial

[Mac13]

Hi,
I am looking to purchasing my first (and probably only) Rolex watch. I have a limited budget and could probably stretch to a newish Air King. However, After looking carefully I would really like to own a Rolex air-king 5500 Arabic dial. In my view this vintage watch looks amazing and I understand also that this model has an interesting history. Can anyone offer me advice on what i should be looking for and potential Companies or WEB sites that potentially I could find a suitable watch. Ideally, I want the best and original air-king 5500.
Appreciate any help and advice.
Regards

[LugholeChris]

Originally Posted by Mac13

Hi,

I am looking to purchasing my first (and probably only) Rolex watch. I have a limited budget and could probably stretch to a newish Air King. However, After looking carefully I would really like to own a Rolex air-king 5500 Arabic dial. In my view this vintage watch looks amazing and I understand also that this model has an interesting history. Can anyone offer me advice on what i should be looking for and potential Companies or WEB sites that potentially I could find a suitable watch. Ideally, I want the best and original air-king 5500.

Appreciate any help and advice.

Regards

Good day.

Good choice on a classic watch.

My wife has a 5500 from 1969, and it really has a beautiful character to it. Would highly recommend that you try different eras/decades to see what vibe you like the most. The older ones wear quite a bit smaller than the newer ones, both on account of the case width and bracelet type.

Things to look out for are of course the movement's condition and the general state of the case. Would def take it to a professional for an opinion before buying, seeing as how it is your first Rolex.

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[996marty]

Maybe post some pictures of ones you find and you’ll get feedback on if it’s a good example for the money. For a good one it could cost ££££ a Google search will help you narrow down your search

[TuRo]

I'd start with a search on Chronic24.com. there were 156 when i looked.....then you can see all the dial hues and hands and 2 bezel widths and bracelet versions. 5500 is nice piece - watch out for any fancy dials though like explorer as many fakes due to 5500 being fairly cheap and wrong-un types try to triple value fitting rare/exotic fake dials. Std Air King dials fairly safe though.

[Mac13]

Hi,
Thank you for your advice. I have pretty much set my heart on Steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Precision Ref. 5500. I understand that this model 5500 was sold in the 1950-60's and only supplied to the UK. Will be my first and only Rolex watch therefore I will wait until the right one is available. It's knowing who I can trust when making my purchase? And where is a safe place to concentrate my search.
"Hi,
Thank you for your advice. I have pretty much set my heart on Steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Precision Ref. 5500. Will be my first and only Rolex watch therefore I will wait until the right one is available. It's knowing who I can trust when making my purchase? And where is a safe place to concentrate my search.
Ps- I have tried to insert a photo of the 5500 I want but failed. If search "Steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Precision Ref. 5500" or "ROLEX AIR-KING 5500 ARABIC DIAL –STEEL – VINTAGE 1961", I hope you will know which 5500 I am referring to.

[Mac13]

Hi Buddy.
I have set my heart on this model Rolex. Now just the simple matter of finding a genuine one!
Regards
Dan

[CTech]

Is this the one?

https://www.ukspecialistwatches.co.u...-vintage-1961/

[Dan S]

If I'm honest, full arabic dials are not my favorite and I wonder if it might get a little old. It's just personal taste, but I'd much prefer a 3-6-9 dial. Just maybe something to think about.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Dan S

If I'm honest, full arabic dials are not my favorite and I wonder if it might get a little old. It's just personal taste, but I'd much prefer a 3-6-9 dial. Just maybe something to think about.

I’m with you, Dan. To me, they look like miniature wall clocks.

[996marty]

Originally Posted by CTech

Is this the one?

https://www.ukspecialistwatches.co.u...-vintage-1961/

That was the one I’d seen and at that price point it gives you options for other references

[Mac13]

Hi Buddy,
I have seen this watch and it is exactly the model I would like to buy. Unfortunately sold. I did find another watch listed on Chrono24. That was listed at £7500. The shop had quite a few negative feedbacks?
The search continues!
Regards

[Mac13]

Hi Buddy,
I just think the look is classy and as I understand these specific model was only available in the UK.
Regards

[jayceeho]

Wow, that is a great looking watch