The Rolex Air King (Past and present)

[Kiwinz]

Originally Posted by Blue September

That's gorgeous! What's the strap?

Not quite sure, Croc style with inside calf leather lineing.

Certainly not a very expensive one,...the Buckle be worth 10x more

[joe100]

Either way, it looks great with the Rolex buckle.


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[luca.321]

This is mine.

Just received as present. I really don`t understand about rolex (just started).
It doesn`t have a box, certificate and nothing written on the back.

What the best way to understand the reference & value?

Thanks guys.

[IMG][/IMG]

[joe100]

Hi Luca

What you have there is a Rolex AirKing 5500. From the dial I can tell it appears to be a 1970s model, maybe slightly earlier. The 5500 was one of Rolex longest running references. The reference and serial numbers are located between the lugs.

Very nice watch regardless!

[Gugnunc]

Just to point out that the 1530 movement shown by Kiwinz has a stick regulator. For a long time it had been "received wisdom" that all 1530 movements had a microstellar adjuster and that this was one of the features which distinguished them from the 1520. (I believe that "Precisions" have 1520 movements and "Super Precisions" have 1530s). However there are so many instances of 1530s with stick adjusters (my own watch is one such) that I firmly believe that the 1530 was manufactured with both types of adjusters and not exclusively microstellars. Is it possible that early 1530s were microstellar and later ones stick or vice-versa? My own watch is 1963 manufactured and 1530 "stick" and I note that the one belonging to Kiwinz was made in late 1958.

[joe100]

With rolex there is no rhyme or reason.

[Walter Wharton]

Dear Members,

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the references numbered as follows : 11000 11000M

Many thanks an interested Rolex owner

Kind regards

Walter Wharton

[joe100]

Otho k you mean 14000 and 14000m. The difference is the movement. The 14000 has a cal 3000 and the 14000m has a 3130. That's it.

The 3130 is used in the current AK line as well

[Byron]

Recently, my uncle brought this out from his memory box and I was wondering if anybody had any more information about it. He has had it in his possession since the late 60's early 70's. Before that, it belonged to my great grandparents.

5500 is engraved between the lugs and a serial number that begins with a 369XXX is engraved between the other side of the lugs. I'm not sure if this is a Explorer or Air King.. Tested out the lume and it still worked a bit. I couldn't quite capture it. All I had with me was my iPhone 4s.

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!
Byron

[alex456gt]

My 1975 Air King (my father upgraded after 33yrs and gave it to me) and my 2007 Sub with that irresistible green bezel.




It had recently returned from a full servicing at the RSC in NY, I couldn't have been more pleased with the way it turned out.


This one is due for a service in the very near future, mostly to buff out a few small scratches.


regards,


Alex

[joe100]

Looks like someone had the 5500 dial refinished. Also could be a 6352 dial installed. But, it's absolutely a 5500 AirKing. No 5500 was a certified chronometer

[GoyGuy]

Here's my Air King Ref.5500, purchased new in 1976. Originally it came with the thinner 'folded link' bracelet, which I later replaced in 1980 with the solid-link bracelet shown here, otherwise it's all original. Presently loses 3 secs p/day, which I think is pretty good for a mechanical. Tritium has died, many years ago.

Interesting thread!

[joe100]

The somewhat uncommon blue dial, very nice! Nice to see your dial hasn't chipped. A lot of blue dial AKs and DJs from that era with a blue dial had a flaw in the paint and chipped where the tritium was applied. Very nice example you have there!

[GoyGuy]

Originally Posted by joe100

The somewhat uncommon blue dial, very nice! Nice to see your dial hasn't chipped. A lot of blue dial AKs and DJs from that era with a blue dial had a flaw in the paint and chipped where the tritium was applied. Very nice example you have there!

Thanks joe100, here are my two blue boys

[joe100]

Nice OQ!

[GoyGuy]

Very happy with this OQ.

[Tony1]

My Blue M serial 114200 says Hello :

[joe100]

I'm really loving the blue dials boys!

[JCW1980]

I've been collecting watches for a number of years and have been kicking around the idea of delving into Rolex for the last few months. As my collecting tastes have matured, I find myself leaning more and more toward vintage Rolex. I'm attracted to the classic designs, smaller sizes (sub-40mm), and the sport/adventure oriented history.

I think the Air-King may be my first, and I'm leaning toward the reference 5500. This has been a great thread! Very informative! I'll be reading the AK History thread next.

[jot_]

Originally Posted by joe100

The AK gets a lot of schtick around here but it really is an excellent watch. Draws little attention, classic design, great history, and a price that won't break the bank. A good one can cost as little as $1500. Less than half of any of the other sport models. It's also very versitile too. Dress it up or down, doesn't matter and it's comfortable as well.

Without a doubt! I've been through all manner of watches, and the AK is the only mainstay of my collection. It takes a lot of heat for being 34mm, but I've always found it to wear very well. It's my daily wearer and one piece that I don't intend on ever selling.

[joe100]

Obviously I agree! Ha

[AzPaul]

Just this morning, we had a '67 Air-King pop up for sale here locally. The ad says the dial has been 'refinished to the highest possible standards' but refinished is still refinished.

It's a too close to my own 1501 to actually pursue but it was nice to see one for sale anyway. We don't really get that many offered from private sellers here.

[Walter Wharton]

Dear Members,

I have a Rolex Oysterdate prescison how does this model differ from the Air King it dates from around 1975 / 1976

Regards

W.W.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Walter Wharton

Dear Members,

I have a Rolex Oysterdate prescison how does this model differ from the Air King it dates from around 1975 / 1976

Regards

W.W.

Well, your Oysterdate is manual-wind, and has a date on it. But they're both 34mm.

[joe100]

Well it has a date and it's manual wind

[powerfunk]

Derp, missed your post Joe. Summed it up succinctly!

[Black Shamrock]

Are Air Kings waterproof or just water resistant?

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Black Shamrock

Are Air Kings waterproof or just water resistant?

New Air Kings are rated to 100m. Older ones 50m. So, I'd call that waterproof, as long as you've pressure checked it recently.

Some might say "there's no such thing as waterproof," but Rolex marketed Oyster watches as such for many years. ;)

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[joe100]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

New Air Kings are rated to 100m. Older ones 50m. So, I'd call that waterproof, as long as you've pressure checked it recently.

Some might say "there's no such thing as waterproof," but Rolex marketed Oyster watches as such for many years. ;)

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Rob is correct. 100m will suffice in almost any situation for a normal human.

[Black Shamrock]

Thanks for the replies. I have a 1995 Air King. Is that considered old (50m) or new (100m)?