The Watch
Produced for over six decades with only slight modifications and a few short pauses; the Rolex Air-King has been a huge success since its inception in 1957. This enduring design tips its cap to the legacy of English aviators in World War II who ditched their standard-issue watches for Rolex Oyster Perpetual models. Soon after, Rolex added the Air-King as part of the "Air" series alongside the Air-Giant, Air-Tiger, and Air-Lion to honor the RAF pilots. Today, all that remains from the Air series is the Air-King.
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Over the years, a number of famous people have been spotted wearing an Air-King of various vintages: Ryan Gosling has been spotted wearing a vintage Air-King, even wearing it when he won best actor for his performance in La La Land. John McCain was also known for wearing an Air-King for much of his political career.
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The Air King is probably Waecce's choice for the most "bang for your buck" Rolex on the market.
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This guy comes on the original fold-link Oyster bracelet bracelet ref 7835 with 357 end links. The clasp dates to 1972.
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The Specs
Age: c.1972.
Reference: 5500.
Movement: Automatic with Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 1520.
Timekeeping: Keeping Excellent Time.
Service History: Serviced January 2025.
Dial: Original Rolex Silver Factory Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel.
Case Size: 34mm.
The Specs
Age: c.1972.
Reference: 5500.
Movement: Automatic with Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 1520.
Timekeeping: Keeping Excellent Time.
Service History: Serviced January 2025.
Dial: Original Rolex Silver Factory Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel.
Case Size: 34mm.
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: Rolex fold-link Oyster bracelet bracelet ref 7835 with 357 end links. The clasp is stamped for 1972. The Bracelet measures approx 7.5in fit max with no spare links.
Lug Width: 19mm
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: Rolex fold-link Oyster bracelet bracelet ref 7835 with 357 end links. The clasp is stamped for 1972. The Bracelet measures approx 7.5in fit max with no spare links.
Lug Width: 19mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Beautiful Condition Silver Dial.
- All Original.
- Suitable for all Occasions.
- Excellent Investment.
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Nitty Gritty:
-We believe the Case and Bracelet to be brilliantly refinished at some stage. The Case is still very strong.
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Nitty Gritty:
-We believe the Case and Bracelet to be brilliantly refinished at some stage. The Case is still very strong.
-Faint Marks and Scratches to the Case and Bracelet.
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Overall the Air KIng is in Lovely Vintage condition.
The Case and Bracelet have some faint marks but nothing major at all.
We believe the Case and Bracelet has been brilliantly refinished at some stage.
Crown screws down nicely and tightly.
Crystal is Original.
The Dial is in lovely Vintage Order and looks absolutely fantastic on the Wrist.
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Fantastic Rolex Investment.
Fantastic Rolex Investment.