A Stunning Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Super Precision Model Reference: 5500. Issued 1975. A Silver Sunburst, Tritium Dial with Faceted Dial Furniture. Fitted with Oyster Bracelet and Folding Clasp. 

The Air-King pays homage to the golden age of aviation during the 1930s. One of the pioneers of this era, English aviator Charles Douglas Barnard, set a number of flight records. Of the Oyster, he said: “The peculiar qualities of this Rolex watch render it eminently suitable for flying purposes and I propose to use it on all my long-distance flights in the future”. Rolex

Rolex introduced the Air-King 5500 in 1957. This went on to become the blueprint of the model and would go on to define the line for the next 3 decades - many consider the 5500 to be the quintessential vintage Air-King. 

What’s On Offer 

This Air-King ref. 5500 has the standard 34mm stainless steel Oyster case topped with a domed, smooth steel bezel, fitted with a steel Oyster bracelet. This example appears in beautiful unpolished condition with a stunning silver sunburst dial. The applied, and faceted hour markers including the Rolex crown at 12 o'clock are in fabulous form as are the elegant pencil hands with subtle lume inserts. The outer track is still crisp and the Rolex signature,  underwritten by Air-King and Oyster Perpetual is in perfect condition. 

This is a beautiful watch with slender proportions, however, it wears larger on the wrist as do most Oyster cased Rolex's, and are very comfortable. There are no notable marks or blemishes to the dial or case, although the case as stated earlier is unpolished so does show some signs of minor wear, and the original Oyster bracelet looks well and boasts the synonymous Rolex signature as does the crown. 

A really beautiful vintage watch that would transition between everyday wear and more formal occasions seamlessly. A real gem, a worthy addition to any collection. Snap it up! 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Silver Sunburst

Crystal: Plexiglas

Bracelet: Steel Oyster Bracelet

Technical specifications

Winding: Automatic

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: 1520

Jewels: 26j

Waterproof: When New

Power reserve: 44hrs

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: 5500

Date of issue: c.1975

Guarantee: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 34mm

Lug width: 19mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 39mm

Wrist size: 185mm (approx) Additional Links Available