Unlike the Rolex’s Submariner, GMT-Master or Daytona, Rolex Air-King receives less attention and is forgotten often among the more famous Rolex collections. However, the Air-King is one of the oldest collections of Rolex watches that come with a compelling history, spanning over 70years of continuous production. The Rolex Air-King is one of the most coveted Rolex watches, especially among the vintage watch aficionados or seekers out there. Nonetheless, the Air-King that is worthy of your attention is the iconic Reference 5500.
Thus, whether you are looking to sell your Rolex Air-King or ‘sell my Rolex’ of any other collection, today let’s take a close look at the longest running watches of the collection – Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. Rolex Air-King History – Dates Back to World War II Rolex manufactured many ‘Air’ iterations for the British Royal Air Force during and after World War II. The story goes like that British pilots of World War II rejected their standard-issued field timepieces in favour of Oyster Perpetual watches. Thus, Hans Wilsdorf, the co-founder of Rolex, decided to introduce a series of aviation watches, especially to pay homage to the brave RAF pilots. The first official ‘Air-King’ watch launched in 1945 was the Reference 4925. While the watch came in 34mm watch case, it was named as ‘King’ as the case size was regarded substantial during that time. The Rolex Air-King became a part of the ‘Air’ watch collection that included Air-Giant, Air-Tiger and Air-Lion. But, the Rolex Air-Kings outlasted the others. However, the first Rolex Air-King Ref. 4925 is now rare to find that features a cream dial along with even-numbered Arabic numerals. Also Read: The History of Rolex Cosmograph Daytona While the brand continued to upgrade the design, the Air-King collection started to achieve their aesthetic with the evolutionary Reference 6652. Launched in 1953, the Rolex Air-King Ref. 6652 housed the Calibre 1030 movement. However, the watch even debuts the creamy silver dial and stick hour markers that turned out to be an iconic complication in the succeeding Reference 5500. In 1957, Rolex introduced a brand-new version of the Air-King in the reference 5500. The Air-King Reference 5500 In 1957, Rolex launched the Air-King Reference 5500 to define the line for the next 37years. The watch featured an Oystersteel case of 34mm and a matching Oyster bracelet. However, the 34mm size of the watch case was even pretty small for the vintage era when the Explorer Ref. 1016 was available at 36mm. Depending on the production year, the Air-King 5500 was equipped with Calibre 1520 or 1530 movement. Nonetheless, the Rolex Air-King was not ever chronometer certified. Thus, the vintage Air-king watches do not have the words ‘superlative chronometer-certified’ engraved on the dials. Instead, you will notice the terms ‘precision’ and ‘super precision’ etched at the 6 o’clock position for the Calibre 1520 and Calibre 1530 respectively. In fact, one of the most coveted Air-King watches among the collectors is the one that flaunts the words ‘Air-King’ as well as ‘Super Precision’ in red. However, all watches of the reference 5500 do not certainly follow this nomenclature rule. Also Read: New Rolex Day-Date 36: The Watch of Prestige Additionally, in some rare Air-King ref. 5500 timepieces, no text appears on the lower half of the dial, and sometimes collectors call them as ‘Pre-Precision’ dials. With no additional features like a rotational bezel, date complication or chronograph registers, the Rolex ref. 5500 boasts one of the simplest and most underrated designs of all time. The watch sports a creamy, silver dial housed below an acrylic crystal and stick markers at the 12 o’clock position. The Reference 5500 stayed in production for nearly 37years and its rugged durability, and classic look remained significantly unaltered the entire time. Although the watch has always been regarded as one of the ‘entry-level’ Rolex, its superior build quality and timeless design have made it a popular choice for politicians and celebrities. Also Read: How to Verify the Authenticity of a Rolex watch? The Rolex Air-King ref. 5500 comes with all trademark complications of a Rolex watch but with no unnecessary features. Moreover, the watch’s modest 34mm size makes it a versatile choice for men as well as women. However, for those who are looking to ‘sell Rolex’ or ‘sell Rolex watches’ for instant cash, get in touch with trusted watch buyers who apprehend the real significance of the watches manufactured by elite brands like Rolex. With reliable watch dealers like at The Luxury Hut, you are likely to obtain the best possible price of your Rolex watch, be it is a vintage Rolex Air-King or any contemporary Rolex model. To get started with the process, fill up our online form and get an initial price quote right away.
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