The Rolex Air King (Past and present)

[jon84gt]

Lets get a thread going on these guys and gals! I would like to see some pics with some reference to production years on all the models as well as some variations on the bezel and different band combination's ie the 5501,5500,14010,14000,14000M, 114234,114210 and the 114200, Thanks, Jon

[beerformeplz]

My 5500 1962 Air King, Has the original bracelet but I took it off for this photo.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h317/beerformeplz/watch.jpg

[jon84gt]

Experts get in here and tell us some history, I would like to hear some facts about model numbers and production years! When was the Air King introduced and what model number was first? Nice pic beer!

[Deyn Man]

mine was given to me in '97... but was acquired earlier (after '92).. it's not COSC and has "precision" written at the bottom.. black face with baton hour markers (pics to follow)... :thumbsup:
i have the papers at home but was curious what the model number is for this model... based on some research, would it be 14000? "140" for Air King, "0" since it "doesn't have" a bezel, lastly another "0" for stainless steel... would this be correct? :thinking:

[Deyn Man]

saw the papers already.. I own an X series 14000! hehehe those references are easy to use! :thumbsup: thanks trf! :cheers:

[Quarterblood]

Mine is a 1995 model 14000.
Purchased in Feb'95 from Alexanders Jewelers in Farnham England.
I wore it daily for about 9 years then it started to loose quite a bit of time and stopped regularly. I did a bit of shallow'ish scuba diving in it wihich I dont think helped either - some condenstation appear under the crysal for a few days after that event - which I bearly recall I was so drunk!
It was well due a service, but I never got round to it - until now!
Just done last week - pretty hefty cost of £295 via a high end Jewelers in Glasgow but it went to 'Rolex' in London for the work.
It had a couple of wheels replaced. You could hear it 'whirring' when you gave it a good shake and there was plenty of internal wear.
It's now as good as new and is looking fine ! :cheers:

[dieseldragon]

This is one of mine, part stripped for restoration. Its from 3rd quarter 1958 and has a butterfly rotor. I think the 3-6-9 dial is quite unusual.

http://www.ian2000.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=849&g2_serialNumber=2

[Widows Son]

Mine is a 1995 model 14000.
Purchased in Feb'95 from Alexanders Jewelers in Farnham England.
I wore it daily for about 9 years then it started to loose quite a bit of time and stopped regularly. I did a bit of shallow'ish scuba diving in it wihich I dont think helped either - some condenstation appear under the crysal for a few days after that event - which I bearly recall I was so drunk!
It was well due a service, but I never got round to it - until now!
Just done last week - pretty hefty cost of £295 via a high end Jewelers in Glasgow but it went to 'Rolex' in London for the work.
It had a couple of wheels replaced. You could hear it 'whirring' when you gave it a good shake and there was plenty of internal wear.
It's now as good as new and is looking fine ! :cheers:

Beautiful overhaul!!! No more scuba diving with her, that's an order!! Mine looks similar to yours except mine has a silver dial. The Airkings are a very underrated watch IMHO.

[Jun Cajayon]

Hi Jon,

The Air King has always been one of my favorite Rolex models. I'm not sure if you've read through this excellent link in the Rolex Watch Reviews which pretty much shows all variations of the Air King. I've attached the link nevertheless.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=67230

Just some pictures of my 14010 with the engine turned bezel. Acquired locally (Philippines) in 2001 but U serial number dates production around 1997.

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad180/rcajayon/Rolex%20Air%20King%2014010/IMG_0859.jpg
http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad180/rcajayon/Rolex%20Air%20King%2014010/IMG_0862.jpg

[padi56]

Some say the first Airkings were particularly designed for pilots as such but IMHO they were not, but world war 11 did have a part to play with the Airking. And many models now becoming collectable especially the Airking dates especially the red date roulette.Now before WW11 Rolex was always popular with the armed forces in the UK.Now old Hans being a good business man saw there was a market for a slightly bigger watch.Now watches at these times were quite small 30m was the average size.Now Rolex started producing 33m models under the names of Air Lion,Air Tiger,Air Giant and the Air king.They all used a 15 jewel manual wind movement,then came in steel even TT plus all gold but then mainly 9ct.And were in production from the mid 1940s to early 1950s when they were all dropped,except for the Airking.Now over the next few years the Air king gained a auto movement and now the same size as OP,and some of the most sort after Airkings now are models like the 1960s 5504 with the honeycombed dial.Now the first Airking date arrived on the scene late 1960s Ref 5700 were only sold in the then Commonwealth countries like Canada and the UK.Now they made a 5700n Explorer Date but that was only sold in the USA.Later 1970s 5701 Airking dates had the cal.1525/35 movements,and they made a TT version of the 5701 quite rare, but again for the Canadian only market but the Airking date faded out of production in the 1980s. IMO a shame the Airking has quite a lot of history, and IMHO now a very underrated watch.


The Air King is a classic and the one of the longest continuously produced models in the whole Rolex line

Air-King models though the years.
4365,4499, 4925, 5500, 5501, 5506, 5520, 6500, 6552, 7784,14000, 14000M, 14010, 14010M

[Czechman]

Here's my 5700... Sweet little watch.
All original and bought right here on TRF.

http://www.pbase.com/czechman/image/118898750/original.jpg

[Deyn Man]

Mine is a 1995 model 14000.
Purchased in Feb'95 from Alexanders Jewelers in Farnham England.
I wore it daily for about 9 years then it started to loose quite a bit of time and stopped regularly. I did a bit of shallow'ish scuba diving in it wihich I dont think helped either - some condenstation appear under the crysal for a few days after that event - which I bearly recall I was so drunk!
It was well due a service, but I never got round to it - until now!
Just done last week - pretty hefty cost of £295 via a high end Jewelers in Glasgow but it went to 'Rolex' in London for the work.
It had a couple of wheels replaced. You could hear it 'whirring' when you gave it a good shake and there was plenty of internal wear.
It's now as good as new and is looking fine ! :cheers:

this looks like mine too! black face with stick hands and smooth "bezel"... :cheers:

[sakuraba]

saw the papers already.. I own an X series 14000! hehehe those references are easy to use! :thumbsup: thanks trf! :cheers:

You really don't need to look for the papers to tell what the modle number and series is, Dean. If you remove the bracelet, you can check between the lugs. On the 12 o'clock side it should say the model number, and the 6 o'clock side should have the serial numbers.

Now you need to decide which is easier: fishing out the papers, or removing the bracelet! :chuckle:

BTW, here's mine
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab259/sakuraba_bucket/FAK_1.jpg

[Air King Dan]

Here is my Rolex Air-King as requested!

Dan

[ayecarumba]

Great thread! Thanks for kick starting this. My latest arrival:

Model# 114200
34mm
COSC
Domed Bezel
Sapphire Crystal
Self Winding
Water resistance 100m/330ft
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4375922999_b86b15854d.jpg

:cheers:
--Paul

[violetman]

WOW, very informative!!


I suggest all of you come across this link, you can know more about the "AIR-KING STORY"

www.rumiz.it:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsu p::thumbsup:


Cheers Cheers Cheers!!:cheers:



Regards,

Jacky from HK

[jon84gt]

Wow Paul!! What a beauty! I love those orange numbers, Jon

[Deyn Man]

You really don't need to look for the papers to tell what the modle number and series is, Dean. If you remove the bracelet, you can check between the lugs. On the 12 o'clock side it should say the model number, and the 6 o'clock side should have the serial numbers.

Now you need to decide which is easier: fishing out the papers, or removing the bracelet! :chuckle:

BTW, here's mine
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab259/sakuraba_bucket/FAK_1.jpg


hahahha! thanks for the tip!
:cheers:
i think we have the same AK! :cheers:

[PandaScout]

http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx279/PandaScout1973/IMG_5285.jpghttp://s763.photobucket.com/albums/xx279/PandaScout1973/?action=view&current=IMG_5285.jpgHello-
I am a new user to the forum, and just bought my first [hopefully genuine] Rolex, a 1981 5500. it came with the original papers, boxes, and polishing cloth. I took it to an authorized dealer, and they said it was real, but did not take off the back. They removed the oyster bracelet, and it had the correct markings, and the numbers matched the paperwork. (cut out with a bunch of holes like my passport number.)

So, here's my question: it is not marked "precision" or "suer precision". is this an indication of a fake, or does this imply something esle? it beats 5.5x per second (19,800), so i think it is a calibre 1520?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

How do you post pictures on this thing?

[David AP]

OK, I'm really sorry for the phone pic - but have got a decent camera shot since it came back from RSC.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4457587275_fb562fc247.jpg

The picture really doesn't do it justice, and yeah I know the strap is too narrow....

It's on my list ok kids.

[uta]

hi all I'm new in this forum and this is my first post. This is my 14010 ca. 2002.
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/putra2256/IMG00236-20100412-1613.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/putra2256/IMG00237-20100412-1614.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/putra2256/IMG00239-20100412-1615.jpg

[jeanlee411]

Great thread! Thanks for kick starting this. My latest arrival:

Model# 114200
34mm
COSC
Domed Bezel
Sapphire Crystal
Self Winding
Water resistance 100m/330ft
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4375922999_b86b15854d.jpg

:cheers:
--Paul
WOW, very informative!!


I suggest all of you come across this link, you can know more about the "AIR-KING STORY"

[Yazo]

hi all I'm new in this forum and this is my first post. This is my 14010 ca. 2002.
Woo Hoo we have the same watch! Here's mine:
http://i44.tinypic.com/2i7606x.jpg

[level]

Here's my 14000.

[uta]

Woo Hoo we have the same watch! Here's mine:
http://i44.tinypic.com/2i7606x.jpg
engined turn bezel make this watch looks bigger IMO. What do you think?

[mmanzara]

Here is a pic of my 57/58 Explorer 5500 and bracelet. Still keeps excellent time.

[MJCox]

Love my Air-King!

[edge of midnight]

Did any mid 60's air king precision come with a plain blue dial with no markers or numbers?

[ac001]

I just received this back from Michael Young at Classic Watch Parts. I had the bracelet tightened. These are Iphone pics, so they are not the greatest. The Model is 5501 and the movement is 1570. I know they used this movement for the Rolex Sub back in the late 60s or early 70s and I am guessing that this watch is from 1970, give or take a couple of years.

[GJS]

engined turn bezel make this watch looks bigger IMO. What do you think?

Definitely! :thumbsup:

It's the same with the Date I have. If not for the engine-turned bezel it would look too small for me.

[chestercopperpot]

here's mine

ref 114210

god bless her!

http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt43/jeremycandoit/photo-1.jpg

[josh6262]

Handsome dial.....just make sure you know the date before you leave the house every morning.

[DG123]

Nice AK !

here's mine

ref 114210

god bless her!

http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt43/jeremycandoit/photo-1.jpg

[duckdown]

What's the largest mm size these come in?

[Yazo]

What's the largest mm size these come in?
36mm I believe.

[joe100]

34mm

[jhupp]

34mm

The newest ones are 36, they bumped the case up.

Mine is the old 34mm size, I think it looks great!! I'm not into the whole big watch thing and I would probably be shunned at work if my watch didn't fit under my cuff. FYI my wrist is a 6 1/4".

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/JHupp06/IMG00051-20110103-2109.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/JHupp06/IMG00059-20110104-2042.jpg

[joe100]

The new AirKings are 34mm NOT 36mm

http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watches/oyster-perpetual/air-king-34mm-steel-and-white-gold-114234__white_arab_3_6_9__70190

http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watches/oyster-perpetual/air-king-34mm-steel-114200__blue_arab_3_6_9__70190

The Oyster Perpetual is 36mm

http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watches/oyster-perpetual/oyster-perpetual-36mm-steel-116000__black_orange_arab_3_6_9__70200

[jhupp]

Ahh, I stand corrected, I saw a picture of a new AK and an older Explorer 1 side by side and they looked identical, must just be the newer bigger case.

[joe100]

they're nearly the same side by side. The OP/DJ case is really about 35.5mm if you put the calipers to it...at least in my experience.

[kmangino47]

love my airking only a few days new!

[incon]

I love the Air Kings and similar sized Explorer 1.
They are just the right dimensions and wear great.

[sea-dweller]

Nice photos, keep them coming!

[bartab]

Happy to have found this forum.
Trying to determine correct band(s) for my watch which now sports a nice aftermarket croc.
Watch has milled gold bezel and gold crown.
Will post pix soon.

[bartab]

I'd appreciate it if anyone can help me determine which band(s) are correct for my mid-60s Air King. Thanks.

[Psalm23_(UK)]

Here is a Ak date I picked up the other day, got it off a friend who owns a Cash Convertors and the owner didn't come back after pawning it so I paid £300 and got it Hoping to do some refurb work on it when I get time.

190177190178

Am I right in thinking Date AK's are rarer, as someone once said they were Canadian market only, but I'm not sure.

[Deyn Man]

i have 14000 X series... was wondering what caliber would my AK have? cal 3000? thanks in advance! :thumbsup:

[threemonkeys]

14000 I bought new in '97. Had it serviced for the first time 3 months ago (Rolex authorized) and it looks brand new.

[terrenceterrence]

A birthday gift for the missus. Became her favourite and daily wear now :)

Glad that she enjoys her gift.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p186/terrenceterrenceterrence/DSC07411.jpg

[Gharddog03]

A gift for the fiancé. I just wish they would make them bigger.
http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/hh404/Gharddog03/cbe97cef.jpg

[Tom Forrest]

Hi everyone
This is my first post and I need some help!

In 2005 I bought an Air King in Buenos Aires. It has an orange face and to this day I have never found any reference to one like it or seen a similar photo on the Internet. Took it to a watch dealer who verified it is an original Rolex but he seemed to think the face had been repainted. Although he said that was mainly on the basis that he had never seen one like it before as the luminous hands/bars look intact.

Can anyone offer any guidance? It is supposedly from 1962 but as it was from an antique shop it didn't come with any papers.

I will try and post a photo but in the meantime has anyone ever heard of or seen a 1960s Air King with an orange face and luminous straight bars before?

Thanks for your help.

Tom

[Gerardus]

hi all I'm new in this forum and this is my first post. This is my 14010 ca. 2002.
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/putra2256/IMG00236-20100412-1613.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/putra2256/IMG00237-20100412-1614.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/putra2256/IMG00239-20100412-1615.jpg

:thumbsup: This is my favorite model AK

[Gerardus]

engined turn bezel make this watch looks bigger IMO. What do you think?

My opinion to:cheers::thumbsup:

[SkyKing31]

this is my 1997 14010

[JoeACE]

1978 Rolex Air-King Oyster Perpetual

[Guerreiro]

114210

[volkersports]

To PandaScout. Your Rolex Air King 5500 is authentic. It is actually a precision, 27J model. The reason the bottom of the dial is not marked is because Rolex made some of this series as presentation watches. You will find them with company logos on them that are after factory additions. Dominos and Win-Dixie are common. I prefer the non logo Air Kings.

[SpeedDman1]

http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/48071/2606331830067789665S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2606331830067789665Rjzmcx)

Just sold it on ebay...sort of miss it. Wore it in vegas...it felt great...I love the oyster bracelet.

[ptugolf]

Here is mine.

[SpeedDman1]

Here is mine.

Sometimes I wished I owned this one with the fluted bezel. Really sharp looking.

[jimny]

http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab198/demurita/SDC19441-1.jpg

i recently purchased the rollie w/ ref# 14000 serial#E94XXXX
i confused if this is an air king or oyster perpetual
coz it does not have the word air king on the face
per rolex centre here in Philippines its all original w/o
any after market parts
i hope to hear from all you rollie gurus

[joe100]

That my friend would be an Oyster Perpetual and not an AirKing. Very interesting dial/hands combination there. I have never seen that one before.

Best regards,

joe

[jimny]

That my friend would be an Oyster Perpetual and not an AirKing. Very interesting dial/hands combination there. I have never seen that one before.

Best regards,

joe

thanks joe i think the ist owner got it in middle east(saudi arabia)

[joe100]

I should correct myself, I mean i've seen that dial in the catalog before but never with an SS case and bracelet. I thought this dial and hand setup was for the TT model. Looks like someone put a Ref: 14203m dial on a Ref 14000 Airking

[jimny]

@joe100 is there a way to verify if the face/case combi was factory (rolex) assembled.

http://www.watchclub.com/w2318/rolex-oyster-perpetual.html
this is the nearest pics i've seen

[joe100]

I'm pretty sure this isn't a factory setup. Looks like someone added the gold dial and hands to an OP or AK case. What is the model number on the lugs? Is it really 14000? If so then this means it can't be factory.

[superdelsol]

Here's mine:

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa313/mrbock/IMG_0765-1.jpg

[Deyn Man]

got around to get (more) decent photos of my 14000 X Series AK...
since it seems small nowadays, it doesn't get much wrist time and has been assigned as THE formal watch in my collection. Decided to put it on leather (some may call this blasphemous!) and was able to get a Rolex Buckle for it! :thumbsup:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/deynman/Watches/P1020989.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/deynman/Watches/P1020990.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/deynman/Watches/P1020995.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/deynman/Watches/P1020997.jpg

[ac001]

Dean: I like the black leather band and the Rolex buckle finishes the look very nicely.

[Deyn Man]

Dean: I like the black leather band and the Rolex buckle finishes the look very nicely.

thanks alan! :cheers:
will try to get a better leather strap for it though (this was the only 18mm leather strap i could get at the time the rolex buckle arrived! :dummy:). hehe!

[Lorenzo]

heres my p series 14010M

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5236/5888917581_a817db91dd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenzostg/5888917581/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/5888917801_84ac22e9ea.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenzostg/5888917801/)

[pyalong]

"So, here's my question: it is not marked "precision" or "suer precision". is this an indication of a fake, or does this imply something esle? it beats 5.5x per second (19,800), so i think it is a calibre 1520?"

Hi Guys...Newbie and have just purchased my first Rolex....Air King #5500
Lovely understated and elegant watch......:thumbsup:
and just wondering if any member here would have a owners manual (PDF) for one.....
and what is the difference between the "Precision" marked Air King and non Precision.....:thinking:

Great Forum Guys......:dude:

[David AP]

1978 Rolex Air-King Oyster Perpetual

Lovely. One of the best combinations that.
Big want.

[David AP]

got around to get (more) decent photos of my 14000 X Series AK...
since it seems small nowadays, it doesn't get much wrist time and has been assigned as THE formal watch in my collection. Decided to put it on leather (some may call this blasphemous!) and was able to get a Rolex Buckle for it! :thumbsup:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/deynman/Watches/P1020989.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/deynman/Watches/P1020990.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/deynman/Watches/P1020995.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/deynman/Watches/P1020997.jpg

Can I ask where you got the buckle?
I've got my vintage AK on a leather strap but just a generic buckle.

[superdelsol]

I'm pretty sure this isn't a factory setup. Looks like someone added the gold dial and hands to an OP or AK case. What is the model number on the lugs? Is it really 14000? If so then this means it can't be factory.

I've seen a few SS watches with gold hands and markers, and all were purchased in the Middle-East. I wouldn't be surprised if this watch is a completely original Oyster Perpetual, but with features available only in a specific market.

[Deyn Man]

apologies for the late reply david... got my off the bay... seller is from UK too!

[joe100]

could be superdelsol, but i've never seen this combination before. the dial says Oyster Perpetual...not sure why it'd carry a 14000 ref then

[josehv]

Hello everyone,

This is my second post here, and I´d really appreciate some advise from you!

I have just got a very old Air King, which is working perfectly, but has been stored for years. The watch was originally bougth in the 60s or 70s, but it wasnt cared very well. So, in the late 80s it was sent to Rolex for a major overhaul. From what I have been told everything was changed except for the machine.

So now my question is, if the case is "new", is the serial number the original or a new one? Also, the watch has a jubilee bracelet, but from what i have seen, all the air kings came with the oyster bracelet. Did this watch could be had originally with the jubilee bracelet, or is it a "hybrid"?

I´m sending it soon to Rolex to have it serviced, but I want to know if I should buy an oyster bracelet in order to have it "as new"

What else can you Rolex experts can tell my about my new watch?

Thanks!

[David AP]

apologies for the late reply david... got my off the bay... seller is from UK too!

No probs - thanks for the info - gotta get that sorted.

[zak98]

my p series...

http://michaelluczak.com/tmp/p_series_airking.gif

[SWIMPRUF]

Nice read.

[fedegomez]

Hi Guys,

I am officially buying my first Rolex and I am in love with the air king. Someone is offering me a red face Air King 5500 which looks gorgeous but I have never seen them. Is this a real thing?

Sorry if my questions are obvious or dumb but like I said I am new!

Thanks

[Porsch83]

Heres a few pics of my Air King Date. It has a rivet band but the end pieces dont seem to fit correctly. The end pieces are marked (57). The end pieces seem to be not tall enough to fit to the bezel correctly. Does anyone know the correct ones for this watch? 1967 Air King Date, 5500 Case.

[rac10000]

Have any of you guys seen an S Serial 114200 yet?

[AndersB]

Heres a few pics of my Air King Date. It has a rivet band but the end pieces dont seem to fit correctly. The end pieces are marked (57). The end pieces seem to be not tall enough to fit to the bezel correctly. Does anyone know the correct ones for this watch? 1967 Air King Date, 5500 Case.

Hi mate, you should post that question in the general forum to get a quick reply. Someone should be able to help. Might be that that look of the end pieces / bezel is correct OR that you can adjust the end pieces manually to get it right. Cheers

[Crazy Canuck]

Hey there.

First post. I've lurked around here for awhile to satiate my budding watch addiction and I stumbled upon this thread.

I have a 1988 (I believe) R5700 Rolex Air King Date my mom bought for my late father. He didn't wear it that often.

When I brought the watch in for servicing after my dad's death the dealer told me the Air King Date was a fairly rare watch.

Thought you guys might like to see it. Enjoy.

[Psalm23_(UK)]

Here is a Ak date I picked up the other day, got it off a friend who owns a Cash Convertors and the owner didn't come back after pawning it so I paid £300 and got it Hoping to do some refurb work on it when I get time.

190177190178

Am I right in thinking Date AK's are rarer, as someone once said they were Canadian market only, but I'm not sure.

Finnaly got it done Date wheel was a B**ch to get right, but I'm happy with result.

[Lol-x]

No doubt about it the Air-King Date is a very cool and rare variation of the Air-King.
It would undoubtably be my choice of the Air-Kings variations.

[r-l-x]

:read: very informative tread.

:cheers:

[dddrees]

dean: I like the black leather band and the rolex buckle finishes the look very nicely.

x2

[AndersB]

Very nice watch the Air-King. And a great thread. Anyone got a picture of a ref 114210 on a leather strap? Thought that combo could have sort of vintage feel to it even though the case has been updated.

[lucky_grandson]

Can anyone please help me. My grandfather just passed away, and he left me a watch in his will. It is an air king and it appears to be from 78. I would just like to know everything about this watch so I can also hand it down. I understand it may not be the most prestigious one of the rolex line, but the sentimental value means a lot to me. Please any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks