Vintage Air King 5500 Question

[Distortion]

Hello gentlemen, new member enjoying the wealth of information provided by the members of this forum.

I'm currently interested in a vintage 5500 Air King and came accross this one:

http://steinerveiling.nl/en/shop/pro...lexAir-King_47

The dial looks original and clean (to my newbie eyes), and I really like the alpha hands, but a couple things are raising questions for me. If the watch is from 1958 as stated on the listing, should the dial read "Swiss" rather than "T Swiss T"? It's my understanding that the switchover occured in 1960. The price is on the high end from what I can tell and case looks a little worn and the crystal has some issues near the crown as well. Leaning towards passing on this one, but it thought I'd come here for input first.

On another note, what year did the 5500 switch to baton hands?

Thanks everyone, I appreaciate the help.

[vintagewaferthin]

Looks good to me. The watch is probably a bit later than '58, which explains the T Swiss T on the dial. The tritium transition happened in the 60s. Before buying it I would ask for pics of the movement, case back(inside) and in between the lugs. If you can haggle on the price, it may be worth it. Not sure when the switch to baton hands happened. Assuming early 60s though.

[Old Expat Beast]

I'd say you'e looking at early to mid 1960s there. My 1964 (stamped) Air-King has a the same hands, and I don't think they're Alphas, they have another name (not dauphine either). Ask for a look inside the caseback, or a serial number.

[Distortion]

Thanks for the responses. I have a request out for additional pics, hopefully they will check out.

Nice watch Expat, I know what you mean regarding the hands. I'd really like the actual alpha hands (more pointy I guess?), but it seems they're a little difficult to come by at the moment.

Also curious to know when the switch was made from arrow markers to stick markers.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Distortion

Thanks for the responses. I have a request out for additional pics, hopefully they will check out.

Nice watch Expat, I know what you mean regarding the hands. I'd really like the actual alpha hands (more pointy I guess?), but it seems they're a little difficult to come by at the moment.

Also curious to know when the switch was made from arrow markers to stick markers.

Around the mid 1960s, I suppose, but probably would have varied by model. I have a stamped late-1966 Datejust with sticks.

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by old expat beast

around the mid 1960s, i suppose, but probably would have varied by model. I have a stamped late-1966 datejust with sticks.

nice case!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Tom1675

nice case!

Thanks, only one (careful) previous owner, as far as I know.

[Distortion]

Quick update, no go on the pics of the movement or caseback and doesn't seem like price is negotiable. The search continues!

[joe100]

Defiantly a 1960s watch, not 1958. Early 5500s had different dials in the first couple years of production. Doesn't mean that dial couldn't be a service replacement, but it's likely a bit of confusion regarding serial number reset in the 50s. However, the odds of it being a 1958 are lower than it being mid 60s as it appears to be.

If you need help with the AK, shoot me a PM.

[Base-Z]

For comparison, here is my Air King from the last quarter of the year 1960.

[Tundra Trog]

Old Expat and Base-Z

Those are really nice looking Air Kings. Long story short, The Air King is my grail watch.

[Distortion]

Fantastic pieces, thanks for the replies!

[Distortion]

Really warming up to this little guy. What do you guys think, keeper?