The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex Watch Reviews

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 21 May 2013, 09:49 AM   #271
AirKing2013
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Scotland
Posts: 4
Hey Frey,
Oh how I wanted this exact model! I tried to get this exact watch in 2007 but it was sold out for a while and I purchased a silver faced one instead. I can confirm it was released to the market in June 2007 shortly after Baselworld that year as it was released along with the relaunched Milgauss. The logo printing on the clasp is exactly the same as the Air King I am wearing, and was the same as the Air King I had at the time. The orange lume glowed blue if I recall. An AD should be able to take the bracelet off and check the serial for you. I wouldn't bother, Id bet my Air King, my Seamaster and my Big Crown that it's genuine.

Regards, JJ
AirKing2013 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 May 2013, 10:07 AM   #272
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Hey AK2013 welcome aboard.

The lume on the orange 114200s doesn't glow, hence the reason for not adding lume to the hands. The orange dials and the roman dials have no lume anywhere.
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 May 2013, 10:56 PM   #273
AirKing2013
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Scotland
Posts: 4
Hey Joe100! Thanks for letting me know that, I could have sworn they glowed! I have to have a watch with lume, seems I made the right choice with my silver face and blue indices then! Still, it is a lovely face.........
AirKing2013 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 May 2013, 11:45 PM   #274
frey-pie
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 9
thanks again guys

because the hands are incorrect and the watch did not come with the Chronometer Certification card or the manual for this model I have decided to return in (even though i believe the parts are all genuine)

tough decision ....but i don't think there should be a shadow of a doubt about authenticity at this price point in general (which i know is on the low side for a Rolex) or for this brand in particular

and the possibility - although slim - of finding out that the movment had been switched out as well doesn't make me feel as great about the purchase as i should

i am 99% positive I will be able to get one through an AD....if it works out I will post pics here in a few weeks
frey-pie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 May 2013, 02:52 AM   #275
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
I think you made the right choice given the circumstances we discussed off-board.
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 May 2013, 10:55 AM   #276
csong825
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: Chris
Location: New England
Watch: 126710BLNR
Posts: 94
Count me in!

I posted on this thread last week. I received the watch and had it authenticated by two different watchmakers. Very happy with everything about the watch, including its condition, size and simplicity, and accuracy (running -1 sec/day so far). Very happy to join the Air King Club with my first Rolex!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg photo 1[1].JPG (120.5 KB, 975 views)
File Type: jpg photo 2[1].jpg (39.7 KB, 967 views)
File Type: jpg photo 3[1].jpg (62.4 KB, 969 views)
File Type: jpg photo 1[2].jpg (94.5 KB, 971 views)
File Type: jpg photo 2[2].JPG (142.4 KB, 973 views)
csong825 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 May 2013, 11:11 AM   #277
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Beautiful 5500 Chris! Non-precision dial too. Very nice indeed!
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 May 2013, 09:26 AM   #278
frey-pie
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 9
In case anyone searches Luxury Bazaar on here as I did before making my purchase…. I just wanted to close the loop.

They understood why I wanted to return my Air King -- which previously noted was because the hands were wrong and because it didn't come with the certification card -- and absolutely 1000% lived up to their "no questions asked" return policy.

In fact, literally within minutes of receiving the return they posted the refund to Paypal.

I'm inclined to think that my experience was a fluke…. and wanted to state for the record that Luxury Bazaar was great to work with and their "no questions asked" return policy is the real deal.

On a final note: I originally approached an AD about securing the watch and assumed because they couldn't get it (and because the exact model is longer produced) that the only option was to work with an non-authorized dealer. But have since learned that AD's can approach Rolex directly and that the brand may still have select pieces available even if they haven't been sold for years.

You veterans probably knew that…..but it was (fantastic) news to me.
frey-pie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 May 2013, 11:03 AM   #279
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Glad this all worked out for you. Like I said off-board, it's too much money not to be 100% happy. The wrong hands would have driven me nuts!
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2013, 04:19 AM   #280
Slamgti
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: York,Pa
Posts: 1
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1372961700.533200.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1372961715.916886.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1372961731.733456.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1372961740.950232.jpg
My first post and first Rolex. Wanted one for many years and finally am able to make the dream come true. It's a 2004, 14010m, 3130 movement.
Slamgti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 July 2013, 11:24 AM   #281
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Nice 14010m!

Welcome aboard as well!

You'll find quite a few of us around here hold the AK in high regard.
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2013, 05:08 AM   #282
GED
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Over Yonder
Watch: d-d40wg
Posts: 744
Welcome also!

I believe I have the same model, only a Z serial.

Really like the elegant engine-turned bezel, the brushed oyster bracelet-it's completely under the radar, a great everyday watch, a real keeper. And size-wise, fits my wrists perfectly.

GED is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 July 2013, 05:29 AM   #283
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Looks perfect to me
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2013, 08:30 AM   #284
TxJason1972
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 1
2007 Air King

Just added an Air King to my Submariner and Turn-O-Graph this weekend. Great watch.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 352-0007.jpg (55.9 KB, 759 views)
TxJason1972 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2013, 08:55 AM   #285
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Welcome aboard Jason, looks great!
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 October 2013, 06:24 AM   #286
cfw
"TRF" Member
 
cfw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roodepoort
Watch: Air King 5500
Posts: 507
Quote:
Originally Posted by wsaraceni View Post
such a classy looking watch. i bet it would be small on my 9" wrists though.

anyone have a side by side between the airking and one of the sport models? (submariner or similar)
9 inch?? A 45mm sea dweller will get lost there ;)best get a 50mm gshock
cfw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 October 2013, 09:02 PM   #287
cfw
"TRF" Member
 
cfw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roodepoort
Watch: Air King 5500
Posts: 507
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yanks213x View Post
Man the 5500 looks awesome but I'm afraid it will look too small on my wrist. I measure at 7inches on the dot. Any of you guys with bigger wrists have some shots of your wearing it.
I have a 7.5 inch wrist and it looks fine to me, u should wear the watch for u not for anybody els. Plus size doesn't matter, its a Rolex lol
cfw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 October 2013, 02:44 PM   #288
cfw
"TRF" Member
 
cfw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roodepoort
Watch: Air King 5500
Posts: 507
After almost 2 years, 8 Tags and 3 Tudors I finally got my first Rolex
Attached Images
File Type: jpg my airking.jpg (141.6 KB, 713 views)
cfw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 October 2013, 02:59 PM   #289
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Quote:
Originally Posted by cfw View Post
I have a 7.5 inch wrist and it looks fine to me, u should wear the watch for u not for anybody els. Plus size doesn't matter, its a Rolex lol
Well-put!
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 February 2015, 01:07 AM   #290
Buckeyes#1
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2
When was the Air King line introduced?
I've read that it was used during WW II, I've also read that it was introduced after WW II to honor pilots. Which is correct?
Buckeyes#1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 February 2015, 01:19 AM   #291
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
The Rolex Air-King has one of the most complex histories of any Rolex model spanning nearly 70 years of continuous production. During the Second World War, Rolex would supply their SpeedKing or other specified model on credit to British POWs. As the war drew to a close, Rolex founder, Hans Wilsdorf, chose to honor the RAF pilots of the Battle of Britain with a series of aviation themed watches. The "Air" series included the Air-Lion, Air-Giant, Air-Tiger, and of course the Air-King. Today, only the Air-King remains.

The first true Air-King was introduced in 1945 with the 4925. The 4925 was the follow-on to the 4365 series of "Air" models. For the international market the progression was from the 4925/4365 (sub-seconds), 4499, 6552, 5500, 14000, 14000m, then finally the super cased 114200. In 1958, however, a separate line evolved independently for specific markets. These included the Air-King-Date and the 550X models for the Commonwealth market. At the same time the 5504 Explorer 35mm case was used for the Air-King as well. This reference being the only 35mm Air-King to date. To make matters more complex, the 5500 case was used for both the Air-King and Explorer. This, of course, isn't the end of the Air-King/Explorer connection but for the sake of clarity we will leave that for another discussion.

The models preceding the 5500, with the exception of the 6552, used Hunter movements. Rolex continuously issued new reference numbers as they refined the Air-King line. The 6552, introduced in 1953, can be considered a transitional model to the 5500 as they appear very similar.

The 5500 was introduced in 1957 and used a caliber 1520 or 1530 movement but due to import laws, the jewels were reduced in the 1520. The 1520 was either 17 (US market) or 26 jewels. The 1530 had 17, 25 or 26 jewel variants. The movement type was denoted on the dial with the text Precision or no text for the 1520 and Super Precision for the 1530. Many dials were used during the long 37 year production run. Today, some are extremely rare, including the double red. This dial was an early production dial with the words Air-King and Super Precision in red.

After the 5500s long and mostly unchanged 37 year run, the Air-King line was upgraded to a sapphire crystal and new cal 3000 movement. This new Air-King was rechristened with the reference number 14000. Refreshed versions of the 5500 dials carried on with new 3/6/9 Explorer style dials following shortly after. This reference also marked the introduction of the engine turned bezel , reference 14010. The 14000 series received the cal 3130 movement in 2000 and the change was noted in the reference number with the letter M for Modified.

The 14000 series gave way to the 1142XX in 2007. This reference series was a full face lift for the AirKing. New concentric dials were added, the case became thicker at the lugs, and a brand new machined Oyster bracelet replaced the 78350. The engine turned bezel was retained but dropped only a couple of years later. A white gold fluted bezel became an option for the first time. Also, the 1142XX was the first Air-King to receive COSC certification. These changes took the Air-King line firmly into the modern Rolex range before most of the more famous Rolex cousins such as the Submariner.

34mm Standard Air-King

4925 Introduced in 1945 Cal 10.5'
4365 Introduced in 1945 Cal 10.5'
4499 Introduced in 1946 Cal 10.5'
6552 Introduced in 1953 Cal 1030
5500 Introduced in 1957 Cal 1520/1530
14000 Introduced in 1989 Cal 3000
14010 Introduced in 1989 Cal 3000 (Engine Turned Bezel)
14000M Introduced in 2000 Cal 3130
14010M Introduced in 2000 Cal 3130 (Engine Turned Bezel)
114200 Introduced in 2007 Cal 3130 (Smooth Bezel, COSC)
114210 Introduced in 2007 Cal 3130 (Engine Turned Bezel, COSC, Discontinued)
114234 Introduced in 2007 Cal 3130 (White Gold Fluted Bezel, COSC)

550X for the US, UK, and Commonwealth Markets

5520 Introduced in 1974 until 1986 34mm Gold Filled Case, Steel Case Back Cal 1520
5504 Introduced in 1958 Cal 1530 (35mm)
5501 Introduced Appx 1958 Cal 1530 (Two-Tone Fluted Bezel 14k)
5502 Introduced Appx 1958 Cal 1530 (Gold Plated 40 Microns)
5506 Introduced Appx 1958 Cal 1530 (Gold Plated 40 Microns)

Air-King-Date Commonwealth Markets (Production lasting into the 1980s)

5700 Introduced in 1958 Cal 1525/1535
5701 Introduced in 1958 Cal 1525/1535 (Two-Tone)
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 February 2015, 01:20 AM   #292
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Article I wrote for Jake's Rolex Magazine
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 March 2015, 08:51 AM   #293
tedwedz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London, UK
Watch: 1961 Rolex Airking
Posts: 32
My 1961 Rolex Oyster Air King Super Precision 35mm Oversized, model 5504

I have the original strap too. The watch has just had a full service at Rolex in St James, England HQ

Owned from new, still have the receipt, bought by my dad at Bucherer in Lucerne, Switzerland
Attached Images
File Type: jpg ET Rolex March 2015.jpg (121.4 KB, 396 views)
File Type: jpg Rolex Receipt 1961.jpg (94.6 KB, 396 views)
tedwedz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 March 2015, 03:40 PM   #294
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Gorgeous 5504
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 March 2015, 06:20 PM   #295
tedwedz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London, UK
Watch: 1961 Rolex Airking
Posts: 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe100 View Post
Gorgeous 5504
Thanks!
tedwedz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 March 2015, 06:23 PM   #296
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
Do you have the original bracelet too?
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 March 2015, 06:26 PM   #297
tedwedz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London, UK
Watch: 1961 Rolex Airking
Posts: 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe100 View Post
Do you have the original bracelet too?
yep, although the spring links are not in amazing shape!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 13453271.jpg (147.1 KB, 715 views)
tedwedz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 March 2015, 06:29 PM   #298
joe100
2024 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,752
You just don't see 5504s everyday
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 March 2015, 06:38 PM   #299
tedwedz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London, UK
Watch: 1961 Rolex Airking
Posts: 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe100 View Post
You just don't see 5504s everyday
I do, looking at it now! ;-) Its my daily
tedwedz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 August 2015, 12:30 AM   #300
mineral
"TRF" Member
 
mineral's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,670
Love this air king

Quote:
Originally Posted by violetman View Post
great post, support and push again!! Air-king logo 5500

Especially the gold dial. So sweet
mineral is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

Asset Appeal

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.