Older rolex question

[Tdb]

My wife inherited this Rolex years ago from her father after his passing. The face shows oyster perpetual air king. It shows the date but the word "date" is not shown anywhere. I cannot find any information on it. He had a large rolex collection so I can only assume that its not fake. It could be though? Any information would be appreciated.

[TimeToGo]

.
Welcome to the Forum!

Looks like it may be a 5500 series model, Oyster Perpetual Airking Precision.

What makes it easier is that the watch does not have a band.

You will find reference numbers between the lugs, 12 o'clock (model number) and 6 o'clock (serial) - which will give you an indication of the approximate production year.

Share those numbers with us and we can get more information for you.

Cheers!

[Tdb]

Thank you. There are a few scratches between the lugs and I'm unable to see those numbers. I could always remove the back but I was reluctant given its age. I'll give it a shot again when I get home this afternoon. I appreciate the response.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Tdb

Thank you. There are a few scratches between the lugs and I'm unable to see those numbers. I could always remove the back but I was reluctant given its age. I'll give it a shot again when I get home this afternoon. I appreciate the response.

Do you mean the numbers on both sides of the case are illegible due to scratching? It can happen, but it’s pretty rare that all the numbers are obliterated?


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[Dan S]

Maybe it’s just a poor photo but the date window looks really strange.

[Tools]

The Air-King 5500 was introduced in about 1957, with the Date models (550x) coming along a bit later for the UK market.

There are a few models, including the GMT, that do not have "Date" on the dial at some point in their production.

[dhknola]

most of these I have seen have the 'date' after Air King; lots of character on this ol' survivor.

[Old Expat Beast]

That's the first Air-King with a date I've seen that doesn't say Air-King-Date on the dial.

[Tdb]

Years ago I was told that in the 1950's there were only a few manufactured for a handful of Canadian service pilots that exactly resemble what i have. They also stated that if anyone had one of those the value was off the charts. Im not sure that I believe that though. He immediately offered me a substantial amount but I declined. That told me there was something to this. I took the watch to a Rolex dealer after I was told that. They were baffled as well. They stated that it definitely looked authentic but were unable to give a definitive answer on anything else. My father-in-law was a wealthy man and had a large rolex collection so I highly doubt that its fake. He actually inherited the watch from his father who was a highly successful judge in Puerto Rico. His father had an even larger Rolex collection. My wife was the oldest child when her father passed. She did tell me that before he passed he gave her the watch and told her to "hold on to this. Its much more than it looks"?? That statement alone makes me wonder what the heck it is. We have had it for a few yrs. Every 6 months or so it drives me crazy so I dig in again. No luck so far. Im trying to figure out my next step. Who knows? It could be fake but i don't think so.. Thank you for your reply

[Dan S]

I don't think it's "fake," but it's possible that it has been modified in some way. And TBH, I wouldn't hold out much hope for an "off the charts" value because of the condition of the dial.

[Tdb]

Value is not a concern. I don't plan on selling it. My interest lies in the history of the watch. Its just odd

[77T]

I agree it’s odd but being 50-ish years old, any kind of oddness can be laid down to handiwork by a watchmaker sometime in the past to match the owner’s preferences.

Train a loupe or magnifier on your camera app towards the space between the lugs and you’ll see some numbers on the 12 & 6 o’clock sides of the case. One side will have the ref. # and the other the serial #.

That’ll help if it shows 5500 or not.

Sample as illustration:



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[Old Expat Beast]

The Air-King-Date was ref 5700 or (for two tone) 5701, so in this case I'd be hoping for 5700 and a very rare no-date dial as a best-case scenario.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Maybe it’s just a poor photo but the date window looks really strange.

Agree - might be photo angle, but it looks a bit like a buckle/loaf of bread shape. OP can you get a better photos of date window along with the lug end engravings please.

[Tdb]

So I was able to make out the registered design which showed 1500 which is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date? That seems even stranger since Air King is on the dial.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Tdb

So I was able to make out the registered design which showed 1500 which is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date? That seems even stranger since Air King is on the dial.

In that case it seems like someone cut a date window into an Air-King dial and used it to re-dial a 1500.

[alwayshere]

Agree with others... havent seen a date dial without a "date" lettering in this model before.

1500 case adds more confusion.... maybe OEB is right and hence why there is a date window frame added? to cover up the cutting of the hole to show the date.

From memory, 1570 shares same dial feet position as 1530/1560 movements so its possible [someone correct me?]

[KY..]

Originally Posted by Tdb

So I was able to make out the registered design which showed 1500 which is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date? That seems even stranger since Air King is on the dial.

Since the watch has a strange setup, you probably should join the other forum VRF (Vintage Rolex Forum) and post clear photos.
There’s a good chance someone there can give you additional relevant information to go with the feedback here.
Here’s the link to the site:
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...agerolexforum/

[Ferrari308]

Interesting!!

Curious to see where this plays out! If you could get the serial, that may narrow it down quite a bit as it would provide a good date range which might help get better information. You don't have to post the full serial, but maybe the first two digits, then use X's for the rest of the numbers.


PDG

[Tdb]

I can only make out a few of the serial numbers:

227xx68

[alwayshere]

can you post a clearer picture of the dial in natural light?

Also its worth doing what KY suggested which is posting on the other forum.

[77T]

Before wandering over to VRF, you need to improve your images. You will be in the “deep end” of the vintage pool over there. I say that respectfully as I love the depth of knowledge there.

Back to your watch. Given the discoveries you’ve made, it is likely a modified dial on an Rolex Date watch.

Note the differences in Air-King on the dial.

Yours

______________________________

Authentic


Have it serviced and you could have years of use until there are no more parts to repair the movement.

My 2¢…
It’s a family heirloom of a good fellow who found a way to modify something he had to resemble something he wished for.


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