ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
30 October 2016, 08:17 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Real Name: Paul
Location: Portland, OR
Watch: 116610LN
Posts: 434
|
Rolex Airking - advice/opinions
Hello everyone!
I am looking for my first Rolex and am in discussions with a really nice guy (and verified seller) in my area who has an Airking. I am not sure of the exact model but he said he thinks it is early 80s. He is interested in a trade for one of my watches and I was hoping to get some input/opinions from the group. I have done some research on this model though I admit there is a ton I don't know. I have a smallish wrist at 6.75" so a 34mm won't bother me. I'm looking for a nice piece to wear around the office, out on a date with my wife where a little dress up is required, etc. A few things I was hoping to glean from the group: -Does anyone have this model that can speak to its reliability and time keeping accuracy? -From searching Chrono24 the value of these tends to vary from $2,200-$3,300 depending on condition and if it's on the steel bracelet. Does that sound about right? -This is a stainless steel case but the dial is advertised as "gold". Is it just gold colored or is actual gold? -Does anything odd or unoriginal stand out to you in the photos? I don't know enough about it to know if something is out of place. -Does this piece look polished to you? -General thoughts on the Airking as a starter piece? Thank you in advance. I've learned a ton from this forum and from browsing the threads. There is a wealth of knowledge on these boards. Paul |
30 October 2016, 09:08 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Real Name: Ben
Location: Bath, UK
Watch: the watch watchers
Posts: 158
|
Expert I'm not, and can't help on originality, but I *can* say that's a lovely looking piece!
I hope it checks out and falls into place for you! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Submariner 116610LN, Constellation 168.004, Seamaster f300 'cone', Omega 30T2, Omega bumper 342, Precista PRS-5, Precista PRS-18Q, Lemania 239A, Casio GW-5000, CWC W10, + more |
30 October 2016, 02:10 PM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Real Name: Dave
Location: NC
Watch: 5500 Air-King
Posts: 633
|
Dial is only gold colored. The Air King is NOT a starter watch. It is just a smaller Rolex. Movement is the same as other Rolex models of the same era. I own 3 Air Kings and a 34mm OP Date and they are not starters for me. I've owned many Subs, GMTs and DJs yet I now only own 34mm Rolex models. As for accuracy, mine are non-hacking models due to age, but still keep to within military spec for the years made. My AKs run about 10 seconds slow and the Date about 15. Not bad for watches from 49 to 58 years old.
__________________
Dave Ace of Clubs "Never mind the track. The track is for punks. We are Road People. We are Cafe Racers." - Hunter S. Thompson |
30 October 2016, 02:30 PM | #4 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Real Name: Paul
Location: Portland, OR
Watch: 116610LN
Posts: 434
|
Quote:
From my research I read that the 70's/80's AKs were not chronometer certified by Rolex but that they are still capable of keeping within modern COSC standards. I am not sure if that is true. |
|
30 October 2016, 08:46 PM | #5 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 673
|
Quote:
YMMV a watch is meant to be worn |
|
30 October 2016, 10:24 PM | #6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,779
|
Looks like a nice honest 5500! A very reliable and comfortable watch. Since it doesn't have an Oyster bracelet its price shouldn't be much more than $2k. What watch are you trading?
|
30 October 2016, 10:34 PM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Real Name: Dave
Location: NC
Watch: 5500 Air-King
Posts: 633
|
Yes. Even though not COSC certified, Air Kings can and will run well within COSC standards if serviced properly and kept that way. For that matter, most good movements can keep time that good. I have a Hamilton Khaki (25j ETA 2824-2) that keeps to 1 second a day. I have many other ETA as well as some Seiko and even a couple of Chinese movements that run within 1-2 seconds per day.
The nicest thing about an Air King is it is so small and light you almost forget you are wearing it
__________________
Dave Ace of Clubs "Never mind the track. The track is for punks. We are Road People. We are Cafe Racers." - Hunter S. Thompson |
30 October 2016, 11:39 PM | #8 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Real Name: Paul
Location: Portland, OR
Watch: 116610LN
Posts: 434
|
Quote:
I am considering trading a lnib Nomos Orion 38 for it (pics below). It's s great watch with an in house movement, I just haven't bonded with it. The trade value for my watch is ~$2,300 so I would probably need to ask for a bit of cash to go with the watch if the trade happens. I'm bummed the AK doesn't come with the bracelet as that's what I'd want to wear it on. Does anyone know where to find a period correct oyster or jubilee for this piece for a decent price? I believe the oyster it takes is a 78350 with #557 endlinks, but I am not sure about the model of the jubilee. I'm trying to factor in what the cost of acquiring a bracelet. |
|
31 October 2016, 12:14 AM | #9 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: The Empire State
Watch: 1966 Rolex 5513
Posts: 3,407
|
Paul, there are often 78350 bracelets on eBay, ranging from around $500-$1000. Or, you can certainly check the subforum for Rolex parts for sale on this site.
I would absolutely trade that Nomos in heartbeat. Just my opinion, but that's one of the most boring, random, and uninspiring watches I've seen. The Air-King runs circles around it! And I love the example of the one you're considering buying. Absolutely beautiful. |
31 October 2016, 12:48 AM | #10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,779
|
Ooh, tough call. Honestly I'm an Orion fan too. Super thin and low key. I picked up the "champagner" one not long ago. The Nomos would be tough for me to part with but the AK is probably a better everyday watch. Good luck with your decision!
Sent from my SM-J700P using Tapatalk |
31 October 2016, 01:07 AM | #11 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Real Name: Paul
Location: Portland, OR
Watch: 116610LN
Posts: 434
|
Quote:
I personally like Nomos as a brand. I'm just having a hard time bonding with this particular watch. By the way, does this box look like an original box that the watch would have come in? Or is this a "service box" that the watch would have been returned in when it came back from a service? |
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.