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10 December 2018, 08:01 PM | #1 |
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Rolex Air King 5500 - Servicing Advice
Hello all,
This weekend I visited my Grandfather and discussed the love for watches. To my surprise he said "I think I've got an old Rolex" and came back with a Rolex Air King 5500 which was my Great Grandfathers. The watch is still ticking but it is in need of some love and care as I doubt its had a service in around 50 years. My question I pose to you is what directions should I give to the RSC? Obviously it needs some replacement parts, but I would like to keep it as original as possible. Damaged parts: - Watch crystal is cracked and scratched - Second hand looks like it has corroded slighty, I cant tell if this is rust or not. - Crown tube has corroded - Bracelet is very flimsy - Bracelet clasp is deformed What would be the best action to take for: - Case polishing - Bracelet polishing/replacement - Dial/hands- I assume this used tritium for the lume Photos (click for larger image): |
11 December 2018, 02:51 AM | #2 |
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Rolex may or may not not service a watch as old as this one seems to be. And for the most part they will "want" to push for a complete restoration, IF they have the parts and are actually willing to work on it.
Best bet is to go to an independent Rolex service person who at the very least has a good reputation for vintage Rolex. An independent will push less for complete restoration and should do only what you want done. Such as servicing the movement, NO case polishing if you do not want that. Your crystal definitely allowed entry of moisture, being cracked as it is. An evaluation is needed along with a repair estimate. I cannot recommend an independent service, but others can chime in here with that.
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11 December 2018, 07:17 AM | #3 |
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The watch may have been serviced more recently as the bracelet is screw type. I'd take it to an independent with a rolex account and have them do a service with maybe a light polish.
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12 December 2018, 12:31 AM | #4 |
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Thanks for all your comments.
I'm going to look at getting it serviced at William Rice from the positive feedback received on these forums. |
12 December 2018, 12:45 AM | #5 |
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RSC serviced my 5500 a couple years ago. It's running great. When I send in my vintage pieces I simply include in my note instructions not to replace the dial or hands, and not to polish the watch (unless I want it polished). I know there are tons of "RSC vintage horror stories" on here but they've always done exactly what I asked. They are expensive though; nothing wrong with a good independent. Good luck!
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13 December 2018, 05:23 AM | #6 | |
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Quote:
How much did that cost ya? I too have a pool dial 5500 that I’m thinking about sending in... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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13 December 2018, 05:41 AM | #7 |
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Dial looks perfect to me, just some surface scratches to crystal. Really nice watch btw!
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13 December 2018, 05:44 AM | #8 |
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13 December 2018, 05:53 AM | #9 |
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13 December 2018, 03:02 PM | #10 |
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13 December 2018, 04:14 PM | #11 |
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13 December 2018, 04:19 PM | #12 |
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19 December 2018, 01:10 AM | #13 |
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Mine is now in for service/restoration and should have it back early 2019, very exciting!
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