Question about an Air King 5500 re-dialed

[Oldcards]

Good morning everyone,
I found an AK with a dial I like for what I thought was a reasonable price from a jeweler that stocks "lots of pre-owned Rolex."
Case is marked 5500 and a 7.5 million serial with an acrylic crystal. From what I can find, that makes the watch a 1983/4-ish AK precision.
Problem is, the dial is obviously from the 2008-ish AK that is marked as COSC.
I paid $2,500 for it and I'm having second thoughts and considering returning it.
The jewlers papers state that it is a "34mm Rolex Air King." While that is vague, it is what the watch is. Do I have good reason to return it? Wanting to hear some opinions.
Thanks!

[Oldcards]

Also meant to add, I have noticed this morning the seconds hand skipping in certain spots. It isn't affecting the time keeping, just annoying.

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[offrdmania]

Even though it is a later dial, it is a Rolex dial. Most likely the original dial had damage so it was replaced with what was available at the time. You can find original dials, they are out there. The price seems a bit steep to me. The skipping second hand may be a worn or a broken tooth or maybe just a piece of gunk but you wont know until its serviced but it may be a money pit.
If you like the watch then I say keep it and have it serviced. If its too much to bear then return it and look for another one.

[springer]

My watchmaker in Dallas has several original Air King dials. They are not that expensive.

Your watch currently has what is referred to as the "Harley" dial due to its orange and black color like that found on the Harley Davidson logo.

If you need help locally with a dial, send me a message with a phone number.

[Oldcards]

Originally Posted by springer

My watchmaker in Dallas has several original Air King dials. They are not that expensive.

Your watch currently has what is referred to as the "Harley" dial due to its orange and black color like that found on the Harley Davidson logo.

If you need help locally with a dial, send me a message with a phone number.

I appreciate that. I am in Dallas as well.
I am leaning strongly towards returning it at this point.
I may be in the minority but I like the Harley dial. But I think I'd rather have it on a correct 114200.

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[schaumburgla]

It's not period correct so I would return it & find a correct watch. If you you got a great bargain I'd say keep it & go w springer's suggestion but you paid retail & you would have a hard time re-couping your $ for the dial swap & finding a buyer for the modern dial.
Good luck
Justin

[Oldcards]

An update to my original post:
I returned the 5500 and the same day I ran across a 114200 from the original owner with box and all the goodies and we made a deal.
So I have my daily knockaround for the office and its what I wanted originally.
Love this board!




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[joe100]

I'd hold onto that one Cards, the orange concentric is hard to find.

[Oldcards]

Originally Posted by joe100

I'd hold onto that one Cards, the orange concentric is hard to find.

This one is a keeper. I bought it to give my SD a break now and again, but it's become a daily wear now. I love the dial!

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