Airking 5504 info request

[Martinusd]

Hi all, I am a new member and this is my first post. I was hoping to get some information on my vintage Air King. I got this watch in a trade about 2 years ago but haven't worn it often as it is a little small for my 8" wrist.
To be honest, I am thinking about putting it up towards or a vintage sub or a modern explorer II, but my 'want' list seems to be changing daily...

This is the info I have of my watch: it runs like a champ and needs only a minimal shake to start. The previous owner had it serviced by his watchmaker who also polished it (unfortunately..) and the case does look like new. The serial/model numbers are gone for the most part. The dial background is perfect but some of the markers have been glued in position I suspect, which wasn't done very nicely as 2 markers (6 and 9) are not straight. This bothers me big time! Previous owner said the strap was original but I honestly don't know if this is true. I did purchase 4 extra aftermarket links to make it fit my wrist. I usually prefer leather straps on my vintage watches, but in this case I prefer to use the bracelet as it makes the watch look quite a bit bigger then on a strap. My research so far has told me the Air King should be from 1958, based on 35mm. I don't have a case back opener to check out the movement, but plan to get this done sometime this week at a local watchmaker I just met.

I would be very grateful for anybody that can provide me more info on this watch!

Now onto the pics....

[RHJ]

Have a look on the Omega Forum, there is today a,threat about this!

[Martinusd]

Thanks for your reply! Unfortunately I can't seem to find the thread.. could you please point me in the right direction?

[tecknik10]

I had a 1958 AirKing 5504 and from my research and understanding the movements where the 1530 and I believe they where from 1958 thru 1960 but not positive.
Classic watch " had two sell mine a few years back.

[RHJ]

Originally Posted by Martinusd

Thanks for your reply! Unfortunately I can't seem to find the thread.. could you please point me in the right direction?

Sorry, the article was about an Explorer 5504, not an Air-King: https://omegaforums.net/threads/love...explorer.40150

Sincerely

[Martinusd]

Originally Posted by RHJ

Sorry, the article was about an Explorer 5504, not an Air-King: https://omegaforums.net/threads/love...explorer.40150

Sincerely

No worries, I appreciate the effort!

[Martinusd]

I managed to get the caseback opened today at a watch dealer to get a look at the movement. I made some pictures but can't get them inserted in this post from my iPad. I was happy to see the 1530 movement in a very good cosmetic condition (I am no expert so can't comment on the mechanics of it, but as it runs well I suppose it's all good).
But here is the thing.... I am about to make a deal with somebody local and have offered a price in the region of 2k for the watch .... but as I just learned (Google) that this movement is quite sought after as it was also used in other models eg. 5512, 5513 and some other very popular models and that the movement alone when in good condition could already be worth about that amount... is this correct?
Could anybody please give me some info of what should be a fair value of my watch?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[tecknik10]

They go for between $2500 - $3500.

[Martinusd]

Thanks!

[dexvd]

Several examples I have seen of the 5504 Air King have had what appeared to be yellow gold indices. Were there two variants in that regard?

Don't see many on the original bracelet, so thats cool to see!

[Martinusd]

Originally Posted by dexvd

Several examples I have seen of the 5504 Air King have had what appeared to be yellow gold indices. Were there two variants in that regard?

Don't see many on the original bracelet, so thats cool to see!

I really don't know. Google shows a few different dials and also different hands. I wish I knew more about this watch. Anyway, I am saving up for what is going to be my nicest watch so far (as in most expensive for me ... but still undecided as to which one..) and the watch is currently with a pre-owned watch dealer that I know who is trying to sell it for me together with some other watches I have.