Question about inherited watch

[sarahjw]

Hi all

Ok so I got this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Precision from my grandpa. I basically just wrote everything that was written on the dial. I have tried to find out anything I can about this watch through Google but given that the Air King and the Oyster Perpetual are a continued and ongoing series, it’s rather tricky to find information on this specific model. What I do know is that it must have been bought between 1945 and 1955 - because he got after he returned from fighting in WWII and before he met my grandma.

So onto my question... the watch is made up almost entirely of original parts - it was only the glass casing that was replaced by my dad around 15 years ago. But the strap, given how old it is, needs replacing as it is very stretched. I really like the Jubilee bracelets but I heard that the Oyster watches can only house the Oyster bands...? Could anyone confirm or deny or advise...! Please?

Thanking you in advance.

PS, apologies for the squished picture that only shows the face. The image requirements are so tiny that that’s all I could fit...

[Dan S]

When you remove the bracelet, take photos of the numbers between the lugs at 6 and 12, and forum members can give you more information about your inheritance. You can certainly fit a jubilee bracelet to this watch, either vintage or new. You will just need to find the correct end-links.

[Tom1675]

More pics please. Watch a video on youtube on how to remove the bracelet and check between the lugs for the model number and for the serial number. This will let you know what model you have and, with a degree of error, when it was made. You'll hear from others who will tell you what you've got by sight and appox when it was made.

[sarahjw]

Thanks to you both for your response - I really appreciate it.

Dan - that is so great to hear. I was told today by a salesman in a Rolex store that this was not possible. And I couldn’t understand why.. if I find a 19mm Jubilee then surely it is doable?

Tom - I had read that all that sacred info is stored in the lugs. I have now watched multiple videos on removing the straps, and those guys make it look as easy as 1, 2, 3... yet here I am with all sorts of Oyster armband patterns on my hand and the strap just is not popping out like it does on their videos... ah!

I have this info, as I had it serviced in October of last year, on an invoice:
Model: ROLEX - Air King
Serial number: 642401

Does that mean anything?

[L.K Johnson]

Looks like a 5500...you can fit both a jubilee and an oyster band to it, it comes down to having the correct end links that fit the case. You will be able to find both jubilee and oyster end links that will fit your watch’s case...a google search will help you on the way or just use Chrono24.com and search for “Rolex 5500” Watch the pics on each watch to see which end links used and you will find the correct ones...normally smooth bezel Rolexes are supposed to be fitted with smooth bezels and fluted bezel watches would be fitted with jubilee bracelets but it’s up to you since both are kosher!

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

... a google search will help you on the way or just use Chrono24.com and search for “Rolex 5500” Watch the pics on each watch to see which end links used and you will find the correct ones ...

I find HQMilton to be a super convenient way to identify bracelets and end-links, since they clearly state the numbers in every listing.

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I find HQMilton to be a super convenient way to identify bracelets and end-links, since they clearly state the numbers in every listing.

Agree...one of the best sellers out there!

[sarahjw]

Wow, LK Johnson the 5500 looks spot on. Everything matches when I look at a Google image search... when I look at the serial number provided on the receipt, the only thing that matches in the image comparison is Rolex Oyster.

When you all mention ‘end links’ ... are you just referring to the lug size, as in it being 19mm? Or is there more to it?

Pardon my ignorance...my watch is an IWC with a straight up leather strap. Whereas it seems here I’d need to buy a bracelet strap as well as additional end links...?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by sarahjw

. . .I have this info, as I had it serviced in October of last year, on an invoice:
Model: ROLEX - Air King
Serial number: 642401

Does that mean anything?

Your Air King is from the early 60's.

Most early bracelets with the right lug width should fit, or you could have the original rebuilt if it is not too thrashed.

[77T]

While you figure out which bracelet you want, I suggest a simple inexpensive nylon NATO or ZULU strap.

You now have a nice heirloom from your granddad.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[L.K Johnson]

Here is another thread with some info on correct oyster end links for your model:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=620205

[offrdmania]

If you decide of an Oyster bracelet then you want number 57 end links to fit that case. If its a jubilee bracelet that you decide on then the number 574 end links are what you will hunt for.

[Fortis]

Beautiful Rolex. It was the first model I owned back in 1977.
Excellent you’ll be able to pass it on to your son.

[straig]

Nice watch which would also look awesome on a leather strap. Enjoy.

[Mark020]

The serial dates it to 1960 btw.

[sarahjw]

Wow, you guys are amazing - thank you so much for all your help! I felt so lost and confused but now I’m clear...! Yet I don’t feel I can buy the strap from Rolex direct as they told me i couldn’t actually have any other strap other than an Oyster. So off I go to the big wide web...!