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Jason.GR · 20 May 2011, 03:39 AM

I have a Rolex Oyster-Perpetual Air-King-Date Super Precision 5700 Registered Design with a Serial number of 514649

I believe that this watch is from around 1946-47 but I am unable to get any further information about it because all the models that I can find are from the 1950's at the earliest.

I have looked through this forum extensively but have only been able to narrow down the date besides that I can't seem to find much more, Ha.

I would greatly appreciate it if someone would be able to guide me to where I could find more about this watch or if they wouldn't mind sharing what they know. It would be a bonus to have a rough idea as to value but as of right now that isn't the pressing matter for me.

I have included some pictures to help.

Thank you for your time and help

Jason

Paul · 20 May 2011, 06:28 AM

That a nice tidy Air King Jason.

The case back tells you it was manufactured in the 1st quarter of 1960.
The serial number of 514xxx is also just right for circa 1960.

Value $1,000 (?) - maybe up to $1,500 if it was on its original oyster rivet bracelet

harry in montreal · 20 May 2011, 02:03 PM

Hey there. These were sold in Canada and Europe. Hard to find and often presentation pieces for years of service. Coca cola issued tons of these. This one is early. The case back says one60. This is likely your date. It's also sold with a dial that said "explorer date". Your watch is 1200 with no band. Double that if the dial was an explorer date. Harry in Montreal

SkyKing31 · 20 May 2011, 02:47 PM

neat looking air king .. thanks for sharing

Andy B · 20 May 2011, 08:45 PM

Dial looks refinished to me, the script is smudged and no lume, anyone else think that?

AB.

adam78 · 21 May 2011, 07:32 AM

There shouldn't be any lume on the dial, as the hands have no space for lume. I think the dial is probably original (and pristine). If refinished, they did a damn good job IMO. The movement is also pristine, and a pristine cal. 1530 with butterfly rotor is worth quite a bit in its own right.

I also think these are worth a little bit north of $1000-1500, perhaps by 500-1000.

You really need to put on a properly fitting strap, however!

jlee5050 · 21 May 2011, 07:39 AM

I have a 5701 too but this one is pretty early... if not the earliest I've seen so far. Somewhat rare birds I'd say... nice piece!

drockadam · 21 May 2011, 08:03 AM

What a beauty!

LI Matt · 21 May 2011, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Needham

The serial number of 514xxx is also just right for circa 1960.

The thing about six-digit serial numbers is they were all used twice. So there are 500,000s from 1946 and 500,000s from 1960. The caseback will tell you which one it is.

The movement is a 1535, which is the 1530 with the date function added.

Looks like you've got that familiar vintage bugbear, the 19mm lug space. 19mm straps are just about impossible to find, so we put an 18mm on and live with that little gap

HL65 · 21 May 2011, 08:47 PM

Very nice--great pics too Jason!! Welcome to TRF!!

adam78 · 21 May 2011, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LI Matt

Looks like you've got that familiar vintage bugbear, the 19mm lug space. 19mm straps are just about impossible to find, so we put an 18mm on and live with that little gap

Actually, 19mm straps are pretty easy to find, in my experience (if this indeed has 19mm, and not 20mm, lug spacing). If you are going to wear it, you really need to find a properly fitting strap, else the spring bars will exert uneven wear on the lug holes. Try eBay and search for 19mm strap. There are many to choose from.

JEC · 22 May 2011, 02:03 AM

I'd say it's probably a redial, but a good one. The white is pristine vs the condition of the markers. The printing is a bit sloppy but the correct font.

Nice example overall. The redial isn't that big of a deal on an AK as long as it is done well, it's more of a problem on a super-collectible sport model.

JEC · 22 May 2011, 02:05 AM

Also you can always get a custom strap done for reasonable money. A goodun in calf will run 80-150$. Strap gurus like Peter Gunny (known for military/panerai style stuff) will do straps to order in a dressier padded style in whatever size you need.

Paul · 22 May 2011, 07:21 AM

... with a 19mm oyster or jubilee bracelet.

Must be some out there somewhere

Jason.GR · 27 May 2011, 03:29 AM

Thank you for all the replies and the information that was provided. From the best of my knowledge the watch was only worn a very small handful of times for very special occasions. I am 99% sure that it is all original it might look blurry or bubbled because I used a 35mm macro lens in front of my digital camera to get those super zoomed in shots and it was very touchy to get it 100% in focus.

With this watch taken care of I have another oldie that I might need some more information I'll see what I can find and then post some pictures in a new thread

1930's ish maybe Rolex Tudor in a rectangular case.

thanks again

Jason

20 May 2011, 03:39 AM	#1
Jason.GR "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 4	Rolex Oyster-Perpetual Air-King-Date Super Precision 5700 I have a Rolex Oyster-Perpetual Air-King-Date Super Precision 5700 Registered Design with a Serial number of 514649 I believe that this watch is from around 1946-47 but I am unable to get any further information about it because all the models that I can find are from the 1950's at the earliest. I have looked through this forum extensively but have only been able to narrow down the date besides that I can't seem to find much more, Ha. I would greatly appreciate it if someone would be able to guide me to where I could find more about this watch or if they wouldn't mind sharing what they know. It would be a bonus to have a rough idea as to value but as of right now that isn't the pressing matter for me. I have included some pictures to help. Thank you for your time and help Jason

20 May 2011, 06:28 AM	#2
Paul "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,000	Your answer is stamped on the case back matey ... That a nice tidy Air King Jason. The case back tells you it was manufactured in the 1st quarter of 1960. The serial number of 514xxx is also just right for circa 1960. Value $1,000 (?) - maybe up to $1,500 if it was on its original oyster rivet bracelet

21 May 2011, 07:32 AM	#6
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,829	There shouldn't be any lume on the dial, as the hands have no space for lume. I think the dial is probably original (and pristine). If refinished, they did a damn good job IMO. The movement is also pristine, and a pristine cal. 1530 with butterfly rotor is worth quite a bit in its own right. I also think these are worth a little bit north of $1000-1500, perhaps by 500-1000. You really need to put on a properly fitting strap, however! __________________ Cheers, Adam

21 May 2011, 08:03 AM	#8
drockadam "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: Pepsi. Posts: 5,749	What a beauty! __________________ - Adam Instagram: @GMTSUBTIME

21 May 2011, 08:47 PM	#10
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,535	Very nice--great pics too Jason!! Welcome to TRF!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

20 May 2011, 02:03 PM	#3
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	Hey there. These were sold in Canada and Europe. Hard to find and often presentation pieces for years of service. Coca cola issued tons of these. This one is early. The case back says one60. This is likely your date. It's also sold with a dial that said "explorer date". Your watch is 1200 with no band. Double that if the dial was an explorer date. Harry in Montreal

20 May 2011, 02:47 PM	#4
SkyKing31 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Manalapan Florida Watch: Tridor Masterpiece Posts: 2,819	neat looking air king .. thanks for sharing

20 May 2011, 08:45 PM	#5
Andy B "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cheshire, England Posts: 275	Dial looks refinished to me, the script is smudged and no lume, anyone else think that? AB.

21 May 2011, 07:39 AM	#7
jlee5050 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Los Angeles Watch: the throne. Posts: 165	I have a 5701 too but this one is pretty early... if not the earliest I've seen so far. Somewhat rare birds I'd say... nice piece!

22 May 2011, 02:03 AM	#12
JEC Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: J. Location: Montreal Watch: Speedmaster Pro Posts: 232	I'd say it's probably a redial, but a good one. The white is pristine vs the condition of the markers. The printing is a bit sloppy but the correct font. Nice example overall. The redial isn't that big of a deal on an AK as long as it is done well, it's more of a problem on a super-collectible sport model.

22 May 2011, 02:05 AM	#13
JEC Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: J. Location: Montreal Watch: Speedmaster Pro Posts: 232	Also you can always get a custom strap done for reasonable money. A goodun in calf will run 80-150$. Strap gurus like Peter Gunny (known for military/panerai style stuff) will do straps to order in a dressier padded style in whatever size you need.

27 May 2011, 03:29 AM	#15
Jason.GR "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 4	Thank you for all the replies and the information that was provided. From the best of my knowledge the watch was only worn a very small handful of times for very special occasions. I am 99% sure that it is all original it might look blurry or bubbled because I used a 35mm macro lens in front of my digital camera to get those super zoomed in shots and it was very touchy to get it 100% in focus. With this watch taken care of I have another oldie that I might need some more information I'll see what I can find and then post some pictures in a new thread 1930's ish maybe Rolex Tudor in a rectangular case. thanks again Jason

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