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Old 26 December 2012, 07:03 PM   #121
Byron
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Recently, my uncle brought this out from his memory box and I was wondering if anybody had any more information about it. He has had it in his possession since the late 60's early 70's. Before that, it belonged to my great grandparents.

5500 is engraved between the lugs and a serial number that begins with a 369XXX is engraved between the other side of the lugs. I'm not sure if this is a Explorer or Air King.. Tested out the lume and it still worked a bit. I couldn't quite capture it. All I had with me was my iPhone 4s.

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!
Byron
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Old 27 December 2012, 06:34 AM   #122
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My 1975 Air King (my father upgraded after 33yrs and gave it to me) and my 2007 Sub with that irresistible green bezel.




It had recently returned from a full servicing at the RSC in NY, I couldn't have been more pleased with the way it turned out.


This one is due for a service in the very near future, mostly to buff out a few small scratches.


regards,


Alex
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Old 27 December 2012, 07:58 AM   #123
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Looks like someone had the 5500 dial refinished. Also could be a 6352 dial installed. But, it's absolutely a 5500 AirKing. No 5500 was a certified chronometer
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Old 15 January 2013, 08:46 AM   #124
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Here's my Air King Ref.5500, purchased new in 1976. Originally it came with the thinner 'folded link' bracelet, which I later replaced in 1980 with the solid-link bracelet shown here, otherwise it's all original. Presently loses 3 secs p/day, which I think is pretty good for a mechanical. Tritium has died, many years ago.

Interesting thread!
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Old 15 January 2013, 11:11 AM   #125
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The somewhat uncommon blue dial, very nice! Nice to see your dial hasn't chipped. A lot of blue dial AKs and DJs from that era with a blue dial had a flaw in the paint and chipped where the tritium was applied. Very nice example you have there!
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Old 12 February 2013, 01:37 PM   #126
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joe100 View Post
The somewhat uncommon blue dial, very nice! Nice to see your dial hasn't chipped. A lot of blue dial AKs and DJs from that era with a blue dial had a flaw in the paint and chipped where the tritium was applied. Very nice example you have there!
Thanks joe100, here are my two blue boys


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Old 12 February 2013, 03:24 PM   #127
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Nice OQ!
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Old 21 February 2013, 11:43 AM   #128
GoyGuy
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A very cute black Air-King!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Air King Dan View Post
Here is my Rolex Air-King as requested!

Dan
Beautiful example of a 5500? You must be very pleased with it, black is a great dial color, steel work and band look great!
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Old 21 February 2013, 11:08 PM   #129
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My Blue M serial 114200 says Hello :



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Old 22 February 2013, 02:30 AM   #130
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I'm really loving the blue dials boys!
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Old 27 February 2013, 11:17 AM   #131
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Very happy with this OQ.



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Old 27 February 2013, 12:07 PM   #132
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Math23ews View Post
I would like to hear some facts about model numbers and production years![img]http://www.************/28.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/02.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/03.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/05.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/04.jpg[/img][img]http://www.************/29.jpg[/img]
My blue Jubilee OQ is a model ref. '17014A', not sure what the 'A' stands for. It has a 'PXXXXXX' serial which suggests early Y2000 manufacture. Has 'SWISS MADE' at the 6 o'clock position, which always seems to be seen with the newer white 'super luminova' lume.

More to follow regarding an early ref. 17000, when I get my hands on it...
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Old 2 April 2013, 02:31 AM   #133
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I've been collecting watches for a number of years and have been kicking around the idea of delving into Rolex for the last few months. As my collecting tastes have matured, I find myself leaning more and more toward vintage Rolex. I'm attracted to the classic designs, smaller sizes (sub-40mm), and the sport/adventure oriented history.

I think the Air-King may be my first, and I'm leaning toward the reference 5500. This has been a great thread! Very informative! I'll be reading the AK History thread next.
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Old 5 April 2013, 09:29 AM   #134
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joe100 View Post
The AK gets a lot of schtick around here but it really is an excellent watch. Draws little attention, classic design, great history, and a price that won't break the bank. A good one can cost as little as $1500. Less than half of any of the other sport models. It's also very versitile too. Dress it up or down, doesn't matter and it's comfortable as well.
Without a doubt! I've been through all manner of watches, and the AK is the only mainstay of my collection. It takes a lot of heat for being 34mm, but I've always found it to wear very well. It's my daily wearer and one piece that I don't intend on ever selling.
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Old 5 April 2013, 09:51 AM   #135
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Obviously I agree! Ha
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Old 7 April 2013, 11:46 PM   #136
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Just this morning, we had a '67 Air-King pop up for sale here locally. The ad says the dial has been 'refinished to the highest possible standards' but refinished is still refinished.

It's a too close to my own 1501 to actually pursue but it was nice to see one for sale anyway. We don't really get that many offered from private sellers here.
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Old 22 June 2013, 08:31 AM   #137
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Dear Members,

I have a Rolex Oysterdate prescison how does this model differ from the Air King it dates from around 1975 / 1976

Regards

W.W.
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Old 22 June 2013, 10:10 AM   #138
joe100
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Well it has a date and it's manual wind
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Old 22 June 2013, 11:45 AM   #139
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walter Wharton View Post
Dear Members,

I have a Rolex Oysterdate prescison how does this model differ from the Air King it dates from around 1975 / 1976

Regards

W.W.
Well, your Oysterdate is manual-wind, and has a date on it. But they're both 34mm.
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Old 22 June 2013, 02:27 PM   #140
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Derp, missed your post Joe. Summed it up succinctly!
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Old 21 July 2013, 06:16 AM   #141
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Are Air Kings waterproof or just water resistant?
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Old 21 July 2013, 07:15 AM   #142
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Are Air Kings waterproof or just water resistant?
New Air Kings are rated to 100m. Older ones 50m. So, I'd call that waterproof, as long as you've pressure checked it recently.

Some might say "there's no such thing as waterproof," but Rolex marketed Oyster watches as such for many years. ;)

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Old 21 July 2013, 08:26 AM   #143
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Quote:
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New Air Kings are rated to 100m. Older ones 50m. So, I'd call that waterproof, as long as you've pressure checked it recently.

Some might say "there's no such thing as waterproof," but Rolex marketed Oyster watches as such for many years. ;)

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Rob is correct. 100m will suffice in almost any situation for a normal human.
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Old 21 July 2013, 09:54 AM   #144
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Thanks for the replies. I have a 1995 Air King. Is that considered old (50m) or new (100m)?
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Old 21 July 2013, 09:56 AM   #145
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Thanks for the replies. I have a 1995 Air King. Is that considered old (50m) or new (100m)?
100m with ref 14000

The 5500 was rated to 165' or 50m. I have mine tested to 100m no problem. Rolex, like BMW, likes to underestimate their products a bit.
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Old 27 July 2013, 06:35 AM   #146
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Here's a photo of my "new" 5501 Air-King. It's a 1979 TT with a very light silver face (looks closer to white) with a non-Rolex strap and buckle. This photo is from the ad that coerced me into buying the thing. :)

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Old 27 July 2013, 10:20 AM   #147
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Muy nice Trip!
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Old 28 July 2013, 10:51 AM   #148
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Muy nice Trip!
Thanks much Joe!

Have been wearing the 5501 for four days now and love it. I think me 16233 is getting lonely. :)
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Old 5 August 2013, 11:07 AM   #149
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There are many Rolex models and dials without numbers. The 5500s, 14000s etc
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Old 5 August 2013, 11:29 AM   #150
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I won this Air-King date in a Rolex sales contest in 1971, when I worked for a Rolex dealer. The band is not original, but other than the usual genuine Rolex repair parts, it is all original. This one came to me direct from Rolex, Toronto, with the point of sale price ticket still on it. Read it and weep! In 1971, this watch sold for, get this, $ 215.00 in Canada!
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