Rolex - Air-King - 5500 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage An exceptional example of the iconic Rolex Air-King Reference 5500, distinguished by its highly desirable and less common original black dial. While the vast majority of Air-King models from this era left the factory with silver dials, this specific configuration offers a striking, sporty aesthetic reminiscent of the Explorer 1016. Preserved in fantastic condition, this piece represents the essence of the "Oyster Perpetual" philosophy—rugged, waterproof, and timelessly designed. It is a precision instrument that bridges the gap between dress and sport, powered by the robust Rolex Caliber 1520 automatic movement. Brand: Rolex Model: Air-King Reference Number: 5500 Movement: Automatic Caliber 1520 Dial: Original black "Precision" dial Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with a pristine dial and honest wear to the case, with a recently serviced movement performing timegrapher results of +1 to +4 seconds per day that indicates a very healthy movement. Dial and Hands The centerpiece of this watch is the stunning original black dial, which remains in remarkable condition with a deep, uniform matte finish. It features applied stainless steel baton hour markers and matching stick hands, offering excellent contrast and legibility. The white printing, including the "Precision" designation at 6 o'clock, is crisp and sharp. Small tritium lume plots are present at the outer ends of the indices, showing a gentle, consistent cream patina that matches the lume on the hands. The dial is signed "T SWISS T" at the bottom edge, correct for this era. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel Oyster case is in excellent vintage condition, retaining thick lugs and good definition. There are visible signs of light surface wear and handling marks consistent with careful usage, but no deep gouges. The smooth stainless steel bezel frames the acrylic crystal perfectly. The case flanks feature a high-polished finish, while the top of the lugs are brushed. The crown is an original Rolex screw-down Twinlock crown that operates smoothly. Between the lugs, the reference number 5500 is clearly engraved. The inner caseback is stamped 1002, a well-documented and correct characteristic for Air-King 5500 models from this production period. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Rolex Caliber 1520 automatic movement, featuring 26 fine rubies. The movement images reveal a very clean mechanism, including the distinctive purple reversing wheels characteristic of the 1500 caliber family. The movement has been recently serviced and is winding smoothly and keeping excellent time, running between +1 and +4 seconds per day with strong amplitude, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted on its original stainless steel Rolex Oyster folded-link bracelet (Reference 7835) with correct 357 end links. The bracelet is in good vintage condition with typical stretch for a folded-link design of this age but remains secure and comfortable. It features the classic Rolex deployment clasp stamped with the date code and reference numbers. The bracelet will accommodate a wrist circumference of approximately 18cm. Condition This timepiece is rated in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the highlight, appearing virtually flawless to the naked eye. The case shows honest character with light scratches expected from a watch of this vintage but retains its iconic Oyster shape. The crystal is clean and clear. The movement is mechanically sound and performing well within expert expectations. Dimensions The case measures 34mm in diameter excluding the winding crown. The lug width is 19mm, giving it a classic and versatile stance on the wrist that slides easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks The Reference 5500 is one of the longest-running references in Rolex history, but finding one with a clean black dial is a distinct challenge for collectors. This configuration gives the watch a much more modern and utilitarian feel compared to its silver-dialed counterparts. It is an understated masterpiece that offers entry into the world of vintage Rolex with a piece that looks just as relevant today as it did decades ago. History The Air-King name was created by Hans Wilsdorf to honor the British Royal Air Force pilots of World War II, who preferred Rolex Oyster watches for their reliability and legibility. The Reference 5500 was introduced in 1957 and remained in production for over 30 years, serving as the archetype of the reliable, time-only wristwatch. It stands as a testament to Rolex's commitment to precision and durability. / Second Vintage SKU: ROL12CV9QN000