Rolex - Oyster Perpetual Air-King 'Serviced' - 5500 - Men - 1974

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Rolex Air-King is one of the most enduring and beloved models in the brand's storied history, representing the pure essence of the Oyster Perpetual line. Introduced in the late 1950s, the reference 5500 remained in production for over three decades, celebrated for its perfect proportions and understated elegance. This specific example boasts a stunning silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, paired with classic baton hour markers. It is a quintessential vintage Rolex that balances everyday versatility with timeless sophistication, offering a remarkably clean aesthetic that remains as relevant today as it was upon its original release. Brand: Rolex Model: Air-King Reference Number: 5500 Serial Number: 3772381 Movement: Automatic Caliber 1520 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied baton indices, exceptionally clean condition with fully intact creamy lume plots Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and strong case lines. Recently serviced, it is exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in mid-century Rolex design, exhibiting a brilliant radial finish that interacts dynamically with ambient light. The dial presents in exceptionally clean condition, completely free of moisture marks, heavy spotting, or discoloration. It features applied faceted baton hour markers with central black enamel inserts, matching the pristine stick hands perfectly. The applied Rolex coronet sits proudly at the twelve o'clock position. At the outer edge, the original tritium lume plots remain fully intact, having aged to a warm, even creamy patina that complements the silver backdrop. The typography, including the iconic Air-King script and the Precision designation, remains crisp and deeply printed. Case and Crystal The stainless steel Oyster case measures well-proportioned and retains strong, thick lugs with clearly defined transitions between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished flanks. The smooth polished bezel frames the dial elegantly, showing only light, honest handling marks consistent with careful vintage wear. Between the lugs, the reference 5500 and serial numbers remain deeply engraved and entirely legible, while the inside of the caseback bears the traditional 1002 stamping common to this era. The screw-down caseback and the Rolex-signed twinlock crown function exactly as intended. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, presenting a clear and distortion-free view of the dial beneath with excellent clarity. Movement Inside the robust Oyster case beats the renowned Rolex caliber 1520 automatic movement, a true mechanical workhorse. The movement presents beautifully, with the distinctive rhodium-plated bridges, pink reversing wheels, and fine perlage finishing all clearly visible and exceptionally well-preserved. Engravings on the rotor and bridges confirm its 26-jewel configuration. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show an impressive -8 to -10 seconds per day with strong amplitude. . Recently serviced, it is exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching, complementing the black accents on the dial and hands. The strap is supple, comfortable on the wrist, and secures with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear standout, remaining remarkably well-preserved, visually striking, and free of notable flaws. The case exhibits normal, honest signs of wear with light superficial scratches on the polished surfaces, but retains its structural integrity and a sharp overall profile without signs of heavy over-polishing. The movement is exceptionally clean and running with robust precision. Dimensions The watch measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and highly wearable profile suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The proportions provide a balanced and comfortable fit for daily wear. Remarks The reference 5500 Air-King is a cornerstone of any serious vintage Rolex collection, offering an unpretentious yet undeniably premium wearing experience. The combination of the pristine silver sunburst dial, perfectly aged tritium plots, and the highly reliable automatic movement makes this a compelling acquisition for both seasoned collectors and those looking for an exceptional entry into vintage Rolex ownership. History Originally introduced to honor the British Royal Air Force pilots of World War II, the Air-King line quickly became a symbol of durability and precision. The reference 5500 enjoyed one of the longest production runs in Rolex history, a testament to its flawless design and mechanical reliability. Over the decades, it has remained a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate the purity of a time-only Rolex, devoid of a date window, allowing the perfect symmetry of the dial to take center stage. / Second Vintage SKU: ROL-ROP-0010