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Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500

The Rolex Air‑King Ref. 5500 from 1983 is a timeless tribute to aviation and precision. Measuring 34 mm, it is perfectly sized for everyday wear while maintaining a strong presence on the wrist.Powered by the automatic Caliber 1520, it delivers reliable performance and Swiss accuracy.

Its silver dial exudes understated elegance and highlights the watch’s enduring style. The original stainless steel folding clasp adds both comfort and authenticity. This design reflects Rolex’s longstanding connection to aviation since the 1930s. The watch honors the fearless pioneers who pushed the limits of flight. Its unique dial serves as a reminder of shared history, records, and achievements. Inspired by aviation, the Air‑King encourages the wearer to embrace adventure. It invites us to reach new heights and explore the skies of our own potential.

Despite its historical roots, the Air‑King possesses a personality all its own. It motivates wearers to follow their inspiration and explore new horizons. The model celebrates both past aviation heroes and today’s trailblazers. It is a watch for anyone determined to take their destiny into their own hands. To push boundaries and continuously strive for greater achievements. First introduced in 1945, the Air‑King was designed for pilots during World War II.

Its focus on simplicity, elegance, and readability made it indispensable. The 3, 6, and 9 hour markers were specifically chosen for optimal legibility. Rolex’s exclusive Oystersteel ensures exceptional corrosion resistance and a polished finish. This robust material has kept the Air‑King looking pristine over decades of wear. The model reflects Rolex’s dedication to both function and style. It was originally launched to honor British Royal Air Force pilots.

The watch remains perfectly readable even in extreme conditions.

Its fresh-looking dial has stood the test of time beautifully. In excellent condition, this Air‑King combines historical significance with timeless design.

Wearing it connects the owner to Rolex’s rich heritage.

It also embodies the adventurous spirit that continues to define the brand today. The 1983 Air‑King is more than a watch it is a symbol of precision, courage, and timeless elegance.

Year

1983
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€ 4.790

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Brand Rolex
Diameter 34 mm
Model Air-King
Bracelet/strap: Steel
Reference 5500
Buckle/clasp Original steel folding clasp
Year of production (circa) 1983
Lug Width 19 mm
Material Steel
Set Content Watch only
Crystal Acrylic
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Dial color Silver
Movement Automatic

Rolex is well known for its watches aimed at specific professionals. As such, it is no wonder that the house has a long history in specialist pilot’s watches. From the 1930’s onwards, several variations of the Oyster Perpetual bubble-back were made with names like Air-Lion, Air-Giant and Air-Tiger. These were commonly bought by RAF pilots during WWII, as an upgrade to their issued watches.

In 1945, a single pilot’s line was launched to replace all of these predecessors: The Rolex Air-King.

Interestingly, the Air-King does not feature too many true aviation features. The archetypal pilot’s watch is big, with a matte black dial and white numerals and preferably a soft iron cage to protect from magnetism. The older Air-Kings have none of that. It is, however, a beautiful and versatile line of watches that is worth considering.

The most popular vintage Air-King is undoubtedly the Ref. 5500. A dual-reference that was also assigned to an Explorer model. To complicate things further, the Ref. 5500 was identical to the Ref. 1002 Oyster Perpetual, except for the dial. The Ref. 5500 was introduced in 1957 and lasted a whopping 37 years, making it the longest-running Rolex reference ever.

Rolex discontinued the Air-King in 2014, only to bring it back in 2016 with the Ref. 116900. A bit of an odd duck in the collection, with its busy dial with yellow and green details. It is, however, a fan favorite in the modern lineup, together with the equally quirky Milgauss.

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.