Rolex Air King 5500 automatic 34 mm Full Set 1974

The history of one of the most iconic references

The end of World War II approached when Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, thought of congratulating and honoring the pilots of the Royal Air Force, by offering aviation-related Oyster watches. The very first Air King was presented in 1945 under the reference 4365. It is expressly mentioned, just under the mark surmounted by the crown emblem. Equipped with a hand-wound mechanical movement, this round, Oyster-type watch on a leather strap displayed all the hour numerals on its dial, except for the 6, which was replaced by a small seconds indicator dial, topped by the inscription Precision.

In 1957, Rolex introduced the Air-King that would define the line for the next 37 years: the reference 5500. A discreet relative of the Explorer, the Air-King would quickly move from being a professional instrument to a sporty, city watch. Elegant and sober, it finds its place in all circumstances. It is adorned with the qualities expected of a Rolex: automatic movement, steel case and bracelet, precision, water-resistance and robustness. It is then the ideal timepiece for sports leisure.

Getting to know each other

On the wrist, this Air-King is a Rolex classic, with a 34mm diameter and a stainless steel Oyster case. It wears a bit smaller than the 36mm Oyster Perpetual and Datejust of that era, but it's still very versatile for all wrist sizes.

What we like about this model is, above all, its simplicity. We love its Oyster case, its wonderfully patinated "silver" tritium dial and its extremely careful finishing. This combination makes it a perfect watch. The watch is also devoid of some visual signatures of Rolex, like the fluted bezel or the cyclops date window. So it is aesthetically very different from the stereotypical ideas of what a Rolex is.

The Package

This Air-King is in excellent condition, and will come to you with case and its original 1974 warranty! It has been authenticated and checked by our Rolex approved watchmaker and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1 year warranty. You can benefit from a free engraving (case back) upon request.