1960 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500
Why This Watch Matters
Not the aviator tool that its name suggests, the Air-King has always been the more affordable Rolex that you could always count on – and was built to last a lifetime.
The Full Story
Legend has it that the founder of Rolex, Hans Wildorf, came up with the Air-King name after WWII to honor the British pilots that had trusted his watches through the conflict. Many successful iterations ensued but, introduced in 1957, the reference 5500 represents a turning point for Rolex. Fully embodying the spirit of the Air-King line, it offers a tough watch at a more attractive price point. This reference made simplicity its asset, offering the celebrated Oyster case with the same automatic movement that you could otherwise find in the Submariners of the time. And the dial follows the same philosophy, with a seducing sobriety that a date window or excessive writing would disturb. It was a value proposition at its time, and today remains a fantastic piece from Rolex.
The Fine Print
Maker: Rolex
Model: Air-King
Reference: 5500
Year: 1960
Case No: 571XXX
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 34 mm diameter; 11 mm thickness
Sapphire Crystal: No
Lume: Yes
Caliber: Caliber 1530 automatic-winding movement
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Smooth Taupe Calfskin Strap
Lug Width: 19 mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Air-King displays a splendid off-white dial, without imperfection. The 34 mm case does not show the excessive polishing we often see, with the reference and serial number still crisp between the lugs. The minute hand could offer lume in better condition, but the beautiful blued seconds hand makes up for that.
Description
Why This Watch Matters
Not the aviator tool that its name suggests, the Air-King has always been the more affordable Rolex that you could always count on – and was built to last a lifetime.
The Full Story
Legend has it that the founder of Rolex, Hans Wildorf, came up with the Air-King name after WWII to honor the British pilots that had trusted his watches through the conflict. Many successful iterations ensued but, introduced in 1957, the reference 5500 represents a turning point for Rolex. Fully embodying the spirit of the Air-King line, it offers a tough watch at a more attractive price point. This reference made simplicity its asset, offering the celebrated Oyster case with the same automatic movement that you could otherwise find in the Submariners of the time. And the dial follows the same philosophy, with a seducing sobriety that a date window or excessive writing would disturb. It was a value proposition at its time, and today remains a fantastic piece from Rolex.
The Fine Print
Maker: Rolex
Model: Air-King
Reference: 5500
Year: 1960
Case No: 571XXX
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 34 mm diameter; 11 mm thickness
Sapphire Crystal: No
Lume: Yes
Caliber: Caliber 1530 automatic-winding movement
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Smooth Taupe Calfskin Strap
Lug Width: 19 mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Air-King displays a splendid off-white dial, without imperfection. The 34 mm case does not show the excessive polishing we often see, with the reference and serial number still crisp between the lugs. The minute hand could offer lume in better condition, but the beautiful blued seconds hand makes up for that.
