Rolex Air King Oyster Perpetual ‘1972’ Gents Rare Vintage Watch 34mm Dial Patina

Description: A rare circa ‘1972’ Rolex Air - King Precision 5500/1002 powered by the much sought after caliber 1520. Original sunburst silvered dial with patina. Fitted to rare Rolex U.S.A Jubilee bracelet date stamped 5 - 74 possibly original to the watch, fits a large gents wrist circumference of 7.8 inches equally can be adjusted to a smaller size within the clasp or by removing links - This watch has benefited from a inspection and fully testing by a Rolex Specialist Watchmaker, in good running order keeping accurate time - Ready to enjoy! Although it receives far less attention than the Submariner, Day-Date, or GMT-Master, the Rolex Air-King is one of Rolex’s oldest collections of watches, with an interesting history that spans over seventy years of near-continuous production. And the Air-King 5500 is one of the collection’s longest-running iterations. A History Dating Back To World War II The Rolex Air-King lacks any specific features or complications that make it specially tailored to one type of sport or environment; however, this minimalist collection of watches has become a cult favorite among purists due to its simple time-only display and clean, all-stainless steel construction. After hearing stories of World War II British pilots discarding their standard-issued field watches in favor of personally-purchased Oyster Perpetual timepieces, Rolex co-founder, Hans Wilsdorf decided to release a series of aviation-themed watches, intended to honor the brave RAF pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain. Among these aviation-themed watches was the Air-King, which made its first official appearance in 1945 with the reference 4925. Several references followed as Rolex continued to refine the design; however, in 1957 (officially sold to the public in 1958), Rolex released a new version of the Air-King that would be known as the reference 5500. The Rolex Air King 5500 history covers 37 years and For the majority of these years, the Rolex Air King 5500 was left untouched and was considered to be a classic and very coveted model. For sure a collectors time piece that would be a great addition to any watch collection today. Popular for its tough and simple design people often forget that it was originally designed for the demanding conditions faced by the RAF pilots during the 2nd world war. Original Dial: Signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Precision T Swiss T. Rare silvered sunburst dial with creamy patina raised steel concave baton indexes with aged lume plots sitting behind, lume filled dauphine hands with a tapered steel seconds sweep hand. Outer chapter ring with minute indices. Dial has micro marks commensurate with age and wear not noticeable to the naked eye only under magnification overall good condition for the age. Please observe photos carefully. Original movement: Signed Rolex Geneva 26 Jewels Swiss 1520. Ask any watchmaker today what in their opinion is the best movements Rolex ever produced, and many will still say the Cal. 1500 series. The Self-winding movement, bi-directional winding 1520 comes with balance assembly with Breguet hairspring running at 19800 A/H, Escapement Stone lever, Yoke winding system, Shock protection, KIF Ultraflex, 12½ lignes, D 28.5 mm, H 3.95 mm, 26 jewels, Power reserve 42h (when new). It is a chronometer grade precision movement. A low frequency caliber—instead of the standard 28,800bph of all modern day Rolexes. In good condition keeping accurate time. Has been tested by a Rolex specialist master watchmaker. Ready to enjoy! Original Case: Rolex Oyster case with polished finish, lugs and centre of case satin finish, smooth chamfered bezel. Serial number between lugs at 6 is 300**** dating the watch to 1972 on the Rolex date register, numbered 5500 between lugs at 12. Case has surface scratches associated with stainless steel commensurate with age and everyday wear. Please observe photos carefully. Original Crown/Winder: Signed Rolex logo with the dash in relief, screw down crown in good condition. Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Montres Rolex S.A Geneva Switzerland Patented Stainless Steel 1002 1.72 (First quarter). In good condition. Period service markers present. Original Case Back Cover Outer: Milled edge beveled brushed steel cover screws perfectly flush with case. Has surface hairline scratches associated with stainless steel commensurate with age and wear. Original Crystal: Good condition. The Jubilee Bracelet: Signed Rolex Stainless Steel U.S.A 5 - 74. Will fit a large gents wrist circumference of 7.8 inches in circumference equally can be adjusted within the clasp to a smaller size or by removing links. End links stamped 49. The bracelet has moderate stretch to links and surface scratches commensurate with age and wear. *Please observe photos carefully as they form part of the description* Shipping with DHL fully insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.

Price: 2450 GBP

Location: Birmingham

End Time: 2024-11-08T10:28:48.000Z

Shipping Cost: 63.45 GBP