Rolex
Tropical 1963 Rolex Air-King (Ref. 5500) Black "Gilt" Dial
Rolex signified its more economical timepieces with the text "Precision" printed on the dial. These watches carried in-house movements that were well-made but manually wound. This was until the Air-King was introduced to the world in 1957 and became the premier model of Rolex’s more affordable Precision model range. These watches still featured the "Precision" text, but the Air-King housed a fully automatic movement. Although the rest of the Precision model line eventually fizzled out, the modest Air-King has been updated and evolved over the years and remains a fixture within the Rolex lineup today.
SPECS
| Stock # | RLXAK5500-64 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Air-King | |
| Model | 5500 | |
| Serial | 97XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Black Gilt "Tropical" | |
| Millimeters | 34 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex "USA Made" C+I Oyster Rivet Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The strong case exhibits full and symmetrical lugs that show gentle signs of use and minimal evidence of being previously polished. The smooth stainless steel bezel is also in excellent condition, exhibiting light wear from previous use. The case back is stamped IV.63. The Rolex "USA Made" Oyster rivet-link bracelet features a 1-68 date code and remains in excellent vintage condition, retaining 12 links that show only minor stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original glossy silver-print gilt dial is truly awe-inspiring, featuring and truly unique tropical patina reminiscent of dark marble with colors like blue, green, gray, pink, and purple consistent throughout the dial. Apart from the impressive aging of the watch, no actual damage is present throughout the dial. The tritium lume plots feature a dark patina and exhibit minor degradation throughout, though all the plots remain partially intact. The original tritium alpha-style hands exhibit some oxidation, matching the overall look and feel of the watch, and display no degradation when inspected under UV light.
ACCESSORIES
None. None. The watch is running and functioning correctly, though the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.
