'57 Rolex AK

[AirKing57]

Hello Folks,
Here is an interesting one: My 1957 Rolex Air King 5500 has been running really fast for perhaps half a dozen years, I believe it was because I wore it while using a reciprocating saw. So I have been wearing my 1972 1675 GMT Master and figured I would get the AK serviced when I could. Periodically I wear the AK to see how fast it is running and I like the history behind it. Here is the wonderful part, the other night I took it out of it's box, wound it twenty turns, and set the time. I am a bit of an insomniac, so it was late and I decided to head for bed. On the way I turned out the lights and in turn tripped over our St. Bernard Simba and landed on my hands and knees. Since that time (about three weeks) my Air King has been keeping perfect time. Go figure. So I recently bought it a lizard band and a used 16mm Rolex buckle for a nice change from the Oyster bracelet it generally sports. Any comments are welcomed.

[andromeda160]

Pics please, I love the 50's AKs. Don't see them very often

[AirKing57]

Will do when I can get some good picks, but the profile picture is the old girl, one I get the new leather band and buckle installed I will post new pics. It doesn't have the original font on the dial, so obviously the dial was redone incorrectly. My wife gave it to me as a wedding gift in 1994 and I hesitate to replace it due to that reason. I think the different font is original and unique. However, that being said, if I were to replace the dial, I would look for an AK "linen" dial, I really like the way they look.

[scotrick]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

Pics please, I love the 50's AKs. Don't see them very often

I agree, also like the dial variations on the 50's through 70's 5500's. My 1959 Super Precision Kite Dial:

[AirKing57]

Very nice!

[Dr.Smellody]

Beautiful!