Airking 5500 question

[vintagewaferthin]

Okay, after searching and searching and going through different models, I think I've finally found "the one." Love the price! Noticed the back said 1002, which is the plain OP reference. Does that mean that the back is swapped out, or were these sometimes put on 5500's? Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Role...YAAOSwgZ1Xt2rA

[crowncollection]

The backs are interchangeable and they were used on both models


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[vintagewaferthin]

So this watch is correct and original?

[offrdmania]

It looks correct but the auction ended. Did you buy it? Its priced a bit high for its condition

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

It looks correct but the auction ended. Did you buy it? Its priced a bit high for its condition

Bought it for $1,400.00. Figured it shouldn't take much to get it looking like new.

[vintagewaferthin]

Took a look at the serial. Seller says its a '72, but wouldn't that number make it a 1980?

[Autavian]

Case serial seems re-engraved.

[offrdmania]

Serial looks ok to me. A 6,300,000 serial should be 1979. I think 1980 started around 6,400,000ish. $1400 seems like a good price. The case and crystal will be an easy fix. That clasp dent though

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Serial looks ok to me. A 6,300,000 serial should be 1979. I think 1980 started around 6,400,000ish. $1400 seems like a good price. The case and crystal will be an easy fix. That clasp dent though

The comment about the case serial looking re-engraved worries me. Looked okay to me. What do you guys think, should I go for it? The watch seems fine, but I don't want to get it and be burned later..

[offrdmania]

That serial engraving is just fine. I see no problems with it. Fake engraving sticks out like a sore thumb and I think the pic on eBay is just highlighted by the light. Here is an example of fake engraving. The case on the right is fake.

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

That serial engraving is just fine. I see no problems with it. Fake engraving sticks out like a sore thumb and I think the pic on eBay is just highlighted by the light. Here is an example of fake engraving. The case on the right is fake.

Oh, wow, even I could spot that. Im going to go for it. Looks like it will be a nice daily. Im trying to become a mainly one watch guy, so I think this will do just fine.

[vintagewaferthin]

Just looked at an old Jacek listing of a '79 5500 and I noticed the serial started with a 5, not a 6 like this one. Wouldn't that make my watch a 1980 or above? Thanks for all the help! This is my first Rolex.

[offrdmania]

I guess it depends on the serial number reference you use. Let's just say it's 79/80. My 1977 6694 serial starts with a 5.


5400000 .............................1978
5950000 .........................1979
6400000 .............................1980
7000000 .........................1981
7350000 .............................1982

[vintagewaferthin]

Just got this irate sounding message from the seller when I casually asked where he originally obtained the watch since he isn't the original owner. I asked him if he bought it from a private seller or if he bought it from a watch dealer. Seemed like a pretty innocent question to me. Should I back out of this deal? I worry about what will actually be sent to me.. after that response.

From the seller: Not sure why all the question they are better to ask before purchase. I own a few Rolex over the years. This watch is authentic if you are worried about that I can cancel auction. I have sold my others to dealer and can also do this one. Thanks mike

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by vintagewaferthin

Just got this irate sounding message from the seller when I casually asked where he originally obtained the watch since he isn't the original owner. I asked him if he bought it from a private seller or if he bought it from a watch dealer. Seemed like a pretty innocent question to me. Should I back out of this deal? I worry about what will actually be sent to me.. after that response.

From the seller: Not sure why all the question they are better to ask before purchase. I own a few Rolex over the years. This watch is authentic if you are worried about that I can cancel auction. I have sold my others to dealer and can also do this one. Thanks mike

I think you should just pay for the watch now that you have won the auction. Seller and watch both seem legit, aside from the incorrect date on the ad.

Here's a similar 6.5 serial: http://www.bobswatches.com/vintage-r...-air-king.html

[cwieb]

Funny, my first rolex was a 5500 for $1400 but it was a black dial. Everything looked similar so I would say the watch is original. Acrylic crystals are cheap to replace... I would be curious to see how that clasp dent even occurred

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

That serial engraving is just fine. I see no problems with it. Fake engraving sticks out like a sore thumb and I think the pic on eBay is just highlighted by the light. Here is an example of fake engraving. The case on the right is fake.

Hi, I now have the '79 Air King that I posted about in my possession. I took a pic of the serial in natural light and think it looks fine here. What do you think? Don't see any issues. Thanks!

[offrdmania]

That looks as correct as correct can be

[vintagewaferthin]

Thank you. Figured as much. The lighting in the listing pics just made it look strange. Really loving this watch!

[drifter01]

Just remember, vintagewaferthin, the 5500 was the Rolls Royce of Rolex. Perfect size and weight and looks like a million bucks on your wrist. In my opinion, the 5500 is the epitome of watch perfection. So much so that I own 3 of them and a 1500. Can't beat 34mm!