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Old 23 September 2022, 07:06 PM   #1
Omegapilot-90
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Rolex Air King 5500 with 369 dial

Hello,

I've been looking for a vintage Rolex Air King 5500 (preferably with the rare 3-6-9 dial) for a long time.

Unfortunately, the market here is a real minefield and the last suitable offer was snatched from under my nose.

Now it's my turn on another watch from Hong Kong. Could someone from the Rolex vintage experts give me some advice here? Does the watch look real or is it clearly fake? The dealer is friendly and tries hard. However, it is a private purchase and the price seems almost a bit too low to me.
I'm particularly afraid that it could be a "franken watch". I have no information about the reference number (apart from the year of manufacture 1968). Does this match the model (3-6-9 dial)?

Thank you and best regards!

CA392EB3-300D-4700-AC63-5CD9CE693B49.JPG
EB0B2CA0-3215-404B-8F2C-7058F9EFFA14.JPG
FB865656-695E-4108-8175-5A3A78401C69.JPG
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Old 23 September 2022, 07:20 PM   #2
TuRo
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If it has an Explorer 3,6,9 dial then 80-90% of the value will be in the dial/handset - many, many are repainted or fakes. Good dial photos please.
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Old 23 September 2022, 07:36 PM   #3
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Unfortunately I can't upload the photos due to the size. I can't upload a link either. Is there any other option?
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Old 23 September 2022, 07:39 PM   #4
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h
ttps://uhrforum.d
e/threads/rolex-air-king-5500-mit-3-6-9-dial.517847/#post-7452878


It is the second one.
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Old 23 September 2022, 09:13 PM   #5
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This one?

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Old 23 September 2022, 09:16 PM   #6
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Yes, thank you Mark :-)
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Old 23 September 2022, 11:19 PM   #7
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The value is in that dial, it looks like original paint and lume plots. Very rare to find a dial from this era in this condition.
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Old 23 September 2022, 11:41 PM   #8
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Watch dial looks good.

It's the valuable £6 to 8k black explorer style that get faked a lot.

This is as Matt says a lovely condition dial for its year - it should be a post 62 eg 1963 onwards watch btw.

Still a premium on a ivory or white explorer style over baton dial, but not so big. Correct 1520 Calibre looks fine from a quick peep.

Check the engravings between lugs for serial number and model number post up before you buy if thinking of purchasing it.

You say it's too cheap - care to share the ballpark fig with us?

Best Rgds Paul
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Old 24 September 2022, 12:02 AM   #9
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Thanks for your reply Matt!
Yes.... the 369 is very rare and quiet expensive in Europe. The problem is that I can't find any information regarding the serial number. As you can see it is 1723789 and from 1968. I'm not sure if the dial fits to this.
The Seller asks for 3500 Dollar.
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Old 24 September 2022, 02:41 AM   #10
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Age teach us many things, or better, opens up our mind and taste evolves. These kinds of dials have grown on me!

I love that dial.
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Old 24 September 2022, 05:35 AM   #11
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Additionally if a private sale, ask for pictures set at specific time & WhatsApp video call to see watch & some form of ID
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Old 25 September 2022, 02:08 AM   #12
Omegapilot-90
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He already sent me a video of the clockwork.

Do you think the serial number or the stamping is authentic?

Does anyone here know a reputable person in Hong Kong who would pick up the watch?
Otherwise, all that remains is to transfer money and take the risk.
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