What Year is my Air King?

[copperlantern]

Hi forum...just joined and hoping to get some answers to long standing questions. I've tried to find an exact match online for a Rolex Air King I inherited (pictures attached) but have never found any. All the similar images have 'Swiss' at the bottom of the face, but mine doesn't. I hope that's not a bad sign! The second hand ticks four times every second, which I understood was a sign of it being genuine. It doesn't have a serial number on the back either. Assuming it's genuine, I'm trying to find out the age and whether it's worth sending to Rolex to get serviced. Any input would be gratefully received. Thanks!

[Old Expat Beast]

Remove the straps to find the serial number and the model number etched on tne case. Then we can tell you the year. A wooden toothpick will do the job.

[joe100]

The dial appears to have been refinished but from those extremely blurry photos, I can't make a ruling

[Dittox]

The serial number should be between the lugs, remove the strap, and check on this table to find the year (http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=54362).

[dexvd]

What references of Rolex have that white 3-6-9 dial? Would love to track one down, I am believe the 6422 does but what else?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Dittox

The serial number should be between the lugs, remove the strap, and check on this table to find the year (http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex-Serial-Numbers).

At a glance, the serial numbers for the 1960s are innacurate on that list.

[Dittox]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

At a glance, the serial numbers for the 1960s are innacurate on that list.

You're right, just posted the first result that google throwed at me, but the serial numbers pre-1970 seem to be inconsistent with other lists.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

At a glance, the serial numbers for the 1960s are innacurate on that list.

Very inaccurate.

We have a correct table here at TrF

[powerfunk]

I'd say 1960 give or take. Looks legit but agree with Joe that dial is probably refinished and some better photos would help.

[copperlantern]

That helped! The numbers are 374814 and 5300. I think it says 'REGISTERED DESIGN' under the latter, but it's tough to tell

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by copperlantern

That helped! The numbers are 374814 and 5300. I think it says 'REGISTERED DESIGN' under the latter, but it's tough to tell

Late 1950s...58 or 59. Is it 5500, not 5300?

[copperlantern]

Yes...you're right. The link provided for Bernard Watch shows 1945 or 1946...is that incorrect information?

[copperlantern]

Model = 5500 not 5300

[powerfunk]

Yes, that's incorrect. 1958-59 makes sense as Adam said, and it must be a 5500 model.

[copperlantern]

Yes...5500. I'm having trouble replying on the board. Anyway, is the refinished face indicated by the lack of 'SWISS' on the face? Can it be cleaned and restored (it works, but the glass is scratched).

[Old Expat Beast]

Also, Rolex rebooted its serial number system in the mid 50s. This still causes quite a bit of confusion. I just noticed one of the very top vintage sellers has listed a 1953 Rolex as 1963.

[JohnFair]

This is a fun thread.

What about recommendations for service since this is a vintage watch? Send it to Dallas RSC? Polish pros and cons? New crystal? Sock it away in a safe or wear daily?

[joe100]

Originally Posted by JohnFair

This is a fun thread.

What about recommendations for service since this is a vintage watch? Send it to Dallas RSC? Polish pros and cons? New crystal? Sock it away in a safe or wear daily?

RSC-never for a vintage watch. They're not vintage friendly

Polish-Only EXPERTLY done, and given my personal opinion, never polish a vintage watch

Crystal-crystals are consumable items and easily replaced with factory originals

Value-it's a late 50s extremely early 60s AirKing with a refinished dial, not much value other than sentimental.

I'll add a bit more, it likely has a caliber 1530 movement.