1 10

Rolex

Rolex Air-King Reference 5500, 1972

Rolex Air-King Reference 5500, 1972

Authenticity Guaranteed

$3,585.00
$3,585.00
Sale Sold out Save 30%

Traditional Dealer Price

$5,131.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
$ WANT TO KNOW A SECRET ABOUT OUR PRICING?
ARRANGE A VIEWING Virtually or In-Person

Have a question?

Call us on 0203 8156 488 or WhatsApp us or Send us a Message

Have similar watch to sell?

We offer up-to 30% more than the competition. Get a quote.

Rolex Air-King Reference 5500, 1972: A Study in Understated Excellence
This Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 from 1972 brings with it an air of sophistication that's as fresh today as it was over 50 years ago. This piece harks back to an era when timepieces were essential instruments for aviators, and Rolex was crafting the narrative of airborne precision with its collection of "Air" models.

A Dial of Distinction
The black dial of this Air-King is as enigmatic as a pilot's gaze. It’s simple, yes, but within that simplicity lies a story of purposeful design. Gold-tone markers and hands articulate the time with an elegance that's whispered, not announced.

A Heritage Honed in the Skies
Amidst the tumult of World War II, Rolex was forging a legacy with the British Royal Air Force, creating timepieces like the Air-King to aid pilots in their missions. Released in 1945, the Air-King boasted a 34mm case—a size that commanded respect in that era, hence its regal moniker. This watch was the crown jewel of the "Air" series, which included siblings like the Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant. Yet, it was the Air-King whose reign endured, outlasting its counterparts to become a cornerstone of the Rolex offering.

Reference 5500: The Quintessential Air-King
With the Reference 5500, Rolex solidified what the Air-King would come to represent: precision and durability without the fuss. Introduced in 1957, it held its ground for nearly four decades, a testament not just to its reliability but also to its timeless design. It's the kind of watch that didn't just keep up with the times; it soared above them.

In Summary
This Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 from 1972 is a beacon of Rolex's storied past, intertwined with the heroics of the British Royal Air Force. In this watch, the legacy of the "Air" collection lives on, a legacy where the Air-King is, undeniably, the last one soaring.
View full details

Key Information

Rolex Air-King Reference 5500, 1972

Technical Information

Key Information:

  • Brand: Rolex
  • Model: Air-King
  • Ref.: 5500
  • Year: 1972
  • SKU: 1981

Technical:

  • Movement Calibre: 1520
  • Movement Type: Manual
  • Case Size: 34

Box and Papers:

  • Our Own

Condition Report

Condition Report: Presented in good vintage condition. The dial remains clean and largely free from marks. Note the pinkish marks to the dial are reflections. The case is in good condition for its age with only light scratches. The watch is fitted with a new, 3rd party strap with the Rolex buckle that came with the watch when we purchased it. The movement has been fully serviced.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping:

For orders placed before 2pm orders will be shipped the same day.

Your watch will be carefully packaged and shipped fully insured with leading global courier companies.

Delivery Prices:

Delivery within the UK is Free. Delivery within Europe is £60. Delivery for the Rest of the World is £80.

International Shipping.

Please note our site uses a third party app to auto calculate duties so the price you see is the price you'll pay (I.e. delivered duty paid).

The app charges a fee of approximately 2% which they apportion under the Shipping Cost. This is why this section may show a number higher than the base shipping fee.

Returns:

Don't like it or change your mind? Return it for a full refund with our 14 day, no hassle returns on all sales. See the full conditions here.

Collapsible row

1 Year Warranty

All Our Watches are Covered by Our World-Class, 1 Year International Warranty.

Should your watch run into mechanical issues we'll repair it. For full details see our terms and conditions here.

Questions?

We're here to help!

Get in touch with our friendly team via:

The Time Rediscovered Difference

Our mission is to make buying & selling vintage watches with us feel like dealing with a trusted friend, that's why you'll always get:

  • Fair Prices

    Prices upto 30% cheaper than traditional dealers, see how we do it

  • Friendly Service

    Friendly & never pushy. Contact us via phone, WhatsApp or Email

  • Guarantee on Form and Function

    All watches are authenticated & serviced with transparent condition reports

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"Best in class customer service. Time Rediscovered has restored my confidence in a flaky (at best) industry. Highly recommended."

- H Grizaard

Read what customers are saying here

*****