ROLEX AIR-KING

Maker: Rolex
Model: Air-King
Reference: 5500
Year: 1975
Serial: 4'XXX'XXX
Material: Stainless Steel
Dial: Dark Blue with plots and lume of the hands changed to beautiful orange
Dimensions: 34mm
Crystal: Plexiglass
Clasp: Rolex Oyster Bracelet Ref. 78350 with 557 End Links / Stamped B (Year 1977)
Box & Papers: None

This particular Air-King found its way into the lives of those who appreciated understated sophistication. Notably, actor Ryan Gosling was often seen wearing a vintage Rolex Air-King ref. 5500, its 34mm case housing an off-white dial with 3, 6, and 9 numerals, reflecting his penchant for classic simplicity.

The Power Look: A Sophisticated Day at Work

Imagine walking into your office wearing a tailored navy suit, crisp white shirt, and chestnut-brown brogues. The Rolex Air-King's stainless steel finish and vivid dial create a subtle, yet powerful statement. The orange lume adds a playful edge, suggesting creativity and individuality—perfect for presentations or client meetings. Pair it with a leather folio or a silk tie in a complementary shade to tie your ensemble together. This combination radiates confidence, making the Air-King a subtle nod to your impeccable taste.

Casual Chic: A Relaxed Weekend Brunch

For a laid-back brunch with friends, pair the Air-King with a white linen shirt, light-wash jeans, and minimalist white sneakers. Its vintage appeal and orange-accented hands infuse character into this clean, effortless look. Add a woven belt or a canvas tote for a touch of texture and practicality. The plexiglass crystal reflects sunlight beautifully, enhancing its vintage charm while harmonizing with the relaxed vibe of your weekend attire.

Evening Elegance: A Night Out

The Rolex Air-King truly shines in an evening setting. Pair it with a charcoal-grey blazer, black turtleneck, and tailored trousers for an elegant dinner or cocktails with friends. The dark blue dial takes on an almost mysterious hue under dim lighting, while the orange lume provides just the right amount of intrigue. Add polished loafers and a slim leather cardholder for a streamlined finish. The Air-King becomes a conversation starter, blending retro charm with contemporary style.

Crafted in 1975, this Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 is an enduring testament to the brand's ability to marry timeless design with rugged functionality. The watch’s compact 34mm stainless steel case exudes a quiet confidence, its softly polished surfaces and slender proportions evoking a vintage charm that appeals to both collectors and modern enthusiasts alike. Its versatile size wears effortlessly, offering a refined yet approachable aesthetic.

The Dial: A Vivid Transformation

The dark blue dial, a hallmark of mid-century Rolex design, has developed a striking character over the decades. Its surface retains a rich, deep hue that shifts subtly with the light, offering an interplay of texture and depth. The luminous plots and hands have undergone a tasteful transformation with time, their original lume transformed to a vibrant orange that injects warmth and personality into the dial’s composition. This striking contrast not only enhances legibility but also adds a layer of individuality to an already captivating timepiece.

The Case & Crystal: Vintage Elegance

The stainless steel case is freshly polished. Its sharp edges remain intact, a testament to the watch’s enduring quality and the respect it has been afforded by its previous owners. Topping the case is a plexiglass crystal, a fitting nod to the era’s design preferences.

The Movement: Precision with a Legacy

Beneath the caseback beats the Rolex Caliber 1520, a robust and reliable movement that epitomizes the brand’s engineering prowess during the 1970s. This caliber, celebrated for its precision and durability, continues to perform with impressive accuracy, ensuring the Air-King remains a practical companion as much as a collectible artifact.

The Bracelet: A Perfect Complement

The watch is fitted with a Rolex Oyster bracelet, Reference 78350, featuring 557 end links and a clasp stamped “B,” signifying its production in 1977. This bracelet pairs beautifully with the case, its brushed finish and solid construction reinforcing the piece’s sport-luxe identity. The bracelet shows light wear, consistent with its vintage heritage, yet remains tight and highly wearable, promising comfort and security on the wrist.

A Note on Box & Papers

While this watch does not include its original box and papers, it more than compensates with its character and presence. For collectors and enthusiasts, it represents an opportunity to own a quintessential example of the Air-King lineage—one with charm, individuality, and a story to tell.

Conclusion

This 1975 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 is a celebration of understated sophistication. Its unique dial, vintage patina, and mechanical reliability make it a standout piece for those who appreciate the subtleties of horological artistry. Whether worn daily or treasured as part of a collection, it offers a connection to Rolex’s rich history and enduring legacy..

To ensure it performs as beautifully as it looks, the watch will undergo meticulous servicing by Zeitglass upon purchase, providing you with a 2-year mechanical warranty for added peace of mind. 

The price includes Swiss VAT of 8.1%, which can be directly deducted for export, and the shipping cost comes with full worldwide insurance. Please note that the customer will be responsible for paying any customs duties in their country.