Simplicity meets the ultimate sophistication with this 1957 Rolex Air-King ref. 5500 This is a classic and truly timeless piece that will be suitable for any occasion.

Rolex signified its more economical timepieces with the text "Precision" printed on the dial. These watches carried in-house movements that were well-made but manually wound. This was until the Air-King was introduced to the world in 1957 and it became the premier model of Rolex’s more affordable Precision model range.

Early versions of the Air-King features still featured the "Precision" text, or "Super Precision" depending on if a Cal. 1530 was in use, but the Air-King housed a fully automatic movement and although the rest of the Precision model line eventually fizzled out, the modest Air-King has been updated and evolved over the years and remains a fixture within the Rolex lineup today.

CASE & BRACELET

The thick case is in exceptional condition, especially considering the watch's age, boasting full and symmetrical lugs that show crisp finishing and minimal signs of previous use. The smooth stainless steel bezel exhibits minimal signs of use as well. The case back exhibits expected signs of previous polishing but remains in overall excellent condition. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original black dial with two-tone gilt text features an extremely attractive semi-tropical patina consisting of deep reds, browns, and silver. The Air-King text has faded from visibility though it is still visible under certain angles. The "Rolex" and "Oyster Perpetual" text is in gold gilt while the "Super Precision" is printed in silver gilt. The dark radium lume plots all remain intact and show minimal degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original radium hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation. 

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.