ROLEX Air-King ref. 5500

Despite the fact of receiving little attention comparing to other lines of ROLEX such as the Submariner, Datejust, or GMT-Master, the Air-King was one of Rolex’s oldest watch collections. Here is a ref. 5500, the longest-running model in the Air-King’s history for over 30 years.

Like most other ROLEX-es, this Air-King utilises the well-known screw-down-crown Oyster case. Measuring 34 mm in diametre, quite petite in today's world, but fits pleasantly on the wrist. Fun fact: Ryan Gosling was spotted wearing a vintage Air-King when he won the 2017 Golden Globe for the main role Sebastian in La La Land.

The Air-King lineup is notable for its simple, clean, and time-only design, just like this watch. It has an elegant sunburst dial. The sharp, applied indices are topped with small lume plots. The hands look like typical baton hands, featuring lume about halfway up, but do come to a point at the end like a pencil.

The movement inside is the caliber 1520, with 26 jewels. ROLEX used the word “Precision” (or "Super Precision") to point out how accurate this watch can achieve, even though it was not COSC-certified. Being robust and serviceable makes it the perfect daily wearer.