Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 – Understated Rolex Perfection with Black Dial (1979)

The Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 remains one of the last true under-the-radar vintage Rolex models — appreciated by collectors for its purity, simplicity, and timeless Oyster Perpetual design language.

This particular example from 1979 stands out with its beautiful and increasingly desirable black dial, paired with a smooth bezel that gives the watch a clean and highly versatile appearance. Applied indexes, classic Rolex handset, and evenly aged lume create a perfectly balanced dial focused on clarity and understated elegance.

Housed in a robust 34 mm stainless steel Oyster case, the Air-King offers ideal everyday proportions while retaining all the charm of vintage Rolex sports watches. The original Oyster bracelet with only very slight stretch further enhances the honest and well-preserved character of the piece.

Inside beats the reliable Rolex Super Precision Cal. 1530 automatic movement, a durable and respected workhorse from Rolex’s golden era of mechanical watchmaking.

Subtle, timeless, and effortlessly wearable — this Air-King is a reminder that true elegance often lies in simplicity.

- wrist size in our picture is 18cm circumference -

DIAL:

• original never touched black dial in good condition
• original hands and Rolex crown
  
• original and evenly aged lume on hands and dial
• a slight surface scratch from the center to five o'clock (hardly visible with naked eye)

BRACELET & CLASP:

• Rolex Oyster Bracelet with very slight stretch is fitting up to 20 cm wrist size / 2.4 mm thick
  
• original Rolex steel clasp

CASE:

• great overall condition, showing some traces of use 
• 3- body stainless steel case with screw-down caseback
• 34 mm (without crown) / 39 mm (lug-to-lug) / 18 mm (between lugs) / 11.3 mm thick
  
• year: 1979
• reference: 5500
• total weight: 85 g

MOVEMENT:

• Rolex super precision Caliber 1530 - automatic
• 26 jewels, 18000 A/h, 44 hours power reserve
  
• professionally serviced 05/2026
  
• -1 sec/d / 290°

BOX & PAPERS:

• GOLDAMMER certificate of authenticity & service documentation card
• GOLDAMMER box

GOLDAMMER REFERENCE: #1601