Name: Rolex Air King 5501
Brand: Rolex
SKU: WPS-7721
Price: 4995.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued

Description

FSOT: Very Rare Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer Super Precision
2 tone watch from 1946.

This watch has been a project to find the appropriate watchmaker to make this watch what it is today. This watch was not working well at all when I bought it. It was only slow by about 4 hours a day and the case and dial were not too pretty. I wish I took photos of the watch before the restoration. The crown, dial, hands and case are all original. Look how crips the edges are on the case pictures. The Caseback is engraved with initials and also says ROLEX OYSTER CASE This is rarely seen on a watch of this vintage. I have replaced the crystal with a generic crystal because I could not find an original. The automatic movement is keeping excellent time and now holding a reserve similar to the new models.

From what little knowledge I have of this VERY RARE Rolex Explorer Super Precision, this was similar to the Air King from its era but shipped to Canada with a differnt name on the dial and no markings on the movement describing the adjusted positions. The watch was made for the Canadian market and actually is much rarer than a 1/4 Century club watch also made for the Canadian market.

I will include a black strap with the watch but this watch has the original dial which is aged and cleaned but not redone and is an extremely rare watch. Especially in 2 tone. I have previously owned 2 of the Honeycomb dial versions (from that era) in stainless steel but this is the first I have seen of the 2 tone version.

Below are the pictures of this watch as it appears today. The watch has not been worn since its complete overhaul and now is an exellent example of an early Rolex Oyster watch. This watch bears the reference number of 5501 (much rarer than the explorer 5500) and a serial number of 368479.

I am making this watch available for the price of $4,995 US dollars  plus shipping OR I am very open to trade or a realistic 
offer for this rare piece.  I will trade up or down, please let me know what you have to offer along with pictures and a price.

Enjoy the pictures:

⌚ Watch Specifications

Reference data · AI-verified specifications

Movement

Type: Automatic

Caliber: 1520/1530

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Case

Material: Stainless Steel and Gold

Diameter: 34mm

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Acrylic

Bezel: Engine-turned

Dial & Strap

Dial: Silver, Black, Blue

Strap: Oyster bracelet

Production: 1957-1989

📖 About This Reference

The Rolex Air-King reference 5501 is a variant within the Air-King line, distinguished by its engine-turned bezel, which offers a more decorative aesthetic compared to the smooth bezel of the reference 5500. This reference maintains the classic proportions and understated design characteristic of the Air-King series, positioning it as a versatile and accessible entry point into Rolex ownership during its production era. It represents a period where Rolex offered subtle variations to cater to different tastes while maintaining core design principles. This reference typically features a stainless steel case, often paired with a gold engine-turned bezel, indicating a two-tone construction. It houses an automatic movement, specifically the Rolex Caliber 1520 or 1530, known for its reliability and robustness. The case diameter is generally 34mm, a size that was common for many Rolex models of its time. The crystal is typically acrylic, contributing to its vintage appeal and warmth. For collectors, the reference 5501 is notable for its engine-turned bezel, which adds a distinct visual element not found on all Air-King models. It appeals to those seeking a vintage Rolex with a slightly more ornate presentation than the standard smooth-bezel Air-King, while still retaining the model's reputation for durability and everyday wearability. Its place in the broader Rolex catalog highlights the brand's practice of offering diverse styling within established model families.