Reference:air-king - Revision history

Klaudiusz: Deep audit: Air-King family chronology, lead image and market prose

2026-09-29T00:50:53Z

Deep audit: Air-King family chronology, lead image and market prose

Klaudiusz: Deep Air-King family audit: qualify chronology and collector claims; add centered family lead image

2026-09-28T20:21:58Z

Deep Air-King family audit: qualify chronology and collector claims; add centered family lead image

Admin: Correct 5520 family-index summary against auction records

2026-09-25T02:50:06Z

Correct 5520 family-index summary against auction records

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:50, 25 September 2026
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	\| [[Reference:5500\|5500]] \|\| 1957–1989 \|\| cal 1530 then 1520 \|\| The mainstay. 32-year run. Broadest documented dial map of any Air-King		\| [[Reference:5500\|5500]] \|\| 1957–1989 \|\| cal 1530 then 1520 \|\| The mainstay. 32-year run. Broadest documented dial map of any Air-King
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5520\|5520]] \|\| ~~1974–1986~~ \|\| cal 1520 \|\| ~~The longest-running~~ gold-capped Air-King ~~— 40-micron yellow gold electroplate over steel base~~. ~~"Precision" dial rather than the Super Precision text of the earlier 5502/5506 pair~~. ~~Baton/stick hands~~ and ~~markers (vs alpha on 5502/5506).~~ Domino's ~~"Golden Egg" marquee branch from 1980s Domino~~'s ~~Olympic Award~~. ~~Caseback 5520/1024~~		\| [[Reference:5520\|5520]] \|\| published dates conflict \|\| cal 1520 in catalogued examples \|\| 34 mm gold-capped Air-King. Auction catalogues date examples to 1969, circa 1970, 1974 and 1983; Rolex Magazine lists 1974–1986. Antiquorum and Christie's give different dates and case suffixes for the same Domino's-signed case number; Christie's calls its logo later applied.
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5700\|5700]] / [[Reference:5701\|5701]] \|\| 1959–1988 (late "N" codes to 1991) \|\| cal 1525 / 1535 \|\| Air-King-Date with date at three. Both Precision tier (non-COSC). Marquee curiosity: cursive "Explorer-Date" dial variant. 5701 sister = two-tone Rolesor steel-and-18k-gold with fluted/reeded bezel + gold crown (same Rolesor convention as 5501)		\| [[Reference:5700\|5700]] / [[Reference:5701\|5701]] \|\| 1959–1988 (late "N" codes to 1991) \|\| cal 1525 / 1535 \|\| Air-King-Date with date at three. Both Precision tier (non-COSC). Marquee curiosity: cursive "Explorer-Date" dial variant. 5701 sister = two-tone Rolesor steel-and-18k-gold with fluted/reeded bezel + gold crown (same Rolesor convention as 5501)

Admin: Editorial audit: clarify scope, remove unsupported claims, correct dating guidance and add sources

2026-09-12T19:49:08Z

Editorial audit: clarify scope, remove unsupported claims, correct dating guidance and add sources

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 12 September 2026
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	}}		}}

	~~The Air-King is Rolex's longest-running named line. It begins in 1945 with a small batch of~~ hand-wound ~~Bubblebacks bearing four cockpit-derived names — Air-King, Air-Lion,~~ Air-~~Tiger~~, ~~Air-Giant — produced as a Battle of Britain commemoration aimed at British pilots. Three of~~ the ~~four names were retired by 1953. The Air~~-~~King survived. From the 4925 of the 1940s through the~~ 5500 ~~mainstay of 1957–1989~~ and ~~into~~ the sapphire-crystal ~~14000-onward generation~~, the ~~Air-King carries a single design idea forward: a 34mm steel Oyster, smooth bezel, a non-~~chronometer ~~movement, and an entry-level Rolex price~~.		This index follows the early hand-wound Air-Kings, the long-running automatic 5500 and the later 34mm sapphire-crystal references. Case size, bezel and movement specification vary within the family; the 1142xx generation added chronometer certification.

	The ~~line is Rolex's most accessible mid~~-~~century piece~~, ~~in the catalogue for eight decades without ever being a flagship or a sport tool. Its role as a default Rolex made it the choice for corporate-gift programs (~~Domino's Pizza~~, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling)~~ and ~~for~~ Middle~~-East~~ government~~-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait)~~. ~~The 5500 in particular carries a wider documented dial map than any other single Air-King reference~~.		The 5500 article also covers corporate-logo and commissioned dials, including Domino's Pizza and Middle Eastern government crests. A printed logo needs evidence for the individual watch; the design alone does not establish the commission or original delivery.

	== References in scope ==		== References in scope ==
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	<div class="rp-grid">		<div class="rp-grid">
	<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Identifying a 5500 mainstay?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:5500\|5500]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The thirty-two-year mainstay across calibers 1530 and 1520, with ~~the broadest documented dial map of any Air-King and the reference that carried the major~~ corporate-~~gift~~ and ~~Middle-East commissions~~.</div></div></div>		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Identifying a 5500 mainstay?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:5500\|5500]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The thirty-two-year mainstay across calibers 1530 and 1520, with corporate-logo and commissioned dial variants.</div></div></div>
	<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Working from an Explorer-dial Air-King?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:5504\|5504]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">~~Thirty-six-millimetre Explorer-case Super Precision~~. ~~Cal 1530 and AIR~~-~~KING~~ dial ~~text on a 1016 case, the point where the 5500 mainstay and the 1016 overlap~~.</div></div></div>		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Working from an Explorer-dial Air-King?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:5504\|5504]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">A 36mm reference with caliber 1530. The article distinguishes Air-King dial configurations from examples catalogued as Explorers.</div></div></div>
	<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a COSC-era Air-King?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:114200\|114200]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First COSC-certified Air-King. Engraved rehaut from launch and the concentric wave dial palette (silver, black, blue with orange Arabic, salmon, green, Roman, 3-6-9 Explorer, Arabic) that closes the 34mm chapter in 2014.</div></div></div>		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a COSC-era Air-King?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:114200\|114200]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First COSC-certified Air-King. Engraved rehaut from launch and the concentric wave dial palette (silver, black, blue with orange Arabic, salmon, green, Roman, 3-6-9 Explorer, Arabic) that closes the 34mm chapter in 2014.</div></div></div>
	</div>		</div>
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	=== The 5500 mainstay (1957–1989) ===		=== The 5500 mainstay (1957–1989) ===

	Across 32 years the 5500 carried the line, ~~the longest single Rolex reference run~~. Cal 1530 (1957–c.1963) gave way to Cal 1520 (c.1963–1989); both are non-chronometer 1500-family movements. The dial text alternates between AIR-KING / SUPER PRECISION (Cal 1530 era) and AIR-KING / PRECISION (Cal 1520 era), and a minority of 5500s left the factory without AIR-KING text at all. The 5500 shared its case middle with the 1002 Oyster Perpetual, so casebacks across the 1970s-onward run carry an inside "1002" stamp that is period-correct rather than a service replacement.		Across 32 years the 5500 carried the line, a long production span covering several movement and dial changes. Cal 1530 (1957–c.1963) gave way to Cal 1520 (c.1963–1989); both are non-chronometer 1500-family movements. The dial text alternates between AIR-KING / SUPER PRECISION (Cal 1530 era) and AIR-KING / PRECISION (Cal 1520 era), and a minority of 5500s left the factory without AIR-KING text at all. The 5500 shared its case middle with the 1002 Oyster Perpetual, so casebacks across the 1970s-onward run carry an inside "1002" stamp that is period-correct rather than a service replacement.

	The 5500 ~~became the canvas for Rolex's most-documented~~ corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling, Winn-Dixie, Levi's) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain Al Khalifa, Kuwait Al-Sabah). The Joyería Riviera retailer-signed gilt Explorer 3-6-9 5500 sits at the top of the auction record (Phillips Geneva FIVE 2017 lot 76 at CHF 32,500; Phillips Double Signed Geneva 2019 lot 49 at CHF 37,500).		The 5500 appeared in corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling, Winn-Dixie, Levi's) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain Al Khalifa, Kuwait Al-Sabah). The Joyería Riviera retailer-signed gilt Explorer 3-6-9 5500 sits at the top of the auction record (Phillips Geneva FIVE 2017 lot 76 at CHF 32,500; Phillips Double Signed Geneva 2019 lot 49 at CHF 37,500).

	=== The sapphire era (1989+) ===		=== The sapphire era (1989+) ===

	The 14000 (1989) replaced the acrylic crystal with sapphire, ~~dropped the AIR-KING +~~ PRECISION dial ~~text in favor of cleaner OYSTER PERPETUAL AIR-KING typography,~~ and adopted Cal 3000 — Rolex's modern 28,800 vph base movement. The 14000M (2000) updated to Cal 3130. The 114200 (2007) refined the case proportions, added the engraved rehaut around the dial, and introduced concentric "wave" dials and several green / blue / pink configurations across the run.		The 14000 (1989) replaced the acrylic crystal with sapphire, retained PRECISION dial wording and adopted Cal 3000 — Rolex's modern 28,800 vph base movement. The 14000M (2000) updated to Cal 3130. The 114200 (2007) refined the case proportions, added the engraved rehaut around the dial, and introduced concentric "wave" dials and several green / blue / pink configurations across the run.

	== Where it sits across Rolex ==		== Where it sits across Rolex ==

	The Air-King ~~line uses the same case architecture and 1500-family movement as the 1002~~ Oyster ~~Perpetual (no Air~~-~~King text on~~ dial~~), the~~ 1016 ~~Explorer (36mm with Explorer dial), and the 1018 Oyster Perpetual 36mm~~. The ~~Cal 1530 generation that powers the~~ 5500 ~~also powers~~ the ~~early~~ 1016 ~~Explorer; a 5500 with a 3-6-9 Explorer dial~~ is a ~~1016 Explorer in everything but two millimetres of case and the word on the dial~~.		The Air-King shares components with other Oyster references, but an Explorer-style dial does not turn a 5500 into a 1016. The 5500 uses a 34mm case and non-chronometer movements; the 1016 is a 36mm chronometer reference.

	A date at three arrived with the Air-King-Date 5700 / 5701 on the same case architecture, their 1535 / 1525 calibers adding a date module to the 1500 base and shifting the dial layout slightly. The Air-King-Date is sometimes treated as a separate sub-line by collectors and sometimes folded back into the Air-King family.		A date at three arrived with the Air-King-Date 5700 / 5701 on the same case architecture, their 1535 / 1525 calibers adding a date module to the 1500 base and shifting the dial layout slightly. The Air-King-Date is sometimes treated as a separate sub-line by collectors and sometimes folded back into the Air-King family.
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	== Related families ==		== Related families ==

	* [[Reference:explorer\|Explorer]] — the close cousin. ~~Same 1500-family movement powers~~ the 5500 ~~and the 1016; the 5504 wears a 1016 case under an Air~~-~~King~~ dial.		* [[Reference:explorer\|Explorer]] — the close cousin. Compare the 34mm 5500 Explorer-dial watches with the 36mm chronometer Explorer references.
	* [[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] — the founding line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 origination references sit in the same early-Oyster-Perpetual lineage the Bubbleback established.		* [[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] — the founding line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 origination references sit in the same early-Oyster-Perpetual lineage the Bubbleback established.
	* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]] — the ~~parallel non~~-~~flagship. Both ran as quiet, non-sport Rolexes through the 1960s and 1970s, the Air-King at the entry tier and the Milgauss at the specialist tier~~.		* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]] — the magnetic-resistant line developed for work near strong magnetic fields.

	== Shared references ==		== Shared references ==

	* [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|Serial numbers by year]] — ~~date any Air-King from its~~ serial		* [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|Serial numbers by year]] — serial ranges and the limits of dating
	* [[Reference:Movements\|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Air-King line		* [[Reference:Movements\|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Air-King line
	* [[Reference:Bracelets\|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes		* [[Reference:Bracelets\|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes

Admin: site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

2026-09-05T01:22:26Z

site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:22, 5 September 2026
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	== Common entry points ==		== Common entry points ==

	~~{\| style~~="~~width:100%; border~~-~~collapse:separate; border~~-~~spacing:8px 0; margin:1em 0 1.5em 0;~~"		<div class="rp-grid">
	\|-		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Identifying a 5500 mainstay?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:5500\|5500]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The thirty-two-year mainstay across calibers 1530 and 1520, with the broadest documented dial map of any Air-King and the reference that carried the major corporate-gift and Middle-East commissions.</div></div></div>
	~~\| style~~="~~width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border~~-~~left:3px solid #555; vertical~~-~~align:top;~~" ~~\| ''~~Identifying a 5500 mainstay?''<br/>~~'''~~[[Reference:5500\|5500]]~~''' — the~~ thirty-two-year mainstay across calibers 1530 and 1520, with the broadest documented dial map of any Air-King and the reference that carried the major corporate-gift and Middle-East commissions.		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Working from an Explorer-dial Air-King?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:5504\|5504]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">Thirty-six-millimetre Explorer-case Super Precision. Cal 1530 and AIR-KING dial text on a 1016 case, the point where the 5500 mainstay and the 1016 overlap.</div></div></div>
	~~\| style~~="~~width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border~~-~~left:3px solid #555; vertical~~-~~align:top;~~" ~~\| ''~~Working from an Explorer-dial Air-King?''<br/>~~'''~~[[Reference:5504\|5504]]~~''' — thirty~~-six-millimetre Explorer-case Super Precision. Cal 1530 and AIR-KING dial text on a 1016 case, the point where the 5500 mainstay and the 1016 overlap.		<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a COSC-era Air-King?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:114200\|114200]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First COSC-certified Air-King. Engraved rehaut from launch and the concentric wave dial palette (silver, black, blue with orange Arabic, salmon, green, Roman, 3-6-9 Explorer, Arabic) that closes the 34mm chapter in 2014.</div></div></div>
	~~\| style~~="~~width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border~~-~~left:3px solid #555; vertical~~-~~align:top;~~" ~~\| ''~~Cross-checking a COSC-era Air-King?''<br/>~~'''~~[[Reference:114200\|114200]]~~''' — first~~ COSC-certified Air-King. Engraved rehaut from launch and the concentric wave dial palette (silver, black, blue with orange Arabic, salmon, green, Roman, 3-6-9 Explorer, Arabic) that closes the 34mm chapter in 2014.		</div>
	\|}

	== History ==		== History ==

Admin: site-wide: domain move BezelBase → Rolexopedia (rolexopedia.net)

2026-09-05T00:38:40Z

site-wide: domain move BezelBase → Rolexopedia (rolexopedia.net)

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:38, 5 September 2026
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	{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Air-King — Reference Guide to Every Model & Year \| ~~BezelBase~~		\|title=Rolex Air-King — Reference Guide to Every Model & Year \| Rolexopedia
	\|description=The Rolex Air-King has been in the catalogue since 1945 — the post-Battle-of-Britain piece that became Rolex's longest-running line. From the 4925 Bubbleback through the 5500 mainstay to the 14000 / 114200 sapphire era. Family hub for every published Air-King reference.		\|description=The Rolex Air-King has been in the catalogue since 1945 — the post-Battle-of-Britain piece that became Rolex's longest-running line. From the 4925 Bubbleback through the 5500 mainstay to the 14000 / 114200 sapphire era. Family hub for every published Air-King reference.
	\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references		\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references

Admin: Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

2026-08-09T21:12:21Z

Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:12, 9 August 2026
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	}}		}}

	The Air-King is Rolex's longest-running named line. It begins in 1945 with a small batch of hand-wound Bubblebacks bearing four cockpit-derived names — Air-King, Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant — produced as a Battle of Britain commemoration aimed at British pilots. Three of the four names were retired by 1953. The Air-King survived. From the 4925 of the 1940s through the 5500 mainstay of 1957–1989 and into the sapphire-crystal 14000-onward generation, the Air-King carries a single design idea forward: a 34mm steel Oyster, smooth bezel, a non-chronometer movement, and an entry-level Rolex price~~. Plain text, plain meaning~~.		The Air-King is Rolex's longest-running named line. It begins in 1945 with a small batch of hand-wound Bubblebacks bearing four cockpit-derived names — Air-King, Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant — produced as a Battle of Britain commemoration aimed at British pilots. Three of the four names were retired by 1953. The Air-King survived. From the 4925 of the 1940s through the 5500 mainstay of 1957–1989 and into the sapphire-crystal 14000-onward generation, the Air-King carries a single design idea forward: a 34mm steel Oyster, smooth bezel, a non-chronometer movement, and an entry-level Rolex price.

	The line ~~sits as~~ Rolex's most accessible mid-century piece ~~— never a flagship, never a sport tool~~, ~~but consistently~~ in the catalogue ~~across~~ eight decades. Its role as a default Rolex made it the choice for corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait). The 5500 in particular carries a wider documented dial map than any other single Air-King reference.		The line is Rolex's most accessible mid-century piece, in the catalogue for eight decades without ever being a flagship or a sport tool. Its role as a default Rolex made it the choice for corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait). The 5500 in particular carries a wider documented dial map than any other single Air-King reference.

	== References in scope ==		== References in scope ==

	The ~~pre-2020~~ Air-King references ~~in scope on BezelBase~~, in production order:		The published Air-King references, in production order:

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
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	! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Notes		! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Notes
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:4925\|4925]] / [[Reference:4365\|4365]] / [[Reference:4499\|4499]] \|\| 1945–1953 \|\| cal 10½ Hunter hand-wound \|\| Originating Air-King generation — the four-name Battle of Britain commemoration. 4925 = centre-seconds Air-King-only. 4365 = sub-seconds with four-name shared-case dial map (Air-King / Air-Lion / Air-Tiger / Air-Giant). 4499 = 1946+ centre-seconds running mate to 4925, 15j→17j running update (Bonhams 2012 documents 1946 15j sub-seconds variant)~~. Battle of Britain commemoration narrative is universally repeated but primary-source unverified~~		\| [[Reference:4925\|4925]] / [[Reference:4365\|4365]] / [[Reference:4499\|4499]] \|\| 1945–1953 \|\| cal 10½ Hunter hand-wound \|\| Originating Air-King generation — the four-name Battle of Britain commemoration. 4925 = centre-seconds Air-King-only. 4365 = sub-seconds with four-name shared-case dial map (Air-King / Air-Lion / Air-Tiger / Air-Giant). 4499 = 1946+ centre-seconds running mate to 4925, 15j→17j running update (Bonhams 2012 documents 1946 15j sub-seconds variant)
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:6552\|6552]] \|\| 1953–1957 \|\| cal 1030 automatic \|\| First automatic Air-King; Cal 1030 butterfly rotor stamped ROLEX PERPETUAL PATENTED. Caseback duality (6552 between lugs / 6565 inside) period-correct. "Super Precision" dial despite chronometer-grade movement adjustment		\| [[Reference:6552\|6552]] \|\| 1953–1957 \|\| cal 1030 automatic \|\| First automatic Air-King; Cal 1030 butterfly rotor stamped ROLEX PERPETUAL PATENTED. Caseback duality (6552 between lugs / 6565 inside) period-correct. "Super Precision" dial despite chronometer-grade movement adjustment
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	\| [[Reference:5500\|5500]] \|\| 1957–1989 \|\| cal 1530 then 1520 \|\| The mainstay. 32-year run. Broadest documented dial map of any Air-King		\| [[Reference:5500\|5500]] \|\| 1957–1989 \|\| cal 1530 then 1520 \|\| The mainstay. 32-year run. Broadest documented dial map of any Air-King
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5520\|5520]] \|\| 1974–1986 \|\| cal 1520 \|\| The longest-running gold-capped Air-King — 40-micron yellow gold electroplate over steel base. "Precision" dial ~~(NOT~~ Super Precision ~~— distinguishes from~~ earlier 5502/5506 pair). Baton/stick hands and markers (vs alpha on 5502/5506). Domino's "Golden Egg" marquee branch from 1980s Domino's Olympic Award. Caseback 5520/1024		\| [[Reference:5520\|5520]] \|\| 1974–1986 \|\| cal 1520 \|\| The longest-running gold-capped Air-King — 40-micron yellow gold electroplate over steel base. "Precision" dial rather than the Super Precision text of the earlier 5502/5506 pair. Baton/stick hands and markers (vs alpha on 5502/5506). Domino's "Golden Egg" marquee branch from 1980s Domino's Olympic Award. Caseback 5520/1024
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5700\|5700]] / [[Reference:5701\|5701]] \|\| 1959–1988 (late "N" codes to 1991) \|\| cal 1525 / 1535 \|\| Air-King-Date with date at three. Both Precision tier (non-COSC). Marquee curiosity: cursive "Explorer-Date" dial variant. 5701 sister = two-tone Rolesor steel-and-18k-gold with fluted/reeded bezel + gold crown (same Rolesor convention as 5501)		\| [[Reference:5700\|5700]] / [[Reference:5701\|5701]] \|\| 1959–1988 (late "N" codes to 1991) \|\| cal 1525 / 1535 \|\| Air-King-Date with date at three. Both Precision tier (non-COSC). Marquee curiosity: cursive "Explorer-Date" dial variant. 5701 sister = two-tone Rolesor steel-and-18k-gold with fluted/reeded bezel + gold crown (same Rolesor convention as 5501)
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	\|}		\|}

	The post-2014 references (116900, ~~126900) sit~~ outside the ~~BezelBase pre-2020 scope~~ and ~~are not covered~~.		The post-2014 references, the 40mm 116900 and its 126900 successor, fall outside the vintage and discontinued focus here.

	== Common entry points ==		== Common entry points ==
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	{\| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px 0; margin:1em 0 1.5em 0;"		{\| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px 0; margin:1em 0 1.5em 0;"
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border-left:3px solid #555; vertical-align:top;" \| ''Identifying a 5500 mainstay?''<br/>'''[[Reference:5500\|5500]]''' — the thirty-two-year mainstay across calibers 1530 and 1520, with the broadest documented dial map of any Air-King and the ~~canvas for~~ the major corporate-gift and Middle-East commissions.		\| style="width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border-left:3px solid #555; vertical-align:top;" \| ''Identifying a 5500 mainstay?''<br/>'''[[Reference:5500\|5500]]''' — the thirty-two-year mainstay across calibers 1530 and 1520, with the broadest documented dial map of any Air-King and the reference that carried the major corporate-gift and Middle-East commissions.
	\| style="width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border-left:3px solid #555; vertical-align:top;" \| ''Working from an Explorer-dial Air-King?''<br/>'''[[Reference:5504\|5504]]''' — thirty-six-millimetre Explorer-case Super Precision. Cal 1530, AIR-KING dial text on a 1016 case — the ~~connective tissue between~~ the 5500 mainstay and the 1016 ~~itself~~.		\| style="width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border-left:3px solid #555; vertical-align:top;" \| ''Working from an Explorer-dial Air-King?''<br/>'''[[Reference:5504\|5504]]''' — thirty-six-millimetre Explorer-case Super Precision. Cal 1530 and AIR-KING dial text on a 1016 case, the point where the 5500 mainstay and the 1016 overlap.
	\| style="width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border-left:3px solid #555; vertical-align:top;" \| ''Cross-checking a COSC-era Air-King?''<br/>'''[[Reference:114200\|114200]]''' — first COSC-certified Air-King. Engraved rehaut from launch and the concentric wave dial palette (silver, black, blue with orange Arabic, salmon, green, Roman, 3-6-9 Explorer, Arabic) that closes the 34mm chapter in 2014.		\| style="width:33%; padding:14px; background:#f8f8f6; border-left:3px solid #555; vertical-align:top;" \| ''Cross-checking a COSC-era Air-King?''<br/>'''[[Reference:114200\|114200]]''' — first COSC-certified Air-King. Engraved rehaut from launch and the concentric wave dial palette (silver, black, blue with orange Arabic, salmon, green, Roman, 3-6-9 Explorer, Arabic) that closes the 34mm chapter in 2014.
	\|}		\|}
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	=== Battle of Britain origins (1945) ===		=== Battle of Britain origins (1945) ===

	Hans Wilsdorf was in London during the Battle of Britain in the autumn of 1940 and the years that followed. The Air-King and its three sister names — Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant — emerged in 1945 as a commemorative gesture toward RAF pilots, who were already wearing Rolex Oysters as personal purchases (the official-issue military watches went elsewhere). The four names ran on different reference numbers across the late-1940s 4925 / 4365 / 4499 / 4499/2 ~~/ 4925~~ hand-wound Bubbleback series.		Hans Wilsdorf was in London during the Battle of Britain in the autumn of 1940 and the years that followed. The Air-King and its three sister names — Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant — emerged in 1945 as a commemorative gesture toward RAF pilots, who were already wearing Rolex Oysters as personal purchases (the official-issue military watches went elsewhere). The four names ran on different reference numbers across the late-1940s 4925 / 4365 / 4499 / 4499/2 hand-wound Bubbleback series. The commemoration story runs through every published account of the line, though no primary Rolex document confirming it has surfaced.

	The names did not all survive. Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant were retired by the early 1950s. Air-King continued, settling onto the 6552 (the first automatic Air-King, 1953–1957) and then onto the 5500 mainstay (1957–1989).		The names did not all survive. Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant were retired by the early 1950s. Air-King continued, settling onto the 6552 (the first automatic Air-King, 1953–1957) and then onto the 5500 mainstay (1957–1989).
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	=== The 5500 mainstay (1957–1989) ===		=== The 5500 mainstay (1957–1989) ===

	~~The~~ 5500 ~~carries~~ the line ~~forward across 32 years —~~ the longest single Rolex reference run. Cal 1530 (1957–c.1963) gave way to Cal 1520 (c.1963–1989); both are non-chronometer 1500-family movements. The dial text alternates between AIR-KING / SUPER PRECISION (Cal 1530 era) and AIR-KING / PRECISION (Cal 1520 era), and a minority of 5500s left the factory without AIR-KING text ~~— the same~~ case middle ~~was shared~~ with the 1002 Oyster Perpetual, ~~and~~ casebacks across the 1970s+ run carry an inside "1002" stamp that is period-correct rather than service-replacement.		Across 32 years the 5500 carried the line, the longest single Rolex reference run. Cal 1530 (1957–c.1963) gave way to Cal 1520 (c.1963–1989); both are non-chronometer 1500-family movements. The dial text alternates between AIR-KING / SUPER PRECISION (Cal 1530 era) and AIR-KING / PRECISION (Cal 1520 era), and a minority of 5500s left the factory without AIR-KING text at all. The 5500 shared its case middle with the 1002 Oyster Perpetual, so casebacks across the 1970s-onward run carry an inside "1002" stamp that is period-correct rather than a service replacement.

	The 5500 became the canvas for Rolex's most-documented corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling, Winn-Dixie, Levi's) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain Al Khalifa, Kuwait Al-Sabah). The Joyería Riviera retailer-signed gilt Explorer 3-6-9 5500 sits at the top of the auction record (Phillips Geneva FIVE 2017 lot 76 at CHF 32,500; Phillips Double Signed Geneva 2019 lot 49 at CHF 37,500).		The 5500 became the canvas for Rolex's most-documented corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling, Winn-Dixie, Levi's) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain Al Khalifa, Kuwait Al-Sabah). The Joyería Riviera retailer-signed gilt Explorer 3-6-9 5500 sits at the top of the auction record (Phillips Geneva FIVE 2017 lot 76 at CHF 32,500; Phillips Double Signed Geneva 2019 lot 49 at CHF 37,500).
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	== Where it sits across Rolex ==		== Where it sits across Rolex ==

	The Air-King line uses the same case architecture and 1500-family movement as the 1002 Oyster Perpetual (no Air-King text on dial), the 1016 Explorer (36mm with Explorer dial), and the 1018 Oyster Perpetual 36mm. The Cal 1530 generation that powers the 5500 also powers the early 1016 Explorer; ~~the~~ 5500 with a 3-6-9 Explorer dial is ~~functionally~~ a ~~34mm~~ Explorer in everything but case ~~diameter~~ and dial ~~text~~.		The Air-King line uses the same case architecture and 1500-family movement as the 1002 Oyster Perpetual (no Air-King text on dial), the 1016 Explorer (36mm with Explorer dial), and the 1018 Oyster Perpetual 36mm. The Cal 1530 generation that powers the 5500 also powers the early 1016 Explorer; a 5500 with a 3-6-9 Explorer dial is a 1016 Explorer in everything but two millimetres of case and the word on the dial.

	~~The~~ Air-King-Date 5700 / 5701 ~~carry a date at three under~~ the same case architecture; their 1535 / 1525 calibers ~~add~~ a date module to the 1500 base and ~~shift~~ the dial layout slightly. The Air-King-Date is sometimes treated as a separate sub-line by collectors and sometimes folded back into the Air-King family.		A date at three arrived with the Air-King-Date 5700 / 5701 on the same case architecture, their 1535 / 1525 calibers adding a date module to the 1500 base and shifting the dial layout slightly. The Air-King-Date is sometimes treated as a separate sub-line by collectors and sometimes folded back into the Air-King family.

	== Related families ==		== Related families ==
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	* [[Reference:explorer\|Explorer]] — the close cousin. Same 1500-family movement powers the 5500 and the 1016; the 5504 wears a 1016 case under an Air-King dial.		* [[Reference:explorer\|Explorer]] — the close cousin. Same 1500-family movement powers the 5500 and the 1016; the 5504 wears a 1016 case under an Air-King dial.
	* [[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] — the founding line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 origination references sit in the same early-Oyster-Perpetual lineage the Bubbleback established.		* [[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] — the founding line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 origination references sit in the same early-Oyster-Perpetual lineage the Bubbleback established.
	* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]] — the parallel non-flagship. Both ~~lines run~~ as quiet, non-sport~~, technically distinctive~~ Rolexes through the 1960s and 1970s — Air-King at the entry tier, Milgauss at the specialist tier.		* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]] — the parallel non-flagship. Both ran as quiet, non-sport Rolexes through the 1960s and 1970s, the Air-King at the entry tier and the Milgauss at the specialist tier.


	== Shared references ==		== Shared references ==

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	{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Air-King — Reference Guide to Every Model & Year \| BezelBase		\|title=Rolex Air-King — Reference Guide to Every Model & Year \| BezelBase
	\|description=The Rolex Air-King has been in the catalogue since 1945 — the post-Battle-of-Britain piece that became Rolex's longest-running line. From the 4925 Bubbleback through the 5500 mainstay to the 14000 / 114200 sapphire era. Family hub for every published Air-King reference.		\|description=The Rolex Air-King has been in the catalogue since 1945 — the post-Battle-of-Britain piece that became Rolex's longest-running line. From the 4925 Bubbleback through the 5500 mainstay to the 14000 / 114200 sapphire era. Family hub for every published Air-King reference.
	\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references		\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references

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	* [[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] — the founding line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 origination references sit in the same early-Oyster-Perpetual lineage the Bubbleback established.		* [[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] — the founding line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 origination references sit in the same early-Oyster-Perpetual lineage the Bubbleback established.
	* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]] — the parallel non-flagship. Both lines run as quiet, non-sport, technically distinctive Rolexes through the 1960s and 1970s — Air-King at the entry tier, Milgauss at the specialist tier.		* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]] — the parallel non-flagship. Both lines run as quiet, non-sport, technically distinctive Rolexes through the 1960s and 1970s — Air-King at the entry tier, Milgauss at the specialist tier.


			== Shared references ==

			* [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|Serial numbers by year]] — date any Air-King from its serial
			* [[Reference:Movements\|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Air-King line
			* [[Reference:Bracelets\|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

Admin: SEO: clickable title (imageless page)

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	{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Air-King — ~~family hub, references, history~~ \| BezelBase		\|title=Rolex Air-King — Reference Guide to Every Model & Year \| BezelBase
	\|description=The Rolex Air-King has been in the catalogue since 1945 — the post-Battle-of-Britain piece that became Rolex's longest-running line. From the 4925 Bubbleback through the 5500 mainstay to the 14000 / 114200 sapphire era. Family hub for every published Air-King reference.		\|description=The Rolex Air-King has been in the catalogue since 1945 — the post-Battle-of-Britain piece that became Rolex's longest-running line. From the 4925 Bubbleback through the 5500 mainstay to the 14000 / 114200 sapphire era. Family hub for every published Air-King reference.
	\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references		\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 29 September 2026
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	{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Air-King — Reference Guide to ~~Models and Years~~ \| Rolexopedia		\|title=Rolex Air-King — Reference Guide to Every Model & Year \| Rolexopedia
	\|description=~~Reference guide to the~~ Rolex Air-King ~~from~~ the ~~4925~~ and ~~5500 through~~ the 14000 and 114200 sapphire-era ~~models, with movement, case and dial notes~~.		\|description=The Rolex Air-King family spans the 1945 hand-wound references, the automatic 5500, and the later 14000 and 114200 sapphire-era watches.
	\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references		\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references
	\|image=Air-King family hero.webp		\|image=Air-King family hero.webp
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	\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large		\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
	}}		}}

			<small>[[Main Page]] › '''Air-King'''</small>

	<div class="rp-lead">		<div class="rp-lead">
	[[File:Air-King family hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex Air-King family\|Rolex Air-King family]]		[[File:Air-King family hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex Air-King family advertisement\|Rolex Air-King family advertisement.]]
	</div>		</div>

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	! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Notes		! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Notes
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:4925\|4925]] / [[Reference:4365\|4365]] / [[Reference:4499\|4499]] \|\| 1945–1953 \|\| cal 10½ Hunter hand-wound \|\| Originating Air-King generation, associated in ~~secondary~~ histories with a four-name Battle of Britain commemoration. 4925 = centre-seconds Air-King-only. 4365 = sub-seconds with four-name shared-case dial map (Air-King / Air-Lion / Air-Tiger / Air-Giant). 4499 = 1946+ centre-seconds running mate to 4925, 15j→17j running update (Bonhams 2012 documents 1946 15j sub-seconds variant)		\| [[Reference:4925\|4925]] / [[Reference:4365\|4365]] / [[Reference:4499\|4499]] \|\| 1945–1953 \|\| cal 10½ Hunter hand-wound \|\| Originating Air-King generation, associated in published histories with a four-name Battle of Britain commemoration. 4925 = centre-seconds Air-King-only. 4365 = sub-seconds with four-name shared-case dial map (Air-King / Air-Lion / Air-Tiger / Air-Giant). 4499 = 1946+ centre-seconds running mate to 4925, 15j→17j running update (Bonhams 2012 documents 1946 15j sub-seconds variant)
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:6552\|6552]] \|\| 1953–1957 \|\| cal 1030 automatic \|\| First automatic Air-King; Cal 1030 butterfly rotor stamped ROLEX PERPETUAL PATENTED. Caseback duality (6552 between lugs / 6565 inside) period-correct. "Super Precision" dial despite chronometer-grade movement adjustment		\| [[Reference:6552\|6552]] \|\| 1953–1957 \|\| cal 1030 automatic \|\| First automatic Air-King; Cal 1030 butterfly rotor stamped ROLEX PERPETUAL PATENTED. Caseback duality (6552 between lugs / 6565 inside) period-correct. "Super Precision" dial despite chronometer-grade movement adjustment
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5501\|5501]] \|\| 1959–1986 (late stock to 1987) \|\| cal 1530 / 1520 \|\| ~~A documented~~ Rolesor ~~Air-King~~, with a steel case, ~~solid~~ 18k yellow-gold fluted bezel and gold crown. Distinct from gold-capped 5502/5506/5520 (40-micron plated). Cotton Bowl Classic 1967-1970 + Tiffany champagne marquee branches. Caseback 5501/1102		\| [[Reference:5501\|5501]] \|\| 1959–1986 (late stock to 1987) \|\| cal 1530 / 1520 \|\| Documented solid-gold-bezel Rolesor branch, with a steel case, 18k yellow-gold fluted bezel and gold crown. Distinct from gold-capped 5502/5506/5520 (40-micron plated). Cotton Bowl Classic 1967-1970 + Tiffany champagne marquee branches. Caseback 5501/1102
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5502\|5502]] \|\| 1958–1965 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| Gold-capped 40-micron Super Precision Air-King — US-market ~~distribution channel~~. Alpha hands. Sister to 5506 (parallel-production Commonwealth-market). Distinct from solid-gold 5501 (5502 = electroplated, 5501 = solid 18k gold) and from later 5520 (5502 = Cal 1530 Super Precision alpha hands; 5520 = Cal 1520 Precision baton hands)		\| [[Reference:5502\|5502]] \|\| 1958–1965 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| Gold-capped 40-micron Super Precision Air-King, documented in US-market examples. Alpha hands. Sister to 5506 (parallel-production Commonwealth-market). Distinct from solid-gold 5501 (5502 = electroplated, 5501 = solid 18k gold) and from later 5520 (5502 = Cal 1530 Super Precision alpha hands; 5520 = Cal 1520 Precision baton hands)
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5504\|5504]] \|\| 1957/58–1963/64 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| 36mm Explorer-case Super Precision~~, distinct from~~ the 34mm ~~5500~~ and ~~the chronometer~~ 1016. ~~Documented examples retain~~ AIR-KING dial text ~~with~~ non-COSC Cal. ~~1530;~~ 3-6-9 Explorer-~~style dials are a documented~~ branch.		\| [[Reference:5504\|5504]] \|\| 1957/58–1963/64 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| 36mm Explorer-case Super Precision; the connective tissue between 5500 (34mm Air-King) and 1016 Explorer (36mm EXPLORER text + COSC). Wears 1016 case but AIR-KING dial text and non-COSC Cal 1530. 3-6-9 Explorer-dial-with-AIR-KING-text is the marquee collector branch
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5506\|5506]] \|\| 1958–1964 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| Gold-capped 40-micron Super Precision Air-King — UK/Commonwealth-market ~~distribution channel~~. Alpha hands. Sister to 5502 (parallel-production US-market). ~~Bonhams 2023 lot 51 records a 78351 bracelet on one example. The same~~ Kessi Frères case ~~family appears in~~ 5502 ~~records.~~		\| [[Reference:5506\|5506]] \|\| 1958–1964 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| Gold-capped 40-micron Super Precision Air-King, documented in UK/Commonwealth-market examples. Alpha hands. Sister to 5502 (parallel-production US-market). Same Kessi Frères case + 78351 bracelet as 5502
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5500\|5500]] \|\| 1957–1989 \|\| cal 1530 then 1520 \|\| The mainstay. 32-year run. Broadest documented dial map of any Air-King		\| [[Reference:5500\|5500]] \|\| 1957–1989 \|\| cal 1530 then 1520 \|\| The mainstay. 32-year run. Broadest documented dial map of any Air-King
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	\| [[Reference:14000\|14000]] \|\| 1989–2000 \|\| cal 3000 \|\| First sapphire-crystal Air-King; non-COSC ("Precision" dial), wider dial palette than any prior Air-King (salmon, blue, Roman, Arabic, 3-6-9 Explorer), Domino's second-generation tilted-logo + Tiffany retailer-signed branches		\| [[Reference:14000\|14000]] \|\| 1989–2000 \|\| cal 3000 \|\| First sapphire-crystal Air-King; non-COSC ("Precision" dial), wider dial palette than any prior Air-King (salmon, blue, Roman, Arabic, 3-6-9 Explorer), Domino's second-generation tilted-logo + Tiffany retailer-signed branches
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:14000M\|14000M]] \|\| 2000–2006 \|\| cal 3130 \|\| The bridge Air-King — same Cal 3130 the 114200 carries, but pre-COSC ("Precision" dial) and pre-engraved-rehaut (smooth rehaut throughout). Pre-Parachrom (hairspring adoption 2010, after 14000M production ended). Visually nearly identical to 14000		\| [[Reference:14000M\|14000M]] \|\| 2000–2006 \|\| cal 3130 \|\| The bridge Air-King, using the same Cal 3130 the 114200 carries, but pre-COSC ("Precision" dial) and pre-engraved-rehaut (smooth rehaut throughout). Pre-Parachrom (hairspring adoption 2010, after 14000M production ended). Visually nearly identical to 14000
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:114200\|114200]] \|\| 2007–2014 \|\| cal 3130 \|\| First COSC-certified Air-King in line history. Engraved rehaut from launch. Concentric "wave" dial palette in silver/black/blue+orange-Arabic/salmon/green/Roman/3-6-9-Explorer/Arabic. Closes the 34mm Air-King chapter before the 2-year hiatus and 116900 40mm redesign		\| [[Reference:114200\|114200]] \|\| 2007–2014 \|\| cal 3130 \|\| First COSC-certified Air-King in line history. Engraved rehaut from launch. Concentric "wave" dial palette in silver/black/blue+orange-Arabic/salmon/green/Roman/3-6-9-Explorer/Arabic. Closes the 34mm Air-King chapter before the 2-year hiatus and 116900 40mm redesign
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	=== Battle of Britain origins (1945) ===		=== Battle of Britain origins (1945) ===

	Hans Wilsdorf was in London during the Battle of Britain in the autumn of 1940 and the years that followed. The Air-King and its three sister names — Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant — emerged in 1945 as a commemorative gesture toward RAF pilots, who were already wearing Rolex Oysters as personal purchases (the official-issue military watches went elsewhere). The four names ran on different reference numbers across the late-1940s 4925 / 4365 / 4499 / 4499/2 hand-wound Bubbleback series. ~~Secondary~~ histories repeat the commemoration story, but no primary Rolex document confirming it has surfaced.		Hans Wilsdorf was in London during the Battle of Britain in the autumn of 1940 and the years that followed. The Air-King and its three sister names, Air-Lion, Air-Tiger and Air-Giant, emerged in 1945 as a commemorative gesture toward RAF pilots, who were already wearing Rolex Oysters as personal purchases (the official-issue military watches went elsewhere). The four names ran on different reference numbers across the late-1940s 4925 / 4365 / 4499 / 4499/2 hand-wound Bubbleback series. Many published histories repeat the commemoration story, but no primary Rolex document confirming it has surfaced.

	The names did not all survive. Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant were retired by the early 1950s. Air-King continued, settling onto the 6552 (the first automatic Air-King, 1953–1957) and then onto the 5500 mainstay (1957–1989).		The names did not all survive. Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant were retired by the early 1950s. Air-King continued, settling onto the 6552 (the first automatic Air-King, 1953–1957) and then onto the 5500 mainstay (1957–1989).
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	Across 32 years the 5500 carried the line, a long production span covering several movement and dial changes. Cal 1530 (1957–c.1963) gave way to Cal 1520 (c.1963–1989); both are non-chronometer 1500-family movements. The dial text alternates between AIR-KING / SUPER PRECISION (Cal 1530 era) and AIR-KING / PRECISION (Cal 1520 era), and a minority of 5500s left the factory without AIR-KING text at all. The 5500 shared its case middle with the 1002 Oyster Perpetual, so casebacks across the 1970s-onward run carry an inside "1002" stamp that is period-correct rather than a service replacement.		Across 32 years the 5500 carried the line, a long production span covering several movement and dial changes. Cal 1530 (1957–c.1963) gave way to Cal 1520 (c.1963–1989); both are non-chronometer 1500-family movements. The dial text alternates between AIR-KING / SUPER PRECISION (Cal 1530 era) and AIR-KING / PRECISION (Cal 1520 era), and a minority of 5500s left the factory without AIR-KING text at all. The 5500 shared its case middle with the 1002 Oyster Perpetual, so casebacks across the 1970s-onward run carry an inside "1002" stamp that is period-correct rather than a service replacement.

	The 5500 appeared in corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling, Winn-Dixie, Levi's) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain Al Khalifa, Kuwait Al-Sabah). Phillips catalogued Joyería Riviera retailer-signed gilt Explorer 3-6-9 5500 examples in 2017 and 2019; those ~~lot records are examples of~~ the ~~branch~~, not a general ~~production or~~ value ~~rule~~.		The 5500 appeared in corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling, Winn-Dixie, Levi's) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain Al Khalifa, Kuwait Al-Sabah). Phillips catalogued Joyería Riviera retailer-signed gilt Explorer 3-6-9 5500 examples in its 2017 and 2019 sales; those lots document the signature and dial configuration, not a general value ranking.

	=== The sapphire era (1989+) ===		=== The sapphire era (1989+) ===
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	== Related families ==		== Related families ==

	* [[Reference:explorer\|Explorer]] — the close cousin. Compare the 34mm 5500 Explorer-dial watches with the 36mm chronometer Explorer references.		* [[Reference:explorer\|Explorer]], the close cousin. Compare the 34mm 5500 Explorer-dial watches with the 36mm chronometer Explorer references.
	* [[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]] — the founding line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 origination references sit in the same early-Oyster-Perpetual lineage the Bubbleback established.		* [[Reference:bubbleback\|Bubbleback]], the founding line. The 1945 4925 / 4365 / 4499 origination references sit in the same early-Oyster-Perpetual lineage the Bubbleback established.
	* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]] — the magnetic-resistant line developed for work near strong magnetic fields.		* [[Reference:milgauss\|Milgauss]], the magnetic-resistant line developed for work near strong magnetic fields.

	== Shared references ==		== Shared references ==

	* [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|Serial numbers by year]] — serial ranges and the limits of dating		* [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|Serial numbers by year]], serial ranges and the limits of dating
	* [[Reference:Movements\|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Air-King line		* [[Reference:Movements\|Movement reference]], the calibers used across the Air-King line
	* [[Reference:Bracelets\|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes		* [[Reference:Bracelets\|Bracelet & clasp guide]], bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:21, 28 September 2026
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	{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Air-King}}
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Air-King — Reference Guide to ~~Every Model & Year~~ \| Rolexopedia		\|title=Rolex Air-King — Reference Guide to Models and Years \| Rolexopedia
	\|description=~~The~~ Rolex Air-King ~~has been in the catalogue since 1945 — the post-Battle-of-Britain piece that became Rolex's longest-running line. From~~ the 4925 ~~Bubbleback~~ through ~~the 5500 mainstay to~~ the 14000 / 114200 sapphire era~~. Family hub for every published Air-King reference~~.		\|description=Reference guide to the Rolex Air-King from the 4925 and 5500 through the 14000 and 114200 sapphire-era models, with movement, case and dial notes.
	\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references		\|keywords=Rolex, Air-King, family, history, references
	\|image=Air-King family hero.webp		\|image=Air-King family hero.webp
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	\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large		\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
	}}		}}

			<div class="rp-lead">
			[[File:Air-King family hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex Air-King family\|Rolex Air-King family]]
			</div>

	This index follows the early hand-wound Air-Kings, the long-running automatic 5500 and the later 34mm sapphire-crystal references. Case size, bezel and movement specification vary within the family; the 1142xx generation added chronometer certification.		This index follows the early hand-wound Air-Kings, the long-running automatic 5500 and the later 34mm sapphire-crystal references. Case size, bezel and movement specification vary within the family; the 1142xx generation added chronometer certification.
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	! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Notes		! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Notes
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:4925\|4925]] / [[Reference:4365\|4365]] / [[Reference:4499\|4499]] \|\| 1945–1953 \|\| cal 10½ Hunter hand-wound \|\| Originating Air-King generation ~~— the~~ four-name Battle of Britain commemoration. 4925 = centre-seconds Air-King-only. 4365 = sub-seconds with four-name shared-case dial map (Air-King / Air-Lion / Air-Tiger / Air-Giant). 4499 = 1946+ centre-seconds running mate to 4925, 15j→17j running update (Bonhams 2012 documents 1946 15j sub-seconds variant)		\| [[Reference:4925\|4925]] / [[Reference:4365\|4365]] / [[Reference:4499\|4499]] \|\| 1945–1953 \|\| cal 10½ Hunter hand-wound \|\| Originating Air-King generation, associated in secondary histories with a four-name Battle of Britain commemoration. 4925 = centre-seconds Air-King-only. 4365 = sub-seconds with four-name shared-case dial map (Air-King / Air-Lion / Air-Tiger / Air-Giant). 4499 = 1946+ centre-seconds running mate to 4925, 15j→17j running update (Bonhams 2012 documents 1946 15j sub-seconds variant)
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:6552\|6552]] \|\| 1953–1957 \|\| cal 1030 automatic \|\| First automatic Air-King; Cal 1030 butterfly rotor stamped ROLEX PERPETUAL PATENTED. Caseback duality (6552 between lugs / 6565 inside) period-correct. "Super Precision" dial despite chronometer-grade movement adjustment		\| [[Reference:6552\|6552]] \|\| 1953–1957 \|\| cal 1030 automatic \|\| First automatic Air-King; Cal 1030 butterfly rotor stamped ROLEX PERPETUAL PATENTED. Caseback duality (6552 between lugs / 6565 inside) period-correct. "Super Precision" dial despite chronometer-grade movement adjustment
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Reference:5501\|5501]] \|\| 1959–1986 (late stock to 1987) \|\| cal 1530 / 1520 \|\| ~~The only true~~ Rolesor Air-King — steel case ~~with~~ solid 18k yellow gold fluted bezel and gold crown. Distinct from gold-capped 5502/5506/5520 (40-micron plated). Cotton Bowl Classic 1967-1970 + Tiffany champagne marquee branches. Caseback 5501/1102		\| [[Reference:5501\|5501]] \|\| 1959–1986 (late stock to 1987) \|\| cal 1530 / 1520 \|\| A documented Rolesor Air-King, with a steel case, solid 18k yellow-gold fluted bezel and gold crown. Distinct from gold-capped 5502/5506/5520 (40-micron plated). Cotton Bowl Classic 1967-1970 + Tiffany champagne marquee branches. Caseback 5501/1102
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	\| [[Reference:5502\|5502]] \|\| 1958–1965 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| Gold-capped 40-micron Super Precision Air-King — US-market distribution channel. Alpha hands. Sister to 5506 (parallel-production Commonwealth-market). Distinct from solid-gold 5501 (5502 = electroplated, 5501 = solid 18k gold) and from later 5520 (5502 = Cal 1530 Super Precision alpha hands; 5520 = Cal 1520 Precision baton hands)		\| [[Reference:5502\|5502]] \|\| 1958–1965 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| Gold-capped 40-micron Super Precision Air-King — US-market distribution channel. Alpha hands. Sister to 5506 (parallel-production Commonwealth-market). Distinct from solid-gold 5501 (5502 = electroplated, 5501 = solid 18k gold) and from later 5520 (5502 = Cal 1530 Super Precision alpha hands; 5520 = Cal 1520 Precision baton hands)
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	\| [[Reference:5504\|5504]] \|\| 1957/58–1963/64 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| 36mm Explorer-case Super Precision; the ~~connective tissue between~~ 5500 ~~(34mm Air-King)~~ and 1016 ~~Explorer (36mm EXPLORER text + COSC)~~. ~~Wears 1016 case but~~ AIR-KING dial text ~~and~~ non-COSC Cal 1530. 3-6-9 Explorer-~~dial-with-AIR-KING-text is the marquee collector~~ branch		\| [[Reference:5504\|5504]] \|\| 1957/58–1963/64 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| 36mm Explorer-case Super Precision, distinct from the 34mm 5500 and the chronometer 1016. Documented examples retain AIR-KING dial text with non-COSC Cal. 1530; 3-6-9 Explorer-style dials are a documented branch.
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	\| [[Reference:5506\|5506]] \|\| 1958–1964 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| Gold-capped 40-micron Super Precision Air-King — UK/Commonwealth-market distribution channel. Alpha hands. Sister to 5502 (parallel-production US-market). Bonhams 2023 lot 51 ~~(USD 2,550) is the strongest standalone hammer record~~. ~~Same~~ Kessi Frères case ~~+ 78351 bracelet as~~ 5502		\| [[Reference:5506\|5506]] \|\| 1958–1964 \|\| cal 1530 \|\| Gold-capped 40-micron Super Precision Air-King — UK/Commonwealth-market distribution channel. Alpha hands. Sister to 5502 (parallel-production US-market). Bonhams 2023 lot 51 records a 78351 bracelet on one example. The same Kessi Frères case family appears in 5502 records.
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	\| [[Reference:5500\|5500]] \|\| 1957–1989 \|\| cal 1530 then 1520 \|\| The mainstay. 32-year run. Broadest documented dial map of any Air-King		\| [[Reference:5500\|5500]] \|\| 1957–1989 \|\| cal 1530 then 1520 \|\| The mainstay. 32-year run. Broadest documented dial map of any Air-King
Line 62:		Line 66:
	=== Battle of Britain origins (1945) ===		=== Battle of Britain origins (1945) ===

	Hans Wilsdorf was in London during the Battle of Britain in the autumn of 1940 and the years that followed. The Air-King and its three sister names — Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant — emerged in 1945 as a commemorative gesture toward RAF pilots, who were already wearing Rolex Oysters as personal purchases (the official-issue military watches went elsewhere). The four names ran on different reference numbers across the late-1940s 4925 / 4365 / 4499 / 4499/2 hand-wound Bubbleback series. ~~The~~ commemoration story ~~runs through every published account of the line~~, ~~though~~ no primary Rolex document confirming it has surfaced.		Hans Wilsdorf was in London during the Battle of Britain in the autumn of 1940 and the years that followed. The Air-King and its three sister names — Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant — emerged in 1945 as a commemorative gesture toward RAF pilots, who were already wearing Rolex Oysters as personal purchases (the official-issue military watches went elsewhere). The four names ran on different reference numbers across the late-1940s 4925 / 4365 / 4499 / 4499/2 hand-wound Bubbleback series. Secondary histories repeat the commemoration story, but no primary Rolex document confirming it has surfaced.

	The names did not all survive. Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant were retired by the early 1950s. Air-King continued, settling onto the 6552 (the first automatic Air-King, 1953–1957) and then onto the 5500 mainstay (1957–1989).		The names did not all survive. Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, and Air-Giant were retired by the early 1950s. Air-King continued, settling onto the 6552 (the first automatic Air-King, 1953–1957) and then onto the 5500 mainstay (1957–1989).
Line 70:		Line 74:
	Across 32 years the 5500 carried the line, a long production span covering several movement and dial changes. Cal 1530 (1957–c.1963) gave way to Cal 1520 (c.1963–1989); both are non-chronometer 1500-family movements. The dial text alternates between AIR-KING / SUPER PRECISION (Cal 1530 era) and AIR-KING / PRECISION (Cal 1520 era), and a minority of 5500s left the factory without AIR-KING text at all. The 5500 shared its case middle with the 1002 Oyster Perpetual, so casebacks across the 1970s-onward run carry an inside "1002" stamp that is period-correct rather than a service replacement.		Across 32 years the 5500 carried the line, a long production span covering several movement and dial changes. Cal 1530 (1957–c.1963) gave way to Cal 1520 (c.1963–1989); both are non-chronometer 1500-family movements. The dial text alternates between AIR-KING / SUPER PRECISION (Cal 1530 era) and AIR-KING / PRECISION (Cal 1520 era), and a minority of 5500s left the factory without AIR-KING text at all. The 5500 shared its case middle with the 1002 Oyster Perpetual, so casebacks across the 1970s-onward run carry an inside "1002" stamp that is period-correct rather than a service replacement.

	The 5500 appeared in corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling, Winn-Dixie, Levi's) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain Al Khalifa, Kuwait Al-Sabah). ~~The~~ Joyería Riviera retailer-signed gilt Explorer 3-6-9 5500 ~~sits at the top of the auction record (Phillips Geneva FIVE~~ 2017 ~~lot 76 at CHF 32,500~~; ~~Phillips Double Signed Geneva 2019~~ lot ~~49 at CHF 37~~,~~500)~~.		The 5500 appeared in corporate-gift programs (Domino's Pizza, Pool Intairdril, Circle Bar Drilling, Winn-Dixie, Levi's) and for Middle-East government-crest commissions (Saudi Armed Forces, UAE, Bahrain Al Khalifa, Kuwait Al-Sabah). Phillips catalogued Joyería Riviera retailer-signed gilt Explorer 3-6-9 5500 examples in 2017 and 2019; those lot records are examples of the branch, not a general production or value rule.

	=== The sapphire era (1989+) ===		=== The sapphire era (1989+) ===