Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Ref. 5500 — Steel custom blue dial, ca. 1981

Identity

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Ref. 5500, ca. 1981. Self-winding mechanical movement. Oyster case in steel, 34 mm diameter, signed screw-down crown, smooth steel bezel. Custom blue dial with Precision designation, applied steel baton indexes. Plexiglas crystal. Blue leather strap, steel pin buckle.

Horological context

The Oyster Perpetual descends in direct line from the original Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch patented by Rolex in 1926. The addition of the Perpetual rotor in 1931 — the first self-winding mechanism with oscillating weight — completed the maison's founding concept: a waterproof and self-winding watch. The no-date variant represents its most pared-down expression. It unfolds across two branches: the chronometer-certified Oyster Perpetuals — including Ref. 1008 Zephyr with engraved bezel — and the Air-King line, whose name pays tribute to the pilots of the British Royal Air Force. These Air-Kings bear the Precision designation on the dial, distinct from chronometer certification.

Character

Custom deep blue dial. Presented on a matching blue leather strap with pin buckle.

Serviced watch. Very good condition. Delivered with the brand box and the Contre-Temps 24-month warranty certificate.