Forums Latest Members

Thoughts on an Air King 5500 from '87?

  1. kip595 Mar 27, 2021

    Posts
    866
    Likes
    1,566
    Hi folks;

    What's the thoughts here on this A-K? It looks pretty spot on, with perhaps a light polish at some point in the past, if that. Dial appears correct to my eyes, though if so the font and printing are very well preserved IMHO.

    R serial number indicates 87, full box and papers include receipt dated to '89. Haven't delved heavily into it with the seller, but '87 would nail the birth year watch for me...and my birthday is only a month away! (Hey, any excuse to add another watch, am I right?)

    Pics (not mine, for full transparency):

    AK 87-3.jpeg AK 87-2.jpeg AK 87-1.jpeg

    As always, thanks guys!
     
    mbeast, DaveK and Spruce like this.
  2. vibe Mar 28, 2021

    Posts
    654
    Likes
    1,997
    Looks great, maybe one of the last 5500s
     
  3. eternalover Mar 28, 2021

    Posts
    463
    Likes
    649
    Lume dots at 11 5 4 look off centre but that may be distortion through glass
     
  4. JwRosenthal Mar 28, 2021

    Posts
    14,917
    Likes
    40,256
    I think that’s dome distortion- if you look close they still seem to be squarely at the ends of the indices, just warped from the crystal.
    This looks good to me, if it has been refinished (which of course would be common for a watch of this period if it went for service), then it was done well with correct brushing. If the price were right, I would grab it. What’s the asking?
     
    kip595 likes this.
  5. kip595 Mar 28, 2021

    Posts
    866
    Likes
    1,566
    Around three and a half, with original box and papers and such - I don't think it's downright outrageous, but certainly something to discuss if they're willing.
     
  6. JwRosenthal Mar 28, 2021

    Posts
    14,917
    Likes
    40,256
    Yeah, on the high side, but not crazy if a dealer with full kit- they gotta make a living. Service will be $500 like any Rolex- so factor that in with the negotiations. $3k seems to be the median on these lately- full kit does bump that up.
     
  7. mbeast Mar 28, 2021

    Posts
    254
    Likes
    572
    Looks very good to me and price is fair in the current market.