Would love thoughts on finding a nice 1988 Rolex Air-King black dial 5500

Posts
262
Likes
522
Hi all,

I graduated from university in '88 and would like to find this specific watch. I am really clueless about Rolex, but the Air-King just appeals. I like the fact that this model had a long run and that the '88 was close to the end of the old school era before things started to get more contemporary with the sapphire crystal, etc..

I have been keeping my eyes open in various spots, but would love any specific thoughts. Any things I should keep my eyes open for?

I am also open to a '66, which is my birth year, but my thought is that an '88 will be cleaner and less likely to have had a full blown Rolex replacement-type service.

Thanks all - appreciate any thoughts to my very open ended question. I am finding it hard to get good, thoughtful information on these watches.
 
Posts
238
Likes
849
Sorry for the double picture post. There are other pictures accessible through the Sotheby's link.
 
Posts
6,407
Likes
26,332
Don’t let age put you off. My ‘69 is all original except the crystal. I know it’s not the black dial but it’s super clean. I also have a correct date stamped rivet bracelet for it.


Have you looked through watchrecon to see what’s available across the forums?
 
Posts
4,876
Likes
14,742
This was produced by one of our members https://www.vrfg.io/

Edit for clarity 🤦, this is a link to the Vintage Rolex Field Manual
Edited:
 
Posts
262
Likes
522
This was produced by one of our members https://www.vrfg.io/

Edit for clarity 🤦, this is a link to the Vintage Rolex Field Manual

Thanks - I bought that - and it is helpful, but not great for nuance ie does the bracelet match, etc..
 
Posts
262
Likes
522
Don’t let age put you off. My ‘69 is all original except the crystal. I know it’s not the black dial but it’s super clean. I also have a correct date stamped rivet bracelet for it.


Have you looked through watchrecon to see what’s available across the forums?

Wow, that is sweet. Can I ask, where did you find it?

I will keep my eyes on watchrecon - thanks for the tip.
 
Posts
6,407
Likes
26,332
Wow, that is sweet. Can I ask, where did you find it?

I will keep my eyes on watchrecon - thanks for the tip.
I found that one on the Rolex forums sales section.