Rolex Air king ref 5500 linen dial from 1962

Rolex Air-King 5500 – Rare Linen Dial | 1961 | Military Engraving | Rivet Oyster Bracelet

Offered here is a remarkable example of the Rolex Air-King reference 5500, dating to 1961 (serial 771581). While the 5500 is often considered an entry point into vintage Rolex, this particular watch sets itself apart through rarity, character, and historical intrigue.

The dial is the star: a seldom-seen factory linen configuration that transforms the familiar Air-King aesthetic into something altogether more refined. Over six decades it has developed an even yellowed patina, the kind of natural toning that can never be replicated. Under acrylic, the linen texture plays with light in subtle, shifting patterns, rewarding close inspection.

The caseback bears a military engraving, a detail that infuses the watch with provenance and a sense of lived history. These engravings remind us that Rolex watches were not only symbols of refinement but also trusted companions in service.

The watch is fitted with a folded Oyster rivet bracelet from the early 1970s. While not born with the watch, it is a correct Rolex bracelet for the period and completes the piece with the right vintage presence. Honest stretch is visible but consistent with age, and it wears exactly as intended.

Specifications

• Reference: 5500

• Serial: 771581 (circa 1961)

• Dial: Rare linen texture, tritium, even yellowed patina

• Bracelet: Later folded Oyster rivet bracelet, correct-era Rolex

• Caseback: Military engraved

• Movement: Rolex Caliber 1520 automatic

This is not just another vintage Air-King. It is a rare, well-preserved example with a unique dial, an unrepeatable patina, and the added layer of military history. For the collector who values subtle rarity, quiet character, and authenticity of detail, this Air-King is a watch that speaks volumes.