Windsor Finery Co.

Rolex Air-King Super Precision Ref. 5506

Rolex Air-King Super Precision Ref. 5506

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DESCRIPTION

We all know vintage Rolex Air-Kings, especially the Reference 5500 series which we've featured a lot in the past. However, the one we are highlighting today is particularly unique due to a few additional words on the lower part of the dial – "Super Precision."

In 1957, Rolex started to replace their earlier 1000 series of movements, which was the very first fully in-house movement made by the company. This marked the introduction of a new generation of movements. But instead of introducing the new 1500 series all at once, which would have brought great confusion to its consumers, Rolex gradually phased them in over several years. This period was when the new movements (particularly the 1520 and 1530) ran alongside the earlier ones in some models. 

The 1530 was the first from the new series to be introduced, and eventually became the base caliber for succeeding movements.

The Rolex Air-King under the Ref. 5500 series came with two different movements - the 1520 and the 1530. The choice between these movements depended on the watch's intended market. Those with the 1530 movement often had "Super Precision" on the dial, while the 1520 version typically featured "Precision."

While the Rolex Caliber 1530 was highly precise and dependable, it was primarily a workhorse movement. As a result, only a few of them were sent for chronometer certification. Rolex chose to use this movement in various non-chronometer models like the Air-King and the early Submariner versions. These were watches that Rolex initially believed didn't require movements that had passed the rigorous COSC tests.

Interestingly, if you were to ask seasoned watchmakers today about the best movement Rolex ever produced, a significant number would still point to the Caliber 1530. Its lack of certification wasn't due to accuracy but rather the challenge of regulating it consistently.

The 1530 was eventually discontinued in 1965. Today, 58 years later since it was discontinued, the legendary caliber has become crazy rare and highly sought after. A quick search online shows that the movement mechanism alone is up for sale for Php 150k.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand Rolex
Model Air-King
Reference 5506
Year 1960
Movement Automatic
Case Diameter 34mm
Case Material Gold capped
Crystal Acrylic
Bracelet Aftermarket strap
Inclusions Leather pouch


*For size reference, wrist shot is on a 6.5 inch wrist

AUTHENTICITY, WARRANTY & SHIPPING

AUTHENTICITY

Windsor Finery Co. stands behind the authenticity of its products in perpetuity.

FULLY SERVICED

All our watches have undergone thorough mechanical inspections and have been serviced to ensure that they meet our highest standards of timekeeping and functionality.

WARRANTY

Our watches are covered by a 12-month warranty on the movement. This excludes any damage sustained due to improper use or accident. Due to their age, some pre-owned watches should not be subjected to the same conditions as when new.

FREE SHIPPING

Local: Grab Express or LBC

International: DHL Express (import taxes and duties c/o the client)

PAYMENT OPTIONS

1. Bank Wire (BPI, BDO, Security Bank)

2. PayPal

3. Credit Cards

4. GCash

DISCLAIMER

1. Imperfections (scratches, marks, stains, tarnishes, dings, dents, etc) are commonly found in pre-owned watches, kindly manage expectations.

2. All sales are final (no return, no exchange).

GENERAL INFORMATION

AUTHENTICITY

Windsor Finery Co. stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

FULLY SERVICED

All our watches have undergone thorough mechanical inspections and have been serviced to ensure that they meet our highest standards of timekeeping and functionality.

WARRANTY

Our watches are covered by a 12-month warranty on the movement. This excludes any damage sustained due to improper use or accident. Due to their age, some pre-owned watches should not be subjected to the same conditions as when new.

FREE SHIPPING

Local: Grab or LBC

International: DHL Express (import taxes and duties c/o the client)

PAYMENT OPTIONS

  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • GCash
  • GrabPay
  • PayMaya
  • BillEase Installments
  • Bank Wire
  • Lawaway Plans

DISCLAIMER

  • Imperfections (scratches, marks, stains, tarnishes, dings, dents, etc) are commonly found in vintage watches. Kindly manage expectations. We can provide additional photos upon request.
  • All sales are final (no return, no exchange).
  • All third-party trademarks, including logos and icons, referenced by Windsor Refinery Co. (WRC) remain the property of their respective owners. WRC's use of third-party trademarks does not indicate any affiliation between WVC and the owners of the said trademarks.
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