A handsome and unusual Rolex Air King model with a stainless steel and eighteen carat gold case.  This model features a less common black dial with gold applied markers, and gold printed text that is all original to the watch, and unrestored.  The "Air" series from Rolex came to pass as a result of Mr. Hans Wilsdorf's, the founder of Rolex, deep admiration for the pilots of the RAF, and the sacrifices made during WWII, and the fact that many had chosen to wear his watches. Even if they were issued with other  manufacturers  watches by the M.O.D.  Rolex introduced a number of "Air" branded watches;  "Air Giant", "Air Lion","Air Tiger" and this the "Air King". The "Air King" is perhaps the best known model in this series, and the only one that has stood the test of time, still featuring in the Rolex stable today.  This model is powered by the classic Rolex calibre 1520 automatic movement, with the case marked 5500.  This refernce was introduced in 1957 by Rolex, with this example having 5.5 million serial number, dates to being manufactured in 1978. This 5500 model shares the same case the Rolex Explorer I and measures 34mm (not including the crown) which is also the same size case used in the Rolex Date model.  The watch comes on a Foundwell, hand made Italian, US Cordovan leather band.