Rolex Air King 5701

The Rolex Air-King ref. 5701 was introduced in the late 1950s and remained in production into the 1980s as the date-equipped variant of the classic Air-King 5500. This reference featured a 34 mm stainless steel case with an 18k yellow gold fluted bezel, emphasizing Rolex’s two-tone aesthetic even in its tool-oriented Air-King line. It was powered initially by the Rolex Caliber 1520 and later by the Caliber 1530, both automatic movements known for their robustness and simplicity. The case measured approximately 11.3 mm thick, with a lug-to-lug distance of 42.5 mm and a lug width of 19 mm. Dial options were generally classic—silver, champagne, and black—featuring baton hour markers, stick hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock. The 5701 was often paired with an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet and maintained water resistance up to 100 meters through Rolex’s screw-down crown system. Though not as widely recognized as other vintage models, the 5701 is increasingly appreciated for its blend of practicality, vintage appeal, and understated luxury, particularly among collectors seeking a date-equipped Air-King with gold accents.