Rolex Air-King 5502

The Rolex Air‑King ref. 5502 was produced from 1957 to 1962 and represents a rare two-tone variant within the early Air‑King 55xx series. This model featured a 34 mm stainless steel Oyster case topped with an 18k yellow gold fluted bezel and paired with a two-tone bracelet. It was powered by the automatic Rolex Caliber 1530, a non-chronometer rated movement known for its robustness and reliability. The case measured around 11–12 mm in thickness, with a 42 mm lug-to-lug span and a 19 mm lug width. Dial options included silver, champagne, and white variants, typically with applied baton markers and radium or tritium lume depending on the production year. The acrylic crystal and ‘Precision’ or ‘Super Precision’ text on the dial reflected Rolex’s styling cues from the late 1950s. The 5502 is valued for its blend of utilitarian Air‑King heritage with the added refinement of gold detailing, making it a standout reference in the vintage Rolex market.