Rolex Explorer Air-King 5504

The Rolex Explorer Air‑King ref. 5504 is a highly unusual and scarcely seen crossover model produced from 1958 to 1963. While sharing many similarities with the Air‑King 5500, the 5504 featured a larger 36 mm stainless steel Oyster case—matching the dimensions of the Explorer ref. 1016—and was likely produced for specific military or Commonwealth contracts. This model used either the Rolex Caliber 1530 or Rolex Caliber 1560, both reliable self-winding movements known for their durability. The case thickness measured around 12 mm, with a lug-to-lug distance of approximately 44 mm and a lug width of 20 mm, giving the watch a more substantial wrist presence than typical Air‑King references. Dial configurations included black gilt Explorer-style dials with the iconic 3-6-9 numerals and luminous paint, paired with Mercedes hands. Never officially documented by Rolex in catalogues, the 5504 exists in very limited numbers and is coveted for its size, aesthetic overlap with the Explorer line, and military associations, making it one of the most collectible Air‑King derivatives ever produced.