Rolex Air-King 6500

The Rolex Air‑King ref. 6500 was produced from 1953 to 1956 and marks a key evolutionary step in the development of the Air‑King series. This reference introduced automatic winding to the Air‑King line with the Rolex Caliber 1030, a movement known for its bi-directional winding mechanism and enhanced accuracy. The watch featured a 34 mm stainless steel Oyster case with a domed acrylic crystal and smooth bezel, designed for durability and everyday use. It measured around 11–12 mm in thickness, had a 42 mm lug-to-lug length, and used a 19 mm lug width. Dial designs included silver, white, and black variations with radium lume, often marked with ‘Precision’ or ‘Super Precision’ depending on the production year. The reference 6500 is prized for its vintage appeal and importance as the first self-winding Air‑King, bridging the gap between early hand-wound models and the later iconic references.