We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
The authenticity of the watch has been checked and certified by Sebastian, who is one of Sweden's leading watch experts.
Very good, light trace of use.
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/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
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Product Description
This vintage Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 from 1988, crafted in stainless steel, is presented in very good condition with light traces of use. Featuring a 34mm case, smooth bezel, silver dial and Oyster bracelet, it offers timeless everyday elegance. Ideal for daily wear or more polished occasions, this classic automatic watch brings understated Rolex style to any wardrobe.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
Bags
Watches
Jewelry & Accessories
/
• Stainless steel case, 34mm
• Smooth bezel
• Silver dial with baton hour markers
• Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a folding clasp
• Automatic movement
• Vintage
Show more product information
Q: What size is this Rolex Air-King, and how does it wear on the wrist? A: This watch has a 34mm stainless steel case, which is the classic vintage Air-King size. It wears neatly and comfortably with a refined, understated look rather than an oversized presence. The bracelet on this specific piece fits a 16cm wrist or smaller, so we recommend checking your wrist measurement before purchasing.
Q: Is 34mm too small by modern standards? A: That depends on your preference. Many buyers specifically choose the Air-King 5500 because they want a traditional vintage proportion that sits neatly under a cuff and feels elegant on the wrist. If you prefer modern oversized watches, it may feel smaller than what you are used to, but that compact size is also a major part of its appeal.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Measurements & Capacity
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
Delivery & Returns
Q: What size is this Rolex Air-King, and how does it wear on the wrist? A: This watch has a 34mm stainless steel case, which is the classic vintage Air-King size. It wears neatly and comfortably with a refined, understated look rather than an oversized presence. The bracelet on this specific piece fits a 16cm wrist or smaller, so we recommend checking your wrist measurement before purchasing.
Q: Is this a good everyday Rolex? A: Yes. The Air-King Ref. 5500 is widely appreciated for its simple, versatile design and automatic movement, making it an excellent everyday vintage Rolex. Its clean silver dial, smooth bezel and stainless steel Oyster bracelet make it easy to dress up or down.
Q: Does this watch have an automatic or manual movement? A: This piece has an automatic movement, so it is powered by the motion of the wrist during wear. As with most vintage automatic watches, regular use helps keep it running, and periods of inactivity may require winding or resetting.
Q: Is the crystal likely to be acrylic on a vintage Air-King 5500? A: Vintage Rolex Air-King 5500 models are typically associated with an acrylic crystal rather than sapphire. Acrylic is part of the classic vintage Rolex character and can pick up light marks over time, but minor surface scratches are often easier to polish than on more modern materials.
Q: Can I swim or shower with this watch? A: We do not recommend exposing a vintage watch to water, even though the Air-King is part of Rolex’s Oyster family. Water resistance on older watches depends heavily on current gasket condition and service history, so it is safest to treat this piece as splash-avoidant unless it has been pressure-tested very recently by a qualified watchmaker.
Q: What condition is this watch in? A: According to the product information, the external condition is very good with light traces of use, the internal condition is very good, and the hardware is shiny with light scratches. This is consistent with a well-kept vintage watch from 1988 and should be expected to show gentle signs of age rather than factory-fresh perfection.
Q: Does this watch come with box, papers or other extras? A: No. The product information states that this watch comes with no accessories. If original box, papers or other extras are important to you, it is best to base your decision on the product information shown for this listing.
Q: Why is the Rolex Air-King 5500 so popular with vintage watch buyers? A: The Ref. 5500 is popular because it offers classic Rolex design in a clean, restrained format. Collectors and enthusiasts often value it for its long production run, wearable 34mm case, straightforward no-date dial layout, and the fact that it captures a very pure vintage Rolex look.
Q: Is 34mm too small by modern standards? A: That depends on your preference. Many buyers specifically choose the Air-King 5500 because they want a traditional vintage proportion that sits neatly under a cuff and feels elegant on the wrist. If you prefer modern oversized watches, it may feel smaller than what you are used to, but that compact size is also a major part of its appeal.
FAQ
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If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
ADD TO CART
Delivered with
no accessories
Made in
Serial number:
L240997
Year of Manufacture:
1988
Reference Number:
5500
Product number:
2260003016165
Rolex Air-King 34mm Ref 5500 1988 Watch
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
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8,424 AUD
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This vintage Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 from 1988, crafted in stainless steel, is presented in very good condition with light traces of use. Featuring a 34mm case, smooth bezel, silver dial and Oyster bracelet, it offers timeless everyday elegance. Ideal for daily wear or more polished occasions, this classic automatic watch brings understated Rolex style to any wardrobe.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What size is this Rolex Air-King, and how does it wear on the wrist? A: This watch has a 34mm stainless steel case, which is the classic vintage Air-King size. It wears neatly and comfortably with a refined, understated look rather than an oversized presence. The bracelet on this specific piece fits a 16cm wrist or smaller, so we recommend checking your wrist measurement before purchasing.
Q: Is this a good everyday Rolex? A: Yes. The Air-King Ref. 5500 is widely appreciated for its simple, versatile design and automatic movement, making it an excellent everyday vintage Rolex. Its clean silver dial, smooth bezel and stainless steel Oyster bracelet make it easy to dress up or down.
Q: Does this watch have an automatic or manual movement? A: This piece has an automatic movement, so it is powered by the motion of the wrist during wear. As with most vintage automatic watches, regular use helps keep it running, and periods of inactivity may require winding or resetting.
Q: Is the crystal likely to be acrylic on a vintage Air-King 5500? A: Vintage Rolex Air-King 5500 models are typically associated with an acrylic crystal rather than sapphire. Acrylic is part of the classic vintage Rolex character and can pick up light marks over time, but minor surface scratches are often easier to polish than on more modern materials.
Q: Can I swim or shower with this watch? A: We do not recommend exposing a vintage watch to water, even though the Air-King is part of Rolex’s Oyster family. Water resistance on older watches depends heavily on current gasket condition and service history, so it is safest to treat this piece as splash-avoidant unless it has been pressure-tested very recently by a qualified watchmaker.
Q: What condition is this watch in? A: According to the product information, the external condition is very good with light traces of use, the internal condition is very good, and the hardware is shiny with light scratches. This is consistent with a well-kept vintage watch from 1988 and should be expected to show gentle signs of age rather than factory-fresh perfection.
Q: Does this watch come with box, papers or other extras? A: No. The product information states that this watch comes with no accessories. If original box, papers or other extras are important to you, it is best to base your decision on the product information shown for this listing.
Q: Why is the Rolex Air-King 5500 so popular with vintage watch buyers? A: The Ref. 5500 is popular because it offers classic Rolex design in a clean, restrained format. Collectors and enthusiasts often value it for its long production run, wearable 34mm case, straightforward no-date dial layout, and the fact that it captures a very pure vintage Rolex look.
Q: Is 34mm too small by modern standards? A: That depends on your preference. Many buyers specifically choose the Air-King 5500 because they want a traditional vintage proportion that sits neatly under a cuff and feels elegant on the wrist. If you prefer modern oversized watches, it may feel smaller than what you are used to, but that compact size is also a major part of its appeal.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Style discovery
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
Bracelet perimeter
Bracelet width
Case diameter
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
8,424 AUD
• Stainless steel case, 34mm
• Smooth bezel
• Silver dial with baton hour markers
• Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a folding clasp
• Automatic movement
• Vintage
Condition
Dimensions
Product Information
PRODUCT FAQ
Delivery & Returns
Authentication
Contact an expert
Recently viewed
Fits a 16cm wrist or smaller
cm
34
mm
Verified authenticity by our experts
read more
All watches comes with a 12-month mechanical guarantee
Customs fee and local taxes may apply upon delivery
Fast delivery, fully insured and traced
Export deal 15% off sitewide
Delivered with
no accessories
Made in
Serial number:
L240997
Year of Manufacture:
1988
Reference Number:
5500
Product number:
2260003016165
The authenticity of the watch has been checked and certified by Sebastian, who is one of Sweden's leading watch experts.
