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OT Watch Experts

Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:24 am
Posted by whoisnickdoobs
Lafayette
Member since Apr 2012
9352 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:24 am
I'm looking to purchase an original or close to original band for this vintage Rolex. It was passed down to me from my grandfather. I took it to a watch place here in Lafayette but they were no help. Figured the OT watch experts would have the best advice.



Posted by WPBTiger
Parts Unknown
Member since Nov 2011
30823 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:26 am to
Go to an official Rolex distributor. You could also try EBay.
Posted by Sao
East Texas Piney Woods
Member since Jun 2009
65559 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:26 am to
Posted by bengalbait
Grove Lounge
Member since Sep 2009
4476 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:28 am to
Was coming here to post this exact gif. Love that movie.
Posted by HoustonGumbeauxGuy
Member since Jul 2011
29428 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:29 am to
If you are that dedicated to that watch, I would suggest driving to Houston and finding an official Rolex dealer, they are everywhere
Posted by Barf
EBR
Member since Feb 2015
3727 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:36 am to
I've seen air kings on both oyster and jubilee bracelets. 19mm I think. They also look really nice on a nato. I just replaced the bracelet on my wife's and it's not cheap. They oyster bracelet is going to run you about a thousand bucks, similar for the jubilee.

I'd have it serviced (but not polished) and throw a nice nato strap on it. Service is going to be around $800.
This post was edited on 5/5/16 at 8:37 am
Posted by highcotton2
Alabama
Member since Feb 2010
9371 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:40 am to
Rolex Forum

This site has a great for sale section. Go to the vintage forum for any questions about your watch.
Posted by 24nights
Louisiana
Member since Apr 2012
4765 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:41 am to
try Camille Fournet
Posted by Shexter
Prairieville
Member since Feb 2014
13816 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:46 am to



BTW, your money line looks kinda short. You might want to just pawn that watch....

Posted by LSU alum wannabe
Katy, TX
Member since Jan 2004
26957 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:46 am to
quote:

This site has a great for sale section. Go to the vintage forum for any questions about your watch.



This.

Also Timezone.com or Watchuseek.com

Those are the utmost in watch nerdery. +1 on having it serviced. A rolex that old though you may be able to find service cheaper than sending to Rolex. Parts that old may not be that specialized. OR... Parts that old may no longer be made. Biggest investment I would make would be a new crystal. Brand new sapphire crystal on a "grandpa watch" will probably make you cry.
Posted by GaryMyMan
Shreveport
Member since May 2007
13498 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:50 am to
You're going to spend more on an original bracelet than that watch is worth - about $1k. I would figure out what width strap actually fits it and get one or more that you like. The world is your oyster. Try crown & buckle or hodinkee. Unless it's not keeping good time I wouldn't bother servicing - which would be close to $450 unless it "needs" extras. Never let them replace hands, markers or the dial.
This post was edited on 5/5/16 at 8:52 am
Posted by Barf
EBR
Member since Feb 2015
3727 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:50 am to
Just in case you weren't aware, that is a very rare bird
Posted by Barf
EBR
Member since Feb 2015
3727 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:53 am to
quote:

You're going to spend more on an original bracelet than that watch is worth - about $1k.


Not even remotely close. That is one of the most collectible air kings.
Posted by GaryMyMan
Shreveport
Member since May 2007
13498 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:55 am to
quote:

That is one of the most collectible air kings.

Kind of an oxymoron tho. What's super rare about this 5500?
Posted by jbgleason
Bailed out of BTR to God's Country
Member since Mar 2012
18889 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:56 am to
I am going to disagree with the previous posters. I have a vintage Rolex and that watch is one of the few times I don't worry about cost. I spent the money to keep it all original. Why add a modern crystal or knock off band? It's not that anyone else will know. It's that you will know. It is a family watch. Preserve it and pass it down.

And for Gods sake, don't go on Pawn Stars and sell it for $1,500. I am continually amazed at people who will sell off a family heirloom for the cost of a couple of good steak dinners.
Posted by LSU alum wannabe
Katy, TX
Member since Jan 2004
26957 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 8:56 am to
quote:

What's super rare about this 5500?




That the first Air King?
Posted by whoisnickdoobs
Lafayette
Member since Apr 2012
9352 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 9:03 am to
Yeah, I figured it would be around $1k to replace the band/bracelet. I'm not really concerned with the crystal right now. Maybe in the the future.

I'm going to try that Rolex Forum. I have no plans to sell this thing but I am curious as to what the value of it is.
Posted by Barf
EBR
Member since Feb 2015
3727 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 9:06 am to
Check your reference number. Also it may have never had a bracelet.
Posted by Broke
AKA Buttercup
Member since Sep 2006
65037 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 9:06 am to
I would recommend against getting a new crystal for that watch. Especially since it's a family piece. And you can buy any vintage strap with the same lug width and change out the buckle. Unless you meant you wanted the bracelet.
Posted by Barf
EBR
Member since Feb 2015
3727 posts
Posted on 5/5/16 at 9:08 am to
quote:

Kind of an oxymoron tho. What's super rare about this 5500?


The Cal.1530 movement.
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