Sometimes it's the smallest details that make the biggest difference, and though the dial of this vintage Air-King may be subtle, it is anything but simple. This is one of the coolest and most unique dial variants employed for the Rolex Air-King ref. 5500 series. The dial color is a rare and seldom-seen satin metallic silver that carries incredible depth and is objectively beautiful. A very similar dial texture is seen in exotic "Paul Newman" Daytonas, though interestingly, that isn't the only detail of this dial that it shares with the most iconic chronograph from Rolex. Most notably, the "-T SWISS T-" below the 6 o'clock marker is printed in the same "sing-a-song" typeface that is seen in the 6239 and 6241 references that bear the "Paul Newman" exotic dials. 

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent case retains crisp finishing and symmetrical lugs that remain very thick and show light signs of honest use. The smooth stainless steel bezel displays gentle signs of honest use. The original Rolex 7205 Oyster riveted bracelet with 60 end pieces retains 10 links that show light stretch from use and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original and rare metallic silver dial is in near-perfect condition with extremely minimal aging displayed at the very edge of the dial with some very subtle, yet attractive oxidation present around some of the markers. The tritium lume plots all remain completely intact under U.V. light inspection and display a handsome golden patina. The original tritium hands match the dial almost perfectly and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.