Lorenzo sent in this Air-King, as it stopped working.
This doesn’t bode well, as the damaged case back gasket will have let in dirt.
There is some dirt visible.
That doesn’t look too good. Huge beat error, and a very feeble amplitude.
You can see that the same plate is used for the movement version with date.
The rotor has lost a bit of its shine, but otherwise, the movement is in good condition.
There are some remnants of polishing paste here and there, and my guess is that the case was polished with just the crown removed, so the polishing compound could enter the movement.
The auto winder mechanism with the typical red reverser wheels.
Time to take the movement apart.
The balance and the pallet fork are removed.
The gear train is now visible.
We’ll put in a new mainspring.
Now the bottom plate comes apart.
The pendant tube has been “polished” as well, so quite a bit is missing, so I will replace that as well.
All the movement parts are clean.
I start off by putting the balance jewels back in.
The base movement is back together.
Now I can adjust the movement, and this looks a lot better than before.
Now I put together the bottom plate …
… and the auto winder mechanism.
The dial and hands are in great condition.
Very pretty specimen. Excellent photography!
Could you offer any advice on how to case the movement? I have a similar piece and that came to me with the second hand “wonky” (would collide with minute hand). For all the effort to carefully release the winding crown, uncase the movement and gently square-up the second hand, I am struggling with reassembly.
Those two screws and the minute little tabs they secure. Any advice would be appreciated.
v/r
-chris
The case clamps (the little tabs) have to go between the movement and the case, and then the screws are fitted. Should be no problem, unless the dial isn’t fitted properly.
As it’s a valuable watch, maybe let a watchmaker have a go?
Hi Christian, you were asking about the price to this watch. They seem to sellin the $2,500 to $3,500 range, you can look at the auction prices for this Rolex Airk King 5500 on https://watchaholic.com/rolex/oyster_perpetual_air-king/5500.watch.
Its a nice affordable watch, especially for being a Rolex.
Christian. My Air King is exactly the same as this one with same numbers.
I am thinking of selling and when I checked online chrono24 and i saw my watch dated 1987 but my family say this is about 1968/70.
can you shed some light on this how I can date my watch before I decide. I was also quoted £200 for service in Newcastle where I live any help woukld be appreciated.#
Chrono 24 doesn’t date watches – they have a similar one for sale that they say is from 1987.
Google how to date Rolex watches. You need the case reference and case serial number, which are between the lugs.
Kind regards,
Christian
Is this 1520 movement the same one that would have been in a submariner 5513/5512 ? I was told this 1520 is a different size ? But that doesnt seem right to me ?
I think the 5513 has the 1530 movement?
Could you please tell me what size screw I need where the bracelet connects to the deployment clasp? Its 2010+- Rolex Air-King
I’m afraid I can’t, as I don’t have an AirKing at hand.
Hi Christian,
re: Rolex cal. 1520 regulation
Much appreciated with your post on this watch.
Do you use a special tool to spin the weights on the balance?
Could this be done with the balance in-situ or would you suggest removing
the balance and balance cock from the watch while doing the adjustment?
Thanks in advance.
Ed
Hi Ed,
Please don’t try this yourself. You will get the balance out of poise, and that will be the end of all accuracy…
Is there a trick to get the stem out of these air kings? I haven’t noticed a locking system or a screw that is holding the stem in.
I too would love some help with this. I am needing to remove the crown/stem from my 1520 movement in order to replace the dial. I have the skill and tools required to do job however it seems removing the stem on this particular movement is tricky. Any help appreciated.
There is nothing unusual about removing the stem. Maybe practice on something cheaper first?
Very nice watch, you did a great job dissembling it and displaying the internal parts. Very nice watch website as well hopefully you like mine that deals in rolexes http://www.greatestcollectibles.com/rolex-watch-prices/ feel free to give me any feedback. Also very fascinated with watches and look forward to any input. Thanks, Gisela
I have Airking, production date around 1958 with Mechine # 88585 which requires extensive repair and parts replacement. Case/Glass/Ring around glass/Dial with arms need to be replaced with some wheels (If required). Pls advice capability & Parts avilibility.
Sorry, but you will have to go to Rolex for that, as I won’t be able to get the parts.
Best regards,
Christian
No way! A Rolex I like! Lovely piece you have Mr owner 🙂 nicely understated and well put together… tempting 😉
Nice job! It’s a beautiful watch. One thing I’ve noticed about the Rolexes you’ve serviced is that the dials and hands are usually in very nice condition. So, too, the Eterna and Junghans watches. Any thoughts on the reason?
I think there are various factors at work … One is of course the quality of the dial. The materials used, the paint, the varnish, the printing… Another huge factor is the Oyster case. Not only does it keep dust and humidity out, but also most humans, as few people have a Rolex case opener 😉
Also, the exposure to UV (e.g. lots of sunlight) isn’t great, but Rolex dials tend to cope better than others with this.
The value of a watch also keeps people from opening it, and letting in dirt and humidity.
Omega dials oddly enough don’t age very well, especially the ones from the 60s and 70s. Omega had a lot less emphasis on tight cases at the time, and I guess the materials used weren’t that great, either. Someone can probably write a PhD thesis on the subject!
it is a beauty. i am jealous of the owner!
That’s a beaut, I was hugely tempted to buy an early 70s one last weekend, I think it’s the script that the ‘Air-King’ is written in – it’s just really elegant. Lovely.
Yes, I have to agree. Definitely a Rolex that I would wear 😉
This looks very clean and nice movement. Wish I could find a professional like you in HK.
Hi theluxman, People send watches to Christian from all over the world! I’m sure he would have no problem shipping your watch back to you in Hong Kong!!
+1!!
Shipping from Hong Kong all the time 🙂
Yes, I have several customers in HK, and shipping isn’t a problem. Check out my faqs at http://watchguy.co.uk/faq/
Best regards,
Christian