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This Rolex Air King Date Ref. 5700 is a lovely and much less common variation of the classic Air King line, dating to 1973.
While most collectors are familiar with the non date Rolex Air King Ref. 5500, the Ref. 5700 offers a slightly different proposition. It retains the clean, understated design language of the Air King, but adds a practical date complication and a subtly larger case. Using calipers, the 5700 measures around 1mm wider than the non date 5500 variant, giving it a little more presence on the wrist while still remaining elegant and compact.
The original grey sunburst dial is a real highlight. It has a beautifully restrained tone that shifts under light, giving the watch a more interesting appearance than a standard silver dial while still remaining very wearable. Paired with the steel Oyster case, acrylic crystal and classic Rolex dial layout, it has all the charm you want from a vintage Rolex without feeling overstated.
Inside is the Rolex calibre 1525 automatic movement, a reliable movement from one of Rolex’s strongest vintage eras. The watch is fitted to a later Rolex 78350 Oyster bracelet, date stamped U5 for May 1998.
The Rolex Air King Date 5700 is often spoken about by collectors as being far scarcer than the standard 5500. While Rolex did not publish production figures, it is commonly suggested that the 5700 was produced in much smaller numbers, with some collectors quoting roughly one Air King Date for every ten standard Air King 5500 models.
Key Features
Rolex Air King Date Ref. 5700
Year 1973
Rolex automatic calibre 1525 movement
35mm stainless steel case
Original grey sunburst dial
Date function
Acrylic crystal
Rolex 78350 Oyster bracelet
Bracelet date code U5 for May 1998
Original Rolex box included
A Word on Condition
This example presents very well, with an attractive original grey sunburst dial and a strong overall vintage appearance. The case retains the classic shape of the Air King Date, with the slightly larger 35mm profile giving it a touch more wrist presence than the better known 5500.
The later 78350 Oyster bracelet makes the watch practical and comfortable to wear, while the original Rolex box adds an important period feel to the overall set.
Accessories / The Set
This watch is sold with its original Rolex box.
All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Why Buy This Watch
The Rolex Air King Date Ref. 5700 is a brilliant choice for someone who wants a vintage Rolex with a little more individuality than the standard Air King.
It keeps the understated charm that makes the Air King so wearable, but adds a date function, a slightly larger case and a much rarer reference. The grey sunburst dial gives this example real visual appeal, while the 35mm case size makes it an easy everyday vintage Rolex.
For collectors, the attraction is simple. The 5700 is far less commonly seen than the 5500, and good examples with original dials are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This is a subtle, elegant and genuinely interesting vintage Rolex Air King Date.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12 month warranty as standard.