Rolex 1978 Oyster Perpetual Air King 34mm Stainless Steel Watch (Ref. 5500) W/Warranty Paperwork - This handsome vintage timepiece is one of Rolex's most beloved and oldest designs, the Oyster Perpetual Air King. The watch is crafted of solid stainless steel, and features: automatic calibre 1520 movement; 34mm stainless steel case, acrylic crystal, silver "Pool Oil Drilling Company" index dial with baton markers and stick hands; solid stainless steel Oyster bracelet. The Air King was first introduced near the end of WWII when the creator of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, was so moved by the heroic efforts of the British RAF pilots that he decided to honor them by introducing a special "Air" series of watches that included the Rolex Air Lion, Rolex Air Tiger, Rolex Air Giant and the Rolex Air King. The Air King watch debuted in 1945 and has been celebrated for over 70 years, being worn by the likes of Arizona Senator John McCain, Actress Jennifer Aniston and world-class tennis player Jim Courier, just to name a few. Vintage Rolex watches are great investment pieces, as they continue to rise in value more than any other type of jewelry. The Air King has become a cult favorite among watch enthusiasts for its simple, time-only display and clean, all-stainless steel design. The back of the case is engraved with "Safety Award" and with the date "1-18-80", as this piece was likely presented to a member of the Pool Oil Drilling Company as the piece has a custom dial. A serial number lookup suggests that this watch was produced in 1978. Serial #: 567XXXX, Reference #: 5500. The watch measures 8" in length. The watch will come with the Rolex warranty paperwork. Condition: The watch is in very good vintage condition and is working.