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1989 Rolex Air King

Vintage Rolex Air-King Pool Intairdril 5500 Watch
Vintage Rolex Air-King Pool Intairdril 5500 Watch

Vintage Rolex Air-King Pool Intairdril 5500 Watch

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A mens 34mm vintage Air King wristwatch by Rolex. Features a silver dial with applied hour markers

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1980's

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1980's

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Gray Dial circa 1980's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Gray Dial circa 1980's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Gray Dial circa 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

olex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald Bezel
olex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald Bezel

olex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald Bezel

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Vintage Rolex Air-King Reference 14000 Stainless Steel Watch, 1989
Vintage Rolex Air-King Reference 14000 Stainless Steel Watch, 1989

Vintage Rolex Air-King Reference 14000 Stainless Steel Watch, 1989

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1989 Rolex Air-King Ref. 14000 Stainless Steel watch with Original RARE Charcoal Black Dial with

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Stainless Steel Watch, 1981
Vintage Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Stainless Steel Watch, 1981

Vintage Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Stainless Steel Watch, 1981

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1981 Vintage Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex yellow Gold Stainless Steel Air King Precision Date Wristwatch

Rolex yellow Gold Stainless Steel Air King Precision Date Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King 34mm with date pre-owned wristwatch Ref # 5701N/3, silvered dial

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Air King 5500
Rolex Air King 5500

Rolex Air King 5500

Sold

W 1.34 in

Rolex Air King 5500

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

Watch: Rolex Air King 5500 Stock Number: CHW6231 We have just had this classic Rolex Air King 5500

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Air-King Gents Stainless Steel Silver Dominos Pizza Dial 5500
Rolex Air-King Gents Stainless Steel Silver Dominos Pizza Dial 5500

Rolex Air-King Gents Stainless Steel Silver Dominos Pizza Dial 5500

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A 34 mm Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King Gents Wristwatch, silver dial with applied hour

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500 circa 1985
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500 circa 1985

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500 circa 1985

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch, Ref. 5500, with a caliber 1520 Self-Winding Movement

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Automatic Wristwatch Ref 14000, 1987
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Automatic Wristwatch Ref 14000, 1987

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Automatic Wristwatch Ref 14000, 1987

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Ref: W4294 Model Number: 14000 Serial Number: U33**** Condition: 9 - Excellent Condition Age: 15th July 1987 Case Size: 34mm Box and Papers: Box and Guarantee Movement: Automatic Ca...

Category

Vintage 1980s Hong Kong Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1984 Rolex 34 MM Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King Snoopy Watch
1984 Rolex 34 MM Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King Snoopy Watch

1984 Rolex 34 MM Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King Snoopy Watch

By Rolex

Located in Philadelphia, PA

With 'Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King' and 'Swiss ' Inscribed on face with raised logo With glass

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Air King 5500 Stainless Steel Leather Band
Rolex Air King 5500 Stainless Steel Leather Band

Rolex Air King 5500 Stainless Steel Leather Band

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 5500 Serial: 6292*** Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial, circa 1984 or 1985
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial, circa 1984 or 1985

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial, circa 1984 or 1985

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970/80's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970/80's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970/80's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Air-King Precision 5500 Men's Watch
Rolex Air-King Precision 5500 Men's Watch

Rolex Air-King Precision 5500 Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Air-King Precision 5500 Men Watch. 34mm Stainless Steel case. Stainless Steel None bezel

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Air-King 5500, Case, Certified and Warranty
Rolex Air-King 5500, Case, Certified and Warranty

Rolex Air-King 5500, Case, Certified and Warranty

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Air-King Reference #:5500. Rolex Mens/Ladies 34mm Stainless Steel Air-King - Automatic

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

ROLEX Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500
ROLEX Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500

ROLEX Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500

By Rolex

Located in Verona, IT

Stainless steel Rolex Air-King, Ref. 5500, circa 1980s. Blue dial with applied indexes and baton

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Wristwatch Ref 5500

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Wristwatch Ref 5500

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Pre-Owned Air King 34mm stainless steel Rolex. This timepiece has a smooth bezel, silvered index

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Air-King 5500, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty
Rolex Air-King 5500, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty

Rolex Air-King 5500, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Black 34 MM

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty

Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 34 MM

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King Wristwatch Factory Silvered Dial with Applied Hour

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex for Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Air-King Watch, 1980s
Rolex for Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Air-King Watch, 1980s

Rolex for Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Air-King Watch, 1980s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Air-King Watch Beautiful Factory Silver Dial

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch with custom Hunter Green Dial c. 1984
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch with custom Hunter Green Dial c. 1984

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch with custom Hunter Green Dial c. 1984

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King wristwatch, Ref. 5500, serial number 8.1 million

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dial with Gold Baton Markers 1970's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dial with Gold Baton Markers 1970's

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By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 3...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

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Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M
Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M

Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M

By Chanel

Located in PARIS, FR

Chanel Mademoiselle model watch, square yellow gold case, quartz movement, white background with Roman numeral indexes, crown with a small half pearl, yellow gold and pearl bracelet,...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

By Cartier

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone
CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone

CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

An art deco ring designed by Cartier. This is a magnificent art deco ring, created in Paris France and designed by the jewelry house of Cartier. This colorful cocktail ring is very ...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Black Dial 1960's
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Black Dial 1960's

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Black Dial 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch
Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch

Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1966 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1225 Manual wind movement, Original Black dial with r...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamonds Black Dial Watch 69173
Rolex Datejust Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamonds Black Dial Watch 69173

Rolex Datejust Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamonds Black Dial Watch 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom Dial and bezel. It comes with a Chronostore box and a 1 year Seller warranty. Natural Diamonds

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch

Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1978 Rolex Reference 6719 Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case with Fluted bezel, Oyster Perpetual Automatic, self winding movement, Custom finished ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dial, Bezel and Hand Made Vuitton Strap 1960's
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dial, Bezel and Hand Made Vuitton Strap 1960's

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dial, Bezel and Hand Made Vuitton Strap 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow Dial circa, 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow Dial circa, 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow Dial circa, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Air-King Domino's Pizza 114200
Rolex Air-King Domino's Pizza 114200

Rolex Air-King Domino's Pizza 114200

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A stainless steel "Domino's Pizza" 34mm Air-King by Rolex. Features a silver dial complemented by a smooth stainless steel fixed bezel. Fitted with a sapphire crystal and a self-wind...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 14270
Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 14270

Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 14270

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre Owned Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 14270. The minor patina on the dial near the center of the hands around canon pinion. This Timepiece wa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty

Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty

By Rolex

Located in Greensboro, NC

Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

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Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Champagne Dial Mens Watch Box Papers
Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Champagne Dial Mens Watch Box Papers

Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Champagne Dial Mens Watch Box Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

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Category

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Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch
Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch

Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1990s Cartier, Louis Cartier, Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 24 X 18 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, quartz movement, white dial with Black Roman numerals, Sapphire crown. 1/2 in...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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1989 Rolex Air King For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 1989 rolex air king for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using stainless steel and silver. Finding the perfect 1989 rolex air king may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 1989 rolex air king, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and women.

How Much is a 1989 Rolex Air King?

On average, a 1989 rolex air king at 1stDibs sells for $5,350, while they’re typically $4,800 on the low end and $9,564 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.