Introduction
Taking a vintage Rolex Air-King ref. 5500 as their canvas, watch customization studio Project X Designs and our very own Eric Ku teamed up in 2016 to imbue a robust vintage watch with the notable aesthetics and details of its rich heritage to create a truly unique military-inspired watch. Offered as a limited edition offering, these Air-Kings were exclusively available through the HK-based retailer Lane Crawford. Boasting their original 34mm stainless steel cases, but with a DLC-coating, and bright camo print on their original dials and fabric straps that lean into the military-inspired aesthetic, these timepieces merge streetwear fashion with vintage watchmaking heritage to create something truly unique and special.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
VDB/TPT Gurarantee Certificate
Est. value range
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
34mm
Model
Air-King
Movement
Automatic cal. 1520
Reference
5500
Bracelet
Fabric strap
Year
1972
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel with DLC coating
Included
Watch, box, and papers
Dial Color
Green
THE DIAL
Taking a previously understated dial design and bringing it to life with a green camo pattern, these customized dials became both stealthy and aesthetically rich.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Given a DLC coating so as to alter its wrist presence, these customized ref. 5500s wear even neater than their untouched siblings, with their blacked-out cases being sleek and understated.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The black PVD-coated steel case has some light marks, with a tiny nick to the finish on the upper left lug and a couple of others on the case back and back of the lugs. The case back engraving remains well defined, and the PVD coating on the crown is excellent. The custom camouflage dial shows some light marks, and the hands have had the lume removed, with the hour hand showing some additional wear. The watch is fitted with a green fabric strap and comes with the original Project X warranty card.
Our Perspective
Created as a passion project between me and Daniel Bourn of Project X, these camouflaged Air-Kings broke new ground in the watch customization space as we took untouched vintage watches and combined them with a unique modern flair.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
