1/16
Lot #1216

Rolex Dominos Air-King 5500

How do I bid? Start here

Introduction

Rolex has been known to produce customized dials for corporate customers up until the early 2000s, and this may just be the most famous of them all; the Dominos Air-King. Given to Dominos franchisees who have exceeded certain sales targets ($30,000 in weekly sales for four weeks in a row), these fun and cheerful watches have been coveted not only by Domino's franchisees but watch collectors alike. The first models ever given as awards were the reference 5500 Air-Kings in the 1970s, which is exactly what we have here. Whilst Rolex is still the preferred choice for award watches at Domino's, the new iterations no longer feature the red, white, and blue logos on the dials as they instead feature engraved casebacks and unique plaques set on the bracelet. A whimsical piece of design denoting this timepiece's unique history within Rolex's heritage, the Dominos Air-King is a unique watch that will bring a smile to just about any watch collector.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

V 8.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$5,000 – $10,000

The Details

Brand

Rolex

Dimensions

34mm

Model

Air-King

Movement

Automatic cal. 1520

Reference

5500

Bracelet

Stainless Steel Oyster bracelet

Year

1987

Condition

Very Good

Material

Stainless Steel

Included

Watch Only

Dial Color

Silver

THE DIAL

Combining with its unique red and blue Dominos logo at center stage, the ref. 5500's understated silver dial immediately evolves into quite the statement as an indicator of this timepiece's peculiar history.

THE AESTHETIC

Dominating the aesthetic thanks to its bright colors and large size, the Dominos logo immediately dresses down the Air-King ref. 5500's slightly serious demeanor and turns it into a fun watch - something Rolex isn't too well known for.

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

Watch is in very good condition. Dial is blemish free, but luminous has darkened to an even dark brown color. Plexi crystal has light scratches. Bezel, case and bracelet have light surface abrasions. There is a total of 13 links in the bracelet, 3 of which are removable. Bracelet shows little stretch.

Our Perspective

A dash of kitsch and a splash of color, the Domino's Air-King is a charming relic of Americana and an oddity within Rolex's typically refined offerings. As we know, there are only two ways of procuring one of these - buying one here, or selling a heck of a lot of pizzas.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder