1957–198913 variants
The archetypal Air-King, made for over three decades with almost no change: 34 mm Oyster case, smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, and baton markers, no date. 1530 came first; the cheaper 1520 followed in the 1960s. Same case and as the 34 mm Oyster Perpetual and the 5500 “Explorer”. Rolex also supplied many with company logos for employee awards.
Officially sold from 1958. Antiquorum lots span case 374283 (c.1958) to L925254 (c.1989).
Faded ends mark approximate or unknown dates. Years are as stated by the cited sources.
Dial reads “Super Precision” above six o’clock, which usually marks a 25/26-jewel caliber 1530 inside. The earlier pairing: the 1530 was used first. Not a firm rule, since service parts and loose factory practice mixed dials and calibers.
Dial reads “Precision”, usually over the non-chronometer caliber 1520 used from the 1960s to the end of production. Bob's notes US-market movements had 17 jewels to cut import duty, others 26. Typical late example: satin silver dial, faceted steel batons with lume dots.
Specs shared by all variants. Variant pages show where a variant differs.
Rare early dials with no text at all on the lower half, called “Pre-Precision” by collectors.