This article details the restoration of a 1960s Rolex Air-King Date, powered by the robust Rolex caliber 1535. Purchased on eBay for $2700, this used Rolex Air-King presented a fascinating challenge and opportunity to explore the intricacies of vintage watch restoration. The watch, with its classic silver dial, embodies the understated elegance characteristic of this era's Rolex production. This journey will cover the acquisition, assessment, disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, reassembly, and final testing of this timepiece, offering insight into the process of restoring a vintage Rolex and the specific challenges presented by the 1535 caliber.
Acquisition and Initial Assessment:
The decision to purchase this particular Air-King Date was driven by several factors. Firstly, the 1960s represents a golden age for Rolex design, with a blend of functionality and understated sophistication. The Air-King line, while often overshadowed by its more flamboyant siblings like the Submariner and Daytona, offers a compelling blend of durability and elegance. Its smaller size, compared to some other Rolex models, makes it a highly wearable piece. The price of $2700, while not insignificant, represented a relatively good value for a vintage Rolex in seemingly good condition, based on the eBay listing’s photos and description.
Upon receiving the watch, a thorough initial assessment was crucial. This involved a visual inspection for any obvious damage, such as dents, scratches, or corrosion on the case and bracelet. The crystal was examined for any chips or scratches. The dial was carefully checked for any discoloration, blemishes, or signs of previous repairs. The hands were inspected for alignment and condition. Finally, and most importantly, the watch was wound and its functionality was evaluated. This included checking the accuracy of timekeeping, the smoothness of the winding mechanism, and the operation of the date-changing mechanism. At this stage, I noted some minor surface scratches on the case, a slight discoloration near the edge of the dial, and a slightly sluggish date change. These issues, while not alarming, indicated a need for a comprehensive restoration.
Disassembly and Component Inspection:
The next stage involved the careful disassembly of the watch. This is a meticulous process requiring specialized tools and a deep understanding of watch mechanics. The case back was carefully removed, revealing the movement. The movement, the Rolex caliber 1535, was then gently removed from the case. This involved removing the hands, dial, and bridges sequentially, taking care not to damage any delicate components. Each component was carefully documented, photographed, and labeled to ensure accurate reassembly. The 1535 caliber, known for its robustness and reliability, is a relatively straightforward movement to work on, but precision and patience are essential.
Once the movement was disassembled, each component was thoroughly inspected under magnification. This allowed for a detailed assessment of the condition of each part. Wear and tear on the gears, pivots, and jewels were noted. Any signs of damage, such as bent parts or broken springs, were carefully documented. This inspection highlighted the need for a thorough cleaning and lubrication of several components, including the mainspring, balance wheel, and escapement. The presence of some dried lubricant indicated the watch hadn't been serviced in many years. This also confirmed the slightly sluggish date change noted during the initial assessment.
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