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Bob,
I think it's a great idea to buy a Rolex and I'd like to make a few suggestions. For a long time, Rolex watches looked the same from year. That didn't mean they were not making small changes. So if you are considering an Air King, you need to learn the differences between a current model, one a few years old and one many years old. They can look very similar, if not identical, and have very different values, depending on which version they are. All Rolex watches have both a model number and a serial number and from these, the age can be estimated. The model number will tell you which movement they use. In general, the newer movements run a little better. The newer watches have synthetic saphire crystals, which are a great improvement over the older crystals. The bands have been upgraded as well, in several ways.
So, the value of a particular model watch will depend upon age, condition, service history and how much wear is observed in the links of the band. It's impossible for me to tell you if $2,000 is a good price for an Air King, without nailing down some of the details. Even the inclusion of the original box and papers will influence the value., particularly when you try to sell it.
Something else you might consider, particularly if you intend to sell the watch after a while, the Air King has a much smaller market than the Datejust. In between the two, is the Perpetual. It lacks the date feature (if that is what draws you to the look of the Air King) but is available with a chronometer certified movement, which will usually be more accurate. Another option might be an Explorer. Similar look, better movement, very simple and rugged.
Another consideration is the band. Standard is the Oyster, or you can get a Jubilee. Different looks and they feel different when worn. Some models (like the recent Explorer) are available with an Oyster band that has a flip-lock clasp, which makes it pretty impossible to open accidently.
That's my choice for a daily wear watch. If you buy a used one, make sure you get a nice tight band and be aware that there are aftermarket versions of every band out there and you do not want anything non-original on the watch.
Lastly, most of the models have been offered with quite a few different dials. There are way too many variations to list here. Even the catalog that the dealer will hand out will have a small percentage of what's actually available. Note also that although the Air King, Perpetual and Datejust look like they share the same case, they are slightly different sizes, with the Air King being a few millimeters smaller.
I'd suggest you do a little more research to get to know the ins and outs of these watches, stick to one that is just a few years old and hasn't yet been opened up for service and is in essentially new condition. Rolex makes somewhere around a million watches a year so there are lots to pick from.
Happy hunting,
JR
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