This 1987 Rolex Air-King reference 5500 is a rare and historically significant piece, specially commissioned by the Bahrain National Oil Company (BANACO) as a presentation watch. It features a unique champagne dial marked with the red Banoco “b” logo at 6 o'clock, awarded to employees in recognition of their service.The case back is factory-engraved “Presented by the Bahrain National Oil Co. – 5 Years Service”, and still retains part of the original Rolex case back sticker—an uncommon preservation detail that adds to its authenticity and collectibility.The watch features a 34mm stainless steel Oyster case, domed acrylic crystal, and is powered by the Rolex Caliber 1520 automatic movement, known for its robust and straightforward construction.First introduced in 1958, the Air-King line was developed as a tribute to RAF pilots and became a cornerstone in Rolex’s collection of reliable, time-only Oyster Perpetual watches. The reference 5500, in particular, ran for over three decades and remains a symbol of timeless simplicity and tool-watch reliability.Offered with its original box, this example stands out for its Gulf corporate provenance, making it a notable addition for collectors of Middle Eastern Rolex watches or vintage presentation pieces.
