A handsome and rare stainless steel Rolex Air King Date model. This model features a less common 'linen' textured dial, with gold applied baton markers, and black printed text that is all original to the watch, and unrestored. All of the lume plots are present, as is the lume in the hands, which match to a pleasing ivory colour. The "Air" series from Rolex came to pass as a result of Mr. Hans Wilsdorf's, the founder of Rolex, deep admiration for the pilots of the RAF, and the sacrifices made during WWII, and the fact that many had chosen to wear his watches. Even if they were issued with other manufacturers watches by the M.O.D. Rolex introduced a number of "Air" branded watches; "Air Giant", "Air Lion", "Air Tiger" and this the "Air King". The "Air King" is perhaps the best known model in this series, and the only one that has stood the test of time, still featuring in the Rolex stable today. This model is powered by the classic Rolex calibre 1520 automatic movement, with the case marked 5700. This reference was introduced in 1958 by Rolex, with this example having 2.95 million serial number, dates to being manufactured in 1972. The case measures 34mm (not including the crown) which is also the same size case used in the Rolex Date model. The inside of the case back is also stamped 'IV 69' and has the generic Rolex Date 1500 model stamped into it. This is not incorrect, Rolex would use different mode case backs that were available at the time, and being that this model was quite rare, it is possible that they never even stamped up 5700 model case backs at all, as the date stamp is correct to this watch's productionyear. The watch is in superb condition throughout and is presented with the original Rolex guarantee paperwork with the matching serial number to the watch head, and with a sale date of December 1972. The watch has a fantastic engraving on the back. The watch was presented to an employee of the Coca-Cola Limited company in 1972 in recognition of twenty five years service. A special additional touch on an already great watch.