Rolex Datejust 36 vs Rolex Air-King

The Air-King is the better everyday pick for most shoppers: a 40 mm Oystersteel case, Calibre 3230, 70-hour reserve and Chromalight lume make it tough, legible and low-maintenance. The Datejust 36 is the dressier choice, with two-tone steel and yellow gold, a domed bezel and a date under the Cyclops lens, but its gold surfaces show scratches and cost more to service. Owners praise both movements for accuracy; the Air-King's larger case suits bigger wrists, while the Datejust's 36 mm wears smaller and more formal.

• Choose the Datejust 36 if you want a two-tone gold-and-steel watch with a date and a dressier look for office and evening wear.
• Choose the Air-King if you want a larger, all-steel sports watch with strong lume and a clean, highly legible dial for daily wear.