Rolex Air-King

The Air-King carries one of Rolex's oldest names, a nod to the RAF pilots of the 1930s and 40s, and it's always been more tribute than actual cockpit instrument. The current version is easily the most characterful it's ever been: a glossy black dial, oversized minute markers, 3-6-9 numerals borrowed from the Explorer, and splashes of green and yellow that make it the most playful thing in the whole Rolex lineup. It stays refreshingly simple, just the time, no date. And it's one of the friendlier ways to get yourself into a steel Rolex without needing a waitlist or a small fortune.