The Best Two-Tone Rolex watches
Published: Nov 10, 2021
What may surprise many, is that Rolex has been manufacturing two-tone watches since the 1930s. What’s more, it makes its gold materials in-house and, as a result, trademarked the name “Rolesor” to refer to any watches that combine stainless steel with gold components. To extend on this, Rolex offers three kinds of Rolesor watch; Yellow Rolesor (a combination of stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold), Everose Rolesor (a combination of stainless steel and 18ct rose gold), and White Rolesor (a combination of stainless steel and 18ct white gold). The difference between these materials can be defined in the reference number of each two-tone Rolex watch. Those ending in the number 3 refer to Yellow Rolesor watches, those ending in 1 relate to Everose Rolesor watches, and those numbers finishing with the digit 4 refer to White Rolesor.
But what are the best two-tone Rolex watches? There are so many to choose from, some of which are now discontinued and keenly sought-after on the pre-owned market – others of which remain in the brand’s current catalogue. So, without further ado, here are some of the most popular two-tone Rolex watches to own right now.
Rolex Submariner 116613
The Rolex Submariner 116613 is a two-tone Rolex watch that offers all the features one would expect of the iconic luxury dive watch. The oyster case is crafted from a mix of stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold, measuring a 40mm diameter and promises a 300-meter water resistance. In addition to this, it boasts a rich blue dial to match a stunning deep Blue Cerachrom unidirectional rotating bezel. It is the shots of luxurious 18ct yellow gold against the dial’s captivating blue backdrop that make this two-tone Rolex Submariner watch so special, however.
The Oyster bracelet with 18ct yellow gold central links and stainless steel external links secures around the wrist with Rolex’s patented Glidelock system and the watch is also powered by the Calibre 3135. This self-winding engine has become a tried and tested Calibre throughout the Rolex catalogue, producing 42 hours of power reserve and comprising a total of 31 jewels.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116505
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref 116505 is amongst some of the most popular two-tone Rolex watches in the world. Its sporty, modern look comprises a 40mm case crafted from 18ct rose gold and a flat three-piece link Oyster bracelet in steel and rose gold. Rolex’s rose gold bezel with an engraved tachymetric scale can be used for measuring speed based on distance and the model’s integrated push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock complete its sporty yet luxurious look.
Inside the case of this popular two-tone Rolex Cosmograph watch is the Calibre 1140, which boasts much fewer components than a standard chronograph movement, thus optimising precision and reliability.
Rolex Daytona 116523
The tricompax layout of the Rolex Daytona has become a world-recognised icon. Highly desirable iterations include the Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, but if it’s a two-tone Rolex watch that appeals to you, then the Rolex Daytona 116523 is certainly worth consideration. The model is crafted from stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold and features the signature dial with a trio of chronograph counters – this time set against a silver dial and stamped with the famous Rolex name and logo. Surrounding this instantly recognisable dial is a tachymeter scale engraved upon the bezel.
Rolex’s flagship chronograph watch measures a 40mm diameter and features yellow gold rings to highlight each chronograph sub-counter, as well as Super-LumiNova coated hands and baton indexes for assistance during the dark. The features of this two-tone Rolex Daytona model include a 30-minute, 12-hour and central chronograph seconds function, along with a small seconds feature.
Rolex Sky-Dweller 326933
This two-tone Rolex watch from the Sky-Dweller collection is dressed in luxurious 18ct yellow gold and stainless steel tones, making for a great addition to pair with formal or elegant evening attire. Its fluted bezel is one of many instantly recognisable features of this Rolex watch series. It measures a 42mm diameter and features an Oyster case with a sapphire crystal glass front and a two-tone bracelet. The watch also goes without the addition of a crown guard but does offer you plenty of valuable features that a watch primed for travel should. First, there are luminous hour markers and hands that are ready for adjusting to local time. You can then keep track of home time via the 24-hour scale on the inner circle.
The month is also displayed in a non-conventional way. A marker will highlight the correct month around the hour track in a very simple way. Each of the 12 batons for the hour markers are accompanied by a square-shaped index that will show in red according to the month. Lastly, the date is positioned at 3 o’clock and the watch secures with a mix of 18ct yellow gold and stainless steel links.
Rolex Yacht-Master 68623
Thanks to its universally appealing 35mm diameter, this popular two-tone Rolex watch can be worn on the male or female wrist and has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and stainless steel. The watch is a Yacht-Master model and boasts a captivating deep blue dial adorned by Super-LumiNova-filled hour markers, together with hands that are shaped into the Mercedes style.
The bi-colour Rolex watch is powered by the Calibre 2135, which for its time, demonstrated the highest first-time pass rate of any movement tested by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute when it launched. If you like the elegance and functionality of a sailing watch, the Rolex Yacht-Master, finished in these indulgent materials, is a watch worth adding to your collection.
Rolex Datejust 116233
The Datejust is one of the world’s most iconic dress watches of all time. This two-tone version constitutes a timepiece that can not only be utilized every single day but one that can easily add a touch of finesse and opulence to the worst when pairing it with something more sophisticated by evening. The Rolex Datejust ref 116233 is forged from a mix of stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold materials. This ultimate accompaniment for a suit measures a 36mm diameter and features a silver dial with yellow gold Roman numeral hour markers and a date window located at 3 o’clock.
The yellow gold fluted bezel is one of the Datejust’s most instantly recognisable characteristics. It interacts beautifully with a steel and 18ct yellow gold two-tone Jubilee bracelet.
Rolex Sky-Dweller 326933
When the Rolex Sky-dweller ref 326933 was released it marked a pivotal point in the famous brand’s watchmaking legacy. It signified the point at which the price of a Sky-Dweller annual calendar dropped, thanks to a two-tone version incorporating stainless steel as opposed to the brand’s previous all-gold versions. It was also the largest dress watch available from the manufacturer’s catalogue, measuring a 42mm diameter. The gold and winding crown of this watch are both crafted from 18ct yellow gold.
These warm golden tones create a softened look against the wrist, continuing onto the bracelet where the central links are executed in the same material, combined with stainless steel outer links. This impressive complication watch combines two time zones with a date and month display. The model’s “Ring Command” bezel is to be used in conjunction with the Calibre 9001 lying inside the watch’s case, enabling the time and date functions to be accessed and scrolled through quickly.
Rolex Lady Datejust 178341
Lastly, for the ladies, the Rolex Lady Datejust ref 178341 is the ultimate symbol of elegance and decadence. Perfect for accompanying the wrist to the office or for pairing with something more elegant by night - the two-tone Rolex watch boasts a captivating colour scheme of stainless steel and 18ct Everose. The harmonious marriage of both materials creates an exquisite companion for the wrist. It is a favourite amongst women, particularly for its ability to transcend time with its versatile and timeless edge. An Everose and steel oyster bracelet completes the watch’s Oyster case, constituting the perfect go-to timepiece for all special occasions. What’s more its chocolate brown dial with an oversized Roman numeral marker placed at IV is set with scintillating diamonds and further enhances a captivating and indulgent look on the wrist. It matches the diamonds meticulously nestled into the surface of the watch’s proprietary rose gold bezel.
Rolex two-tone watches continue to impress on so many levels, making some models from this category the most expensive and highly sort-after models in the world. The chance to pair yellow gold or rose gold materials with the lustre of a classic steel case constitutes the perfect excuse to wear a bi-colour luxury watch every day of the week and to every possible occasion.
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To find out more about which Rolex hold their value you can read more of our guides where we cover all Rolex Nicknames or our classic guide to the Day Date models and our comparision with their sister brand: Rolex vs Tudor.
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