Why choose between a steel Rolex watch and a gold Rolex watch when you can have both metals in one? The two-tone Rolex watch—referred to as Rolesor by Rolex—is an absolute classic in the luxury watch space and lucky for us, there are plenty to choose from. From the dressy Datejust to the sporty Submariner, here are some of our favorite two-tone Rolex watches right now starting from under $9,000 to just above $12,000.
Two-tone Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 16623
Right out of the gate—or in this case, the dock—we have the two-tone Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 16623 sporting a 40mm steel Oyster case topped with an attractive 18k yellow gold bezel with large numerals. Look closer at the rotating gold bezel and you’ll notice that the numerals are in fact raised and polished, which is a great contrast to the sandblasted gold background.
The precious 18k yellow gold details continue as center links on the steel Oyster bracelet for an added touch of preciousness. Completing the look of this robust yet elegant nautical-inspired watch is a sunburst blue dial with large round luminescent indexes and a date window at 3 o’clock.
Two-tone Rolex Submariner “Serti” ref. 16613
From the boat deck to below the seas, we now take a look at a two-tone version Rolex’s famous Submariner dive watch. Not only does this two-tone Submariner ref. 16613 handsomely combine yellow gold and stainless steel on the 40mm case and Oyster bracelet, it also boasts a “Serti” style dial.
While in Rolex-speak, Serti refers to any gem-set dial, in Rolex collecting circles it’s a term that’s commonly associated with Submariner or GMT-Master models with gems on the dial. The slate dial on this specific Sub 16613 includes diamond and sapphire indexes and the blue sapphires look particularly good with the bright blue bezel.
Two-tone Rolex Datejust 41 ref. 126333
The Datejust is Rolex’s flagship dress watch and it’s hard to beat when it’s dressed in a two-tone configuration. However, the two-tone Datejust 41 ref. 126333 is a fresh and contemporary version of the Rolex classic with a larger 41mm Oyster case compared to the traditional 36mm size of the ubiquitous Datejust 36.
That larger Oyster case is home to the familiar 18k yellow gold fluted bezel and a crisp white dial with lume-filled yellow gold baton hour markers and gold center hands. Of course, there’s also the date window at 3 o’clock for which the Rolex watch gets its name. Following through with the traditional approach of this modern Rolex Datejust is the dressy Jubilee bracelet with yellow gold center links.
Two-tone Rolex Daytona ref. 116523
No roundup of our favorite two-tone Rolex watch would be complete without a Daytona in the mix. The two-tone Daytona ref. 116523 seamlessly blends the sportiness of a chronograph watch and elegance of yellow gold. The 40mm steel Oyster case is outfitted with a yellow gold bezel engraved with the signature tachymeter scale, in addition to the yellow gold chronograph pushers and winding crown. The yellow gold center links on the steel Oyster bracelet ties it all together.
The champagne dial complements the style of the two-tone Daytona perfectly and sets the stage for the trio of subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, as well as the center hour, minutes, and chronograph hands.
If you can’t decide what kind of material you’d like your Rolex to be, then perhaps a two-tone version is just what you need.
