Two Tone Rolex Watches

About Two Tone Rolex Watches

Steel and gold is one of the most recognizable looks in watchmaking, and Rolex made it famous. The brand calls the combination Rolesor, and it pairs corrosion resistant steel with solid 18k gold on the same watch. The result feels sporty and refined at the same time, which explains why so many collectors start here.

Our collection covers decades of production, from vintage dress watches under $5,000 to modern ceramic sports models above $25,000. Each watch is inspected by our in house team before it ever reaches the site. Take your time, compare references, and find the piece that fits your wrist and your budget.

History of Rolex Two Tone Watches

Rolex registered the Rolesor name back in 1933, giving an official title to a pairing the brand had been refining for years. The formula puts durable steel on the case and outer bracelet links, then reserves solid gold for the bezel, winding crown, and center links. The look found its permanent home when the Rolex Datejust adopted it in 1948, and it has anchored the catalog ever since. Nearly a century later, it remains the easiest way to wear real gold every day without babying your watch.

Two Tone Rolex Price Trends Market Report

Smart buyers shop with real numbers, not guesses. The figures below come from thousands of completed steel and gold sales in our transaction records through 2026. Prices shift with model, reference era, and condition, but the overall takeaway is consistent. These watches deliver genuine gold at prices well below their solid gold Rolex counterparts, and they hold value steadily over time. Here is how the major collections currently trade.

• Rolex Datejust 36mm: This is the highest volume two tone model we track, carrying an overall median price of $7,395. Vintage references like the 16013 trade at a median of $6,595 with entry points near $3,495, while the current reference 126233 commands a median of $14,495.
• Rolex Datejust 41mm: The larger case carries an overall median of $15,495 in recent sales. The yellow gold reference 126333 sits right at that $15,495 mark, and the Everose reference 126331 trades slightly higher at a median of $16,495.
• Rolex Submariner: One of our most frequently traded sports watch models, the steel and gold diver holds a median price of $15,295. The vintage reference 16613 offers the most accessible entry at a $12,995 median, while the current 41mm reference 126613 leads the group at a median of $18,995.
• Rolex Daytona: The two tone chronograph trades in lower volume than the Datejust or Submariner, posting a median of $20,495 in recent sales. Older references like the 116523 trade around $18,995, while the current reference 126503 tops the segment at a median of $27,995.
• Rolex GMT Master II: This travel watch carries a median price of $19,295. The Everose Root Beer reference 126711 trades at a $19,595 median, and the newer yellow gold reference 126713 leads at $21,795, while five digit references like the 16713 stay closer to $12,295.
• Entry Points and Complications: The 34mm Rolex Date remains the most affordable path into steel and gold, with a median just under $6,000 and sales starting around $2,995. At the top end, the Sky Dweller holds a median of $20,745 and the Sea Dweller trades at a median of $16,995.

Iconic Steel and Gold Rolex Collections

The steel and gold treatment changes character depending on the watch that wears it. On a Datejust it reads as classic, on a Submariner it feels bold, and on a Daytona it turns a racing instrument into a statement piece. Below is a closer look at how each major collection interprets the look, including active references and discontinued favorites worth hunting down.

Rolex Datejust Two Tone

The Rolex Datejust two tone is where the whole category started, and it remains the benchmark. The pairing of a steel case, 18k yellow gold fluted bezel, and gold center links debuted decades ago and never left the lineup. Rolex Datejust references like the 16013 and 16233 stay in constant demand thanks to their balanced 36mm proportions and approachable pricing, while modern buyers often step up to the current 126233 or the larger 41mm case.

Dial variety is a huge part of the appeal here. Champagne, silver, and the fan favorite Wimbledon dial all pair naturally with gold accents, and diamond hour markers add another layer for buyers who want extra sparkle. Few watches cover this much stylistic ground at this price level.

Rolex Submariner Two Tone

The Rolex Submariner two tone proves a dive watch can be dressy without losing its edge. Collectors know the blue dial and bezel version as the Bluesy, a nickname that has followed references like the vintage 16613 and the current 126613LB for years. Black dial versions offer a more understated take on the same formula.

None of the luxury touches soften its capability. Every reference keeps the unidirectional timing bezel, the locking Oyster clasp, and 300 meters of water resistance. It is a genuine tool watch that happens to look right at home with a suit.

Rolex Daytona Two Tone

The Rolex Daytona two tone wraps a professional chronograph in yellow Rolesor, and the combination works better than it has any right to. The gold tachymeter bezel frames the sub dials beautifully on references like the discontinued 116523 and the current 126503. On the wrist, it reads as equal parts racing heritage and pure luxury.

Pricing is another reason these models stay popular. A two tone Daytona typically costs meaningfully less than its solid gold sibling while running the exact same in house chronograph movement. For many Rolex Daytona collectors, that math settles the decision.

Rolex GMT Master II Two Tone

The Rolex GMT Master II in two tone steel and gold has become one of the most talked about corners of the modern catalog. The Everose Root Beer reference 126711CHNR pairs steel with the brand's own rose gold alloy under a brown and black ceramic bezel, giving it a warm, distinctive character. Rolex later brought yellow gold back to the line with the grey and black bezel reference 126713GRNR.

The five digit 16713 remains a favorite for buyers who prefer vintage proportions and aluminum bezel inserts. Whichever era you choose, you get a true dual time zone movement built for travel. Function and flash rarely coexist this well.

Rolex Explorer & Sea Dweller Two Tone

Rolex surprised collectors by extending the Rolesor treatment to its most rugged tool watches. The Rolex Explorer two tone reference 124273 brings 18k yellow gold to a model built for expeditions, while the Rolex Sea Dweller two tone reference 126603 adds gold accents to a 43mm case rated to serious depths.

Early debate gave way to strong demand. These references appeal to buyers who want something less expected than a Datejust or Submariner, with all the toughness their model lines are known for. They stand out in a collection precisely because they break the usual rules.

Rolex Sky Dweller & Yacht Master Two Tone

The Rolex Sky Dweller two tone pairs the brand's most complicated production movement, an annual calendar with a second time zone, with the warmth of steel and gold. References like the 326933 carry major wrist presence and consistently trade above the $20,000 mark. It is the choice for buyers who want engineering depth along with the classic look.

The Rolex Yacht Master two tone takes a lighter, nautical approach. Its bidirectional rotating bezel and polished finishing give it a relaxed elegance that works as well dockside as it does at dinner. Together, these two lines cover the sportier end of the dress watch spectrum.

Ladies Two Tone Rolex Watches

A ladies two tone Rolex is one of the most enduring purchases in luxury watches. The Rolex Lady Datejust two tone leads the category, spanning vintage 26mm cases through modern 28mm and 31mm sizes. Diamond dial configurations remain especially popular, adding brilliance without changing the watch's everyday practicality.

The dual metal construction is what makes these pieces so easy to live with. Because the watch already contains both steel and gold, it pairs naturally with any jewelry, any metal tone, and any wardrobe. That flexibility keeps demand strong across every generation of buyer.

Specifications

Technical Specifications of Steel and Gold Rolex Watches

The reason a steel and gold Rolex lasts for generations comes down to how it is built. Every component is engineered to a specific standard, from the metal alloys to the clasp hardware. Here is what you are actually getting when you buy one.

Materials

Rolex builds its two tone watches from a patented pairing it calls Rolesor. The case and outer bracelet links use Oystersteel, a highly corrosion resistant alloy that keeps its finish through years of daily wear.

The bezel, winding crown, and center bracelet links are solid 18k gold, never plated or capped on modern references. Depending on the model, that gold comes in classic yellow, white, or the brand's exclusive rose gold alloy, which you can read about in our Rolex Everose gold review.

Movement

Every modern steel and gold model runs an in house mechanical movement designed and built entirely by Rolex. Workhorse calibers like the 3235 carry Superlative Chronometer certification, which guarantees accuracy within a couple of seconds per day.

These movements also include the blue Parachrom hairspring for resistance to magnetism and temperature swings. Power reserves range from roughly 48 hours on older calibers to 70 hours on current production.

Bezel

The bezel is where the gold makes its strongest impression. Dress models like the Datejust wear the signature fluted bezel, cut from solid gold and designed to catch light from every angle.

Sports models take a more technical route. The Rolex Submariner and GMT Master II use scratch resistant Cerachrom ceramic inserts, while the Daytona carries an engraved gold tachymeter scale for timing speed.

Sizes

The two tone lineup covers nearly every wrist. Ladies models run from vintage 26mm cases through modern 28mm and 31mm midsize options.

Men's sizing centers on the classic 36mm Datejust, the 40mm sports case shared by the Submariner and GMT Master II, and the 41mm Datejust. The Sea Dweller stretches the range to 43mm for maximum presence.

Water Resistance

Every model in this category is built on the Oyster case, the sealed construction Rolex introduced nearly a century ago. Screw down casebacks and crowns protect the movement from water, dust, and pressure.

Dress models are rated to 100 meters, which comfortably handles swimming and daily life. Dive models raise the bar considerably, with the Submariner rated to 300 meters and the Sea Dweller to 1,220 meters.

Watch Bands

The bracelet completes the two tone look by carrying gold center links all the way around the wrist. The three link Oyster bracelet delivers a solid, sporty feel and appears across most professional models.

The five link Jubilee offers a dressier alternative with a noticeably softer drape. Modern versions of both include secure folding clasps and Easylink extension systems, so you can adjust the fit by a few millimeters without tools.

Expert Opinion

A steel and gold Rolex is widely considered one of the best values in the pre owned market because it delivers real 18k gold at a price far below solid gold references. The look has stayed relevant through nearly a century of changing tastes, which makes it a dependable cornerstone for any collection.

Why Choose Bob's Watches

We built our reputation on a simple idea, showing customers both the price we sell a watch for and the price we pay for it. That transparency removes the guesswork that has frustrated watch buyers for decades and keeps every transaction grounded in real market value. It is why collectors, first time buyers, and industry professionals trust us with their purchases.

Every watch listed on our site is physically in our facility and has passed a full authentication process. Our in house master watchmakers verify serial numbers, movements, and components before a listing ever goes live. When your watch arrives, you know exactly what you are getting.

• 100% Authenticity Guarantee: Every timepiece is verified by our master watchmakers before sale.
• Physical Inventory: We only sell watches we actually own and hold in stock, ready for immediate shipment.
• Fully Insured Shipping: Every order ships overnight with full insurance coverage from our facility to your door.
• Transparent Market Pricing: Our prices reflect real completed sales data, not inflated retail markups.

Sell Your Pre-Owned Rolex

Ready to trade up or turn your Rolex into cash? We are always buying, and we pay top market value for your two tone Rolex based on live demand across every model and reference. There are no consignment delays and no hidden fees, just a straightforward offer backed by real sales data.

The process starts with getting an instant quote on our Sell Rolex watches page and carries no obligation at any point. We send you a fully insured shipping label, our watchmakers complete a final inspection on arrival, and payment goes out immediately after approval. Submit our online form today to find out what your watch is worth.

Frequently Asked Questions