If you cannot afford a solid gold Rolex, buy a two-tone: Three recommended Rolex two-tone watches

    As the years go by, it often feels like something is missing when wearing either a refined steel or stainless steel watch on the wrist. That's right—a touch of gold. Mentioning gold watches immediately brings to mind “ gold Rolexes ”, perhaps due to lifelong familiarity, however solid goldRolexare not cheap either, whereas “ two-tone ” models are more accessible. Today, we present three moderately priced and highly attractive Rolex “ two-tone ” watches.

Rolex Submariner collection 116613-LN-97203

Movement Type: automatic mechanical
Case material: Yellow Rolesor (904L stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold combination)
Case diameter: 40 mm
RRP: $14,981.56 USD
Watch Review: Among the many Rolex models, the renowned Submariner collection can be considered the flagship “ ” of Rolex. This Rolex Submariner Date 116613-LN-97203 “ two-tone black Submariner ” maintains the iconic Oyster case in its overall appearance, along with classic design elements such as Mercedes hands and a magnified date window. It has a 40 mm case diameter, a thickness of 12.5 mm, and water resistance up to 300 metres. Both the case and bracelet are made from Yellow Rolesor (904L stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold combination), and the bezel is fitted with a scratch-resistant black Cerachrom insert, presenting a look that is both nimble and poised on the wrist. It is equipped with Rolex's new generation 3135 automatic winding movement, measuring 28.50 mm in diameter and 6.00 mm in thickness, with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The use of a unique Parachrom hairspring helps the watch resist magnetic fields, shocks, and high temperatures, ensuring precise timekeeping. The combination of the black dial and yellow gold is both classic and magnificent.

Rolex GMT-Master II collection 116713-LN-78203

Movement Type: automatic mechanical
Case material: Yellow Rolesor (904L stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold combination)
Case diameter: 40 mm
RRP: $14,459.81 USD
Watch Review: This GMT-Master II is also known among enthusiasts as the “ green hand ”, featuring a 24-hour rotatable bezel that allows times in two time zones to be read simultaneously—a function of immense practical value for travellers. The 40 mm GMT-Master II is a representative Rolex model, fitted with a scratch-resistant black Cerachrom bezel insert, with the production of each such insert taking 40 hours of work. The movement utilises an in-house developed 3186 automatic winding movement by Rolex. Alongside traditional hour, minute, and seconds hands, it features a 24-hour hand to display a second time zone. Equipped with a Parachrom hairspring, it effectively protects the watch against shocks and temperature variations. Its construction matches that of all Oyster movements, offering unparalleled reliability. The combination of the black disc and yellow gold remains, with the dual-time function adding greater practicality, while the green second time zone hand provides an even more aesthetic appeal.

Rolex Yacht-Master collection 16623-78763

Movement Type: automatic mechanical
Case material: Yellow Rolesor (904L stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold combination)
Case diameter: 40 mm
RRP: $14,459.81 USD
Watch Review: The Yacht-Master from Rolex's yacht collection can be described as the ultimate watch for riding the waves. Unlike the previous two models, it features a yellow gold bezel, which gives it an even more textured appearance. The unique dial is fitted with large hour markers and hands to ensure easy readability. Water resistance is guaranteed up to 100 metres. It is likewise powered by Rolex's new generation 3135 automatic winding movement, measuring 28.50 mm in diameter and 6.00 mm in thickness, with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The application of the unique Parachrom hairspring helps the watch withstand magnetic fields, impacts, and high temperatures, ensuring accurate timekeeping. Compared to a ceramic bezel, the yellow gold bezel has a vintage feel while remaining relatively understated, and when paired with the silver-grey dial, it appears even more stylish.

Conclusion:The impression of “ gold Rolexes ” for most people remains stuck in the image from Hong Kong films of the 90s; today, they are even labelled as watches for the “ nouveau riche ”. Leaving aside gold watches like the Day-Date, these three “ two-tone ” Rolex watches are actually very stylish. Whether it is the black and gold combination or the silver-grey and gold combination, they are popular colour pairings today. Gold has instead become the highlight of these models, and with their moderate price and the reputation Rolex has built over time, they are watches worth purchasing.