Rolex Two-Tone Review: Top Models & Buying Guide

A two-tone Rolex combines Oystersteel with solid 18k gold, a pairing Rolex calls Rolesor. It costs far less than a full gold watch and still reads as gold from across the room. Below are the best two-tone Rolex watches, their pre-owned prices, and what to check before you buy.

Key takeaways

• Rolesor uses real 18k gold on the bezel, the crown, and, on most bracelets, the center links. It is never plated.

• The two-tone Datejust 41 (126333) is the most versatile pick. The Submariner 126613LB is the sportiest.

• Current two-tone Rolex references trade pre-owned from roughly $9,500 to $28,000, depending on model and condition.

• Many two-tone references trade near or below retail, so the pre-owned market often offers better value than steel sports models.

• The condition of the gold parts moves the price more than almost anything else.

What is a two-tone Rolex?

A two-tone Rolex pairs an Oystersteel case and bracelet with 18k gold components. Rolex has used the combination since the early 1930s and trademarked the name Rolesor in 1933, joining "Rolex" with "or," the French word for gold. On most models, the gold appears on the bezel, crown, and center bracelet links.

Rolex makes three versions:

• Yellow Rolesor pairs steel with 18k yellow gold. It has the strongest contrast and appears on the widest range of references.

• Everose Rolesor uses Rolex's own 18k pink gold, introduced in 2005 and formulated to keep its color rather than fade over time.

• White Rolesor combines steel with 18k white gold, usually only on the fluted bezel. From a few feet away, it looks like steel.

Is a two-tone Rolex worth it?

For most buyers, yes. You get solid gold where it shows, steel where the watch takes knocks, and a price well below a full gold model.

The "dated" question

Some buyers still connect two-tone with 1980s boardrooms. Rolex's own catalog suggests that view is outdated. It added the yellow Rolesor Explorer 36 in 2021, then the Daytona 126503 and the GMT-Master II 126713GRNR in 2023.

The honest drawbacks

Gold is softer than steel. Polished center links pick up fine scratches first, and on two-tone Datejusts that's where we see the most wear. Polishing gold removes metal faster than polishing steel, so an over-polished case loses its sharp edges for good. Bracelet stretch shows up as sagging between links when you hold the watch flat.

Best two-tone Rolex watches

Two-tone Rolex Datejust: the everyday classic

Datejust 41 126333 (fluted bezel) and 126303 (smooth bezel), Datejust 36 126233, yellow Rolesor, caliber 3235. The Datejust 31 and Lady-Datejust 28 suit smaller wrists.

The Datejust launched in 1945, and the two-tone version is the reference most people picture when they hear "Rolex." A champagne dial on a Jubilee bracelet is the traditional choice. A slate "Wimbledon" dial on an Oyster bracelet looks more modern.

Best for: a first Rolex, office wear and daily use. Shop pre-owned two-tone Datejust watches.

Two-tone Rolex Submariner: the sport option

Submariner Date 126613LB "Bluesy" and 126613LN, 41 mm, yellow Rolesor, caliber 3235, launched in 2020.

The Bluesy pairs a blue dial with a blue Cerachrom bezel, while the 126613LN pairs a black dial with a black bezel. The previous 116613LB and 116613LN (40 mm, 2009 to 2020) cost less pre-owned and look nearly identical.

Best for: buyers who want a dive watch with gold accents. Shop pre-owned two-tone Submariner watches.

Two-tone Rolex GMT-Master II: built for travel

GMT-Master II 126711CHNR "Root Beer" in Everose Rolesor and 126713GRNR in yellow Rolesor, 40 mm, caliber 3285.

The Root Beer has a brown-and-black Cerachrom bezel. It arrived in 2018. The 126713GRNR swaps in yellow gold with a grey-and-black bezel. On both, you can jump the local hour hand on its own, so changing time zones takes seconds.

Best for: frequent travelers and anyone who tracks two time zones. Shop pre-owned two-tone GMT-Master II watches

Two-tone Rolex Daytona: the chronograph

Cosmograph Daytona 126503 (2023, caliber 4131), 116503 (2016 to 2023) and the discontinued 116523 (caliber 4130), 40 mm, yellow Rolesor.

The two-tone Daytona uses gold for the tachymeter bezel, crown, pushers, and center links. Movements and dial details differ by generation, so compare references individually.

Best for: chronograph enthusiasts. Shop pre-owned two-tone Daytona watches.

Two-tone Rolex Yacht-Master: polished sports style

Yacht-Master 40 126621 in Everose Rolesor, caliber 3235, 2019. Yacht-Master 37 268621 for smaller wrists.

The Yacht-Master is the dressier sibling of the Submariner. It has a bidirectional Everose bezel with raised numerals. Note that the 126622 is Rolesium, combining steel and platinum rather than gold.

Best for: buyers who want a sports watch that works at dinner. Shop pre-owned two-tone Yacht-Master watches.

Other two-tone models worth a look

• The Sky-Dweller 336933 (42 mm, yellow Rolesor) adds an annual calendar and a second time zone.

• The Sea-Dweller 126603 (43 mm, yellow Rolesor) is rated to 1,220 m.

• The Explorer 36 124273 is the most understated yellow Rolesor sports model.

How much does a two-tone Rolex cost?

A pre-owned two-tone Rolex typically costs between $9,500 and $28,000 in October 2026. The Explorer 36 sits at the low end, and the Daytona 126503 at the top. Older references such as the Datejust 16233 cost less.

Ranges assume good to excellent condition with box and papers. Five factors move a two-tone Rolex price the most:

• Generation: A current 126613LB costs thousands more than a 116613LB.

• Gold condition: Deep scratches or rounded edges on gold parts lower the price.

• Originality: Factory dials, bezels, and bracelets matter. Aftermarket diamonds reduce value.

• Box and papers: A full set supports provenance and resale.

• Service history: A recent service by a qualified watchmaker adds confidence.

Do two-tone Rolex watches hold their value?

Well-kept current references hold their value well, though no price is guaranteed. In October 2026, the 126613LB traded around $16,900 against a $19,450 US retail price, and the 126711CHNR traded around $18,800 against a $20,050 US retail price. A pre-owned two-tone Rolex has already absorbed much of its early depreciation.

Browse pre-owned Rolex watches for sale, or sell or trade your current watch toward one.

Two-tone vs steel vs solid gold Rolex

Two-tone Rolex sizing guide

• Under 6.5 in. wrists: Lady-Datejust 28, Datejust 31, or Datejust 36.

• 6.5 to 7.25 in.: Datejust 36, Explorer 36, or 40 to 41 mm sports models.

• Over 7.25 in.: Datejust 41, Sky-Dweller 42, or Sea-Dweller 43.

Women's two-tone Rolex buyers often choose the Datejust 31. The Datejust 36 works as a unisex size.

How to spot a fake or plated two-tone Rolex

Counterfeiters often plate steel to imitate gold. Check these points before you buy:

• Look at the edges: Plating wears through on link edges and the clasp, exposing a different metal underneath. Solid gold looks the same throughout.
• Compare the colors: The bezel, crown, and center links should match exactly. A mismatched rose tone can point to swapped parts.
• Check the bezel: Aftermarket gold or diamond bezels often appear on two-tone Datejusts and lower their value.
• Check the bracelet: Ask whether the bracelet and center links are original to the reference.
• Verify the reference and serial number: with a qualified professional.
• Review the service history and the seller's policies: before you pay.

For more detail, see our guide on how to tell if a Rolex is real.

Caring for and servicing a two-tone Rolex

Rolex recommends servicing about every 10 years and covers new watches with a five-year guarantee. Between services, rinse the watch in warm water with mild soap and a soft brush, with the crown screwed down. When you have a watch refinished, ask for a light finish on the gold parts to preserve the case lines.

Read Rolex's own care guidance, see our breakdown of Rolex maintenance costs, or book watch service, repair and restoration.

Why buy a pre-owned two-tone Rolex from Great Lakes Watch Company

Every watch we sell is guaranteed authentic. It also comes with our 12-month limited warranty covering manufacturer defects. You can return or exchange an unworn item within seven days of delivery under our return policy.

Rolex's Certified Pre-Owned program sells through official retailers with a two-year guarantee. An independent dealer offers a wider range of references, including discontinued models. If the reference you want isn't in stock, we can source a specific watch for you.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is a two-tone Rolex real gold? 

Yes. Rolesor watches use solid 18k gold for the bezel, crown, and, on most models, the center links of the bracelet. Rolex does not plate gold onto steel.

2. Is a two-tone Rolex tacky? 

Not in current form. Rolex launched new two-tone references in 2021 and 2023, and modern dials keep the look restrained.

3. Which two-tone Rolex holds its value best?

Among current references, the GMT-Master II 126711CHNR "Root Beer" has recently traded closest to its US retail price.

4. Can I wear a two-tone Rolex with silver jewelry? 

Yes. Two-tone carries both metals, so it pairs with silver, white gold, and yellow gold.

5. Does the Rolex Day-Date come in two-tone? 

No. Rolex makes the Day-Date only in 18k gold or platinum. The Datejust is the closest two-tone alternative.

6. What is the cheapest two-tone Rolex? 

Older Datejust references such as the 16233 are usually the most affordable. Among current models, the Explorer 36 124273 is the least expensive.

7. What is the best two-tone Rolex for women? 

The Datejust 31 and Lady-Datejust 28 are the most popular choices.

Find your two-tone Rolex.

Tell us your wrist size, budget, and preferred gold, and we'll match you with a reference in the right condition. Contact our team to ask about current inventory.

Great Lakes Watch Company is an independent seller of pre-owned luxury watches and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized dealer of Rolex SA. Rolex, Rolesor, Everose, Oystersteel, Datejust, Submariner, GMT-Master II, Daytona, Yacht-Master, Sky-Dweller, Sea-Dweller and Explorer are trademarks of Rolex SA. Warranties are provided by Great Lakes Watch Company, not the manufacturer.