The decision of whether to purchase a steel or gold Rolex watch is one which many buyers struggle with. Steel has a classic, understated and sophisticated appeal, is more affordable and retains its value better after purchase, whereas gold is more expensive, conveys a stronger sense of luxury, but loses more of its value after purchase.
Of course, there is an alternative, in the form of the various two-tone steel and gold models that Rolex makes. In particular, the combination of steel and yellow gold serves as an ideal middle ground, offering affordability and status, and managing to blend the extravagance of yellow gold with the classic appeal of steel.
Visually, the contrast between the two materials also creates an interesting and eye-catching aesthetic in its own right, and this appeals to many buyers. In this article, we take a look at some of the best steel and yellow gold two-tone ‘Rolesor’ models that are currently on offer from the Rolex brand.
Two-Tone Steel/Yellow Gold Rolex Submariner 40
The Rolex Submariner range is a collection of high-quality diver’s watches, with uni-directional bezels. The two-tone steel and yellow gold models are particularly appealing, because the contrast between the various colors easily catches the eye, while the presence of the gold offers a touch of extravagance too.
The two main options for buyers are either a model with a blue bezel and blue dial, or a model with a black bezel and black dial. The black option has a more understated appeal, while the blue is more colorful, eye-catching and in-keeping with the aquatic theme. A small number of alternative dial color options do exist, but are much rarer.
Two-Tone Steel/Yellow Gold Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm
A direct descendent of the Submariner collection, the Rolex Sea-Dweller range is notable for the presence of a helium escape valve, as well as its incredible water resistance for up to 3,900 metres / 12,800 feet. The current generation watches also benefit from a larger 43mm case size and one of these is a two-tone model.
It is worth noting that the Sea-Dweller line has a smaller range of options than the Submariner line, with all ‘Rolesor’ models having a black dial and a black bezel. This helps to provide the watch with a more subtle appeal, and the contrast between the black and gold also helps to accentuate some of the timepiece’s features.
Two-Tone Steel/Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master II
The Rolex GMT-Master II collection is one of the manufacturer’s best-known and most popular sports-style watches. Originally designed for travel applications, it is defined by the presence of a fourth hand on the dial, as well as a rotatable bezel with a 24-hour scale, allowing a second time zone to be displayed.
When it comes to the two-tone steel and yellow gold options within this collection, the most common configuration is a black ceramic bezel, black dial and two-tone case and bracelet. However, the most expensive and eye-catching option is the GMT-Master II ‘Root Beer’, which features a black and brown half-and-half bezel.
Two-Tone Steel/Yellow Gold Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona enjoys iconic status, and was originally intended for use by professional drivers. However, stainless steel models are extremely difficult to get hold of from authorised dealers, due to low production quantities. This has, in turn, led to the two-tone models gaining popularity as the closest alternative.
These models feature a combination of steel and gold on the case and bracelet, while the bezel is crafted entirely from yellow gold. Customers have the option of index, Arabic, Roman numeral or diamond dial markers. Meanwhile, the dial itself can be white, black silver, champagne, black mother of pearl or white mother of pearl.
Two-Tone Steel/Yellow Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller
The Rolex Sky-Dweller range was introduced in 2012, making it a relatively young collection. The watches within it benefit from sporty appearances and their ability to track two time zones. Within this product line, the two-tone steel and yellow gold versions all have fluted bezels, giving them a certain traditional charm too.
The only real decision for buyers here is in relation to dial color, with the three available options being white, black or champagne. Of these options, the champagne dial serves to compliment the yellow gold on the watch, while the black and white dial options provide a slightly more understated and conventional appeal.
Two-Tone Steel/Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust 36
Despite the modern trend for larger wristwatches, the Datejust 36 remains very popular; partly because it can be easily worn by women who like a larger timepiece, or by men who prefer the more classic sizes. It is a dress watch, complete with a date display window, and the two-tone steel and yellow gold models have a clear visual appeal.
With these models, the case is crafted from steel, the bezel is made from yellow gold, and the bracelet is two-tone, with the central links being gold and the outer links being steel. Buyers can opt for either a smooth or fluted bezel, an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet and various dial colors, including white, black, silver, champagne and green.
Two-Tone Steel/Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust 41
The 41mm Rolex Datejust is significantly larger than the aforementioned 36mm model, making it a better choice for those who like more modern men’s wristwatch sizes. Aside from that, when it comes to its two-tone steel and yellow gold models, the collection follows the same basic principles as with the Datejust 36.
Once again, buyers can choose from either a smooth or a fluted bezel, which is crafted from yellow gold, as well as either a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet. Index, Roman numeral or diamond dial markers are all available, while the list of available dial colors includes white, black, silver, champagne, slate and white mother of pearl.
Two-Tone Steel/Yellow Gold Rolex Lady Datejust 31
Finally, the Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 is part of the dedicated ladies’ collection of Datejust models and is regarded as a mid-size option within this category. This is also one of the collections that offers two-tone steel and yellow gold Rolex buyers the greatest range of different options or variations to pick from.
Smooth bezels, fluted bezels and diamond bezels are all available, while there is also the option for either a traditional Oyster bracelet, or a more elaborate Jubilee bracelet. Dial color options include white, black, silver, champagne, olive green, white mother of pearl and black mother of pearl.
The Last Word
One of the major advantages of two-tone steel and yellow gold watches is they offer the luxury quality of a gold watch, while retaining some of the affordability associated with stainless steel timepieces. The various Rolex watches listed in this blog post represent some of the most pleasing options available to buyers right now.
As ever, you can explore the full range of two-tone steel and yellow gold Rolex watches over at the Jaztime.com online store. Both new and pre-owned models are available and we also offer customers the best possible prices.
