What does Rolesor mean?

When browsing for a new Rolex watch, you may occasionally come across the phrase ‘Rolesor’, which is meeting of two metals on a single watch. It is also known as “two tone” or “half gold/half steel” watches at other brands. The term Rolesor was coined by the brand and patented for use to describe the two-tone models in their various watch collections. Specifically, it refers to the combination of stainless steel and either 18k yellow, white or rose gold.

The name ‘Rolesor’ is derived from a combination of the word ‘Rolex’ and the French word ‘Or’, meaning ‘gold’. Due to hallmarking laws in various countries, the combination of gold and steel cannot be described as being gold, so the term ‘Rolesor’ is used instead and this is preferred by the brand to the more widely described a watch which is comprised of half steel and half gold instead of using the word “two-tone” to describe the watch.

What Does Rolesor Look Like?

In the most simple terms, a ‘Rolesor’ watch is a watch from the Rolex brand, which is constructed from a union of gold and stainless steel. Nevertheless, these watches also follow a set pattern in terms of how the two metals are combined, in order to create the final product.

Aesthetically, all Rolesor watches have a stainless steel case and a bezel constructed from 18k gold. However, not all types of gold are utilized in the same way. For instance, both ‘Yellow Rolesor’ and ‘Pink Rolesor’ models are designed with a distinct two tone appearance, while ‘White Rolesor’ is designed to make the bezel stand out.

Timepieces which are described as ‘Yellow Rolesor’ have an 18k yellow gold bezel, crown and middle section of the bracelet, while with a ‘White Rolesor’ watch, only the bezel is constructed from 18k white gold. The newest ‘Pink Rolesor’ aesthetic follows the exact same pattern as with ‘Yellow Rolesor’, but utilizes 18k rose gold precious metals instead. Rolesor models are a true Rolex signature.

Rolesor’s History and ‘Rolesium’

As a brand, Rolex first patented the term ‘Rolesor’ all the way back in 1933 and the design as we know it today was given its first major outing with the release of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 1948. Having contributed enormously to the success of that model, it has been a firm fixture in the manufacturer’s catalog ever since.

In 2011, the company introduced the most recent variation of the design, utilizing 18k rose gold in place of yellow gold. This variant – dubbed ‘Pink Rolesor’ – appeared for the first time on the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II. It has since been used on several other models, including the Lady Datejust.

Another ‘two tone’ design, which is used by the brand on some of their newer Yacht Master timepieces, combines stainless steel with platinum. This is sometimes mistakenly referred to as being a ‘Rolesor’ design, but in actual fact, the stainless steel and platinum combination goes by the official name of ‘Rolesium’.

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