A two-tone Rolex is a watch that pairs Oystersteel with 18 kt gold, and Rolex calls that pairing Rolesor. It comes in three colors: yellow, Everose (Rolex's rose gold) and white. In yellow and Everose Rolesor the gold goes on the parts you notice most (the bezel, the crown and the centre bracelet links) while the case and outer links stay steel; in white Rolesor the white gold is mainly the bezel. This guide explains what each one looks like, which models offer them, and how two-tone compares with full steel and full gold. Bizak & Co. is a sourcing desk, not an authorised Rolex retailer, so nothing here is a stock listing.
Last reviewed on October 28, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Sources: Rolex, materials and watchmaking and a dealer overview from Bob's Watches, two-tone Rolex guide. Model availability changes as Rolex updates its catalogue, so confirm a current reference with a source before you plan around it.
What does Rolesor mean?
Rolesor is Rolex's trade name for its steel-and-gold combination. It uses 18 kt yellow, white or Everose gold, and Rolex presents the contrast as the point of the design. In yellow and Everose Rolesor the bezel, winding crown and centre bracelet links are gold; in white Rolesor the white gold is mainly the bezel. The steel is Oystersteel, Rolex's 904L alloy. Dealers often say "two-tone" because it is the phrase buyers search for, but on the Rolex side the word you will see on a reference is Rolesor.
What are the three types of Rolesor?
There are three: yellow Rolesor, Everose Rolesor and white Rolesor, named for the gold in the mix. Yellow is the classic and the most common. Everose is a warmer, pinker gold that Rolex developed itself. White Rolesor is subtler, because white gold is close to steel in color, so the effect comes from the shine and texture of the bezel rather than from a color contrast.
| Type | Gold used | Where the gold sits | Overall look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Rolesor | 18 kt yellow gold | Bezel, crown, centre bracelet links | Bold, classic, high contrast |
| Everose Rolesor | 18 kt Everose gold | Bezel, crown, centre bracelet links | Warm and softer than yellow |
| White Rolesor | 18 kt white gold | Mainly the bezel, often fluted on dress models | Understated, close to steel |
Which Rolex models come in two-tone?
Rolesor versions exist across several current and recent lines, including the Datejust, Sky-Dweller, Cosmograph Daytona, Submariner, Yacht-Master and GMT-Master II. Which colors exist differs by model and changes over time, so treat the table as a map of where to look rather than a promise that a given configuration is made today.
| Model | Two-tone options seen | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Datejust 36 and 41 | Yellow, Everose and white Rolesor across the range | The widest choice of dials and bracelets |
| Sky-Dweller | Rolesor versions, with full-gold variants alongside | Annual calendar and dual time zone |
| Daytona | Steel and yellow gold chronograph | Sporty, with the gold bezel as the hallmark |
| Submariner | Steel and yellow gold, often with a blue or black dial | Dive watch with a dressier edge |
| Yacht-Master 40 | Everose Rolesor among the options | Sport-luxury, a step from the Submariner |
| GMT-Master II | Yellow and Everose Rolesor | Travel watch with a second time zone and a 24-hour bezel |
Is the Datejust the easiest two-tone Rolex to find?
In general, yes, because the Datejust has the broadest range of Rolesor variants. Dealers use the last digit of a modern Datejust reference as a rough guide to the metal: a 3 for yellow Rolesor, a 1 for Everose and a 4 for white, as in 126333, 126331 and 126334. Treat that as a rule of thumb and check the exact reference. If you are weighing sizes, our Datejust 36 vs 41 comparison covers the fit. You can browse the Datejust 36 in yellow gold and steel on a Jubilee bracelet or the Datejust 41 in yellow gold and steel.
What about a two-tone Sky-Dweller?
A two-tone Sky-Dweller is a large dress-sport watch with an annual calendar and a second time zone, and the gold bezel makes it look richer than a steel version of the same watch. It is a notably searched-for configuration. See the Sky-Dweller in yellow gold and steel, or compare it with the all-gold Sky-Dweller in rose gold if you want the full-gold look. Our Sky-Dweller guide explains how the calendar and time zone work.
Does the Daytona come in steel and gold?
Yes, the Cosmograph Daytona has been made in steel and yellow gold, with black, champagne and other dial options. The gold bezel and centre links turn the sporty chronograph into a dressier watch while keeping the steel case. Browse the Rolex Daytona in steel and yellow gold to see the references we can source. A black dial is among the most sought-after two-tone Daytona configurations.
What about the Submariner and Yacht-Master?
Both have two-tone versions, and both read as dive-inspired watches in luxury dress. The yellow Rolesor Submariner Date has appeared in several generations, including a blue-dial version that dealers nickname the Bluesy. The Yacht-Master 40 has been offered in Everose Rolesor. Note that Rolex also uses Rolesium for a steel-and-platinum pairing on some Yacht-Master models, which is a different combination from Rolesor.
How does two-tone compare with full steel or full gold?
Two-tone sits between the two in look and typically in cost. Full steel is the understated, everyday choice and usually the most liquid on the secondary market. Full gold is the most formal and the heaviest on the wrist. Two-tone gives a gold look with a steel case, so it feels dressier than steel while wearing lighter than a full-gold watch.
| Factor | Full steel | Two-tone (Rolesor) | Full gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Understated | Gold accents, steel case | Formal, all gold |
| Entry cost | Lowest band of the three | Middle band | Highest band |
| Weight on the wrist | Lighter than full gold | Between the two | Heaviest |
| Resale appeal | Typically the broadest demand | Steady but more niche | Smaller, specialist buyers |
On resale, dealer data suggests two-tone has historically traded below comparable steel sports models, which some buyers read as a way into a gold-trimmed Rolex for less. That is a pattern, not a guarantee. Condition, demand, rarity and whether the box and papers are included all move the outcome, and nobody can promise that any watch holds its value. See our best gold Rolex guide for the full-gold side, and browse the two-tone watches collection for more.
Related reading: Best gold Rolex, Rolex Datejust 36 vs 41, Rolex Sky-Dweller guide, Rolex yellow gold Submariner.
Quick answers
What is the difference between Rolesor and two-tone?
Nothing in substance. Two-tone is the common phrase for any watch in two metals, while Rolesor is Rolex's own name for its Oystersteel-and-gold combination.
Which gold colors does Rolesor come in?
Yellow, Everose (rose) and white. Yellow Rolesor is the most common, Everose is warmer and pinker, and white Rolesor keeps a steel-like look.
Is a two-tone Rolex a good first Rolex?
It can be, if you like the gold look. The Datejust offers the widest choice. If resale breadth matters most, a steel model is usually the easier one to sell later.
Does the gold wear off a two-tone Rolex?
No. The gold parts are solid 18 kt gold, not plating, according to Rolex's description of its materials, so they can be polished like any gold case part.
Can Bizak & Co. source a two-tone Rolex?
Yes. We source on demand: you tell us the model, metal and dial, and we find a specific unit and confirm the details before you commit.
Get your Rolex sourced
Tell us the model, size, dial and bracelet preference, whether you want new or pre-owned, and your budget and timing, through our sourcing enquiry form. We confirm the specific watch, photographs and final price before you commit, so you can decide against a real target.
0 comments