Luxury watches in gold and steel are the timepiece that defines the industry. The big brands such as Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, et cetera manufacture trending highest quality watches in the industry. But, no watch trend is ever permanent – the trends come and go. Yet, two-tone watches are making a comeback, and the big brands are up with the best timepieces they can offer to the industry.
Two-Tone Watches
Two-tone watches are some of the most versatile and appealing timepieces anyone could have. The two-tone pieces made from steel and gold go in and out of fashion over the generations. The first and original timepiece of the 1930s came with outer bracelet links in steel, crown, and bezel, a case, and center links forged in yellow gold. The heydays of two-tone watches were the 1980s. After its loss of reputation with American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman and his Rolesor Datejust, the luxury of two-tone, especially with the dual-color version, made a comeback because of the rising interest among the young generation. You will find the best four luxury two-tone watches in this article.
1. Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126711CHNR
Rolex’s current roster offers some two-tone timepieces. The opulent gold and the use of steel make the watch a brilliant choice for those in search of luxury watch collections. Daytona and Submariner and the latest Sky-Dweller are outstanding examples. The precious metals have a splash of stainless steel, making the Rolex’s flagship traveler’s timepiece more affordable. The GMT-Master, the predecessor of GMT-Master II, had assumed the legendary status since its emergence 60 years ago. The contemporary ceramic-bezel range has two varying two-tone examples. While they discontinued the first version, they released the yellow-gold and steel watch with an all-black bezel. The latest modern version features Rolex proprietary Everose pink gold for a more versatile and softer look, the Everose Rolesor. Rolex’s current release, the ref 126711CHNR, features next-generation Cal. 3285 movements. The discontinued yellow Rolesor GMT-Master II yellow gold features older Cal. 3186. The newer caliber boasts of the increased power reserve of 70 hours with Rolex Chronergy escapement, which revamps the traditional Swiss Lever mechanism design to boost 15% efficiency.
2. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1AR-001
The modern 18k rose gold has replaced the traditional yellow gold for Patek’s Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980.1AR-001 to offer a softly rounded octagonal bezel. It also features ear hinges and chronograph pushers that flank the winding crown. The handset and hour markers come coated in Lumë with rose gold edging and clever 60-minute and 12-hour mono-counter chronograph sub-dial. The timepiece has high-class and opulent features. The in-house Caliber CH 28-520 C, encased in a 40.5mm cover visible through the display back. Eliminating the hand slop on starts and stops while permitting the sweep chronograph hand to run second is the flyback chronograph, the vertical disc clutch. The timepiece features a date display and 28,800vph movement providing a 55-hour power reserve.
3. Omega Speedmaster ’57 Co-Axial
The Speedmaster ’57 Co-Axial is the maiden timepiece to house the brand’s in-house Cal. 9300 movement in sub-44mm cases. The watch features bi-color models, a white dial, yellow gold details, and center links besides two black dials with red gold accents – one has a leather strap while the other has a steel bracelet. The Omega Speedmaster ’57 Co-Axial emerges as inspiration from its predecessor with new styling features. It comes with 41.5mm size with long straight lugs without a crown and different versions. The Co-Axial 9300, designed around the Co-Axial escapement, enjoys a radical redesign of the clock, the minute seconds indicator sitting at 9 o’clock. At the same time, they merged the 12-hour and 60-minute counters into a unit and at 3 o’clock. You could see the Caliber 9300 through the domed sapphire back. Its self-winding 54-jewel column wheel-moderated mechanism features silicon Si14 hairspring and 60-hour power reserve.
4. Rolex Datejust ref. 16233
The Rolex Datejust ref. 16233 features a rock-solid in-house movement with a typical Rolex appearance. Introduced first in 1988, the Rolex Datejust ref 16233 features a classic 36mm yellow Rolesor – stainless steel and 18k yellow gold and iconic date-showing chronometer. Manufacturers discontinued Datejust 16233 and Caliber 3135 since the 1980s and have followed the COSC standards. Featuring a standard fluted bezel, 100 meters of water resistance, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with reliable in-house Caliber 3135 movement, the Datejust 16233 is a classic timepiece for everyday use. The watch is about 36mm in diameter and features a versatile look.
Finally, the comeback of the best luxury two-tone watches has become modern attractions and timepieces with a higher value proposition, especially for luxury watch collectors.
