A two-tone Rolex, which Rolex calls Rolesor, pairs Oystersteel with 18K gold on the bezel, crown and center bracelet links. For most buyers it is worth it if you want the warmth of gold without the price of a full gold watch: in our current pre-owned stock, a two-tone Datejust 41 costs about $3,000 to $7,000 more than a steel one, and two-tone Rolex models start at about $6,900 for a vintage Lady-Datejust 26.
Below we explain what Rolesor is, how yellow and Everose gold differ, and what each of the six most popular two-tone models costs at ECI today. We also cover everyday wear, value, and how to choose the right size.
In this article
- What is a two-tone Rolex (Rolesor)?
- Is a two-tone Rolex worth it?
- How much does a two-tone Rolex cost? 6 models compared
- Yellow Rolesor or Everose Rolesor: which should you choose?
- Do two-tone Rolex watches hold their value?
- How can you pay for it?
- Frequently asked questions
What is a two-tone Rolex (Rolesor)?
Rolesor is Rolex's name for a watch that combines Oystersteel (Rolex's name for its 904L stainless steel) with 18K gold. According to Rolex, Rolesor has been used on its watches since the early 1930s and the name was trademarked in 1933.
On a two-tone Datejust, the bezel, the winding crown and the center links of the bracelet are 18K gold. The middle case and the outer bracelet links are Oystersteel. Rolex makes three versions:
- Yellow Rolesor: Oystersteel with 18K yellow gold. The classic two-tone look.
- Everose Rolesor: Oystersteel with 18K Everose, Rolex's own pink gold.
- White Rolesor: Oystersteel with an 18K white gold bezel only. From a few feet away it looks like a steel watch, so most people do not mean White Rolesor when they say "two-tone".
A quick way to read the reference number: on a modern Datejust, a last digit of 3 means Yellow Rolesor (126333), 1 means Everose Rolesor (126331) and 4 means White Rolesor (126334).
Is a two-tone Rolex worth it?
For many of our customers, yes. Two-tone sits between steel and full gold, and it earns its place in three ways:
- It dresses up and down. The gold bezel and center links look right with a suit or a wedding tuxedo, while the steel keeps it wearable on a weekday.
- You get real gold for far less. Every gold part is solid 18K, not plating, yet the watch costs a fraction of a solid gold Day-Date.
- It pairs well with jewelry. A yellow gold wedding band or bracelet matches a Yellow Rolesor watch, which is why two-tone is a favorite for his and hers Rolex pairings.
The trade-offs are simple. The gold costs more: in our case today, a steel Datejust 41 ref. 126300 is about $11,500 to $12,500, while a Yellow Rolesor 126333 is about $15,500 to $18,900. Gold is also softer than steel, so the center links and bezel show fine scratches sooner. A watchmaker can refinish them at service.
If you prefer a quiet look, choose steel or White Rolesor. If you want the watch to be noticed, two-tone is the better fit.
How much does a two-tone Rolex cost? 6 models compared
These are the price ranges for two-tone pieces in our pre-owned stock this month. Every watch is one of a kind, so ranges shift as pieces sell and arrive.
| Model | Case size | Two-tone references | ECI price range (about) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datejust 41 | 41mm | 126333, 126303 (yellow); 126331, 126301 (Everose) | $13,500 to $20,900 | Men who want a modern dress watch |
| Datejust 36 | 36mm | 16233, 116233, 126233 (yellow); 116231 (Everose) | $8,200 to $17,900 | The classic size for men or women |
| Datejust 31 | 31mm | 68273, 178273, 278273 (yellow); 178271, 278271 (Everose) | $8,500 to $19,000 | Women who want a little more presence |
| Lady-Datejust 26 and 28 | 26mm, 28mm | 69173, 279173 (yellow); 279171 (Everose) | $6,900 to $17,400 | Slim wrists and first Rolex gifts |
| Submariner Date | 40mm, 41mm | 116613LN, 126613LN (yellow) | $16,500 to $17,500 | A sport watch with some shine |
| Cosmograph Daytona | 40mm | 116503 (yellow) | About $23,500 | Chronograph fans who want gold |
Datejust 41
The Datejust 41 is our best-selling line, and the Yellow Rolesor 126333 with a fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet is its signature look. It runs on the calibre 3235 movement with about 70 hours of power reserve. The smooth-bezel 126303 is the lower-key option. If you are deciding between bezels, our guide to fluted vs smooth bezels on a Datejust walks through the look of each.
Yellow Rolesor
Rolex Datejust 41 ref. 126333, Champagne Dial
Fluted 18K yellow gold bezel, two-tone Jubilee bracelet, box and papers dated 2018.
$17,500 View this Datejust 41 →
If this piece has sold, see every Datejust 41 ref. 126333 in stock or the full Datejust 41 collection.
Datejust 36
The Datejust 36 is the original Datejust size and the widest price range in two-tone. A vintage 16233 from the 1990s starts at about $8,200, while a current 126233 is about $16,900 to $17,900. It suits most wrists from about 6 to 7.5 inches. See the Datejust 36 collection.
Datejust 31 and Lady-Datejust 26 and 28
For women, two-tone is the classic Lady-Datejust look. The Lady-Datejust 28 ref. 279171 in Everose Rolesor is the modern choice, with the calibre 2236 movement. The vintage 69173 is the most affordable way into a two-tone Rolex. Not sure which size fits? Our comparison of the Lady-Datejust 26 vs 28 vs 31 shows each one on the wrist.
Everose Rolesor
Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 ref. 279171, Sundust Roman Dial
Fluted 18K Everose bezel, Jubilee bracelet, box and papers dated 2020.
$13,900 View this Lady-Datejust 28 →
Yellow Rolesor
Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 ref. 69173, Champagne Dial
A 1994 two-tone classic on a Jubilee bracelet, with the original Rolex box.
$6,900 View this Lady-Datejust 26 →
Browse more in the Lady-Datejust 28, Lady-Datejust 26 and Datejust 31 collections.
Submariner Date
The two-tone Submariner has an 18K yellow gold bezel with a ceramic insert, plus a gold crown and center links, with a black or blue dial. The 116613LN is 40mm; the newer 126613LN, introduced in 2020, is 41mm. In our stock the gold adds only about $1,000 to $2,000 over a steel 126610LN, which makes it one of the better values in two-tone right now.
Yellow Rolesor
Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116613LN, Black Dial
40mm, black ceramic bezel, Oyster bracelet, box and papers dated 2019.
$16,500 View this Submariner →
If it has sold, see the Submariner collection.
Cosmograph Daytona
The two-tone Daytona 116503 has a yellow gold bezel with a tachymeter scale and the in-house calibre 4130 chronograph movement. On the pre-owned market it often sells for less than the steel Daytona: in our case today, the 116503 is about $23,500, while steel 126500LN pieces are about $31,500. See the Daytona collection.
Yellow Rolesor or Everose Rolesor: which should you choose?
Both are solid 18K gold. The difference is color and how it sits with your skin and other jewelry.
- Yellow Rolesor is bright and traditional. It matches yellow gold wedding bands and suits warm or olive skin tones. It is the only two-tone option on the Submariner and Daytona.
- Everose Rolesor is softer and a little more modern. Rolex introduced Everose in 2005; Rolex says it contains at least 75% gold and about 20% copper, plus palladium and indium, and is made to keep its color. It pairs well with rose gold jewelry and fair or cool skin tones.
If the watch is for a wedding day, match it to the ring. Our guide to the best Rolex wedding watch for the groom covers that pairing in more detail.
Do two-tone Rolex watches hold their value?
Two-tone Rolex watches tend to hold value well, for two reasons. The Datejust and Submariner stay in steady demand year after year, and the solid gold parts give the watch a base value tied to the gold itself. We explain that second point in our article on how gold prices changed the value floor of luxury watches.
No watch is certain to rise in price. Condition, original box and papers, and an unpolished case matter more to resale than the metal.
How can you pay for it?
We offer financing through Affirm, Synchrony, Acima and Snap Finance, with approval and terms set by each provider. See our financing and leasing options. You can also trade in a luxury watch you own toward your new one: start on our sell your luxury watch page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the gold on a two-tone Rolex real?
Yes. The bezel, crown and center bracelet links on a Yellow or Everose Rolesor watch are solid 18K gold, not gold plating. The case and outer links are Oystersteel.
What does Rolesor mean?
Rolesor is Rolex's trademarked name, registered in 1933, for watches that combine Oystersteel and gold. The name joins "Rolex" with "or", the French word for gold.
Is two-tone Rolex going out of style?
No. Rolex still makes Rolesor versions of the Datejust, Submariner, GMT-Master II and Daytona in its current catalog. The two-tone Datejust with a fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet has been made, in updated versions, for decades.
Can a man wear a two-tone Datejust 36?
Yes. The Datejust 36 was the standard men's Datejust for decades, and it still suits most wrists up to about 7.5 inches. Men with larger wrists usually prefer the Datejust 41.
Which two-tone Rolex is the cheapest?
In our current stock, the vintage Lady-Datejust 26 ref. 69173 starts at about $6,900. For a men's size, a vintage Datejust 36 ref. 16233 starts at about $8,200.
Find your two-tone Rolex
Browse Yellow and Everose Rolesor Datejusts in every size, from 26mm to 41mm.
Shop the Datejust collection →Prices shown are as of September 2026. Each pre-owned watch is one of a kind.
