Preowned Focus: Two-Tone Rolex Datejust

Preowned Focus: Two-Tone Rolex Datejust

Whether you like the idea of two-tone or not, the hybrid gold and steel Rolex, in a solid configuration, makes a powerful visual impact. In my opinion, two-tone watches look best with a Jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel because the smaller links and breaks in the bezel create a esthetic that softens the contrast between the distinct metal types. The two-tone Explorer I (on Oyster bracelet), for example, looks too sectioned off between metals.

Photo by Analog Shift. See their listing for this linen-dial beauty here.

I’m always scouring the web for pre-owned finds that represent a decent value if in fact it is a watch that you truly desire. In the world of collectables, value can be completely subjective as the price point determined by market conditions only has true meaning if there are buyers out there willing to pay those prices. In the case of Rolex watches, we've seen collectors snap up popular models at 3x (or more) the suggested retail price.

Photo by @denver_horologic

With a two-tone Rolex you are getting a decent amount of gold unlike the Tudor Black Bay in steel and gold, which uses gold capping. While I’ll guess that Tudor’s plating is of a certain quality, I feel if you are going for gold on a watch you have to get the full gold. Or else you can pick up quartz two-tone Tag Heuer Submariner homage for under $1,000, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We believe that what makes an individual watch collector happy is all that matters in the grand scheme of things.

Photo by @hstlway

The two-tone Datejust is quite common and can be found in a range of prices on second hand sites like eBay. The beauty of the Datejust line is all the different configurations you can get them in. Blue dial, black dial or champagne dial? Five-digit or six? Oyster or jubilee? Fluted or smooth bezel? Roman or stick indices? For anything with gold involved I like the contrast provided by a black dial. Most of my watches come on a three-link Oyster style bracelet, so I’d go for a Jubilee.

Photo by @brucie_d001

Another huge bonus with a two-tone Datejust is that you can mix your metals. I’m a bit of a traditionalist and prefer to match silver with silver, gold with gold and would never be seen leaving the house with a brown belt and black shoes. Having a two-tone Datejust in your collection enables you to wear it with anything you put on. I’m such a stickler that I will alway make sure that if I’m wearing a brown leather bag with brass hardware I’m wearing brown leather shoes and belt and gold jewelry.

Photo by @guardedcrown

Many watch enthusiasts shun two-tone. I see that as all the more reason to own one. Reject groupthink and be confident in your personal style.

Grab a band for your Datejust here.


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