Rolex Datejust Two Tone

Buying Advice

About Two Tone Rolex Datejust Watches

The two-tone Rolex Datejust is the watch that defined the entire two-tone category. Rolex calls its two-tone configuration Rolesor, a proprietary term that combines Oystersteel with either 18k yellow gold or 18k Everose gold on the bezel, crown, and bracelet center links. The Datejust is the original Rolesor model and remains the most recognizable two-tone watch in the world. Two-tone Datejust references span the current 126-series Datejust 41 (126333, 126303 in Yellow Rolesor; 126331, 126301 in Everose Rolesor), Datejust 36 (126233, 126203 in Yellow; 126231, 126201 in Everose), and Datejust 31 (278273, 278243 in Yellow; 278271, 278241 in Everose), plus the previous-generation 116-series and earlier 162-series and 16xxx vintage references. Every two-tone Datejust at WatchGuys is authenticated in-house, backed by a 2-year warranty, and ships overnight. Prices typically range from $5,500 to $25,000+ depending on reference, gold alloy, dial, and condition.

The two-tone Datejust occupies a unique cultural position. It is the watch that telegraphs Rolex more reliably than any other configuration: the contrast of stainless steel and gold makes the Datejust instantly recognizable from across a room. For decades, the steel and yellow gold Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet has been the benchmark dressy-but-versatile Rolex. The introduction of Everose gold in 2005 added a contemporary alternative that has steadily grown in popularity. For the broader Datejust overview, see our Rolex Datejust hub or the complete Rolex Datejust Buying Guide.

Rolesor: The Rolex Two-Tone Terminology

Rolesor is Rolex's term for the combination of Oystersteel and gold in the same watch. Rolex registered the Rolesor trademark in 1933 and has used the term consistently for two-tone configurations across its catalog. The Datejust is the original Rolesor model. There are three Rolesor variants: Yellow Rolesor combines Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold; Everose Rolesor combines Oystersteel with 18k Everose gold (Rolex's proprietary rose gold alloy); and White Rolesor combines Oystersteel with 18k white gold. White Rolesor watches are typically not described as "two-tone" because the white gold is visually similar to steel, with the white gold appearing only on the bezel rather than the bracelet center links. When buyers and dealers say "two-tone Datejust," they almost always mean Yellow Rolesor or Everose Rolesor, not White Rolesor.

Yellow Rolesor vs Everose Rolesor

Yellow Rolesor uses traditional 18k yellow gold (75% gold, with copper and silver in the alloy), producing the bright, classic gold tone that defined the Datejust look for the second half of the 20th century. Yellow Rolesor pairs naturally with champagne dials, the iconic warm-tone configuration that has been the bestselling two-tone Datejust dial for generations. Everose Rolesor uses 18k Everose gold, Rolex's proprietary rose gold alloy introduced in 2005. Everose contains a small percentage of platinum in addition to gold and copper, which prevents the rose tone from fading over time (a common issue with traditional rose gold alloys). Everose has a softer, warmer pink tone than yellow gold and pairs naturally with chocolate and sundust dials, both of which are exclusive to Everose configurations. Both Rolesor types use identical case construction, identical movements, and the same bracelet design choices (Jubilee or Oyster). The choice between Yellow and Everose comes down to personal preference for warm-tone gold.

Two-Tone Datejust by Case Size

Two-tone Datejusts are available across all three primary case sizes. In the Datejust 41, the Yellow Rolesor 126333 (fluted bezel) and 126303 (smooth bezel) are the current-production options, alongside the Everose Rolesor 126331 and 126301. The previous-generation Datejust II 116333 (Yellow) and 116331 (Everose) trade at lower price points. In the Datejust 36, the Yellow Rolesor 126233 (fluted) and 126203 (smooth) are the current options, paired with the Everose Rolesor 126231 and 126201. Earlier 36mm references include the 116233/116203, 116231/116201, neo-vintage 16233/16203, and vintage 1601/1603. In the Datejust 31, the 278273 and 278243 (Yellow Rolesor), and 278271 and 278241 (Everose Rolesor) are current production, with previous-generation 178-series for both alloys.

Two-Tone Datejust Reference Families

The Datejust two-tone reference structure follows Rolex's standard pattern: the second-to-last digit indicates bezel type (3 = fluted, 0 = smooth, 4 = white gold fluted, 1 = Everose fluted), and the final digit indicates material (3 = Yellow Rolesor, 1 = Everose Rolesor). The current 126233 is therefore Datejust 36 with fluted bezel in Yellow Rolesor, while the 126231 is the same case with fluted bezel in Everose Rolesor. The 126233 received the new Caliber 3235 movement (70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement) in 2018, replacing the previous 116233 which used Caliber 3135 (48-hour power reserve). Both are reliable movements; the 3235 represents a meaningful upgrade in efficiency and power reserve. The Datejust 31 line uses Caliber 2236 (Syloxi silicon hairspring, 55-hour power reserve). Vintage references (1601, 1603 from the 1960s and 1970s) used earlier movements without modern features like quickset date.

Signature Dial Pairings by Gold Alloy

Each Rolesor type has its own native dial pairings. Champagne is the iconic Yellow Rolesor dial, available on virtually every two-tone Datejust generation, and remains the most-demanded two-tone Datejust dial overall. Chocolate and sundust are exclusive to Everose Rolesor configurations, designed to complement the warm pink tones of Everose gold. The Wimbledon dial (slate grey with green-outlined Roman numerals) is one of the few configurations available on both Yellow Rolesor and Everose Rolesor and has become a strong-demand crossover dial; for the dedicated Wimbledon collection, see our Rolex Wimbledon page. Other dial options include silver, white, black, slate, mother of pearl (often with diamond hour markers), and various floral motif and palm motif dials on the smaller 31mm references. Many two-tone Datejust references are also offered with diamond hour markers; for the full diamond Datejust selection, see our diamond Datejust filter.

Two-Tone Datejust Price

Pre-owned two-tone Datejust prices vary by reference, gold alloy, size, dial, and condition. Vintage 1601/1603 examples in Yellow Rolesor typically trade from $4,000 to $6,500. Neo-vintage 16233/16203 examples generally run $5,500 to $8,500. Previous-generation 116233/116203 (Yellow) and 116231/116201 (Everose) trade from $7,000 to $11,500+. Current 36mm 126233/126203 in Yellow Rolesor generally run $9,500 to $14,000+ and the Everose Rolesor 126231/126201 from $13,000 to $20,000+. Current 41mm 126333/126303 in Yellow Rolesor typically trade $11,000 to $16,500+ and Everose Rolesor 126331/126301 from $13,500 to $20,000+. Datejust 31 two-tone examples generally run $7,500 to $14,000+. Diamond bezel and Wimbledon variants extend higher across all sizes. Everose Rolesor configurations typically command a slight premium over equivalent Yellow Rolesor variants, reflecting strong current demand for rose gold.

Most Popular Two-Tone Datejust Configurations

The most popular two-tone Datejust configurations vary by buyer profile. The 126233 with champagne dial on Jubilee bracelet is the iconic Yellow Rolesor choice, the configuration most associated with the Datejust legacy. The 126331 with chocolate or sundust dial on Jubilee is the Everose Rolesor counterpart and a standout for buyers who prefer warm rose tones. The Wimbledon dial paired with either gold alloy on the Jubilee bracelet has emerged as one of the strongest crossover configurations and consistently commands premiums on the secondary market. The previous-generation 116233 with champagne dial trades at meaningfully lower price points than current production, making it a strong value entry into Yellow Rolesor. For buyers focused on size, the Datejust 36 remains the most versatile two-tone size while the Datejust 41 offers more wrist presence; the Datejust 31 is the popular smaller-wrist option that maintains the full two-tone aesthetic at a lower price.

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy a Two Tone Rolex Datejust From WatchGuys

Pre-owned two-tone Rolex Datejust watches for sale at WatchGuys are authenticated in-house, accurately described, and protected by the policies below. Whether you are buying a vintage 1601 in Yellow Rolesor, a neo-vintage 16233, a current 126233 with champagne dial, an Everose Rolesor 126231 or 126331 with chocolate dial, or a Wimbledon dial Datejust 41, every two-tone Datejust ships with the same standards.

Common Questions

Two Tone Rolex Datejust FAQ

• What is Rolex Rolesor?

  Rolesor is Rolex's proprietary term for the combination of Oystersteel and gold in the same watch. Rolex registered the Rolesor trademark in 1933 and uses it consistently across the catalog. There are three Rolesor variants: Yellow Rolesor (Oystersteel + 18k yellow gold), Everose Rolesor (Oystersteel + 18k Everose gold, Rolex's proprietary rose gold), and White Rolesor (Oystersteel + 18k white gold, where the white gold is typically only on the bezel). The Datejust is the original Rolesor model. When buyers refer to a "two-tone Datejust," they almost always mean Yellow Rolesor or Everose Rolesor; White Rolesor is generally not described as two-tone because the white gold appears only on the bezel and the visual effect closely matches a full steel watch.

• What is the difference between Yellow Rolesor and Everose Rolesor?

  Yellow Rolesor combines Oystersteel with traditional 18k yellow gold, producing the bright, classic gold tone that has defined the Datejust look for generations. Everose Rolesor combines Oystersteel with 18k Everose gold, Rolex's proprietary rose gold alloy introduced in 2005. The key technical difference is that Everose contains a small percentage of platinum in addition to gold and copper, which prevents the rose tone from fading over time (a common issue with traditional rose gold). Visually, Yellow Rolesor reads as bright yellow gold while Everose Rolesor reads as a softer, warmer pink. Each gold alloy pairs with different dial options: champagne is the signature Yellow Rolesor dial; chocolate and sundust are exclusive to Everose configurations. Both use identical case construction and movements.

• Which Rolex Datejust references are two-tone?

  Two-tone Datejust references span all three case sizes. Current Datejust 41 Yellow Rolesor references include the 126333 (fluted bezel) and 126303 (smooth bezel); current Everose Rolesor includes the 126331 and 126301. Current Datejust 36 Yellow Rolesor includes the 126233 and 126203; Everose Rolesor includes the 126231 and 126201. Current Datejust 31 includes the Yellow Rolesor 278273 and 278243, and Everose Rolesor 278271 and 278241. Previous-generation 116-series two-tone references include the 116233/116203 (Yellow Rolesor 36mm), 116231/116201 (Everose Rolesor 36mm), 116333 (Yellow 41mm), 116331 (Everose 41mm), and 178-series for the 31mm. Earlier two-tone references include neo-vintage 16233/16203 (1990s through 2006) and vintage 1601/1603 (1960s through 1980s).

• Is the Wimbledon dial two-tone?

  The Wimbledon dial (slate grey with green-outlined Roman numerals) is available on multiple Datejust configurations, including both two-tone variants. Yellow Rolesor Wimbledon options appear on the 126233, 126333, 116333, and earlier two-tone fluted-bezel references. Everose Rolesor Wimbledon options appear on the 126231, 126331, 116231, and 116331. The Wimbledon dial is also offered on White Rolesor (126234 and 126334) and full steel configurations. The Wimbledon dial is one of the few that crosses both Yellow and Everose Rolesor and remains a strong-demand crossover configuration. Wimbledon Datejusts on Jubilee bracelets typically command premiums on the secondary market regardless of the underlying gold alloy.

• What is the difference between two-tone Datejust 36 and Datejust 41?

  The two-tone Datejust 36 and Datejust 41 share identical configurations differing only in case diameter and the corresponding dial layout proportions. The Datejust 36 (126233 Yellow Rolesor, 126231 Everose Rolesor) uses a 36mm Oyster case, the original Datejust proportion that has been in production since 1945. The Datejust 41 (126333 Yellow Rolesor, 126331 Everose Rolesor) uses a 41mm case introduced in 2016 with proportionally redesigned lugs and a slightly thicker bezel. Both use the Caliber 3235 movement, fluted or smooth bezel options, and the choice of Jubilee or Oyster bracelets in matching Rolesor. The 36mm wears more versatile across wrist sizes; the 41mm offers more wrist presence and a contemporary feel. Two-tone Datejust 41 references typically trade at slightly higher prices than equivalent Datejust 36 references, reflecting more material content.

• How much does a two-tone Rolex Datejust cost?

  Pre-owned two-tone Datejust prices vary by reference, gold alloy, size, and dial. Vintage 1601/1603 examples in Yellow Rolesor typically trade from $4,000 to $6,500. Neo-vintage 16233/16203 generally run $5,500 to $8,500. Previous-generation 116233/116203 (Yellow Rolesor) and 116231/116201 (Everose Rolesor) trade from $7,000 to $11,500+. Current 36mm 126233/126203 (Yellow) typically run $9,500 to $14,000+ and 126231/126201 (Everose) from $13,000 to $20,000+. Current 41mm 126333/126303 (Yellow) typically trade $11,000 to $16,500+ and 126331/126301 (Everose) from $13,500 to $20,000+. Datejust 31 two-tone examples generally run $7,500 to $14,000+. Diamond bezel and Wimbledon variants extend higher. Everose Rolesor typically commands a slight premium over equivalent Yellow Rolesor.

• Is a two-tone Datejust a good investment?

  Two-tone Datejust references have historically held value better than full-gold Datejust configurations on the secondary market, partly because the lower upfront cost and broader buyer pool create more liquid resale conditions. The 126233 (Yellow Rolesor) and 126231/126331 (Everose Rolesor) have shown 4 to 8 percent year-over-year appreciation in popular dial configurations. Wimbledon dial two-tone variants have shown the strongest price growth among current production references. While two-tone Datejusts are less aggressive as price growth plays compared to steel sport models like the Submariner Hulk or 126334 Datejust 41, they offer steady value retention combined with formal-occasion versatility that justifies their premium for many buyers. Vintage and neo-vintage two-tone Datejusts also offer strong value entry points for collectors.

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