Two-tone watches are unique, because they blend a precious metal like gold or rose gold with stainless steel to create a completely different look from standard steel or precious metal watches. That said, they are frequently overlooked as being gaudy or out of style, which isn’t the case at all. A two-tone watch can offer great style and even great value if you’re looking in the right places. Knowing that, let’s get over the negativity and take a look at what makes these watches tick.
One of the main benefits of a two-tone watch is that there are very few situations where it does not fit. They tend to work in dressy situations, where a precious metal is a home, but they also work in casual situations, where the stainless steel sportiness is an asset. That flexibility means you can be in the office one minute and on the beach the next, all with the same watch on your wrist.
Many two-tone watches, especially those from Rolex, maintain the same water resistance ratings and functionality of their standard counterparts. The move to a precious metal doesn’t mean giving up wearability or durability to get the look. So, while you may not want to wear an expensive two-tone watch in a risky situation, you can at least know that the watch itself is prepared for much of what you can throw at it.
Full precious metal watches are heavy and expensive, and beyond the look, they don’t offer much in the way of utility or usability. A two-tone watch can get you most of the way to a precious metal look without a full-on precious metal price tag. They’re also usually lighter and easier to find, because of their status as “second-rate” watches.