If we shift our attention over to the Rolex, looking at their sport watches like the Submariner and Daytona, there are more models to choose from in two-tone or full gold than there are in your standard stainless-steel. Their newest GMT Master II with the black and grey bezel was introduced in two-tone and it will be exciting to see what they release this year in 2026. However, when looking at the evolution of Rolex’s watch offerings, there is a clear shift towards the inclusion of precious metal, be it full gold modes or in two-tone.
ARE TWO TONE WATCHES INCREASING IN POPULARITY FOR ROLEX AND OMEGA?
Like with anything, trends come and go, some stay and become classics whilst others fade away into the books of history. Whilst for most brands, and understandably so, stainless steel sport watches tend to be the “be all and end all”, two-tone watches have always been there. An option historically chosen for those only wearing dress watches or wanting to display their wealth more prominently on their wrist. However, if you pay attention to the latest releases made by both Omega and Rolex, there is an increasing amount of two-tone options. So, the question has to be asked, are two tone watches becoming increasingly popular or are brands wanting to sell more of them?
If we start with Omega, as they seem to release another watch every month in recent times, you can definitely see their focus towards the inclusion of precious metals on their watches. Not just their dressier watches but also their flagship sports watch, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 M. Out of all their current offerings in the Seamaster lines, around 46% of them are two-tone featuring both rose and yellow gold. The touch of precious metal on a highly capable sports watch almost seems ridiculous. But that is exactly the point, it can now do both incredibly well. If you compare it to sports SUVs, like the Porsche Macan, it is not as fast as a 911 nor as comfortable as the Cayenne, yet it is one of their best-selling vehicles. You can now have a Seamaster that sits just as comfortably on the wrist of a professional diver as you can under your cuff heading to a black-tie event.
Omega’s newest editions of the Seamasters have now included a bronze-gold and titanium model giving a more understanding and muted look to what could otherwise be a very flashy watch. More of these are benign sold and many watch accounts on Instagram are posting all over about it. Even though the likes of the Aqua terra two-tone is gaining more popularity online, Omega really seems to be leading the way with two-tone sport watches, especially those on rubber straps. Not only does this help keep the cost of the watch down but also prevents the watch from wearing too heavy whilst simultaneously making it more durable.
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James Talbot