Feature: Forget two-tone Rolex, these alternatives are WAY cooler!
Two-tone watches tend to trigger a love-hate response in people—if your reaction is closer to the former, then listen up! We’ve rounded up a handful of stunning luxury watches that boast two metals in different hues, and they’re all far more affordable than a Rolex. What’s not to love?
Tudor Black Bay M79733N-0008
Considering Tudor is Rolex’s sister brand, it makes the Black Bay an obvious alternative to a two-tone piece from the mighty Crown. This steel and yellow-gold piece features the classic Tudor snowflake hands and a black and gold dive bezel and matching black dial. A classic dive watch, the Black Bay makes a great option for those who love the Rolex Submariner but don’t want to break the bank.
Omega Constellation 131.20.39.20.02.002
Omega’s Constellation line dates back to the 1950s, but its modern aesthetic is very different to that of the early models. The current Constellation look stems from its fifth-generation makeover in the 1980s and is known for its integrated bracelet and a distinctive fixed bezel featuring double “claws” at 3 and 9 o’clock. Along with the De Ville, this is Omega at its dressiest, and this debonair Constellation model is beautifully enhanced by the combination of steel and yellow-gold.
Zenith Captain 51.2020.670/01.M2020
Zenith is famed for its impressive El Primero movements, which up until 2000, powered all self-winding Rolex Daytona watches before Rolex started to manufacture its own movements in-house. Aside from the El Primero, the Zenith Captain is a stunning dress watch that looks perfectly stylish whether you’re in a t-shirt or a tuxedo. This rose-gold and steel number features a crisp white dial with a handy date window at 6 o’clock.
Cartier Ballon Bleu W69009Z3
The Ballon Bleu is one of Cartier’s most notable models—besides the Tank—with famous fans including the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, who’s been spotted wearing her Ballon Bleu on numerous occasions. This unisex steel and yellow-gold 42mm piece features all the hallmarks of the collection, like the distinctive crown guard, Roman numerals and blued steel hands. If you fancy a slice of Cartier pie but want something less predictable than the Tank, this is your watch.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
With its PRX Powermatic 80, Tissot evoked the spirit of a late-1970s Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz. Indeed, from across a crowded room, this impeccably smart model could easily pass for something five times the price thanks to its fluted, 18k rose-gold bezel and integrated bracelet. If two-tone is your thing and you don’t want to splash out on the equivalent of a holiday to the Seychelles, look no further. It’s even got an exhibition caseback.
Longines Hydroconquest L3.782.3.56.7
Part of Longines’ sport collection, the Hydroconquest is a watch purpose-built for diving professionals, but that doesn’t mean it’s an entirely function-first piece. Although this Longines is a two-tone model, its case and bracelet are entirely made of steel—except from the ceramic bezel— with a yellow-gold coloured PVD coating, which makes sense considering it costs under £2,000 RRP! Powering this piece is the automatic calibre L888, boasting a decent 72-hour power reserve.
