Rolex Rolesor watches

Clearly, the saying ‘less is more’ isn’t a universal truth. As Rolex demonstrates with its Rolesor watches, ‘more’, in this instance, literally multiplies the delight that one would get out of the well-appointed timepieces, which features two different metal alloys in a single watch.

The name ‘Rolesor’, which Rolex patented in 1933, is a portmanteau of the brand name and the French word ‘or’, which means ‘gold’. As the name implies, Rolesor describes Rolex watches that come in a combination of materials; namely, Oystersteel paired with 18 ct yellow, white, or the brand’s propriety Everose gold. As such, it is not uncommon to encounter the terms ‘yellow Rolesor’, ‘white Rolesor’, and ‘Everose Rolesor’, which define the aforementioned combinations of metals. Since its introduction, Rolesor has become one of the distinctive elements marking the brand’s watches, making it a true Rolex signature.

Best Of Both Worlds

While the handsome lustre of the metals helps elevate presence and distinction, a Rolesor watch’s constitution goes beyond skin deep. For starters, there is discipline behind every Rolesor watch’s distinctive appearance. The watches’ amalgamation of bi-metallic components follows a strict blueprint: the bezel, winding crown, and middle bracelet links are rendered in 18 ct gold, while the middle case and outer links of the bracelet are made of Oystersteel.

 

Then, there is the integrity of the materials, which are sourced and manufactured to strict standards. Rolex has developed Oystersteel for its own use since 1985, and the manufacturing process of this superalloy requires the greatest rigour that starts from stringent in-house quality checks of the raw material to crafting special tools that are able to cut, form, stamp and finish the metal.

Oystersteel itself hails from the 904L category of steel that is used in aerospace and chemical industries. Known to be highly resistant with anti-corrosion properties, Oystersteel is also renowned for its exceptional sheen – two winsome qualities that lend themselves well to Rolesor creations.

Likewise, the 18 ct yellow, white and Everose gold used by Rolex are forged through a tightly regulated proprietary process. The alchemy of each gold alloy is specially formulated by Rolex, created in the brand’s own foundry, and inspected at an in-house laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment.

Individually, Rolex’s Oystersteel and 18 ct gold components are forged to attain the highest standards of beauty and resilience. Together as Rolesor, the pair-up attains a unique identity that is regal and multi-dimensional all at once.

Add It Up

Fans of Rolesor have two new offerings to choose from this year. For the gents, there is the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date in yellow Rolesor. A dashing reference, the combination of Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold sets off the watch’s royal blue dial with sunray finish. The juxtaposition of royal blue, gold, and steel not only creates a charming contrast that accentuates the Submariner Date’s sportive utilitarianism, it also amplifies the collection’s luxurious disposition.

Meanwhile, ladies will be enamoured by the assortment of Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 models in white Rolesor. Aesthetically the most restrained of Rolesor variants, the combination of Oystersteel and 18 ct white gold is quietly refined; the subtle interplay of polished and satin-brushed finishes on the case and bracelet imbuing the watch with elegance and sophistication.

Even so, there is a gamut of options that one can choose from. For a bit of glitter, there is a version with an aubergine-coloured dial and Oyster bracelet, its bezel set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds. Slightly more reserved, but no less glamorous, are two variants featuring mint green and dark grey dials complemented by Rolex’s iconic Jubilee bracelet. Completing the line-up is a charming model featuring a white lacquer dial with applied 18 ct white gold Roman numerals.

 

 

 

The dazzling selection is just as impressive on the inside. All new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 models are equipped with a new automatic movement: the calibre 2236, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, which promises peerless precision, energy efficiency, and shock resistance.

Back when Rolex debuted the Rolesor in 1948 with the Oyster Perpetual Datejust, few would have imagined the lasting impact of the brand’s decision to marry two metals at opposite ends of the spectrum. And judging by the success and longevity of Rolesor creations, with new Rolesor offerings much anticipated by collectors every year, watch lovers who enjoy switching things up with their wrist accoutrements have no reason to settle for less.

Discover more on Rolex timepieces.

Related read:
Taking Flight With The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller
A Deep Dive Into The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner And Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date