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View Poll Results: Steel vs Two-tone

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  • Steel 16520

    39 78.00%
  • Two-tone 16523

    11 22.00%
Results 1 to 45 of 45

Thread: Steel vs Two-tone - thoughts?

  1. #1

    Steel vs Two-tone - thoughts?

    The two watches were produced & sold within a couple of years in the late 90s. What would you prefer if "value" was no object?

    Love them both (although the steel 16520 took much more time and £ to locate, despite being several £ cheaper back then).

    But why? would love to hear your thoughts




    Last edited by tommyzzj; 2nd September 2021 at 22:28.

  2. #2
    Journeyman
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    I'd take an SS any day of the week over a 2 tone, regardless of the watch.

    For me, it's either full gold or no gold!

  3. #3
    Master
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    I have never owned a two tone before, but I perhaps prefer it over the two watches as the stainless steel would in my eyes look much better with a contrasting bezel. They are both great watches though !


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  4. #4
    Craftsman jonasy's Avatar
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    The Daytona is one of few watches that works in two tone.

  5. #5
    Grand Master
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    I own several two tone watches but I don’t like bimetal Rolex, the bracelets look far too blingy. Omega did it a whole lot better.

  6. #6
    Grand Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by 25807st View Post
    I'd take an SS any day of the week over a 2 tone, regardless of the watch.

    For me, it's either full gold or no gold!
    .........so how many gold watches do you own?

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    .........so how many gold watches do you own?

    Currently none, I own 3 SS Rolex

    However, in terms of precial metal watches, I have owned a 18239, 18238, AP Rose Gold Chrono

    In terms of Bi Metal watches, I have owned a Patek Philippe 3800 and 2 bi metal Rolex Datejusts

    Having experienced bi metal, precious metal and stainless steel, I stand by my comment :)

  8. #8
    Master M1011's Avatar
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    I prefer the look of either straight Steel or Gold. Interestingly I think the 2-tone Daytona looks better in your original off-wrist images, then as soon as you put it on wrist the steel is a landslide for me.

    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    .........so how many gold watches do you own?
    Why's that relevant?

  9. #9
    Grand Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by M1011 View Post
    I prefer the look of either straight Steel or Gold. Interestingly I think the 2-tone Daytona looks better in your original off-wrist images, then as soon as you put it on wrist the steel is a landslide for me.



    Why's that relevant?
    If you need to ask the question you won’t understand the answer.

    I own several steel watches, several gold and several bimetal, all vintage or distinctly second- hand. I’m a firm believer in building a collection over a number of years, buy them when you have the spare cash or when something you like comes up for sale. Play the long game and you don’t have to choose between steel or bimetal or gold...........you end up owning them all!

    Despite having built a reputation as a repairer/ restorer I still class myself primarily as a collector. I could give up the repair work to tomorrow but I’ll never lose the pleasure of owning watches. I just don’t get the snobbery thing against bimetal watches and the Mr big- balls comments about having to own gold, why turn it into a bragging context?
    Last edited by walkerwek1958; 3rd September 2021 at 00:30.

  10. #10
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by jonasy View Post
    The Daytona is one of few watches that works in two tone.
    Agree. I quite like the look of it but always preferred steel only - even when the bimetal was more expensive!

  11. #11
    Master M1011's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    If you need to ask the question you won’t understand the answer.

    I own several steel watches, several gold and several bimetal, all vintage or distinctly second- hand. I’m a firm believer in building a collection over a number of years, buy them when you have the spare cash or when something you like comes up for sale. Play the long game and you don’t have to choose between steel or bimetal or gold...........you end up owning them all!

    Despite having built a reputation as a repairer/ restorer I still class myself primarily as a collector. I could give up the repair work to tomorrow but I’ll never lose the pleasure of owning watches. I just don’t get the snobbery thing against bimetal watches and the Mr big- balls comments about having to own gold, why turn it into a bragging context?
    No need to be condescending.

    I really can't see how you reached "Mr Big Balls" from the comment by 25807st. There was no bragging. He expressed a preference towards the aesthetic of full steel or full gold, over 2-tone. Judging by the poll on this page, it's a popular opinion.

    Incidentally, you don't need to buy things in order to know whether you like the aesthetic or not. I can safely say I like the look of a Ferrari and don't like the look of a Hummer without ever having owned either of them.
    Last edited by M1011; 3rd September 2021 at 01:49.

  12. #12
    While I think that Daytona is best enjoyed in PM and that SS Daytona is not a particularly great watch and by and large like two tone Rolexes, I would have to say SS here.

  13. #13
    Craftsman Wyvern971's Avatar
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    Pretty much the same for me. Can't think of many two tone watches I like.
    Quote Originally Posted by 25807st View Post
    I'd take an SS any day of the week over a 2 tone, regardless of the watch.

    For me, it's either full gold or no gold!
    Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using TZ-UK mobile app

  14. #14
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    I had and mistakenly sold the first, and have (and will not sell) the second. I don't care whether TT is popular or not - I love them!




  15. #15
    My preference is all steel but I think there are a few watches that look good in two tone, if two tone then I prefer rose gold as the precious metal.

  16. #16
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    For those two models, I prefer the all steel.

    I don't have anything against two tone though, but strangely enough, I don't have any watches in two tone. Either steel, or gold (head only, no bracelet).

  17. #17
    Master
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    I would go two tone if I had the steel already, a perfect pair!

  18. #18
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Steel for me there there. My skin tone is much too pasty to be able to pull of rose or yellow gold, let alone two tone.

  19. #19
    Craftsman rsteenekamp's Avatar
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    Personally I would never wear any two tone or yellow gold watch - I just don’t like the look at all. Steel or white gold only

  20. #20
    I’ll go against the norm and say I prefer the TT. I’ve seen both ‘in the metal’ and there’s something a bit flashy/80’s about the Daytona which I think suits bi-metal. It’s almost the poster child of that look imho. I do think it depends on your skin tone too - my arms seem to be permanently tanned so I reckon I could pull off that look!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  21. #21
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    I still think this is one of the best looking watches that I have owned.


  22. #22
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    It depends on the watch. The Daytona was aimed primarily at a market of racing car enthusiasts/drivers whom usually have cash to burn and tend to like blingy things. What I can't entertain is putting precious metal into a Sub/SD style watch, both of which are intended to be used in harsh environments as tool watches. But of course the market exists so the manufacturers will produce.

  23. #23
    Journeyman
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    100% Steel, couldn't stand the bi-metal on my 16013.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by 25807st View Post
    I'd take an SS any day of the week over a 2 tone, regardless of the watch.

    For me, it's either full gold or no gold!
    this is my thinking too, all steel or all gold, not that i could afford all gold mind you! or steel for that matter

  25. #25
    Craftsman woodruffm's Avatar
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    Maybe age has a factor to play in this decision. For me, as I enter my late 40s I'm certainly drawn a lot more to bi-metal watches than I was a few years ago. I could definitely see me rocking a two tone datejust at some point in the future, I thought the 36mm rose gold two tone DJ that was posted as part of a SOTC earlier this week looked stunning.

  26. #26
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by woodruffm View Post
    Maybe age has a factor to play in this decision. For me, as I enter my late 40s I'm certainly drawn a lot more to bi-metal watches than I was a few years ago. I could definitely see me rocking a two tone datejust at some point in the future, I thought the 36mm rose gold two tone DJ that was posted as part of a SOTC earlier this week looked stunning.
    When the time comes give me that lovely 14060m of yours before pop along to the AD

  27. #27
    Craftsman woodruffm's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    When the time comes give me that lovely 14060m of yours before pop along to the AD
    you're not the first to enquire about that watch...I'd never be able to forgive myself.

  28. #28
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    When the time comes give me that lovely 14060m of yours before pop along to the AD
    Quote Originally Posted by woodruffm View Post
    you're not the first to enquire about that watch...I'd never be able to forgive myself.
    You need to setup a WhatsApp group for stealthy sales.

  29. #29
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    From there pictures, bi-metal looks better.

    Sent from my SM-N981B using Tapatalk

  30. #30
    Craftsman woodruffm's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    You need to setup a WhatsApp group for stealthy sales.
    Get back in your box please pal, it was a bit of joshing.

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

  31. #31
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by woodruffm View Post
    Get back in your box please pal, it was a bit of joshing.

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
    Sense of humour implant required is it - it was a joke based on other posts about private transactions.

  32. #32
    Craftsman woodruffm's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    Sense of humour implant required is it - it was a joke based on other posts about private transactions.
    My sincere apologies then, I'll get that implant ordered.

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

  33. #33
    All steel for me, not a fan of two tone

  34. #34
    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    I’ve had a couple of Rolex 2 tone





    But ended up with either steel or RG (YM) ultimately. So for me I think there is the answer by deduction.

    “ Ford... you're turning into a penguin. Stop it.” HHGTTG

  35. #35
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    Love mine

  36. #36
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    I still think this is one of the best looking watches that I have owned.

    Like the look of the TT Daytona with the white dial. Prefer it to the steel. First Rolex I bought new was a TT DJ41 and it was a great looking watch IMO.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  37. #37
    Master Rinaldo1711's Avatar
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    I’d prefer the SS but if a two tone Daytona turned up in the post I wouldn’t toss it away in disgust.

  38. #38
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    Struggled with TT jubilee so tried a TT oyster and it sat better. Then went over to SS polished centres. For whatever reason the marks seemed to stand out more on these than the TT. Now on standard brushed oyster and alot less concerned or bothered.

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

  39. #39
    Master Murdoc's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MartynJC (UK) View Post
    I’ve had a couple of Rolex 2 tone



    I love the two tone GMT. Is that the standard bracelet?

  40. #40
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    I much prefer the TT. By far the better looking watch.

    Sent from my VOG-L09 using TZ-UK mobile app

  41. #41
    Quote Originally Posted by UMBROSUS View Post
    I much prefer the TT. By far the better looking watch.

    Sent from my VOG-L09 using TZ-UK mobile app
    The colour of the subdials on the TT is beautiful in person

  42. #42
    Craftsman
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    For me the TT is the better looking watch by quite some margin. I acknowledge that my tastes are odd though in that I find most Rolex references look better in TT.

    The DJ for example should always be TT, jubilee, fluted for me; the quintessential Rolex. The best looking Submariner is the Bluesy and even the SD only appeals in TT. Same goes for the new Explorer 1.

    For the Daytona I love the look of the 116503 with either Black or White dial. I do wish they would make one in Rose gold TT with the slate grey dial that used to be available on the 116523. That’d do me nicely.

  43. #43
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by woodruffm View Post
    My sincere apologies then, I'll get that implant ordered.

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
    No worries, apologies too

  44. #44
    Grand Master
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    I prefer the steel. Im not a big fan of TT on any watch.

  45. #45
    Master
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    This is the one.

    Lovely,
    Mike



    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    I still think this is one of the best looking watches that I have owned.


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