
Rolex Metal Options
Rolex watches are a product of the combination of movements, cases, bezels, bracelets, and dials. Of all these parts of a Rolex timepiece, the metal options are undoubtedly worthy of note. In this post, we look into the various types of metals Rolex utilizes to create their timepieces. Some of these Rolex metal options helped in the creation of Rolex watches historically, while others still help presently.
Meanwhile, a gold Rolex timepiece is presently a globally celebrated symbol of fame and personal feats. Nevertheless, Rolex produces its wristwatches using a number of distinct materials. With these different metal options, Rolex easily achieves a range of looks and varying levels of luxury.
What a yellow gold Rolex timepiece presents is a tried and true aesthetic piece. On the other hand, the following are some of the other numerous options that Rolex offers presently and in vintage pieces.
Indeed, this metal option is the most popular and simple material from Rolex. The Swiss watchmaker uses this metal to produce its watches. Also, the stainless steel material remains the most practical of all the metal options from Rolex. To add to this timepiece being considerably less costly than gold, stainless steel is again quite lighter and stronger. These qualities make for an overall more powerful, lasting, and reliable timepiece.
Right from Rolex's in-house foundry located at their Plan-les-Ouates station, this watchmaker produces its own 904L stainless steel alloy. This alloy is also known as Oystersteel. Being highly corrosion resistant and able to take on a rare sheen when polished, the Oystersteel is a favorite choice.
Thanks to its anti-corrosion qualities, 904L stainless steel is a frequent presence in high-technology and the chemical and aerospace industries. This material is highly practical from a functional perspective. More so, the unique properties of 904L stainless steel enable Rolex wristwatches to retain their beauty and finish. It does this even in non-conducive settings.
Do you want an everyday watch, a sports watch, or even a dress watch? The stainless steel remains the best option for a grand Rolex watch. This Rolex material is the most universal metal utilized at Rolex. Moreover, aside from the Day-Date and the Pearlmaster lines, it is accessible as an alternative across all models. Additionally, legendary Rolex tool watches like the Submariner, GMT-Master, and Daytona started with stainless steel models. Letter on, Rolex proceeded to offer more luxurious gold choices.
However, presently, Rolex only utilizes 18k gold to make its wristwatches. The brand has four distinct sites around Switzerland. Particularly, the one in Plans-les-Ouates (built-in 2006) houses Rolex’s private foundry. If you didn’t know, Rolex produces its own exclusive gold alloys in its own in-house foundry.
According to Rolex, Pure gold is 24k and it is too flexible to utilize in the production of robust wristwatches. Therefore, Rolex goes for 18k gold, which is 75% gold and 25% other metals for better results. Also, there is the addition of certain amounts of other metals, such as silver, copper, platinum, and others. These additions are what produce the various gold colors we are familiar with. Hence, Rolex can regulate the precise formulas of their gold alloys in their sheltered foundry.
Truly, Rolex uses rose gold in their watches and this has been for decades. Yet, in 2005, the brand introduced a patented rose gold alloy they call Everose. For this special gold, it derives its name from Rolex’s pledge that this proprietary pink gold will never fade. Rolex promised that it will remain (for) everose.
Below are the types of Rolex Gold materials explained:
Nevertheless, the addition of stainless steel elements makes for a narrowly more adaptable and subdued impression. More so, two-tone watches get more effortlessly fitted to supporting pieces of jewelry or other items within a person’s closet. Besides, two-tone Rolex watches come considerably less costly compared to their solid gold equivalents. This is despite embodying similar movements and containing a very identical visual image.
Do you wish to own a platinum Rolex timepiece? With the Rolesium, you get an inexpensive way to add one to your collection. Still, it retains all of the strength of a stainless steel Rolex and the additional luster.
In times past, Rolex created square silver cases, rectangular silver cases, cushion-shaped silver cases, decorative ladies’ silver cases, and even silver trench officer’s cases. All of these complete with a hinged caseback that allows easy opening and closing.
Note that Rolex no longer produces sterling silver watches. More so, considering the metal’s tendency to get tarnished and its exposure to scratching, that is not a surprise.
Types of Rolex Metal Options
- Stainless Steel (Oystersteel)
- White Gold
- Everose Gold
- Platinum
- Yellow Rolesor
- White Rolesor
- Everose Rolesor
- Rolesium
- Matching Metals
- Sterling Silver (Vintage Rolex)
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Introducing the Stainless Steel (Oystersteel) Metal

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History of the Stainless Steel Rolex Metal Option
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The Difference Between 904l Stainless Steel and 316l Stainless Steel
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Introducing the Rolex Gold Material
- The yellow gold,
- The white gold, and
- The rose gold.

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The White Gold Rolex Material
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Everose Gold Rolex Material
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Yellow Rolesor Rolex Metal Option

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White Rolesor Rolex Material
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Everose Rolesor Metal Option
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Rolesium Metal Option

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Sterling Silver Material for Vintage Rolex Timepieces
