Two-tone watches: gaudy or perfect?

I bought this beautiful two-tone Islander Brookville to commemorate my master’s thesis defense (shout out to Marc; it’s my first Islander and the quality of this piece lives up to everything that has been said about Islander being a perfect affordable microbrand).

Now to the topic. I’ve never thought about buying a two-tone watch before, especially on a jubilee, especially with a fluted bezel. I thought it would be two flashy, too extravagant and in-your-face sort of watch. I thought it would look cheap no matter if it’s PVD or real gold.

But for some reason I figured that I wanted something flashy to commemorate my MA graduation milestone. So, I pulled the trigger (with many doubts cause I wanted to go for a standard steel Brookville with a polished bezel). To my surprise, I found out that two-tone watches are not flashy at all. I used to think that the gold accents and the bezel would get a lot of attention, but in reality it’s just another watch.

Furthermore, I realized I had no intention to wear this as a dress watch. For some reason it works super well with basically any outfit. Of course, it won’t be the best fit for hikes or working out (or at least I don’t envision wearing it there), but it looks great with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

I guess my take is that two-tone watches are no different to any other watch. They might be perceived as flashy, but in reality nobody cares and you also stop noticing it after a few minutes of wearing.

What do you think about two-tone watches? Do you own one, or perhaps are considering buying one?

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Congrats on graduation milestone! I have one more semester left for my masters and doing the same thing by getting a nice watch to commemorate. I have been on the fence about two tone for the same reasons but I am close to getting one, which I did look at this one a couple months ago. I think you did good by going with this.

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My thoughts are the same as with solid gold watches… it’s your own insecurity that keeps you from rocking it.

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Bwblunt

Congrats on graduation milestone! I have one more semester left for my masters and doing the same thing by getting a nice watch to commemorate. I have been on the fence about two tone for the same reasons but I am close to getting one, which I did look at this one a couple months ago. I think you did good by going with this.

Thanks and good luck with your grad journey as well! This should definitely be commemorated with something special 😉

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WristCounselor

My thoughts are the same as with solid gold watches… it’s your own insecurity that keeps you from rocking it.

True. And you never know before you try 🙌🏻

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In the 90's I considered this sort of indecisive or half-assed, but I've greatly warmed up to the idea in recent years. I don't actually own anything two tone, although I have one little vintage steelie with gilt hands and indices. The gold adds a bit of warmth that steel alone is often lacking.

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PoorMansRolex

In the 90's I considered this sort of indecisive or half-assed, but I've greatly warmed up to the idea in recent years. I don't actually own anything two tone, although I have one little vintage steelie with gilt hands and indices. The gold adds a bit of warmth that steel alone is often lacking.

Yeah, I remember that in the early 2000s two-tone and gold watches were typically worn by mobsters/mafia/drug dealers (I grew up in Eastern Europe) 😂

Now, of course, the world is different, and the tastes have changed and evolved. At the end of the day, you make the watch, and not vice versa.

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Neither.

To thine own self be true.

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I love 2-tone and solid gold watches, from Casios all the way to the top. Ignore all the haters talking about the tacky B.S., they are bad ass! I think most people that like the color gold actually don't want any attention from it.

I'm going to have to draw the line at real or faux diamonds, for me any way.

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cartgreg

I love 2-tone and solid gold watches, from Casios all the way to the top. Ignore all the haters talking about the tacky B.S., they are bad ass! I think most people that like the color gold actually don't want any attention from it.

I'm going to have to draw the line at real or faux diamonds, for me any way.

Agreed. Dimonds are also not my thing (for now, at least).

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Love two-tone. Currently have this Tudor, maybe will get a 16233 some day.

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A two-tone watch gloriously states "I'm here, deal with it!"

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apunctualman

Love two-tone. Currently have this Tudor, maybe will get a 16233 some day.

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Looks stunning!

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FlatteryCamp

A two-tone watch gloriously states "I'm here, deal with it!"

Indeed!

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WristCounselor

My thoughts are the same as with solid gold watches… it’s your own insecurity that keeps you from rocking it.

Exactly.

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Both? 😂

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I don't like two-tone and gold watches, gold/gilt accents, or gold jewelry in general. I find them gaudy, unflattering with most skin tones, and overall they give off a try-hard flex vibe that I don't appreciate. It's just my perception. Everyone is free to enjoy what they like. 👍

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Two tone is not for me, but I can definitely appreciate the aesthetic appeal. Yours looks great.

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For me two tones watches, especially gold and silver, are the perfect definition of gaudy , that and thick gold chains … but then again - that might be my boring personality speaking, or maybe I am just jealous on other people confidence :)

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I was never really a fan, but after seeing some beautiful pieces posted on WRUW, I really started to appreciate them.

My most recent purchase:

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I’m on board, loving my 2tone watch (had a few months- got it for myself 40th birthday prezzie - officially old)

2 tone is a good way of having a more robust watch (harder metal steel) with some gold flair - without going too over the top (on price & flashyness) bit lighter too (than full gold) which I like.

Your watch looks nice mate - I find 2tone works well in many situations - but does feel a bit snazzy & special - although of course no1 else cares or even notices it lol.

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Some watch brands pull off two tone perfectly!

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spillingcoffeoncars

Whatever floats your boat. Your wrist, your watch! Just please size the bracelet correctly! 😂 this may sound silly but I see two-tone watches mostly being worn by directors-and-above at my company dangling off their wrists like a necklace. I know I shouldn’t care but it makes me shudder inside.

The bracelet is sized how I like it to be, so it is sized correctly 😉

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Beanna

I don't like two-tone and gold watches, gold/gilt accents, or gold jewelry in general. I find them gaudy, unflattering with most skin tones, and overall they give off a try-hard flex vibe that I don't appreciate. It's just my perception. Everyone is free to enjoy what they like. 👍

I wonder if Mr. T thought the same…

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StrapOnEnthusiast

I’m on board, loving my 2tone watch (had a few months- got it for myself 40th birthday prezzie - officially old)

2 tone is a good way of having a more robust watch (harder metal steel) with some gold flair - without going too over the top (on price & flashyness) bit lighter too (than full gold) which I like.

Your watch looks nice mate - I find 2tone works well in many situations - but does feel a bit snazzy & special - although of course no1 else cares or even notices it lol.

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That’s a beautiful Tudor there!

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The more I cross into comfortably middle aged the more I like the two-tone S&G motif.

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Pete_Puma

I was never really a fan, but after seeing some beautiful pieces posted on WRUW, I really started to appreciate them.

My most recent purchase:

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I originally also had these in mind when getting a two tone watch. Great choice!

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Congratulations on your degree and your watch! Timepieces that commemorate an event, a person, or life stage are the best!

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HabanaRon

Congratulations on your degree and your watch! Timepieces that commemorate an event, a person, or life stage are the best!

Thanks and agreed 🤝🏻

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Congratulations I’ve got a couple of two tones and don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

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My only one is a rather toned-down two-tone (the bracelet is all steel). I chose it to match my yellow gold wedding ring. I'm an 80s kid and already liked the style back in the day. My wife thinks differently.

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