2026 Watch Trends: Two-Tone Chronographs
Among this year’s watch trends, two-tone chronographs are particularly interesting, with brands pairing stainless steel or titanium with yellow or rose gold to give their sporty designs a dressier touch. From the Girard-Perregaux Laureato and Breitling Chronomat to the TAG Heuer Monaco and Cartier Santos, several big names have embraced the look. Here are six new two-tone chronographs worth a closer look.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 42mm
Girard-Perregaux revisits the two-tone trend of the 1970s with a new Laureato Chronograph that pairs stainless steel with rose gold. The 42mm case is made from 904L steel, with rose gold used for the collection’s signature octagonal bezel, crown, and chronograph pushers. A rich chocolate brown dial with a Clous de Paris (hobnail) pattern complements the gold accents, while a matching rubber strap gives the watch a sportier feel than a traditional metal bracelet.
Inside is the automatic manufacture Caliber GP03300, offering a minimum 46-hour power reserve and decorative finishing visible through the sapphire caseback. Although it’s not technically a limited edition, Girard-Perregaux has announced an initial production run of just 50 pieces, priced at $26,000 each.
Two-Tone Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 42mm Specs
| Model | Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 42mm |
| Reference | 81020-56-3578-1CX |
| Case | 42mm diameter 12.16mm thick 904L stainless steel and rose gold 100 meters water resistance |
| Dial | Brown Clou de Paris |
| Movement | Caliber GP03300 Automatic winding Minimum 46-hour power reserve |
| Strap | Brown rubber |
| Limited Edition | 50 pieces initial run, low production thereafter |
| Price | $26,000 |
Breitling Chronomat B01 42
Breitling gave its Chronomat collection a makeover in 2026, including a handsome two-tone chronograph in stainless steel and 18k red gold. The updated Chronomat B01 42 retains its signature rider-tab bezel and Rouleaux bracelet design, but the case is slimmer at 13.77mm thick, down from 15.1mm. Red gold accents the bezel and crown, providing a warm contrast against the anthracite dial with black chronograph counters. Buyers can choose between a black rubber strap ($11,900) or a two-tone Rouleaux bracelet ($15,250), the latter featuring a new micro-adjustment system for a more comfortable fit.
Powering the watch is Breitling’s COSC-certified Manufacture Caliber 01, an automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel, vertical clutch, and approximately 70 hours of power reserve.
Two-Tone Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Specs
| Model | Breitling Chronomat B01 42 |
| Reference | UB0158101B1S1 (rubber) / UB0158101B1U1 (bracelet) |
| Case | 42mm diameter 13.77 mm thick Stainless steel and 18k red gold 200 meters water resistance |
| Dial | Anthracite with black chronograph counters |
| Movement | Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 Automatic winding Approximately 70-hour power reserve |
| Strap / Bracelet | Black rubber or two-tone Rouleaux bracelet |
| Price | $11,900 (strap) $15,250 (bracelet) |
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph
The famous square TAG Heuer Monaco received a substantial redesign in 2026, with a striking two-tone version in grade 5 titanium and 18k rose gold joining the collection. The 39mm case features sharper angles, gently curved sides for improved comfort, and a rose gold bezel, crown, and chronograph pushers. The black dial has contrasting silver subdials, rose gold-plated hands and hour markers, and a date window at 6 o’clock. A perforated black leather racing strap completes the look.
The freshly minted Monaco also introduces the automatic Caliber TH20-11, with an 80-hour power reserve and a crown positioned on the left side of the case, recalling the original Monaco from 1969. It’s a fully integrated in-house movement, unlike previous calibers which used chronograph modules on third-party base movements. The two-tone model is priced at $13,050.
Two-Tone TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Specs
| Model | TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph |
| Reference | CDW2150.FC8360 |
| Case | 39mm diameter Grade 5 titanium and 18k rose gold 100 meters water resistance |
| Dial | Black opalin with silver chronograph counters |
| Movement | Automatic Caliber TH20-11 80-hour power reserve |
| Strap | Black perforated calfskin leather |
| Price | $13,050 |
Zenith Chronomaster Sport Two-Tone
Zenith unveiled a new two-tone edition of its high-frequency Chronomaster Sport, limited to just 50 pieces. The 41mm stainless steel case features an 18k rose gold bezel, crown, and chronograph pushers, complemented by a matching steel and rose gold bracelet. The mother-of-pearl dial features Zenith’s signature overlapping chronograph counters in three different colors.
Zenith’s El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour, measures elapsed time to 1/10th of a second, and offers a 60-hour power reserve. An additional black rubber strap is included, giving buyers a sportier alternative to the bi-colored bracelet. The Chronomaster Sport Two-Tone is priced at $20,100.
Zenith Chronomaster Sport Two-Tone Chronograph Specs
| Model | Zenith Chronomaster Sport Two-Tone |
| Reference | 51.3102.3600/01.M3100 |
| Case | 41mm diameter Stainless steel and 18k rose gold 100 meters water resistance |
| Dial | Mother-of-pearl with three different-colored counters |
| Movement | Automatic El Primero 3600; 5 Hz 1/10th-second chronograph 60-hour power reserve |
| Bracelet / Strap | Steel and rose gold bracelet Additional black rubber strap included |
| Limited Edition | 50 pieces |
| Price | $20,100 |
Omega Speedmaster 38 Two-Tone
Omega’s latest Speedmaster 38 collection introduces several design changes, including round chronograph subdials replacing the previous oval counters, cleaner dial layouts, and thicker tachymeter bezels inspired by the Moonwatch. Among the seven new references, the brand included a pair of two-tone chronographs.
The first pairs stainless steel with 18k Moonshine Gold (a.k.a. yellow gold), featuring a silvery opaline dial, green aluminum bezel ring, and matching gold accents.
The second combines stainless steel with 18k Sedna Gold (a.k.a. red gold), bringing back the collection’s popular “cappuccino” color scheme with an ivory dial, brown subdials, and a brown bezel ring.
Both feature five-link bracelets with gold center accents and a tool-free quick-adjust clasp. and are powered by the automatic Omega Co-Axial Caliber 3330. Each Speedmaster 38 model is priced at $11,700.
Omega Speedmaster 38 Two-Tone Specs
| Model | Omega Speedmaster 38 Two-Tone |
| Reference | 324.20.38.50.02.002 (Sedna Gold) 324.20.38.50.02.001 (Moonshine Gold) |
| Case | 38mm diameter Stainless steel and 18k Sedna Gold or Moonshine Gold |
| Dial | Ivory with brown subdials (Sedna Gold) Silvery opaline (Moonshine Gold) |
| Movement | Automatic Co-Axial Caliber 3330 |
| Bracelet | Five-link stainless steel and gold |
| Price | $11,700 |
Cartier Santos Chronograph
The Santos Chronograph by Cartier is back in 2026 with a redesigned large model, including a two-tone version in stainless steel and yellow gold. Measuring 47.5mm by 39.8mm, the case retains the familiar square bezel with exposed screws, now complemented by a dial with alternating satin and sunray finishes. The silvered dial features three chronograph counters, and, as expected, Roman numerals and black sword-shaped hands with Super-LumiNova.
The watch runs on Cartier’s automatic Caliber 1904-CH MC, offering a 48-hour power reserve. Its steel and yellow gold bracelet features the SmartLink adjustment system and QuickSwitch mechanism, making it easy to swap for the additional black rubber strap included with the watch. The two-tone Cartier Santos Chronograph is priced at $18,300.
Two-Tone Cartier Santos Chronograph W2SA0035 Specs
| Model | Cartier Santos Chronograph Large Model |
| Reference | W2SA0035 |
| Case | 47.5mm × 39.8mm 11.6mm thick Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold 100 meters water resistance |
| Dial | Silvered, with alternating satin and sunray finishes; black Roman numerals |
| Movement | Automatic Caliber 1904-CH MC 48-hour power reserve |
| Bracelet / Strap | Stainless steel and yellow gold bracelet with SmartLink adjustment and QuickSwitch system Additional black rubber strap |
| Price | $18,300 |
Two-Tone Chronographs in 2026
Two-tone watches have a habit of falling in and out of fashion, but they never seem to disappear entirely. This year’s chronograph releases show just how differently brands can interpret the combination, with everything from the classic styling of the Cartier Santos to the bold square case of the TAG Heuer Monaco. And with options ranging from $11,700 to $26,000, there’s plenty of variety in both design and price. Whether this latest wave of two-tone chronographs has staying power remains to be seen, but for now, watches with contrasting metals are enjoying another moment in the spotlight.
For a look at other popular styles that have emerged this year, check out our 2026 Watch Trends article.
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