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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Cloisonné enamel automatic wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6100 “La Caravelle” Wristwatch

Partially verified

This circa 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6100 is an 18-karat yellow gold wristwatch measuring 34 mm in diameter. The source states it houses an automatic 18-jewel caliber 645 movement numbered 49'438, F78377. Its prominent feature is a cloisonné enamel dial produced by Stern Frères to a design by Marguerite Koch, portraying the sailing vessel 'La Caravelle' on undulating blue-green waves beneath a multicolored sky. The dial is embellished with applied faceted baton hour markers, two applied gilt stars, and an outer minute circle composed of dotted pearl-like accents. It is mounted on an 18-karat yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet.

Front three-quarter view of the Rolex ref. 6100 showing the cloisonné enamel 'La Caravelle' dial, yellow gold case, and Jubilee bracelet.
Front three-quarter view of the Rolex ref. 6100 showing the cloisonné enamel 'La Caravelle' dial, yellow gold case, and Jubilee bracelet. — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
phillips.com
Category
Wristwatch · Cloisonné enamel automatic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6100
Catalogue / lot identifier
120
Source-reported date
Circa 1952
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
892’586

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6100 is an 18-karat yellow gold wristwatch with a cloisonné enamel dial. The timepiece is dated to circa 1952 by the source. It is identified with case number 892’586.

The watch is mounted on an 18-karat yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet stamped '8BK' and features a deployant clasp stamped '52.2'. The source describes the watch as fresh-to-the-market.

Evidence for this section
  • “Reference No 6100”
  • “Case No 892’586”
  • “18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, stamped 8BK”
  • “18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 52.2”
  • “The present watch is offered fresh-to-the-market”

Dial and Design

The dial features a cloisonné enamel depiction of a 'La Caravelle' sailing vessel on a blue-green sea against an iridescent sky. The dial was manufactured by Stern Frères and features a design attributed to Marguerite Koch.

Design elements include applied faceted baton hour markers, applied gilt stars, and an outer minute track of pearl-like dots. The reverse of the dial is recorded as having the inscriptions '103*389' and 'No. 29'.

Evidence for this section
  • “cloisonné dial made by one of Geneva’s most acclaimed enamellers, Mrs. Marguerite Koch, who worked with Stern”
  • “The dial, made by Stern Frères, is inscribed on the back with the numbers 103*389”
  • “a code, No. 29, specific for the design of Mrs. Koch”

Movement and Specifications

The watch is powered by an automatic caliber 645 movement with 18 jewels, recorded with movement number 49’438, F78377. The case measures 34 mm in diameter and includes a fluted winding crown.

The source states that the movement, case, dial, and clasp are signed. Internal components are not visible in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre Automatic, cal. 645, 18 jewels”
  • “Movement No 49’438, F78377”
  • “Dimensions 34mm Diameter”
  • “Signed Case, dial, movement and clasp signed.”

Open research questions

  • What documentation exists within Stern Frères records regarding the 103*389 inscription?
  • Are there records detailing the manufacture of the 645 caliber specifically for the 6100 reference series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6100 “La Caravelle” Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference6100“Reference No 6100”
Case Number892’586“Case No 892’586”
Movement Numbers49’438, F78377“Movement No 49’438, F78377”
CalibreAutomatic, cal. 645, 18 jewels“Calibre Automatic, cal. 645, 18 jewels”
Dimensions34mm Diameter“Dimensions 34mm Diameter”
Case Material18K yellow gold“Material 18K yellow gold”
Dial ArtisanMarguerite Koch / Stern Frères“cloisonné dial made by one of Geneva’s most acclaimed enamellers, Mrs. Marguerite Koch, who worked with Stern”
Clasp Stamping52.2“18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 52.2”

Visible details

  • Cloisonné enamel dial depicting a multicolored sailing ship riding blue and green waves against an iridescent sky.
  • Faceted gilt baton markers for the hours, accompanied by small applied star accents and an applied Rolex coronet at 12 o'clock.
  • Fitted with a yellow gold Jubilee-style multi-link bracelet and a fluted winding crown marked 'ROLEX OYSTER'.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back markings are documented in the catalogue description but not visible in the provided exterior front photo.
  • Authenticity and originality claims, such as unpolished condition or original crystal, derive solely from the auction house description.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Rolex The New York Watch Auction: XI

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 76e873fff3

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.