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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Cloisonné enamel wristwatch

Rolex 'The Dragon' Ref. 6085

Partially verified

Source reports this 1952 Rolex reference 6085 wristwatch, known as 'The Dragon', is cased in 18k yellow gold and features a polychrome cloisonné enamel dial executed by Geneva enameller Nelly Richard for dialmaker Stern Frères. The dial presents a mythical winged dragon outlined in gold wire with enamel shading in shades of green, orange, and blue. The dial displays applied yellow-tone Arabic and faceted hour markers, alpha-style hands, and a blued center seconds hand. The case features a decorative engine-turned bezel with grooved hour segments and a 'Super Oyster' winding crown, mounted on an articulated yellow gold link bracelet.

Rolex Ref. 6085 'The Dragon' with cloisonné enamel dial in yellow gold
Rolex Ref. 6085 'The Dragon' with cloisonné enamel dial in yellow gold — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Wristwatch · Cloisonné enamel wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6085
Catalogue / lot identifier
119
Source-reported date
1952
Country
Switzerland

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 and Origin

Catalogued as Lot 119 in Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII, this Rolex reference 6085 wristwatch is designated 'The Dragon' and dated by the source to 1952. The case is reported to be constructed in 18k yellow gold.

According to the source documentation, the dial incorporates a cloisonné enamel motif executed by Geneva enameller Nelly Richard while working with dialmaker Stern Frères. The source states that across different Rolex references, only five dragon dials are known.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lot 119: A 1952 Rolex 'The Dragon' Ref. 6085 in 18k yellow gold with cloisonné enamel dial by Nelly Richard, included in the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII.”
  • “The dragon motif was executed by the Geneva enameller Nelly Richard, one of the most respected artisans working with famed dialmaker Stern Frères during the period.”
  • “Only five dragon dials are known across different Rolex references, which explains why collectors place them among the most desirable decorative Rolex watches ever produced.”

Cloisonné Dial Execution and Display

The dial features an animated dragon motif executed in cloisonné enamel, with gold wires outlining the curves of the body and flame-like mane. Enamel shading within these borders is reported in shades of green, orange, and blue, with the creature's belly transitioning into a translucent iridescent tone simulating scales against a framing dark background.

Observed dial features include applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, faceted arrow-style hour markers, and an applied gold-tone coronet at 12 o'clock. Time is indicated by gold-tone hour and minute hands and a blued steel center seconds hand over a pale cream-colored dial ground.

Evidence for this section
  • “In Richard’s hands, the dragon becomes fluid and animated, twisting across the dial in shades of green, orange, and blue.”
  • “The creature’s belly transitions into a translucent iridescent tone that mimics the reflective quality of scales.”
  • “Gold wires define every curve of the body and every flame-like detail of the mane. Within those narrow borders, the enamel layers build up color and shading. A dark background frames the figure, allowing the dragon to emerge vividly from the dial surface.”
  • “Cloisonné enamel motif depicting a winged dragon centered on a pale cream-colored dial”
  • “Applied gold-tone coronet at 12 o'clock, Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, and faceted arrow-style hour markers”
  • “Blued steel center seconds hand and gold-tone hour and minute hands”

Case and Exterior Observations

Visual observations record an engine-turned yellow gold bezel segmented by smooth polished markers at the hours. The winding crown is stamped 'SUPER OYSTER' around the Rolex coronet emblem.

The watch is mounted on an articulated three-link yellow-gold metal bracelet attached at the lugs.

Evidence for this section
  • “Engine-turned bezel in yellow gold divided by smooth polished markers at the hours”
  • “Yellow-gold-tone winding crown stamped 'SUPER OYSTER' around the Rolex coronet emblem”
  • “Three-link yellow-gold metal bracelet attached at the lugs”

Open research questions

  • What movement caliber is installed within this reference 6085, and what are its movement and case serial numbers?
  • What stamps, production numbers, or maker marks from Stern Frères or Nelly Richard are present on the reverse of the dial plate?
  • Is the three-link yellow gold bracelet original to the 1952 manufacture of the watch, and does it bear corresponding Rolex hallmarkings and date codes?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex 'The Dragon' Ref. 6085
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Lot Number and DescriptionLot 119: A 1952 Rolex 'The Dragon' Ref. 6085 in 18k yellow gold“Lot 119: A 1952 Rolex 'The Dragon' Ref. 6085 in 18k yellow gold with cloisonné enamel dial by Nelly Richard, included in the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII.”
EnamellerNelly Richard“The dragon motif was executed by the Geneva enameller Nelly Richard, one of the most respected artisans working with famed dialmaker Stern Frères during the period.”
Color and Dial ExecutionDragon in green, orange, and blue cloisonné enamel“In Richard’s hands, the dragon becomes fluid and animated, twisting across the dial in shades of green, orange, and blue.”
RarityFive dragon dials known“Only five dragon dials are known across different Rolex references, which explains why collectors place them among the most desirable decorative Rolex watches ever produced.”
Auction EstimateCHF 500,000 - 1,000,000“Estimate: CHF 500,000 - 1,000,000”
Associated DialmakerStern Frères“The dragon motif was executed by the Geneva enameller Nelly Richard, one of the most respected artisans working with famed dialmaker Stern Frères during the period.”

Visible details

  • Cloisonné enamel motif depicting a winged dragon centered on a pale cream-colored dial
  • Applied gold-tone coronet at 12 o'clock, Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, and faceted arrow-style hour markers
  • Engine-turned bezel in yellow gold divided by smooth polished markers at the hours
  • Yellow-gold-tone winding crown stamped 'SUPER OYSTER' around the Rolex coronet emblem
  • Blued steel center seconds hand and gold-tone hour and minute hands
  • Three-link yellow-gold metal bracelet attached at the lugs

Research qualifications

  • Case back, interior hallmarks, and movement are not visible in the provided image
  • Serial number is not specified in the editorial article text

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

Consulted source

The Art Of Cloisonné Enamel Dials

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 51998c500a

Terms in this record

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

Other cloisonné enamel wristwatch records