Rolex 'The Dragon' Ref. 6085
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1952
Maker / issuer
RolexSource 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.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Jewellery & cocktail watch
- Rarity
- Five dragon dials known
- Enameller
- Nelly Richard
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
- Color and Dial Execution
- Dragon in green, orange, and blue cloisonné enamel
Design
- Visible features
- • 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Identification
- Reference
- 6085
- Lot Number and Description
- Lot 119: A 1952 Rolex 'The Dragon' Ref. 6085 in 18k yellow gold
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Case back, interior hallmarks, and movement are not visible in the provided image
- Research required: Serial number is not specified in the editorial article text