Spotting Rolex 6100 With ‘Chinese Dragon’ Cloisonné Enamel Dial

His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, was recently seen wearing an exceptionally rare Rolex featuring a cloisonné enamel dial. The reference 6100, dating back to the 1950s, is a rare golden timepiece distinguished by its captivating ‘Dragon’ cloisonné enamel dial. It is believed that only around half a dozen Rolex wristwatches with cloisonné ‘Chinese Dragon’ dials are known to exist today, each belonging to a different reference.

This particular watch was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong auction, Lot 2565, achieving a record price of HKD 11,870,000 equivalent to approximately USD 1,512,300 or 5,6 million AED.

A known watch enthusiast, His Highness has been spotted on several occasions wearing rare masterpieces. Notably, the Crown Prince of Ajman caught attention wearing the extraordinary F.P. Journe FFC, while among his Rolex pieces, he has been seen wearing one of the rarest models ever produced the Rolex Centregraph reference 3346 from 1937. 

With only four examples known to exist, this watch represents a landmark in Rolex’s history as it features the brand’s first in-house chronograph movement and its first rotating bezel.

While vintage Rolex watches are often associated with rare stone dials, enamel dials from Rolex are exceptionally rare. This particular masterpiece, an extremely rare and well-preserved 1950s Rolex, resurfaced after 35 years, having been purchased in November 1990 from Lot 1621 at Butterfield & Butterfield auction. Carefully preserved in the "King’s Art Collection" a reference to the Royal Collection, one of the world’s most significant art holdings owned by King Charles III, it remained hidden from public view until now. This prestigious collection spans over a million objects across 13 royal residences, encompassing paintings, tapestries, jewelry, clocks, and horological masterpieces.

Crafted with unparalleled artistry, the dial produced by the legendary Stern Frères, known for acquiring Patek Philippe in 1932, is further elevated by the masterful enameling work of Nelly Richard, one of the foremost enamel artists of the time. Today, it is thought that fewer than half a dozen Rolex wristwatches with cloisonné ‘Chinese Dragon’ dials have survived.

Cloisonné enamel itself is one of the most challenging techniques in traditional watchmaking. Thin gold wires are bent and shaped to form the outline of a design such as a dragon, then carefully soldered onto a metal base. The spaces between the wires, called cloisons (French for “compartments”), are meticulously filled with colored powdered glass (enamel). 

The piece is then fired in a kiln, where the powdered glass melts and fuses into a smooth, glossy surface. This process is repeated multiple times, layer by layer, to build up rich, vibrant colors. Finally, the surface is polished to achieve its bright, lustrous finish.

A true testament to craftsmanship, rarity, and heritage, this Rolex masterpiece stands as one of the most exceptional enamel dial watches ever created by the brand.

For more information visit Christie's official website.