The Dragon - Rare and Magnificent Jumbo Rolex 6098 with Cloisonné Dragon Dial

The world of fine watchmaking is filled with extraordinary timepieces, but few command the attention and admiration of collectors quite like Rolex's cloisonné enamel dial watches.

Among these exceptional creations, the Rolex reference 6098 in yellow gold, dating from 1954, will take centre stage at Monaco Legend Group’s Exclusive Timepieces auction on 26th and 27th April 2025 in Monaco. This remarkable watch, featuring an exquisite dragon motif in cloisonné enamel, is not only a triumph of artistry but also a historical treasure that represents the pinnacle of Rolex’s commitment to haute horology.

A Unique Presence Among Rolex Enamel Watches

What sets this Rolex 6098 apart is its larger 36mm case size, an uncommon feature for Rolex watches with cloisonné enamel dials, which were more frequently produced in 32mm or 34mm diameters. The larger case lends an enhanced presence to the spectacular dial, allowing the intricate enamelwork to almost leap off the wrist. 
Here are some 32mm and 34mm cases examples:

The dial itself is a true masterpiece, created by the revered dial manufacturer Stern Frères, who supplied some of the most remarkable dials for Rolex. This particular example features an intricate cloisonné enamel dragon, a mythical creature celebrated across cultures for its strength, wisdom, and ability to bestow prosperity. The gold chapter ring, applied Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, and the Rolex coronet at 12 o'clock, all in yellow gold, perfectly complement the vibrancy of the enamel, creating a dial of unparalleled beauty and balance.

This extraordinary Rolex 6098 will be available for sale at the Monaco Exclusive Timepieces auction, giving collectors the rare chance to own one of the most stunning Rolex enamel-dial watches ever created.

The other well known examples of Rolex enamelled dials depicting a dragon:

The Art of Cloisonné Enamel

The cloisonné enamelling technique is one of the most challenging and revered Métiers d'Art disciplines. The process begins with the artisan meticulously placing thin gold wires (cloisons) onto the dial surface to form the shape of the dragon. Each compartment is then carefully filled with layers of vibrant enamel, and the piece undergoes multiple firings in a kiln at extremely high temperatures.

This delicate operation ensures the depth, translucency, and brilliance of the enamel but also comes with great risk—a single imperfection during firing can cause the entire piece to crack or warp, making such dials incredibly difficult to produce.

The records of Stern Frères show that this dial, bearing the serial number 103 (Rolex code at Stern) and order number 51, was crafted by Mrs. Nelly Richard, one of the most esteemed enamel artists of her time. Her work on Rolex cloisonné dials remains among the most sought-after in the collecting world, adding further significance to this remarkable watch that will be up for auction in Monaco this April.

Chasing the Dragon

Scholarship indicates that only five examples of Rolex Dragon cloisonné dials are known to exist today, each housed in a different reference. This particular example, fitted within a reference 6098 Ovettone, is believed to be one of only two known to be fitted in large Oyster cases, further solidifying its importance in the world of vintage Rolex collecting. 

In 2014, an oversized 36mm case Rolex enamelled wristwatch ref. 5029/5028 with dial depicting a whale and a frigate in full sail cruising through stormy seas, surfaced the auction market and fetched a remarkable price of 1.250.000$. 

A Legacy of Art and Craftsmanship

The Métiers d'Art tradition, of which cloisonné enamelling is a part, represents the highest form of artistic expression in watchmaking. This tradition dates back centuries and encompasses techniques such as engraving, gem-setting, guilloché, and enamelling, each requiring years of dedication and skill. Among these, enamel dial watches hold a special place in horology, combining technical mastery with artistic finesse to create miniature works of art that transcend time.

The Rolex 6098 Cloisonné Dragon is not merely a watch; it is a statement of artistry, rarity, and heritage. It embodies Rolex's ability to push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, working with the finest artisans to create watches that are not just instruments of timekeeping, but cultural artifacts.

This rare masterpiece will be featured in Monaco Legend Group’s Exclusive Timepieces auction in Monaco on 26th and 27th April 2025—an unmissable opportunity for collectors to acquire one of Rolex’s most coveted enamel-dial watches.