With their stunning beauty and extreme rarity, wristwatches fitted with polychrome, cloisonné enamel dials are amongst the most desirable of all collectible wristwatches. Fabricated by Switzerland’s finest artisans, they are iconic timepieces treasured by their owners for their exquisite colors and exceptional craftsmanship. The present Rolex wristwatch, with cloisonné enamel dial featuring a miniature map of the Americas, is a stunning example of the fine art of enamel work. Today, scholars consider the period from post World War II until the early 1960s as the golden age of cloisonné enamel dials. Due to the complex and fragile process required for their production, their numbers are very limited. Accordingly, they were amongst brands’ most prestigious and important timepieces. Research indicates the present dial is one of only six Rolex watches featuring the map of the Americas. The underside of the dial confirms it was manufactured by Stern Frères, the celebrated dial maker, embossed with the serial number 103, Stern’s client code for Rolex, the star for Stern Frères, and finally 626 as the order number. Records confirm Marguerite Koch was the artisan. An enameller for Stern Frères, she worked for the firm from the 1940s until the 1960s, producing the dials of the most sought after watches offered by Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe.

When admiring such a watch, it will completely take your breath away. This watch in particular is virtually mint and seemingly unworn, still retaining its original factory finishing. There is no case number, however there is a warm patina between the lugs, which suggests no case number was ever added. It is believed to be a prototype model made for exhibition purposes, which ultimately was not sold to the public, but rather enjoyed by a ranking member of Rolex’s executive staff. The colors of the dial are vibrant with hues of blue, green, yellow and red forming a delightful, two dimensional representation of the Western hemisphere in miniature. It is also interesting to note the black background, a color extremely rare to master and achieve in enamel. A timeless design, an exquisite cloisonné enamel dial, a historic watch manufacturer and ultimate rarity make the present Rolex masterpiece a trophy wristwatch for the most discerning connoisseur.