Rolex Reference 6100

About this reference

The Rolex Reference 6100, produced during the early 1950s, is an 18k yellow gold dress watch characterized by its oversized 34mm to 36mm "Big Bubbleback" or "Ovettone" case construction. Collectors value this reference for its transitionary role in Rolex history, featuring the Caliber A296 automatic movement and a screw-down caseback that provides a thicker profile than standard dress models of the era. The reference often features "honeycomb" textured dials or "star" indices, which are highly sought after due to their limited production numbers. On the secondary market, the Reference 6100 typically commands prices between $10,000 and $25,000, depending on dial originality and case condition. A notable variant includes models double-signed by retailers like Serpico y Laino, which have historically achieved higher premiums at auction due to their documented provenance and rarity within the vintage market.