Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1949
    Reference No: 4767
    Case No: 584'423
    Model Name: Dato-Compax
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C , 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an additional stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet, stamped 60 on end links and 7205, max length 185mm. with deployant clasp stamped 3.66
    Literature: This reference is illustrated in "100 Superlative Rolex Watches" by John Goldberger

  • Catalogue Essay

    Very few legends have had their names immortalized by a watch by the famed brand Rolex, however mere mentioning of the names James Bond, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman or Jean-Claude Killy immediately attracts the attention of passionate watch collectors. Jean-Claude Killy dominated alpine skiing during the 1960s and has been associated with the firm for 40 plus years first as a brand ambassador, and more recently, serving on their board. The present lot, officially named the Dato-Compax, and affectionately called the “Jean-Claude Killy” by collectors, was the very first Oyster chronograph reference with triple date and chronograph. Produced in yellow and pink gold as well as in stainless steel, these rare and highly desirable timepieces were manufactured for approximately 20 years, with the references 4767, 5036, 6036 and 6236. It is believed that Jean-Claude Killy wore a reference 6236, and it is for this reason this family of chronograph watches were bestowed the “Killy” nickname.
    The watches featured various dial variants and hand styles which might have included a silver, yellow gold, or blued steel calendar hand. The present lot features an elegant blue time scale and chronograph hands, perfectly matching the outer blue date track. The yellow gold calendar hand perfectly complements the delightfully recessed, gold Rolex coronet and ‘12’ and pyramidal hour markers. Furthermore the watch features the patented and sporty “Twinlock” double seal crown system, which ensured the watch remained waterproof. This watch will speak to savvy collectors, both for its superb condition and rarity, as well as its unique place as one of the most complicated watches ever made in the history of Rolex.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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171

Ref. 4767
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with day, date, and month indication

Circa 1949
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 250,000 
€138,000-230,000
$155,000-258,000

Sold for CHF187,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016