Rolex - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1959
    Reference No: 6236
    Case No: 384'210
    Model Name: Oyster Chronograph, "Jean-Claude Killy"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster expandable bracelet, end links stamped 57, max overall length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 4.64
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
    Accessories: With green leather Rolex presentation box
    Literature: A similar reference 6236 in stainless steel is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, by John Goldberger, pp. 156 and 157.

  • Catalogue Essay

    From 1947 until 1962, Rolex produced a series of rare and innovative triple calendar chronograph wristwatches. These included the references 4767, 5036, 3036 and 6236. Produced in very limited numbers, they were made in yellow and pink gold, as well as stainless steel. Initially known as the Dato-Compax, today they are more generally referred to as the "Jean-Claude Killy", named after the three time French Olympic ski champion, who was often seen wearing a model 6236 like the present timepiece. Over the course of the model’s 15 years of production, Rolex modified both the case and dial for a more refined, cleaner look with the reference 6236 being the final model of the series, featuring a three-piece case with a larger, more prominent bezel.

    The present example is very well-preserved with a beautiful and original dial highlighted by the outer blue calendar ring with closed 6 and 9 numerals and embossed Rolex crown at the 12 position. The double faceted, polished numerals embossed in relief have aged nicely through the years with the luminous hour markers and hands aging to a lovely light brownish hue. Today’s collectors are seeking timepieces that not only define their collection, but help establish the historical timeline of a brand. A "Jean-Claude Killy" is an important step in the evolution of any collection – a “must-have” trophy watch for discerning connoisseurs seeking to own one of the most prestigious and complicated watches ever made by 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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Ο84

Ref. 6236
A very attractive and rare stainless steel triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

1959
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$150,000 - 250,000 
CHF150,000-249,000
€130,000-217,000
HK$1,180,000-1,960,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018