The "Jean-Claude Killy" is one of Rolex's most significant models ever produced. It is named after the three-time French Olympic ski champion who was often seen wearing a reference 6236 similar to this timepiece.

Its roots date back to 1947, when Rolex launched reference 4767 - Rolex's very first triple calendar chronograph wristwatch fitted inside a water-resistant Oyster case. Between 1947 and 1962, a total of four different Oyster Dato-Compax models were produced: references 4767, 5036, 6036 and 6236. Produced in yellow and pink gold as well as stainless steel, the production run was very small for each variation. Over the years, Rolex modified both the dial and case design, with the final watch in this series, the reference 6236, featuring a more modern, clean dial style, as well as a three-piece case with larger bezel.

Throughout the evolution of the Killy model, one sees a number of developments of the dial.

Reference 4767: The outside date ring has "open" 6s and 9s and the numbers always face the center meaning that the date at 15 is upside down.
Reference 5036: The outside date ring has "open" 6s and 9s however the number are flipped at 8-23, most probably to improve legibility.
Reference 6036: The outside date ring has "open" 6s and 9s however the number are flipped at 8-23, most probably to improve legibility.
Reference 6236: The last generation of the reference, predominantly found in the serial range of 5763XX has closed 6s and 9s on the outside date ring. Hour markers can also be found punched through the dial, as opposed to being applied. "Feuille" hands can be found as well.

The present example is one of the most impressive reference 6236s to come on the market. Featuring a robust case that is crisp and sharp, the watch has been barely touched throughout its lifespan. Furthermore, the dial is preserved in excellent condition with barely any blemishes or marks, which is quite astounding when one considers the age of the timepiece.

Its provenance is particularly impressive, having been previously sold at the The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wristwatches, lot 75 on April 1, 2006. It is further immortalised in literature, as the watch is prominently illustrated in Collezionare Orologi da Polso Rolex Collecting Wristwatches by Osvaldo Patrizzi, pages 478 and 479. It was further sold again at Phillips, 11-12 May 2019, The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE, lot 56.

Interestingly, the present timepiece is only 5 digits away in serial number to record breaking reference 6236 from the Gordon Bethune collection, which sold at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT for 702,500 CHF.