Manufacturer: Rolex Year: circa 1960 Reference No: 6236 Case No: 576'454 Model Name: Oyster Chronograph Antimagnetic, "Jean-Claude Killy" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Literature: Various examples of reference 6236 are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pages 402-411.
Catalogue Essay
We sometimes encounter timepieces on which time has surprisingly had little effect. The present lot is without doubt one of these horological UFO’s as it looks not only in excellent condition even though it was made close to 60 years ago but its design is a blueprint of contemporary vibrancy.
Launched in 1947, the reference 4767 Dato Compax was Rolex’s 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. Made in yellow and pink gold as well as stainless steel, the production run was very small for each variation. They received the nickname “Jean Claude Killy”, after the three-time Olympic champion who was seen wearing a reference 6236 like the present lot.
The present lot is in excellent condition with well-defined thick lugs and sharp angles, the silver dial is enticing and seductive with crisp blue date ring with the 6 and 9 numerals closed typical for this reference, the baton hands also set the benchmark for future Rolex chronographs, the double faceted and polished markers in relief and the gracefully aged luminous markers and hands that have turned a pleasing beige color consist of a cavalcade of details making the present lot a very seductive example of the reference 6236.
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.