Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1960 Reference No: 6236 Case No: 576'376 Model Name: Oyster Chronograph Antimagnetic, "Jean-Claude Killy" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Literature: The model is illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 402 - 409
Catalogue Essay
Few Rolex models have been nicknamed after celebrities, Paul Newman and Steve McQueen come immediately to mind but only one sportsman’s name has ever been associated with a model: Jean-Claude Killy.
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. Over the years, Rolex modified both the dial and case design, with the final in the series, the reference 6236, featuring a more modern, clean dial style, as well as a three piece case with larger bezel.
These models received the nickname “Jean-Claude Killy”, after the three-time Olympic champion 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, its stunning dial with wonderful details such as the sunken and embossed Rolex crown at 12 o'clock and faceted rectangular hour markers, which are complemented by the crisp blue of the outer date ring against the cream grené surface of the dial make the present reference 6236 enticing and seductive.
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.