From 1947 until 1962, Rolex produced a series of rare and innovative triple calendar chronograph wristwatches housed in Oyster cases, encompassing the references 4767, 5036, 6036 and 6236. The reference 4768 also bore a triple calendar chronograph complication, however in a non-Oyster case. Produced in very limited numbers, these references 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 and Rolex ambassador. After production of reference 6236 ceased around 1962, Rolex would never again offer a model with similar complications.
By studying the different models, one can immediately denote an effort on the part of Rolex toward the simplification and optimizations of both case and dial architecture. The two earliest references were produced at the same time: non-Oyster reference 4768 (the only non-waterproof Dato-Compax) and Oyster ref. 4767. They feature dials with very vintage traits including two-tone dials, especially in the earliest examples, and 5-minute Arabic divisions in the seconds scale. The date ring presents “upside down” numerals in the lower half of the dial: there is no inversion of graphic direction at 9 and 3 o’clock. The two-tone effect of these dials is usually more subtle. Later (such as in ref 6036), the date ring presents the inversion at 9 and 3, so the numbers on the lower half of the ring read vertically.
Reference 6036 features a more simplified seconds scale, lacking the Arabic 5-minute division, however the numbers 6 and 9 are left open ended.
The present, early reference 6036 bears what can arguably be defined as one of the most charismatic dials to ever appear on a vintage Rolex.
Since its birth, the dial was immediately in a category of its own as it is the only example known of 6036 co-signed by Joyeria Riviera. Furthermore, the signature of the Cuban (before moving to Puerto Rico for political reasons) retailer is unarguably one of the most aesthetically complex and pleasing, defined by the large cursive “R” and also - in juxtaposition - by the very long and linear J at the beginning.
If this wasn’t enough, with time the watch developed one of the most unusual and visually striking patina to ever appear on a Killy: instead of the “usual” ivory, chestnut, off-white and similar colors, the dials emanates a distinctive Khaki green hue.
This is an exceptional opportunity for the astute collector to gain a renowned and hallowed reference, the most complex chronograph wristwatch ever produced by Rolex, in one of the most exclusive - possibly unique one may say - configurations.
