Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1953 Reference No: 6036 Case No: 917878 Model Name: Oyster Chronograph, "Jean Claude Killy" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Rolex steel pink buckle Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With a fitted period Rolex presentation box
Catalogue Essay
Originally released in 1948, the Reference 6036, or Rolex Antimagnetic Chronograph Triple Date, is one of the most sought after early 'Dato-Compax' Rolex models, produced only in a few hundred pieces. These highly collectible triple calendar chronograph watches, were eventually made in a total of four different series between 1948 and 1962;References 4767, 5036, 6036 and finally 6236, the model actually worn by Jean-Claude Killy and the reason why today all the four generations of the Dato-Compax are named after the triple Olympic champion.
The watches featured various dial variants and hand styles which might have included a silver or blued steel calendar hand. This particular model features the elegant gold sword hands and the attractive, bright blued steel calendar hand to complement the blue outer calendar track typical for this reference. As with all 'Dato-Compax' models of reference 6036, however the numbers 6 and 9 are left open ended and the watch features the patented, highly and practical sporty, "Twinlock" double seal crown system. This has helped limit the aging to this watch and instead the watch has gradually developed a beautiful warm hue. The later models were also larger in size, and the engraved gilt finish number 12 would have been replaced by a Rolex coronet. This earlier model features the smaller gilt finish square markers which better complement the neater dimensions.
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.