Rolex - Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History Hong Kong Sunday, November 27, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1951
    Reference No: 6036
    Case No: 847'214
    Model Name: 'Jean Claude Killy'
    Material: 18k pink gold
    Calibre: Mechanical, 72C, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k pink gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, 187 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped S&L and GF
    Dimensions: 36 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Rolex guarantee stamped Serpico Y Laino
    Literature: For another example of a pink gold reference 6036, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 154.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6036 replaced its predecessor, reference 5036, in 1951. Named after champion sportsman and Rolex ambassador Jean-Claude Killy, the ‘Killy’ is the only Rolex model to feature a full calendar and chronograph complication. Two different generations of the ‘Killy’ precede the present watch, starting from reference 4767 and 5036. Reference 6036 is the third generation example, followed by 6236.

    The reference was typically cased in stainless steel. Yet, for their most discerning clients, Rolex also offered the model in yellow gold, steel and gold combinations, and most exclusively, in pink gold.

    Fresh to the market and offered in astounding condition, the present watch fulfills the stringent requirements of any serious collector and scholar. Retailed at Serpico Y Laino, the celebrated retailer in Venezuela, the watch proudly features the firm’s signature above 6 o'clock and stamped on the clasp. Only a select few retailers have had the privilege of stamping their name on Rolex watches.

    John Goldberger's Opinion

    I am very impressed by this correct and complete pink gold ‘Killy’, which has been preserved in unbelievable condition. Beautiful and original, the two-tone dial has aged, with the outer date ring slightly darker in color than the main portion of the dial. The dial is further finished with pink gold numerals and hands that match its pink gold case and bracelet. The date wheel is Spanish, which is correct considering the watch was retailed in South America.

    The case can only be described as breathtaking, with full lugs and incredibly balanced proportions. There is a strong and deep hallmark under the lug, and the reference number, gold marks and case maker mark for C.R. Spillmann SA are incredibly crisp to the case back. These markings on the case back were only used on South American imports. Even the slightest polishing would have completely wiped these marks off, attesting to the original condition of the watch.

    The Gay Frères bracelet is furthermore stamped GF and S&L for the retailer, adding another element of interest. Accompanying this watch is its original guarantee with stamp for the retailer.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    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.

    View More Works

830

Ref. 6036
A highly exceptional pink gold Spanish triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial, bracelet and guarantee, retailed by Serpico Y Laino

Circa 1951
36 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$2,000,000 - 4,000,000 
$250,000-500,000

Sold for HK$2,960,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
International Department Head
+85 26 773 93 15

Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2016