Important Watches
Important Watches
Property from the Family of the Original Owner
Rolex
Reference 6236 Datocompax 'Jean Claude Killy' | A stainless steel triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1960
Auction Closed
June 9, 05:37 PM GMT
Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Reference 6236 Datocompax 'Jean Claude Killy'
A stainless steel triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1960
Dial: silvered
Caliber: cal. 72C mechanical, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: 576'364
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 190 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
The reference 6236 was the last iteration from the vintage Dato-Compax series of triple calendar watches with chronograph function by Rolex, making it one of the most complicated models ever produced by the brand.
The Dato-Compax series was first introduced by Rolex in 1947 with the reference 4768 (the only non-Oyster thus non-waterproof Dato Compax) and the 4767, which was the brand's first triple calendar chronograph fitted in a waterproof Oyster case. Subsequently the series encompassed the references 5036 and 6036 before the last edition, the Ref 6236 was produced until the very early 1960’s, when these complicated watches were discontinued by Rolex. What differentiates the 6236 from its preceding models is the more modern case design and dial layout. Specifically, instead of having a mono-bloc case like the Ref 6036, the 6236 is equipped with a three-piece case that has a separate, slightly enlarged bezel. The dial is also cleaner, with a prominent Rolex crown at the top and with closed 6's on the scales that give the watch a more modern character. All four Dato-Compax series references had relatively low production numbers and especially the reference 6236 which was only produced between 1958 to 1962, with the present lot dating back to 1960 which places it in the middle of this small production run.
Rolex collectors gave those Dato-Compax model series the nickname 'Jean-Claude Killy', after the triple crown winning Olympic ski champion and brand ambassador for Rolex. In addition to his promotional role with the brand, Killy also took seat on the board of Directors of Rolex S.A. a position he held for over 40 years.
The Dato-Compax series was first introduced by Rolex in 1947 with the reference 4768 (the only non-Oyster thus non-waterproof Dato Compax) and the 4767, which was the brand's first triple calendar chronograph fitted in a waterproof Oyster case. Subsequently the series encompassed the references 5036 and 6036 before the last edition, the Ref 6236 was produced until the very early 1960’s, when these complicated watches were discontinued by Rolex. What differentiates the 6236 from its preceding models is the more modern case design and dial layout. Specifically, instead of having a mono-bloc case like the Ref 6036, the 6236 is equipped with a three-piece case that has a separate, slightly enlarged bezel. The dial is also cleaner, with a prominent Rolex crown at the top and with closed 6's on the scales that give the watch a more modern character. All four Dato-Compax series references had relatively low production numbers and especially the reference 6236 which was only produced between 1958 to 1962, with the present lot dating back to 1960 which places it in the middle of this small production run.
Rolex collectors gave those Dato-Compax model series the nickname 'Jean-Claude Killy', after the triple crown winning Olympic ski champion and brand ambassador for Rolex. In addition to his promotional role with the brand, Killy also took seat on the board of Directors of Rolex S.A. a position he held for over 40 years.