Important Watches: Part I
Important Watches: Part I
Rolex
Dato-Compax, Reference 6236 | A stainless steel triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1958
Live auction begins on:
May 12, 09:00 AM GMT
Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: black
Calibre: cal. Valjoux 72 C manual winding, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: 384’208
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm
Signed: case, dial, and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex blank guarantee, Oyster bracelet measuring approximately 150mm , a calfskin leather strap with stainless steel buckle, purchase receipt from Windsor Bishop and Co dated December 1964, service receipt from Windsor Bishop & Co dated April 1971 and another one dated February 1974, service documented dated February 1974, instructions leaflet, correspondence dated March 1965 regarding the availability of a black dial for the watch, spare crystal, 2 spare chronograph pushers, 2 spare big chronograph pushers, one spare crown, one spare bezel, accompanying photocopy of the spare elements, suede pouch and presentation case with outer packaging
The iconic reference 6236 from Rolex combines a triple calendar with a chronograph making it one of the most complicated models ever produced by the brand.
Collectors eventually gave these Dato-Compax models the nickname the 'Jean-Claude Killy', after the famous Olympic skiing champion. In addition to winning three Olympic gold medals, he later became an ambassador for the brand and even sat on the board of Rolex S.A.
Reference 6236 is the last iteration of a series of Dato-Compax models first introduced by Rolex in 1947. It started with the reference 4767, which was the brand's first triple calendar chronograph fitted in a waterproof Oyster case, and subsequently encompassed references 5036, 6036 and 6236.
What differentiates the 6236 from its preceding models is the more modern case design and dial layout. Namely, 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 larger 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 had relatively low production numbers and the reference 6236 was produced from 1958 to 1962, with the present watch case number dating to 1959, this places it in the first 2 years of the production.
The present watch was acquired second hand from UK Rolex retailer Winsor Bishop in 1964. Interestingly, this watch is presented with a highly unusual factory black dial, featuring tritium lume plots but still signed with a “SWISS” designation suggesting the tritium was added by Rolex at the factory. The watch is accompanied by supporting documentation from the retailer and confirming the delivery of a black dial from the “Rolex Watch Company” delivered and fitted in 1965. In addition, the watch is also accompanied by the 1964 sales receipt, several service receipts, a service guarantee and new old stock service parts including pushers, bezel and a replacement crystal.
The present lot is being offered by an established collector who purchased directly from the owner named on the sales receipt. As a factory black dial Dato-compax, this presents a rare and fantastic opportunity to acquire a sought after and seldom seen iconic vintage Rolex, with a plethora of history and documentation.