Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 6036
    Case No: 944'085
    Model Name: "Dato Compax"
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72c, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Gay Frères bracelet, stamped 3.52
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding clasp
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex green wallet and Rolex original guarantee confirming the sale of the present watch by Asprey, London
    Literature: Examples of reference 6036 are illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda by Pucci Papaleo, pp. 380 - 401.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched just after the Second World War, the "Dato Compax" was available in two versions: an Oyster version, reference 4767, that was waterproof and reference 4768 that was non-waterproof. While the non-waterproof version was discontinued after a small period of production, the other version was produced over a 20-year period and evolved into three further references. Reference 5036 from 1948 to 1951, followed by reference 6036 that was replaced in the second half of the 50s by reference 6236.

    The present reference 6036 was therefore the third generation of waterproof "Dato Compax" also referred by collectors as the “Killy” named after the triple Olympic alpine ski champion, Jean-Claude Killy. This wonderfully charismatic representative of the reference 6036 stands out with its original Gay Frères 18 karat yellow gold bracelet and its two-tone dial. The blue Arabic calendar numerals on the outer ring have beautifully aged to a light grey color while the gold mirror finish on the hours numerals remain in perfect untouched condition.

  • 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.

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Ο191

Ref. 6036
A very rare and highly attractive yellow gold triple calendar wristwatch with two-tone silvered dial, Gay Frères bracelet and original certificate

1953
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 300,000 
€138,000-275,000
$155,000-309,000

Sold for CHF245,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016