Rolex - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1958
    Reference No: 6236
    Case No: 384’172
    Model Name: Oyster Chronograph ‘Jean-Claude Killy’
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster expandable
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp, stamped 4.58
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Literature: A similar reference 6236 in stainless steel is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, by John Goldberger, pages 156 and 157.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The “Jean-Claude Killy” is an icon. Amongst the most complicated vintage Rolex models ever made, combining a triple calendar and chronograph, the present lot is in remarkable condition, accompanied by its original riveted, expandable bracelet, also in excellent condition, and a hardly ever seen dial featuring yellow gold numerals and hands that have aged to a lovely pinkish tone. Launched in 1947, the Dato Compax was Rolex’s first and only triple calendar chronograph wristwatch fitted with a water-resistant Oyster case. Collectors nicknamed the Dato Compax “Jean-Claude Killy”, after the three-time French Olympic ski champion who was often seen wearing a reference 6236 similar to the present lot. Over the years, Rolex modified both the dial and case design, with the final in the series, the reference 6236, featuring a more modern, clean dial style, as well as a three piece case with larger bezel. Fresh to the auction market, this lot stands out for its incredibly preserved case, and its stunning dial with wonderful details such as the sunken and embossed gold ‘12’ and faceted square hour markers, which are complemented by the crisp blue of the outer date ring against the pristine, white grainé surface of the dial. Fitted with the original bracelet featuring a “big logo” Rolex clasp dated 4th quarter 1958 and straight end-links. This exceptional example is a must have trophy watch for the discerning connoisseur seeking to own one of Rolex’s rarest and most prestigious complicated watches of its history.

  • 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

25

Ref. 6236
A very attractive and rare stainless steel triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with gold colored hour markers, and original bracelet.

1958
Case, dial, and movement signed
36mm diameter

Estimate
$200,000 - 400,000 
CHF195,000-390,000
€170,000-341,000
HK$1,560,000-3,120,000

Sold for $262,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017