.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Stunningly attractive with silver soleil dial, this triple date chronograph reference 6236 ‘Jean-Claude Killy’ is presented in immaculate condition. At the direct request of the present owner, this watch has been completely serviced and fitted with service après vente dial, hands, crown and pushers.
The reason for this unusual and highly expensive refurbishment is a purely practical one. Manufactured in 1958, it has now been brought back up to modern standards and is fully useable again as a modern watch. The ethos behind this is much the same as a ground-up rebuild of a classic car to be compliant with modern regulations and regularly used.
Now of interest and collectable in their own right, ‘full service’ or ‘après vente’ watches are ideal for those seeking the vintage look combined with modern-day practicality – in other words a ‘new old Rolex’.
The family of Dato Compax triple calendar chronographs is among the most complex vintage watch lines made by Rolex. Scholars estimate that the total production of reference 6236 to be little more than 250 pieces, over a period 5 years. This is an incredibly low number for Rolex, which boasted at the time an annual production of several thousand watches. The sporty appeal of this chronograph, distinguished by the iconic tonneau-shaped case, merges with the complexity and practicality of the triple calendar complication. The result is an everlasting classic which captured the hearts of collectors so much that is nowadays the among the most sought-after Rolex vintage chronograph.
These watches are linked to a legendary personality: Jean-Claude Killy. Olympic skier and man of extremely refined taste, the name of Mr. Killy has been associated with Rolex for 40 years since he became an official Rolex Ambassador and began serving on the Rolex Board of Directors.
Uniting rarity, history and mechanical complexity, the present timepiece is a rare opportunity for the discerning collector of unique watches to add this legendary model to his or her collection. Reference 6236 was the final version of the celebrated Datocompax model. In production between 1958 and 1962, it is easily identifiable by the larger bezel compared to its predecessors. In fact, the case of reference 6236 is now made of three elements, the bezel no longer carved from the same block as the centrepiece of the case.
The reason for this unusual and highly expensive refurbishment is a purely practical one. Manufactured in 1958, it has now been brought back up to modern standards and is fully useable again as a modern watch. The ethos behind this is much the same as a ground-up rebuild of a classic car to be compliant with modern regulations and regularly used.
Now of interest and collectable in their own right, ‘full service’ or ‘après vente’ watches are ideal for those seeking the vintage look combined with modern-day practicality – in other words a ‘new old Rolex’.
The family of Dato Compax triple calendar chronographs is among the most complex vintage watch lines made by Rolex. Scholars estimate that the total production of reference 6236 to be little more than 250 pieces, over a period 5 years. This is an incredibly low number for Rolex, which boasted at the time an annual production of several thousand watches. The sporty appeal of this chronograph, distinguished by the iconic tonneau-shaped case, merges with the complexity and practicality of the triple calendar complication. The result is an everlasting classic which captured the hearts of collectors so much that is nowadays the among the most sought-after Rolex vintage chronograph.
These watches are linked to a legendary personality: Jean-Claude Killy. Olympic skier and man of extremely refined taste, the name of Mr. Killy has been associated with Rolex for 40 years since he became an official Rolex Ambassador and began serving on the Rolex Board of Directors.
Uniting rarity, history and mechanical complexity, the present timepiece is a rare opportunity for the discerning collector of unique watches to add this legendary model to his or her collection. Reference 6236 was the final version of the celebrated Datocompax model. In production between 1958 and 1962, it is easily identifiable by the larger bezel compared to its predecessors. In fact, the case of reference 6236 is now made of three elements, the bezel no longer carved from the same block as the centrepiece of the case.