Year: Circa 1952
Reference No: 6036; inside caseback stamped 6036
Case No: 847’041
Model Name: Oyster Chronograph DatoCompax “Jean-Claude Killy”
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C, 17 jewels

From 1947 until 1962, Rolex produced a series of rare and innovative triple calendar chronograph wristwatches housed in Oyster cases, encompassing the references 4767, 5036, 6036 and 6236. The reference 4768 also bore a triple calendar chronograph complication, however in a non-Oyster case. Produced in very limited numbers, these references were made in yellow and pink gold, as well as stainless steel. Initially known as the Dato-Compax, today they are more generally referred to as the "Jean-Claude Killy", named after the three-time French Olympic ski champion and Rolex ambassador. After production of reference 6236 ceased around 1962, Rolex would never again offer a model with similar complications. By studying the different models, one can immediately denote an effort on the part of Rolex toward the simplification and optimizations of both case and dial architecture. The two earliest references were produced at the same time: non-Oyster reference 4768 (the only non-waterproof Dato-Compax) and Oyster ref. 4767. They feature dials with very vintage traits including two-tone dials, especially in the earliest examples, and 5-minute Arabic divisions in the seconds scale. The date ring presents “upside down” numerals in the lower half of the dial: there is no inversion of graphic direction at 3 and 9 o’clock – an extremely rare and early dial variant. The two-tone effect of these dials is usually more subtle. Later (such as in the reference 6036), the date ring presents the inversion at 9 and 3, so the numbers on the lower half of the ring read vertically. Reference 6036 features a more simplified seconds scale, lacking the Arabic 5-minute division, however the numbers 6 and 9 are left open ended. Part of a very early batch of reference 6036s produced by Rolex around 1952, the current 6036 bears all the correct dial features of the era, and can be considered a supremely original and worthy example. The case is beautifully preserved, with original finishings present, and the dial is in absolutely splendid, charming condition. The original cream grené dial has acquired an even layer of chestnut patina to the surface, yet the printing and ink of the dial remain perfectly intact. The watch, with its “no lume” dial, displays sunken gold-tone hour markers that complement the color of the dial’s patina. Absolutely fresh-to-the-market, the present 6036 “Jean-Claude Killy” is one that has been touched by the passing of time and emerged still with enormous amounts of appeal, a perfect match for those who look for unique iterations of vintage Rolex chronographs.