Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

New York, Jun 08, 2011

LOT 168

Rolex Steel - Ref. 6236 "Jean-Claude Killy" Rolex, ?Anti-magnetic,? case No. 576481, Ref. 6236. Made in 1960. Exceptionally fine and rare, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with round button chronograph, registers, triple date and a stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet.

USD 80,000 - 120,000

CHF 70,000 - 100,000 / EUR 55,000 - 80,000

Sold: USD 128,500

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown. D. Matte silver with applied steel faceted baton indexes and luminous dots, subsidiary dials for the seconds, the 12-hour and 30-minute registers, outer 1/5th second track with 5-second Arabic markers, outermost graduation for the days of the month in blue Arabic numerals, apertures for the days of the week and the months. Luminous steel dauphine hands, blue arrow hand for the date. M. Cal. 72C, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 14 mm. Approx overall length 200 mm. From the Family of the Original Owner


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

The reference 6236 Antimagnetic chronograph with triple date was produced in only a few examples from 1958 to the early 1960's, in yellow, pink gold and very few in stainless steel, with various dial designs and hand shapes. The ref. 6236 is known as the "Jean-Claude Killy", after the internationally renowned world ski champion in the 1960s. It remains the classic Rolex ambassador in numerous advertising campaigns. The main difference between the 6236 and the 6036 is that the 6236 has a three-body case and the 6036 has a two-body case.
The example offered here retains a beautiful, original, dial with very little discoloration or deterioration to the outer edge as often found in this model. From the family of the original owner it has remained in exceptional overall condition. For an almost identical example, numbered 576388, see page 156 in the book "100 Superlative Rolex Watches" by John Goldberger