Rolex Oyster Chronograph Full Calendar Triple Date Ref. 6036 (Jean-Claude Killy)
Complications Chronograph with Triple Date (Full Calendar) · Rolex (Rolex SA), Luxury Tier
Period: Vintage Mid-Century (1950s)
Type
Complications Chronograph with Triple Date (Full Calendar)
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA), Luxury Tier
Movement
Manual-wind Valjoux 72c mechanical column-wheel chronograph movement with triple date complication, 18,000 vph, approximately 46-hour power reserve
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36mm, Case thickness: 13.5mm, Lug-to-lug: 43mm, Lug width: 20mm
Description
An exceptionally rare and historically significant vintage Rolex masterpiece, the Reference 6036 combines a robust Oyster chronograph case with a complex triple calendar mechanism. Often nicknamed the 'Killy' after French skiing champion Jean-Claude Killy who famously wore a similar reference, this watch represents the pinnacle of mid-century complication watchmaking from Rolex. Featuring a harmonious dial layout with apertures for the day and month, a peripheral date ring indicated by a striking red-tipped hand, and classic chronograph subdials, it offers extraordinary horological charm and timeless vintage elegance.
Key Features
Combination of Oyster water-resistant architecture with a Valjoux-based triple calendar chronograph complication, peripheral blue date scale, apertures for day and month below 12 o'clock, and pump pushers
Dial Description
Matte silver-white dial featuring applied gold pyramid hour markers and an Arabic 12 numeral, dauphine hands, center red chronograph seconds hand, outer blue date track with a central date pointer hand, dual apertures for day of the week and month beneath the 12 o'clock marker, and three sunken subsidiary registers for continuous seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour totalizers
Case Material
Stainless steel with polished bezel and brushed case sides
Crystal Type
Domed acrylic (hesalite) crystal
Bezel Details
Fixed smooth rounded stainless steel polished bezel
Crown & Pushers
Signed screw-down Oyster crown, pump-style chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock, and recessed correctors on the case flanks for setting the calendar functions
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel vintage-style beads-of-rice or expandable link bracelet with folding clasp
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down oyster case back with characteristic brushed finish
Movement Type
Manual-wind Valjoux 72c mechanical column-wheel chronograph movement with triple date complication, 18,000 vph, approximately 46-hour power reserve
Water Resistance
Originally water-resistant due to the Oyster case design, but due to age, vintage gaskets, and unsealed pushers, this timepiece should be treated as completely non-water-resistant today
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, Geneva, Switzerland
Age Estimate
Circa 1951-1955 (Vintage 1950s production)
Cultural Significance
Represents a rare era when Rolex produced highly complicated calendar wristwatches before focusing heavily on mass-produced tool and sports watches. It bridges the gap between traditional haute horlogerie complication design and rugged waterproof tool watch construction.
Condition Notes
Moderate vintage condition appropriate for an age exceeding 60 years. The case shows minor surface scratches and slight polishing wear. The dial exhibits light, attractive patina with minor aging spots. Hands and markers show matching oxidation. Crystal has light surface micro-scratches typical of hesalite. Overall graded as Good to Very Good for a rare vintage timepiece.
Value Estimate
Estimated secondary market and auction value ranges from $150,000 to over $400,000+ USD depending on exact metal variant, condition, dial originality, and provenance
Care & Maintenance
Requires careful handling due to vintage nature and lack of modern shock resistance. Avoid all contact with moisture given age and potential gasket degradation. Manual winding should be done gently. Professional vintage watchmaker service recommended every 3 to 5 years using period-correct lubrication techniques. Keep away from strong magnetic fields.
Similar Watches
Rolex Ref. 4767 Dato-Compax, Rolex Ref. 6236 Jean-Claude Killy, Heuer Triple Calendar Chronograph, Breitling Datora, Universal Genève Tri-Compax
Interesting Facts
This model family is famously associated with Olympic skiing champion and Rolex ambassador Jean-Claude Killy. Vintage Rolex chronographs with complicated calendar functions were produced in extremely limited quantities compared to standard Submariners or Datejusts, making them highly coveted collector holy grails at major auction houses.