Rolex Oyster Chronograph 'Jean-Claude Killy' Ref. 6036
Triple Calendar Chronograph (Dato-Compax) · Rolex SA (Geneva, Switzerland). Highly prestigious 'Haute luxe' tier for vintage complications.
Period: Mid-Century / Golden Era (circa 1950s). The design represents the pre-Daytona high-complication era of Rolex Tool watches.
Type
Triple Calendar Chronograph (Dato-Compax)
Brand
Rolex SA (Geneva, Switzerland). Highly prestigious 'Haute luxe' tier for vintage complications.
Movement
Manual-wind, Caliber Valjoux 72C (Column-wheel chronograph). Features 18,000 vph frequency, 17 jewels, and approximately 40 hours of power reserve.
Dimensions
36mm diameter, 13.5mm thickness, 44mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width.
Description
Perhaps the most complex vintage Rolex ever produced, the Ref. 6036 is one of only five references to feature a full calendar and chronograph. Known as the 'Jean-Claude Killy' after the legendary Olympic skier who wore one, it represents a bridge between the elegant dress watches of the 1940s and the robust Oyster tool watches of the modern era.
Key Features
Triple calendar (day, date, month) combined with a chronograph; signature 'Dato-Compax' layout; blue 'open 6' and 'open 9' date numerals; distinctive pyramid indices.
Dial Description
Off-white/Silver 'Anti-Magnetic' dial with applied gold pyramid/square hour markers and an Arabic '12'. Triple calendar windows at 12 for day/month, an outer blue date track, and three silvered recessed subdials.
Case Material
Stainless Steel (Mono-bloc construction). Features a polished bezel and brushed lug tops.
Crystal Type
High-domed Acrylic (Hesalite/Plexiglass).
Bezel Details
Fixed, smooth polished stainless steel bezel.
Crown & Pushers
Rolex 'Super Oyster' or Twinlock screw-down crown; two pump-style chronograph pushers; recessed calendar adjusters on the left case flank.
Bracelet or Strap
Vintage stainless steel 'Beads of Rice' or Jubilee-style bracelet (period correct but often swapped for Oyster or leather).
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down 'Oyster' caseback with vintage Rolex knurling.
Movement Type
Manual-wind, Caliber Valjoux 72C (Column-wheel chronograph). Features 18,000 vph frequency, 17 jewels, and approximately 40 hours of power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally 50m (Oyster); currently considered NON-waterproof due to age of gaskets and pusher design.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Movement based on a modified Valjoux ebauche, finished and regulated by Rolex in-house.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1953 (Third generation of the Killy series).
Cultural Significance
One of the 'Holy Grail' watches for Rolex collectors due to its mechanical complexity, which is rarely seen in the brand's contemporary catalog.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The dial shows light spotting (patina) consistent with age. Hands appear original but have aged. The case shows soften edges from previous polishing; the bracelet shows moderate stretch.
Value Estimate
$150,000 - $350,000 USD depending on provenance, dial originality, and case thickness.
Care & Maintenance
Manual wind carefully until resistance is felt; do not set the calendar between 8 PM and 2 AM. Service every 5-7 years by a vintage specialist. Avoid all water contact.
Similar Watches
Rolex Ref. 4767 (First Killy), Rolex Ref. 6236 (Final Killy), Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 (Competitor perpetual calendar chrono).
Interesting Facts
Despite being an 'Oyster' (waterproof) model, the recessed calendar pushers were a weak point for water entry, making well-preserved examples extremely rare. Jean-Claude Killy, the namesake, was a Rolex board member and ski champion.