Rolex Oyster Chronograph 'Dato-Compax' Ref. 6036 (Jean-Claude Killy)
Complications Chronograph / Triple Calendar Chronograph · Rolex (Rolex SA), Luxury Haute Horlogerie Tier
Period: Mid-Century / Vintage (1950s)
Type
Complications Chronograph / Triple Calendar Chronograph
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA), Luxury Haute Horlogerie Tier
Movement
Manual-wind chronograph with triple calendar, Caliber Valjoux 72C (Rolex 72C), 18,000 vph, approx. 48-hour power reserve, 17 jewels
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36mm, Case thickness: 13.5mm, Lug-to-lug: 43mm, Lug width: 19mm. Wears slightly larger due to the thick profile and extended lugs.
Description
The Rolex Reference 6036 is the third generation of the legendary 'Dato-Compax' series, famously nicknamed the 'Jean-Claude Killy' after the triple Olympic champion skier and Rolex board member. It combines two of watchmaking's most prized complications into a waterproof Oyster case: a three-register chronograph and a full triple calendar (day, date, month). Featuring distinct pyramidal faceted gold hour markers, a blue perimeter date chapter ring, and a red center chronograph hand, this timepiece represents one of the most mechanically complex and aesthetically revered vintage Rolexes ever created.
Key Features
Triple calendar chronograph function, Valjoux 72C manual-wind engine, 'Jean-Claude Killy' family reference, distinctive applied gold pyramidal indices with gold '12', blue date scale with central pointer hand, and flush corrector pushers along the left flank.
Dial Description
Off-white/silvered dial with blue outer date track (1-31), day and month aperture windows at 12 o'clock, applied gold pyramidal hour markers and gold Arabic '12', gold alpha-style central hands, blue/black central pointer date hand, red central chronograph seconds hand, and three engine-turned sub-dials (running seconds at 9, 30-minute register at 3, 12-hour register at 6). 'ROLEX OYSTER CHRONOGRAPH' printed below 12 o'clock and 'ANTIMAGNETIC' arched above the 6 o'clock sub-dial.
Case Material
Stainless steel case with polished bezel and brushed lug tops
Crystal Type
Domed acrylic (Plexiglass) crystal
Bezel Details
Smooth, polished fixed stainless steel bezel
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Oyster crown at 3 o'clock, two round pump-style chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock, flush corrector pushers on the left side of the case for setting day, month, and date functions.
Bracelet or Strap
Vintage stainless steel expansion/beads-of-rice style aftermarket or period-correct stretch bracelet with straight end links
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down Oyster caseback
Movement Type
Manual-wind chronograph with triple calendar, Caliber Valjoux 72C (Rolex 72C), 18,000 vph, approx. 48-hour power reserve, 17 jewels
Water Resistance
Originally rated to 50 meters (5 ATM) via the Oyster case design, but currently considered 0 meters / non-waterproof due to vintage age and aging gaskets.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made (Geneva / Biel, Switzerland), utilizing a modified Valjoux base movement
Age Estimate
Circa 1951–1955 (1950s production)
Cultural Significance
Represents a historic pinnacle in Rolex history when the brand produced highly complex calendar chronographs alongside pure tool watches. The 'Killy' series stands as a grail among vintage Rolex collectors, bridging the gap between sporty chronograph utility and classic high-complication horology.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. The dial shows light age patina, minor micro-spotting, and edge aging consistent with 1950s production. Handset exhibits minor surface oxidation. Case shows honest signs of wear with light surface scratches; lug edges remain reasonably well defined. Crystal is clean with minor wear.
Value Estimate
Secondary / Auction Market: $120,000 – $250,000+ USD depending on original case sharpness, dial originality, and presence of original bracelet and documentation.
Care & Maintenance
Requires specialized vintage service every 3 to 5 years by an expert watchmaker skilled in Valjoux 72C movements. Crucial instruction: never actuate the quickset calendar correctors while the watch is showing hours between 8 PM and 3 AM to avoid damaging the date-advancing gears. Keep strictly away from water despite the 'Oyster' moniker due to degraded vintage seals.
Similar Watches
Rolex 'Jean-Claude Killy' Ref. 6236 (three-piece case evolution), Rolex Ref. 4767, Doxa Triple Calendar Chronograph (Valjoux 72C), Movado Datron HS360, Heuer Carrera 12 Dato
Interesting Facts
The 'Jean-Claude Killy' family comprises only five references (4767, 5036, 6036, 6236, and the non-Oyster 3525 derivatives). Despite being named after the French alpine ski racer Jean-Claude Killy, he was actually seen wearing his model long after the production of these references had ceased. It is one of the very few complex complication watch families ever produced in series by Rolex.