242 Rolex An extremely rare, sought-after and historically important, Jean-Claude Killy, triple calendar chronograph wristwatch in steel, with silvered dial, reference 6236.

Estimate: € 180,000 –⁠ 360,000

Made for approximately 20 years, the family of Dato Compax includes references 4767, 5036, 6036, and 6236 and has to be considered a landmark model as it represents the first foray of Rolex into the market of complicated timepieces: offering a chronograph function with triple calendar, there was no other Rolex chronograph model presenting more complications. Reference 6236, such as the present watch, is probably the best known representative from this family, and was in production in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the 6236 was the last of Rolex’s Dato-Compax models, marking the end of an era for the brand’s most complicated wristwatches before the Daytona took center stage. Named after the legendary Olympic skier and Rolex ambassador, this timepiece represents the pinnacle of Rolex’s mid-century innovation, combining a triple calendar function with a chronograph in a single, highly refined design. The 36 mm stainless steel case exudes a timeless elegance, enhanced by its clean, polished bezel and signature pump pushers. The dial is a masterpiece of functionality and balance, featuring a silvered finish with applied faceted hour markers and dauphine hands. The two apertures at 12 o’clock display the day and month, while the outer blue date track, indicated by a blued steel central hand, adds a striking contrast to the overall aesthetic. Three sub-dials complete the layout: a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 6, and a running seconds counter at 9, all with fine concentric guilloché detailing. Powered by the manually wound Valjoux 72 C movement, the 6236 is a technical marvel, integrating both chronograph and full calendar complications within a robust yet elegant design. The watch’s antimagnetic properties further emphasize Rolex’s dedication to precision and durability. Highly coveted by collectors, this reference embodies an era when Rolex was at the forefront of high-complication watchmaking, offering both sophistication and sportiness in a single, beautifully executed timepiece.