"The Jean-Claude Killy REF: 5036" - Rolex: A Very Rare Yellow Gold Triple Calendar Chronograph Anti-magnetique Wristwatch with Original Owners Historical Documentation


Model: Dato Compax - "Jean-Claude Killy", Ref: 5036Movement: Manual windingCase No: 5036Year: 1949Dial: Silvered, applied dot indexes, Roman numeral XII, minute track, outer date ring in blue, three subsidiary dials for seconds,30 minute and hour registers, central date hand, signedCase: 37mm, 18k yellow gold, screw down solid case back, signedStrap: Leather, gilt Rolex buckleAccompaniments: Original detailed documentation, correspondence and Rolex service invoices relating to the many communications between the original owner of the watch and Rolex in Geneva. The correspondence gives a fascinating and clear understanding of the service history of the watch dating back to 4th November 1965, and the dialogue which occurred between the owner and the Rolex manufacture.
|勞力士，「Dato Compax - Jean-Claude Killy」5036型號，極稀有黃金日月星三曆防磁腕錶，約1949年。附13封錶主當年因這錶與勞力士聯繫的文件。To the best of our knowledge and research, this is the first time that this present watch has ever appeared at auction.The Rolex Reference 5036 was in production for only a few years, from 1948 until 1951 and remains the most complicated Rolex watch ever made in series, known as the Dato Compax models. Very similar to its earlier predecessor, the Reference 4767 Dato Compax was launched in 1947 and was Rolex's first triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with a water-resistant, two-part Oyster case. The Reference 5036, also with a two-part case, was rapidly replaced with Reference 6036, which featured a three-part case. From 1947 until 1962, Rolex produced four distinct Oyster Dato Compax models: References 4767, 5036, 6036 and 6236. The watches were nicknamed "Jean Claude Killy" after the three-time Olympic champion was reportedly seen wearing a Reference 6036 and it is interesting to note that Jean Claude Killy still serves as a member of the Rolex S.A. Board of Directors. As if emerging from a time capsule, this incredibly kept Reference 5036 "Jean Claude Killy" in yellow gold is totally fresh-to-the-market, belonging to the son of the original owner, who purchased the then brand-new watch around 1950. According to our research, this is only the sixth Reference 5036 in yellow gold that has appeared in the market and it is believed there were only 50 pieces produced in yellow gold. Though the Reference 5036 was made in yellow gold, pink gold and possibly stainless steel, this watch is one of only ten Reference 5036 wristwatches to have EVER appeared in the market in any metal. The exceptional rarity and honesty of the present example must be underscored - the watch was reportedly serviced by Rolex twice and accompanying the watch is a complete letter exchange between Montre Rolex S.A.'s Manager of the Consumer Service Division, Mr. R.A. Haas and the owner, including original 1966 Rolex service paperwork. Adding to the immense collectible value and desirability of this rare Rolex wristwatch, the following fascinating and original correspondence between the owner and the Manager of Rolex Geneva's Manager of Consumer Service Division Mr. R.A. Hass and a letter exchange between the owner and Somlo Antiques, in total spanning 23 years from 1965 to 1988, shows the exuberance and passion of the collector to understand his father's timepiece:4 November 1965 Owner's letter to Rolex requesting a service.9 November 1965 Rolex's Consumer Service Division, Geneva, Switzerland, Mr. R. Hass response letter to the owner.17 November 1965 Owner's letter to Mr. R.A. Hass, Rolex, Consumer Service Division11 January 1966 Rolex Consumer Service Division Service Quotation for 239 Swiss Francs.19 January 1966 Owner's letter to Mr. Hass confirming Quotation.3 February 1966 Rolex's Consumer Service Division, Geneva, Switzerland letter to owner acknowledging receipt of the watch.23 February 1966 2 copies of Rolex Invoice for Service of the watch for 239 Swiss Francs.24 February 1966 Rolex Consumer Service Division letter to owner confirming return shipment of Rolex after completion of service.16 March 1966 Owner's letter to Mr. R.A. Hass, Consumer Service Division with after-service and technical questions.30 March 1966 Rolex Consumer Division, Mr. R. Hass response letter to owner.11 May 1966 Owner's letter to Mr. R. Hass 15 December 1978 Owner's letter to Mr. R.A. Hass requesting a service.23 November 1988 Owner's letter to Somlo Antiques for an estimate request.30 November 1988 Somlo Antiques' response letter to the owner.This family heirloom example of the Reference 5036 is a collector's dream and showcases all the quintessential elements of an authentic Reference 5036. The movement of this watch is unnumbered, but marked FR (the initials for Frère Reymond, the Valjoux company founds). The underdial is clearly stamped and numbered "103 14 1" and further stamped with two stars, representative of dials made by the Stern dial factory during that period. The pattern of the black printed Rolex logo on the dial, below the applied gold numeral "XII", is also typical of the Ref. 5036. The inside case back also bears the case maker's hallmark "136" inside a hammer for Spillman, based in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, who made the two-part cases only known in gold for the Reference 4767 and Reference 5036. It is a rare treat to unearth such a "time capsule" of a Rolex wristwatch with well-preserved historical cues and a substantial body of relevant service paperwork and correspondence. The future owner will be delighted to add to the vibrant history of this lovingly-kept Reference 5036.