Feature: Do You Know These FORGOTTEN Rolex Chronographs?

Rolex is home to the most famous chronograph in the entire world—yep, you guessed it, the Rolex Daytona. While we’re all aware of this classic watch, what we may not be so clued-up on are the Rolex chronographs that have slipped under the radar. So, let’s meet these mystery luxury watches, shall we?

Rolex Oyster Chronograph 6036 ‘Jean Claude Killy’

Image courtesy of Bonhams

Image courtesy of Bonhams

Much like the Rolex Daytona 6263 being dubbed the ‘Paul Newman’, this Rolex Oyster Chronograph 6036 was also known as the ‘Jean Claude Killy’ after the French Alpine Ski Racer and Olympic gold medallist who famously wore it. Unlike other chronographs from the crown that we’re used to, this long-discontinued model features day and month windows, as well as the classic three sub dials at three, six and nine o’clock.

Rolex Yacht-Master II

Yes, we know many of you haven’t forgotten about the Yacht-Master—it’s pretty popular after all and is still very much alive and kicking. But what may have slipped your mind is that it does include a chronograph as one of its main functions, as well as that famed ring command bezel and 10-minute countdown feature—fancy a regatta, anyone?

Rolex Chronograph 2508

Image courtesy of Bonhams

Image courtesy of Bonhams

When we think of chronographs, we typically imagine a dial with no more or less than three sub dials. This vintage Rolex chronograph 2508, then, goes against the grain with this dual sub dialled piece—and we rather like it. Introduced in 1938 this rare steel Rolex was a very early pre-cursor to the chronographs of today, namely Rolex’s own Daytona, of course.

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