Watch Paparazzi

Royal Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi spotted wearing Rolex

Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, was recently photographed wearing one of the most technically ambitious and collectible vintage Rolex references ever made — the Reference 6239, universally known in collector circles as the 'Jean-Claude Killy.' The nickname honors the Swiss triple Olympic skiing champion who famously wore the model during his 1968 Grenoble victories, cementing its legend before most collectors had even noticed it existed.

The Rolex 6239 was produced from approximately 1966 to 1968, representing Rolex's bold attempt to pack a triple calendar complication alongside a full chronograph function into the 38mm Oyster case. Powering it is a modified Valjoux 72C movement, a manually wound caliber with column wheel chronograph control, known for its robust architecture and smooth engagement. The dial on this particular example displays the hallmarks of genuine vintage patina: a creamy, tropical-toned surface with silver baton hour-markers that have aged gracefully, day and date apertures at 12 o'clock, a month indication on the inner chapter ring, and chronograph counters positioned at 3 (60-minute register) and 6 (12-hour register), with a subsidiary seconds at 9. The stainless steel case rides on the period-correct Oyster bracelet, completing the presentation.

Among serious vintage Rolex collectors, the 6239 occupies a singular position. Production numbers were extremely limited — Rolex abandoned the triple calendar chronograph configuration almost immediately, making survivors exceptionally rare. Dial condition is paramount to value, and a creamy, unrestored dial with intact printing commands exponential premiums over refinished examples. This watch is the kind of piece that appears in major auction house evening sales, not general lots.

Sheikh Ammar is known for a sophisticated appreciation of fine timepieces, and his choice here signals genuine horological knowledge rather than mere status signaling. Selecting a 6239 over more obvious trophy watches speaks to a collector who understands rarity and technical depth.

On the open market, pristine Rolex 6239 examples with original dials have realized between $150,000 and $350,000 at auction in recent years, with exceptional examples pushing beyond that ceiling. No current retail equivalent exists — this is purely a vintage market asset.