We buy and sell better quality watches from all prominent brands.
Tag Heuer Formula 1 watches have come a long way since their colourful introduction of inexpensive sports watches in 1986. The debut came toward the end of the quartz crisis that eliminated many Swiss watch manufacturers. In fact, Formula 1 was the first watch series released after Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG) acquired the Heuer watch company. Heuer had become financially stressed as their traditional mechanically based product line had trouble competing with much lower priced Japanese imports like Seiko. It’s fair to say the original, brightly coloured, composite cased original Formula 1 watches helped save the company from insolvency. They were basically a much higher quality Swatch watch. It’s not unusual for us to see an original Formula 1 come in for a fresh battery. We usually have a 1st generation for sale in our estate collection. Our latest formula 1 dates more than 3 decades after the originals hit jewellers showcases in 1986. It benefits from over 30 years of improvements. Screw down threaded crown, super hard synthetic sapphire crystal, advanced luminova glowing pigments and full 316l stainless steel construction are features the originals never had. I love the navy blue, red, and yellow highlights of this special edition Red Bull racing chronograph. Our latest F1 estate offering is in like new condition. The polished/brushed finish is completely original and has not been polished or refinished in any way. Model CAZ101AL comes complete with everything from the original purchase in the summer of 2022. It was ordered directly from Tag-Heuer online. When bought directly through Tag-Heuer the purchaser gets a giant box with extra documents, a bright red folder, and a high quality travel pouch. I guess when Tag-Heuer (Corporate) don’t need to share any of the profit with an authorized agent, they can afford to splurge a little on an elaborate presentation. The efficient and ultra precise quartz movement should run trouble free for many years to come. We would expect to see an accuracy rate of plus or minus a few seconds a month. The movement features a handy calendar and a lap time function in addition to the regular start/stop/reset chronograph. This watch is a current offering form Tag Heuer and can be seen on their website where it carries a retail price of $2,750.00 CAD. Including a complimentary 1 year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty this excellent condition Tag Heuer Formula 1 is estate priced at $1,900.00 CAD. Stock 520-00141.
SOLD
There are plenty of things to love about the 1st generation Omega Seamaster Professional “James Bond” watches. The blue wave dial with simple circular and rectangular plots, basic printed logo and text, and the unique skeletonized set of hands. Every hour if you catch them at exactly the right moment the 3 hands overlap themselves in a unique display. Even though they are overlapping, each hand can still seen. When this watch was new the tip of the seconds hand was a brilliant day glow orange colour, over the years they all fade out, this one is now almost completely white. We’ve haven’t seen a bright orange one in over 20 years. If you ever get one of these serviced and Omega change the hand, they now supply a more colour stable red-tipped seconds hand. Omega really got it right when they introduced this watch. The chonometer rated calibre 1120 is quite modern by performance standards, it is accurate and durable, but not overly complicated or costly to service when regular maintenance is required every 10 years or so. The 9 segment 13 link bracelet wears well and is very comfortable. The bushed rivet design of this generation bracelet will all eventually fail, we’ve seen plenty, but this watch has had every bushing and rivet replaced with a solid tapered interference fit stainless steel pin. This watch shows well and appears to be in original unpolished condition. It shows the regular wear and tear you’d expect to see in a rugged sports watch that is pushing 20 years old. Everything on the watch is working as designed. There’s lots of thread left on the screw down crown, winding and setting functions are all operating as designed. The supremely flexible bracelet comes with a slick locking integrated buckle that conceals a diver’s wetsuit extension in the buckle that only deploys should you need it. Likewise with the helium escape valve, you’re likely never going to use such a device but it adds an extra bit if intrigue to anyone not familiar with a professional specification diver watch. The luminous hands and markers still glow effectively in low or no light situations. The watch is set up for an average sized gentleman’s wrist. If you have a larger wrist, we have plenty of extra original links in stock. It comes with the original Omega inner/outed box, instruction booklet and card wallet. Including our complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated 4 additional years) this classic Omega Seamaster James Bond watch is estate priced at $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00192.
This 2017 Speedmaster ’57 is a homage to the original Speedmaster that debuted in, you guessed it 1957. The brushed stainless steel bezel, broad arrow hands, no crown guard case, flat lugs, recessed chronograph registers, and no “PROFESSIONAL” designation on the dial are features that stylistically connect it the original. The 54 jewel automatic co-axial movement inside is worlds away from the original hand wind 17 jewel movement that powered early Speedmasters until the late 1960s. The new mechanism features the in-house developed calibre 9300 anti-magnetic movement with a 60-hour power reserve. This is one of Omega’s most sophisticated self-winding mechanisms. The chronometer features a nonmagnetic silicon hairspring, double mainspring barrels, rapid adjust time zone setting, calendar, and of course a chronograph function. The beautiful 54 jewel mechanical marvel is visible through the large display window fitted to a case back. The chronograph is a feature found on all Speedmasters, it’s a complicated extra aspect used for timing events with 5th of a second accuracy. Unlike most analog chronograph displays, this one works just like a regular watch/clock display. One small dial at 3:00 o’clock registers both the hours and minutes in 12 hour, 60 minute format just like a regular watch face. No need to add multiple dial registers for minutes and hours. The large sweep seconds register acts like a regular seconds hand when the chronograph is activated. Not only is this common sense display far easier to use, but it also keeps the dial from looking busy and cluttered. This image is displaying an elapsed time of 2 hours 30 minutes and 13 seconds. This estate Speedmaster showcases a tropical dark brown/black mat finish dial with printed hour markers that look like aged tritium. Despite the faux tan patina tint of the markers and hands, they do a great job displaying the time when the lights go out. A discreet calendar adds some extra utility to the perfectly balanced dial. This watch was purchased new in summer of 2017 from a Canadian authorized Omega agent. The original brown calf strap has been replaced with a good quality generic replacement that fits the factory deployment buckle. The watch is in lightly worn condition, displaying scuffs and small scratches on the polished surfaces. There are no big dings on the sharp edges of the tachymetre bezel or lugs. Omega no longer offer this exact model but still show a similar model on their website that looks almost identical for $12,400.00. Included with purchase is our complimentary 1-year warranty, the original invoice, price/product tag, fully endorsed warranty cards, instructions, inner/outer boxes, and travel pouch. This retired Omega Speedmaster is estate priced at $6,400.00 CAD. Stock #510-00191.
SOLD
For about 45 years Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers were official Omega agents for the area. Looking through some old dealer catalogs from the years surrounding 2004 (when the watch was released) only the regular Seamaster is listed 2594.52.00. The single style difference between that model and our 2594.50.00 is that ours reads “AMERICA’S CUP” printed across the dial instead of “300m/1000ft”. Aesthetically the two models are identical, made from solid high grade stainless steel, with a case size of 41.5mm diameter, a black dial equipped with three red-handed subdials, and domed sapphire crystal. It’s not until you look beneath the Seahorse medallion screw down case back that the other variation from the standard model is revealed. The 2594.50.00 is equipped with a 33 jewel Swiss-made Omega Calibre 3303 self winding certified chronometer movement with a 55 hour power reserve. This column wheel movement is one of the last traditional escapement mechanisms and is based on the renowed Piguet 1285. The watch is running great with all functions operating as designed. It comes accompanied by our one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. As expected from a Seamaster built for diving, the watch is rated to a depth of 300 meters or 1000 feet. To prepare the watch for that depth it’s been equipped with a screw down helium escape valve, diver’s extension hidden beneath the push bottom fold-over clasp, and a threaded crown. The unidirectional ratcheting bezel has a luminous marker at zero to help time dives and decompression stops. The dial is also equipped with large luminous hands and hour markers for legibility in low light situations. Our special edition America’s Cup Seamaster has been lightly refinished and now shows only minor signs of wear. Comes complete with full set on cards, endorsed warranty, and original box. Estate price $4,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00167.
Not a household name but a name that deserves respect. The company was founded in 1976 by the brand’s namesake. The mid-70s were a time when traditional Swiss watchmaking technology was being attacked by the onslaught of super accurate less expensive electronic quartz watches from Japan. It was a gutsy move for the then 50-year-old Raymond Weil but it worked out pretty well. They’ve secured a comfortable niche in the affordable luxury market, with watches incorporating the features you’d expect of a fine watch without breaking the bank. The 34mm Taccata 5388 is a great example of this philosophy. Stainless steel with hard rose gold plated finish, domes sapphire crystal, beautiful mat finish black dial, applied hour markers, and a useful 31 day calendar. Beating away inside the 34mm case is a Swiss-made quartz movement powered by a silver oxide battery good for at least a couple years. The thin movement helps keep the overall thickness down to 7.6mm. The original owner only wore this watch a few times and it remains in like new condition. The gold plated surface remains scratch free and the original soft black leather strap is completely blemish free. Buckles are usually the first component to show wear and tear, not the case here. The original signed buckle looks just as good as the rest of the watch. It is running perfectly and keeping excellent time. We are happy to supply the next owner with a complimentary 1-year warranty. Raymond Weil still make a watch almost identical to this one as seen on their website for $1,325.00. Our watch doesn’t come with any original documents or packaging, but we will supply our own blue gift box with pillow. Estate priced at $3,00.00 CAD. Stock #501-00372.
Baume & Mercier made headlines in the watchmaking world in 2018 with the introduction of silicon in the construction of key regulating components found in the Baumatic automatic movement. The hairspring, lever, and escape wheel are all crafted from this high-tech material. Silicon is non magnetic and doesn’t require lubrication, this leads to a more consistent transfer of power and higher degree of accuracy. This sort of innovation was quite a surprise as it came from the quiet brand Baume & Mercier. The parent company of B & M are the Richemont Group, they also own luxury brands Cartier, IWC, Panerai, Jaeger Le-Coulter, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, and others. It’s interesting that they debuted this new technology in a moderately priced Baume & Mercier rather than one the their premium brands. Perhaps this is the beginning of a reinvention of the close to 200 year old B & M brand. If the silicon mechanical parts were not enough, the Baumatic BM12-1975A 21 jewel movement also features an ultra long 5 day (120 hour) power reserve. Most automatic watches have a 2 or 3 day power reserve. The overall look of this watch is very Swiss traditional, especially with the snow white dial. Finely tapered hands and hour markers that allow precise time keeping with easy interpretation. Fitted to the watch is a high quality chocolate brown crocodile strap. This watch was originally purchased in Korea in 2019 but has never been used. It comes complete with the original endorsed paperwork, packaging, dealer (MyungBo) travel pouch, documents, and polishing cloth that was never been used. Baume & Mercier still show this watch on their website where is is priced at CHF 3,750.00 Swiss Francs ($5,950.00 CAD). Including our 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years), this watch is estate priced at $2,600.00 CAD. Stock #501-00296.
Before Tiger Woods was dumped by Tag Heuer as their biggest brand ambassador he helped out designing this watch. Tag Heuer’s golf watch has features that make it more suitable for the golf course than a heavy/bulky design that interfere with a nice swing, not to mention are not great for an automatic watch. Its unique features also make it quite different than almost any other watch. The combination titanium case and soft rubber strap only weigh less than 2 ounces. A slightly curved square case conforms to the natural wrist shape. A left side crown can’t dig into the back of your hand adding to the comfortable feeling. The black no-slip strap is as soft as a rubber band and has no fussy clasp to deal with. The Titanium case incorporates a locking deployment buckle built into the backside of the case. For fine-tuning the strap length, the buckle is equipped with an easy to use adjustment allowing up to 2cm of on the fly adjustment in only a few seconds. Despite the clever buckle the watch still measures just over 11mm thick. A super-accurate Swiss-made quartz movement takes care of the timekeeping duties with an easy to read 3 hand display, calendar feature and luminous pigment on the hands/hour markers. Tag Heuer produced the golf watch for several years in various colour combinations. Our latest estate example is the classic black dimpled dial on black strap. The watch is in good condition showing some scuffs and scratches on the titanium that could easily be polished away if you wish. Comes with a Tag Heuer service box and pillow. While Tiger Woods is no longer endorsing Tag Heuer products (he’s moved on to work with Rolex) his golf watch design is a unique and interesting part of Tag Heuer history. This watch would be ideal for the golf/watch enthusiast or Tiger Woods fan. Included with service is a complimentary Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers one year mechanical warranty. Estate priced at $1,200.00 CAD. Stock #520-00140.
Classic looking gents Tag Heuer Link WJ201A. It’s got everything the watch enthusiast is looking for; iconic design, large size (42mm), Swiss made automatic winding movement, great name with history, functional black dial, threaded crown, one-way timer bezel, display case back and a do it all design appropriate for dressy events, business, and sporting activities. The Link series has been Tag Heuer’s dressy model since the line was introduced as the Sports Elegance way back in 1987. The look has evolved over the past 4 decades, but the wishbone link design has always been a key design feature that defines the style. The brushed/polished stainless steel construction of this gents model gives it a subtle understated look that serves purpose in a sporting or dressy situation. Soft rounded edges on the case and bracelet, plus a curved synthetic sapphire crystal make for a watch that is ultra comfortable. Luminous hour/minute hand with sweep second hand and calendar display add function a pure dress model may lack. The watch is equipped with a threaded crown/case back ensuring a water resistance rating of 200 meters. An integrated locking buckle makes sure the watch stays put securely on your wrist. The movement is a nicely decorated Swiss-made ETA 2824-2 (not a modern Swiss off-patent clone), 25 jewel automatic winding mechanism with 3 hand display plus a calendar. Tag Heuer has christened this movement the Calibre 5. Our master watchmaker performed a full overhaul to the movement in January of 2024 and the watch hasn’t been worn since. An electronic Vibrograph report comes included with purchase and shows an impressive accuracy rate well within chronometer standards. We have a feeling that Tag Heuer may be considering retiring the Link series as they are only showing a few models on their website currently. This watch comes with a Tag Heuer inner/outer box, and the correct instruction booklet, but no original warranty card. Included with purchase is our 1 year warranty (prorated 4 additional years). Tag Heuer have always been a great gateway brand to other luxury Swiss watches. Good examples are always welcomed back for trade when you want to move up the food chain. As used watches, they offer excellent value with the features and reputation watch enthusiasts are looking for. Estate priced at $1,100.00 CAD. Stock #520-00139.
The Unitime Chronographs are watches designed for someone who is interested in knowing what time it is anywhere in the world. International businessmen and world travelers can benefit from this slick world-timer. Once you synchronize your local time with the corresponding city on the outer rotating disc, you can instantly see the time in major cities throughout the world. If you travel to a different time zone the hour hand can be adjusted to display your new local time without affecting the times of any other city. When jumping time zones the minute and second hands are unaffected and continue to operate, maintaining an accurate minutes/seconds display. This watch isn’t nearly as complicated as it looks once you’ve played with it a little bit. The 12-hour chronograph feature is very simple to operate in a traditional method with the start/stop and reset buttons. These watches come equipped with threaded crowns and case backs that contribute to a more than adequate 100-meter water resistance rating. The Unitime isn’t the first world timer from Breitling as they made a version similar in function to this way back in the 1950s. What is different is the fact Breitling produced the proprietary B05 movement itself. This in-house movement is based on their B01 column wheel chronograph movement that appeared in 2009. In 2013 the B05 debuted adding 9 extra jewel bearings, bringing the total count to 56. The B05 maintains a long 70-hour power reserve and it comes with an independent certified chronometer designation. These beautiful movements are partially visible through the clear display backs. Breitling has modified the winding rotors to resemble the multi-spoke wheel of a Bentley automobile. The bezel is patterned after the automobile’s grill as another obvious Bentley design inspiration. We are extremely fortunate to have two never worn examples of the Unitime Chrono 0521. The AB example is high-grade stainless steel and the RB version is in premium 18-karat rose gold. Both watches are in impeccable condition and only show evidence of handling. They remain in 100% original condition, have never been polished or touched up in any way, and remain in unworn condition. Both watches come on Pilot bracelets with flip locks and hidden extensions under the buckles. Obviously, they show no stretch or sag of any kind. These are serious watches and require a good sized wrist. They measure a significant 49mm in diameter and weigh 234 grams in stainless steel and a whopping 320 grams in 18-karat gold. It is a rare opportunity for us to showcase the exact same model in steel and gold. For someone who requires a world timer, the steel model makes a great daily driver while you can save the gold one for special occasions while still retaining all of the utility you’ve grown accustomed to. The next owner(s) will benefit from our complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 5 years). The watches do not come with any paperwork or documents. A perfect condition box comes included with the purchase of the 18-karat watch only. They are estate priced at $7,000.00 CAD in stainless steel (stock 515-00082) and $42,000.00 CAD in 18-karat gold (stock 515-00083).
Viewing by appointment only.
Stainless steel model (AB0521 515-00082) has been sold.
Have you checked out the pricing lately of a good used Rolex Daytona or Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch? These watches have been appreciating faster than the recent real estate markets. Finding a classic Swiss chronograph without spending a fortune is getting more difficult all the time. A weak Canadian dollar is adding to pricing pressures too. The Tag Heuer Carrera CV2011-0 is a watch that offers a classic, purposeful, sporting look without the sky high pricing. The Carrera was introduced in the mid 1960s and was arguably more popular than the benchmark Rolex Daytona of the period. It was standard equipment on many wrists of automotive sports participants, especially in rally car racing. Even today the Carrera looks the same as it did over half a century ago. Instead of a manual winding 17 jewel movement, the modern Carrera chronograph is equipped with a 25 jewel automatic Swiss made mechanism with a 12 hour chronograph and calendar (something the original lacked). This example is old enough to feature an original Tag Heuer modified Valjoux 7750 movement, which is visible through the display case back. It’s a reasonably sized watch with a case diameter of 41.5mm. The silver dial with silver chrono registers forms a classic sophisticated look, especially with the ghost grey tachymetre bezel. Our latest Carrera comes with the original solid stainless steel bracelet with a locking buckle. If you ever decide you want to go all in for a Daytona or Moonwatch, Carreras like this are always welcomed back as trade-ins. Our example is in good condition. The previous owner wore most of the time and it is showing scratches on the case and bracelet. The bezel insert’s edge and bezel frame have some abrasions and impact marks around the circumference. Showing some areas of wear and tear, but it’s the honest patina that comes from an enjoyable wearing experience by the previous owner. This watch was originally purchased in Canada and comes with the original packaging, documents, and endorsed (not dated) warranty card. Comes with a complimentary 1 year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty, the watch is estate priced at $2,400.00 CAD. Stock #520-00078.
When this watch was made in 1970 Omega had produced a little over 30 million watches since there inception in 1848. They were producing around 4 million watches annually. Rolex by comparison had produced only around 3 million watch since their founding in 1905 and had annual sales of around 200,000 watches per year. Omega dominated the Swiss made market for the majority of the 20th century. This was the heyday of Swiss watch production. The Swiss had absolute control of the watch industry. Their luxury mechanical watches were eagerly purchased by coming of age baby boomers and their parents. There were lots of great paying jobs and the world economy was booming. As a nod to complete luxury, not only is the case and bracelet made entirely of premium 18 karat gold, so is the dial as indicated by the OM text at the bottom. OM stands for “Or Massif” which translates to solid gold in English. A solid gold gents Omega on bracelet is a very rare find for us. This is one of only a handful of vintage examples to pass through our estate department. The condition looks almost completely original. The 18 karat sold gold dial (not painted) is in very good condition, showing very minor oxidation stains. An integrated link bracelet graduates in width to the fold over snap buckle. An embossed Omega logo on the buckle shows little wear, even the subtle striped pattern is still visible. Tight joints in every link show show a small amount of wear and a touch of stretch in the heavy bracelet. It’s hard to say with 100% certainty but we think the only thing not original is the crown. The gold capped crown is possibly a genuine replacement item as it is signed with the more modern short Omega logo and exhibits the expected degree of wear. There aren’t too many service records etched in the case back and the plastic crystal displays the corporate logo embossed in the center. Housed inside the gold case is a beautiful Omega 20 jewel in house calibre 1001 that is running well and keeping great time. Rose gold plating on the movement still display the type of finish that helped earn Omega great respect among those who serviced them. My father was a watch maker who learned his craft in the late 1940s. I remember him saying how Omega watches were a pleasure not only to look at but to work on too. This slender movement was independently certified to chronometer status making it one of the most accurate wrist watches of its day. To earn certified chronometer status the watch must maintain accurate time keeping of better than 99.99% per day. The movement was overhauled by our master watchmaker in June 2023 and is performing well within certified chronometer levels of accuracy. The timing report shows a gain rate of just 1 second per day, an excellent balance amplitude of 284 degrees, and a perfect beat error of zero milliseconds. Looking for similar watches online lines reveals very few to compare. The case back numbers of 166.059 168.047 doesn’t really help in finding many as nice as this one. I suspect many of these watches were melted down over the years to access the gold value they contain. This watch has a weight similar to that of a solid gold Rolex Day-Date of the era at over 142 grams. Removing the movement and crystal leaves a net weight of 125 grams including the solid gold dial. At the current price of gold ($3,785.00 CAD October 21, 2024) the value of just the gold in this watch is $11,400.00! This is a good sized watch that wears much larger than its 33mm wide case size suggests. The 18 flexible link bracelet will accommodate a wrist size of over 8 inches. For a 54 year old watch, we’d consider the overall condition to be quite good. Including a complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty this cool vintage Omega is estate priced at $12,925.00 CAD. Stock #510-00148.
The beauty of the mechanical watch is best displayed in its purest form of simple time keeping with perhaps a calendar display. This watch doesn’t scream exotic, expensive, and complicated but it’s all of those things in subtle stainless steel on a leather strap. Omega has been one of the world’s great watch manufactures since the mid-1800s. They’ve made many millions of watches since then and always with great attention to detail. They produce sophisticated mechanical movements with reliable technology like no other. While not inexpensive, the economy of scale allows Omega watches to compete with Switzerland’s finest at a price point many can afford. The 39 jewel masterpiece housed within the 41mm case is a competent as any from the most exclusive boutique Swiss brands. A complicated double mainspring barrel setup allows a long 60-hour power reserve while maintaining accuracy levels well under chronometer tolerances. The movement ticks away at an unusual 25,200 cycles per hour, compared to 28,800 cycles for most of Omega’s movement and pretty much the entire watch industry. Independent testing of the Master Chronometer movements goes much further than the standard COSC testing requirements. In short, each movement is tested in various positions while exposed to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss and subject to extreme temperature variations. In order to achieve the title of Master Chronometer the movement must keep time within zero to plus 5 seconds per day. Under regular conditions, many owners report an accuracy level of only just a few seconds per week. The beautiful movement is visible through the clear display back. The luxury finishes extend beyond the polished and satin finish case to the soft alligator strap with a locking deployment buckle. The brown dial has a radial finish centre section with a circular edge containing beautifully faceted Roman numerals. Simple white text with an applied Omega dial completes the understated dial. This watch was originally purchased through a Canadian authorized Omega agent for Christmas of 2016. It was only occasionally used since then and looks practically unworn. Only a few tiny scuffs can be seen on the stainless steel case. The leather strap also appears practically unworn. The watch comes complete with the original instruction booklet, 3 cards with a fully endorsed warranty, foam-lined white outer cardboard box, an original wooden inner box, and the plastic product tag showing the serial number and original price of $7,550.00 CAD. This watch is still available from Omega and can be seen on the corporate website with a current price of $7,900.00 CAD. We are happy to provide the next owner with a complimentary 1-year warranty with purchase. This like-new De Ville Master Chronometer is estate priced at $5,900.00 CAD. Stock #e14603 510-00047.
Watches made from precious metals are the current trend among the world’s top brands. Companies like Omega, Breitling, and Rolex are showcasing some very expensive watches crafted from gold and platinum. Even with gold prices at $1,930.00 U.S. per ounce and climbing, these brands aren’t afraid to showcase new models. Luxury goods have weathered well since covid and even increased in value over the past few years. Every time a solid gold watch turns up around here we are impressed by the value they offer when priced by the gram. This very rare Omega Symbol from the mid-80s is occasionally seen in all stainless steel and two-tone, but virtually never in all 18-karat gold. The classic tone-on-tone champagne dial with rich yellow gold is a look that is always in style and neutral enough the blend with any outfit. This slim line watch measures an easy to wear 32mm in diameter and ultra-thin 5.5mm in height. The 6-jewel Swiss-made quartz movement displays the time with 2 simple stick hands. It is running flawlessly and keeping excellent time. A discreet calendar adds some additional function and utility. When we removed the movement, stem, crown, case back gasket, and other non-gold elements (leaving just the sapphire crystal) we were impressed by its 83.5-gram weight. With gold prices around $3,800.00 Canadian, this watch contains close to $7,500.00 in just precious metal. You’d have a hard time finding a simple 18-karat gold chain or basic wedding band priced anywhere near our estate price of $100.00 per gram. Of course, this watch is so much more than a simple one-piece casting or mass-produced, machine-made, jewellery item. It was constructed from dozens of specific components all working together to create a beautiful piece of jewellery that also happens to tell time. It is running great and keeping excellent time. The sapphire crystal is scratch free and offers perfect optical properties for easy time interpretation. Aside from giving the case and bracelet a light surface polish, ultrasonic cleaning, and a fresh battery the watch needed no service. We’re happy to provide a complimentary 1-year warranty for the new owner. While Omega no longer produces this model, they make a larger 39mm and heavier (232 gram) Constellation. The contemporary model is powered by a far heavier automatic winding mechanical mechanism and is priced at $57,000.00 CAD. We’d estimate the value of gold in this modern example would be around $17,800.00 at the current gold values. We are happy to include a complimentary 1-year warranty on this slick retro Omega for the next owner. This rare Omega is estate priced at $8,200.00 CAD. Stock number #510-00107.
There is a special attraction many of us have for mechanical watches with a chronograph feature. Even if this extra complication isn’t needed or hardly ever used, it really looks cool and definitely adds an extra dimension to any watch. If you’ve been lusting over a Rolex Daytona, Omega Planet Ocean, or a Breitling SuperOcean, but don’t want to spend that much, the Tag Heuer Aquaracer is a compelling option. It offers pretty much the same features but without the same price of admission. The workhorse movement ticking away inside the 43mm stainless case may not be an Officially Certified Chronometer, but there is a good chance it runs within or is very close to “Chronometer” accuracy expectations of +6 to -4 seconds per day. Tag Heuer’s calibre 16 is a modified Valjoux 7750 or the off-patent clone Sellita SW500. The Valjoux version has been powering some of the world’s most important brands, including Omega and Breitling for close to 5 decades. Reliable and accurate movement aside, this watch has all the other features to keep the watch enthusiast interested. A beautiful silver horizontally striped dial has enough texture changes to keep even the most discriminating eye entertained. The recessed concentric ring registers with gold beveled frames give this dial even more depth. A heavily gold plated one-way timer bezel is a handy tool for measuring elapsed times of up to an hour when 1/10ths of a second accuracy aren’t required. Thick hands and hour markers with luminous pigments are ultra-legible in any lighting situation. A hardened sapphire crystal keeps that amazing dial in sharp focus, with a convenient calendar window at 3:00 o’clock adding extra utility. The solid link bracelet comes with a mechanical locking buckle and diver extension. Even the threaded case back is decorated with an embossed image of an antique diver’s helmet. This watch is in very good condition. It was only occasionally worn and shows some light scratches. The watch remains in original condition and hasn’t been polished or refinished in any way. The hard gold plating is thick enough that it can be polished, but we wouldn’t recommend it. It comes complete with the original inner/outer boxes, instruction booklet, fully endorsed warranty card (Manchester England), product tag, protective white cardboard sleeve, and a bill of sale from the previous owner. The two-tone look is back with many luxury brands showing gold with steel on models that were only available in steel before. There is enough gold to be dressy but there is no denying the sporting nature of this Aquaracer. This is a great way to get into the automatic chronograph market without risk. If you decide to trade it in for something different, the Tag Heuer AquaRacer has always been popular with our customers and they don’t usually sit in our displays for too long. This watch is estate priced at $3,000.00 CAD. Stock #520-00138.
A watch doesn’t need to be massive to make a statement or leave an impression. Many contemporary sport watches are just too big for people with smaller wrists; diameters of 45mm and larger can be awkward and cumbersome for the average size arm. This one measures a comfortable 39mm making it suitable for the more slender wrist. Breitling’s Chronomat K13352 in rich 18-karat yellow gold (115 grams gross weight) is sporty by nature but can be worn for dressy occasions too. The beautiful black face with champagne register dials is a striking combination. The smaller rounded crown and control buttons don’t dig into the back of your hand. Breitling is known for their large sporty chronograph watches. Although this watch is smaller in size it doesn’t lack the features you’d expect from a luxury Swiss watch. The two-tone black/champagne panda dial makes chronograph interpretation very easy. Luminous hour markers and hands allow for time reference in any lighting situation. A chapter ring tachymeter scale on the dial allows units per hour calculations. The one-way ratcheting bezel adds an additional 60-minute timer capability independent of the 12-hour chronograph. Calendar, continuous seconds hand, threaded crown/case back, curved synthetic sapphire crystal (with anti-reflective coating) and certified chronometer automatic movement round off this watches attributes. This watch dates from around the turn of the 21st. century and remains in its original unpolished condition. It looks almost like new old stock, showing no major scratches or dings anywhere on the case, bezel, or case back. Attached to the watch is a classy black crocodile leather strap with a signed 18-karat yellow gold buckle. The premium quality strap is original to the watch and is also in like new condition, without any stains or blemishes. Included with the watch is a Breitling inner/outer box with an instruction booklet, warranty booklet, chronometer certificate, and a complimentary one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. The black-on-black strap/dial combination is about as dressy as you can get for a sports watch. The standard 20mm lug span allows easy strap substitution if you’d like to make a more casual statement with a brown strap. It’s amazing how a simple strap substitution gives the watch an entirely different personality. Estate priced at $11,300.00 CAD. Stock #515-00077.
Despite the immense variety of watches available, the vast majority can be classified into three categories: either manual wind, automatic or quartz. Manual wind watches are the oldest technology dating back to the first pocket watches. With manual wind watches, every day or two you must physically wind the mainspring to store the required energy to power the mechanism. Automatic watches run on mechanical energy generated by the movement of the wearer’s wrist which winds the mainspring and then slowly, predictably releases power to the hands. Automatic watches never need a battery— only the occasional service. The exceptionally well-tuned, high end, fully adjusted, automatic watch can keep time accurate time to +/- a few seconds per day. Quartz watches instead rely on a quartz crystal to keep time, which vibrates when an electric current is passed through it. In most quartz watches, the crystal will vibrate exactly 32,768 times per second, which the watch can use to keep time to an accuracy of better than +/- 1 second a day. The downside of quartz watches is that they need a battery to power the circuitry and move the hands. The Grand Seiko “Spring Drive” movement takes the best aspects of a traditional manual wind watch with the accuracy of the finest quartz movement but without the need for a battery, capacitor, or any other electric storage system. Seiko’s “Tri-Synchro Regulator” technology is like nothing else. Like a manual watch, its power comes entirely from power stored in the mainspring that is very slowly released. However, instead of powering a traditional balance wheel through a series of gears to the hands; mechanical energy is used to power a tiny generator producing a continuous electric current. This current first powers a quartz crystal, keeping time much more precisely than any mechanical balance wheel oscillating over 4000 times slower ever could. The watch then compares the frequency of the quartz crystal with that of the spring drive glide wheel and uses the remaining current to apply a frictionless electromagnetic brake on the wheel to regulate its speed. The brake keeps the wheel perpetually spinning at a precise rate as determined by the quartz crystal. No battery to replace, and no rechargeable capacitor to fail as with every other quartz watch including solar-powered watches. You get the best of both worlds: the accuracy of quartz watches with the convenience/reliability of old fashion hand wind. There truly is no other watch in the world that even comes close to this level of ingenuity. Keeping the dial of the watch free from anything other than the most basic 3 hand timekeeping duties, this watch features a power reserve gauge visible through the transparent display back. Our newest estate watch comes from a Canadian authorized Grand Seiko agent purchased in June 2020. The watch is in hardly worn condition. It was stored unworn from the initial purchase in June 2020. It was then occasionally worn from May 2022 until December 2022 before finding its way to Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. The only evidence of use are insignificant scuffs on the case and buckle that are only revealed under extreme scrutiny. There is a small impact mark on the bezel at the 5 minute position that can be seen with the naked eye. The watch remains in its original unpolished condition. This is one of the rarest Spring Drive Grand Seikos with only 700 produced commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Seiko Spring Drive technology. Unless you were sharp out of the gate and pre-ordered one of these, they were likely sold out before you ever knew they existed. These watches carried a CAD MSRP of $10,300.00. On the secondary market, used versions are selling for significantly more than the original price. It comes complete with inner/outer boxes, documents, and endorsed warranty papers. The previous owner lost the white cardboard box sleeve and tan travel pouch after these images were taken. The watch is running perfectly and keeping better time than certified chronometer requirements. It remains under the Seiko warranty until June of 2023. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers will provide a 1-year warranty extension for the new owner. We are thrilled to showcase only our 2nd Seiko Spring Drive for the estate price of $12,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00053.
In the 1960s the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was charged with the task to land a man on the surface of the moon before the end of the decade by John F. Kennedy. While many of the systems on the heavy lift Saturn rockets were electronic NASA also required analogue and mechanical devices incase the electronic systems failed. For many timing procedures and old fashion hand wind wristwatch made the most sense. A NASA employee purchased a variety of high end chronograph equipped watches from Dallas jewellers to test it they were suitable for NASA’s requirements. The watches were subjected to rigorous testing to their failure points under extreme conditions to determine suitability for “manned space fight”. Even the Rolex Cosmograph eventually succumbed to the testing leaving Omega Speedmaster that would go on the be “Officially Certified for all Manned Space Flight Missions” by NASA. Our latest watch is an early example with the word PROFESSIONAL proudly printed on the dial and dates from 1966. Beating away inside the 42mm stainless case is the famous Omega calibre 321. This slow beat (18,000 cycles per hour) movement is what every Moonwatch collector is looking for. The 321 is the movement that was used by the moon landing astronauts. By 1969 the 321 had been retired and replaced by the 861 that was used up until only a few years ago. This example displays a beautiful stepped dial that has colour shifted to a very dark tropical brown colour from black. The tritium pigment has mostly fallen out of the hands over the last 58 years but are typical for their age. The bezel is in great shape for an older replacement showing a lovely faded black patina and maintaining a mostly ding free thick edge. The 19 link stainless steel bracelet is a genuine Omega replacement style that clearly displays the part number 1171/1 on the buckle. It remains in very good condition despite the sag, these bracelet were never tight even when new. The watch is in good overall condition given the age and the fact it was regularly used for most of its life. The curved lugs are a beautiful as even and still nice and thick. Our watchmaker has just performed a full service the the vintage 321 movement and it is running flawlessly with all features operating as designed. The October 2024 Vibrograph shows a accuracy rate well withing Omega’s tolerances and a practically perfect beat error of just 0.1 milliseconds. We are confident and please to provide the next owned with a 1-year warranty (prorated 4 additional years). This is quite a rare watch. We see Omega Speedmaster moonwatches pass through our estate department several times a year, but this is the first 321 equipped example I can even remember. The brown tropical dial is an added bonus. Estate priced at $9,000.00 CAD. Stock #510-00173.
SOLD
This is one of Omega’s most audacious watch experiments, at least when it comes to the metals they selected for its construction. The 300 Professional series was introduced in 1993 and was an instant success with Omega customers. It was half the price of the Rolex Submariner but offered the same performance with extra features. You could get it quartz or automatic chronometer, lady’s size, and two men’s sizes. It came in stainless steel, two-tone, solid gold, titanium, with a bracelet or on a rubber strap. This version was by far the most striking and unusual. A close look reveals the grey titanium, 18 karat red gold, and the usual bluish/grey mystery metal. The curious coloured metal used between the red gold stripes in the bracelet and in the bezel is tantalum. Tantalum is very hard, dense, ductile, is easily machined, and is highly conductive to electricity and heat. It resists almost all forms of chemical attack and has a melting point of over 3000 degrees Celsius! I don’t know why we don’t see more luxury watches made from this material. The rest of this Professional is exactly the same as any other 300 meter chronograph from the series. Our watchmaker just performed a full overhaul to the modified Valjoux 7750 chronometer movement. The service also included a new original chronograph pusher, vacuum testing, and regulating to chronometer accuracy. The watch is in well worn but good overall condition. It appears to be in unpolished condition, showing little bracelet sag. It comes with its original packaging, instructions, documents, warranty (note been filled out), and even the original hang tag. When we were authorized agents for Omega we only sold this model a couple of times by special order only. At the time it cost more than twice the price of the basic stainless chronograph. Including our 1 year warranty, this rare and unusual Seamaster is estate priced at $6,000.00 CAD. Stock #510-00185.
Tag Heuer Formula 1 watches have come a long way since the line was introduced in 1986. Their debut came toward the end of the quartz crisis that bankrupted many Swiss watch manufacturers. The Formula 1 series was the first watch series released after Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG) acquired the Heuer watch company. Heuer had become financially stressed, as their traditional mechanically based product line had trouble competing with much lower-priced electronic Japanese imports like Seiko. It is fair to say the brightly coloured, composite cased original Formula 1 watches helped save the company from insolvency. It was quite a gamble for the newly formed Tag-Heuer company to risk the future of the company on these colourful new creations. A great resource for all things vintage Tag Heuer is Calibre11.com. This image of some first-generation Formula 1 watches is from Calibre11.com. Our latest formula 1 dates more than 3 decades after the originals hit jewellers showcases in 1986. It benefits from 30 years of improvements. Screw down threaded crown, super hard synthetic sapphire crystal, advanced luminova glowing pigments, and full 316l stainless steel construction. Our newest Tag Heuer F1 is the classic CAU1111 Chronograph with Panda dial. This is a very rugged sports watch. The 41.5mm case is water-resistant to over 600 feet, thanks to its screw-down crown and threaded case-back. The 12-hour chronograph timer is accurate to 1/10 of a second and is equipped to take split time readings. Attached to the case is a solid link bracelet with a diver’s extension and flip-lock buckle. Overall condition is very good showing some scuffs and small scratches on the steel case and bracelet. The mostly brushed finish does a great job hiding those day to day blemishes a watch that is worn under all conditions inevitably collects. The large tachymetre bezel scale is handy for calculating speed or other units per hour. The super accurate Swiss-made quartz movement is running flawlessly keeping excellent time. Comes with the fully endorsed warranty card from our friends in Hamilton Ontario, Ashley Jewellers, plus the original inner/outer boxes, and instruction booklet. Included with the watch is a complimentary 1-year warranty. Estate priced at $1,200.00 CAD. 520-00135.
Spend some time in Omega’s online museum and you’ll learn more about their watches than you’ll know what to do with. The history of the Constellation is surprisingly interesting; developed in 1952 to commemorate Omega’s chronometric (accuracy/timing) achievements at the world’s observatories. The line was redesigned in 1982 launching the Constellation Manhattan which featured on its case back the Cupola of the Geneva Observatory and 8 stars. The 8 stars on the case back represent two chronometer accuracy timing records and six awards Omega received for accuracy competitions between 1933 and 1952. This model continued the Manhattan tradition of the bezel Griffes or claws on the case, originally designed to hold the crystal in place and keep the watch watertight. In 1995, the line was updated with a more rounded case, slightly domed bracelet links, and a curved crystal. This member of the ’95 collection dates from around 1998 and comes equipped with a factory-delivered diamond marker, mother of pearl dial with the optional and costly diamond set bezel. Made from stainless steel and 18 karat yellow gold with a 25.5mm case the watch is in good original condition. It shows small scuffs and scratches as a testament to careful use, the bracelet remains tight with zero stretch or sag. Its condition appears completely original with no signs of polishing or refinishing. The fully jewelled, super accurate quartz, calibre 1456 movement is running perfectly and keeping excellent time. The very pretty natural mother of pearl dial displays a lovely iridescent effect as the watch is moved. This special diamond dial was a $950.00 upgrade over the basic champagne or silver painted dial, the diamond bezel added $1,850.00 more. Omega only use very good quality brilliant cut diamonds of at least VS-FG standards. The 50 diamonds used in this watch weigh a combined 0.50 carats. The original MSRP of this watch in 1998 was $6,350.00 CAD. Omega still make a version of this watch in a slightly smaller 25mm size with a few style tweaks and a price of $12,100.00 CAD. The current design can be seen on the Omega website here. Our latest one owner watch was purchased new at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers when we were official agents for Omega. It does not come with any original packaging or documents. The bracelet has been sized to fit a smaller sized wrist. We can supply a few extra links if necessary. It is running great and keeping excellent time. Including our complimentary one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty, this watch is estate priced at $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00164.
This is one of the most interesting watches we’ve had the pleasure of showcasing. The Longines Admiral Mystery Dial is a dressy creation from one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers. The roots of Longines can be traced back to 1832 when Auguste Agassiz founded the brand in Saint-Imier Switzerland. The factory still stands today in the same location it was build in 1867. The Longines Mystery Dial was not the first watch to display the time in this manner but they are likely the most well known. Longines’ vision of the Mystery retains a traditional minute hand, but with a chevron shaped gold index applied to an hour disc. The simple illusion results in the chevron hour indicator that appears to mysteriously float and track the hours as time passes. We’ve sold many thousands of new and estate watches since we opened our doors in 1958 but this is only the second Mystery Dial we’ve seen. According to the 11.2 million serial number, this watch dates from 1960. Longines produced several different Mystery Dials watches over the years. Some were simple hand-wind gold plated/filled and far fewer were made in solid gold with self winding movements. Our example is the far more illusive automatic winding version in a solid 14 karat gold case. Both dial sections retain the original sunburst and crosscut textured finishes. The hour markers consist of tapered hash marks with funky looking corrugated diamond shaped markers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. A cross cut Florentine texture on the case bezel is believed to be original and is still in very good condition showing good relief. Longines Mystery Dial watches are scarce to say the least. We tried at length to find another image online with the same dial and case texture without success; this is one rare watch. We received the watch in running condition but missing a crown. After a full service, new original stem and generic crown, the watch is running very well and keeping good time. Powering the 33.4mm diameter watch is the Longines automatic winding calibre 19A 17 jewel movement. This shock protected mechanism features solid gold jewel settings and an innovative winding mechanism employing ratcheting pawls instead of gears to lock the automatic winding wheels that is similar to the IWC Pellaton system. The watch is somewhat small compared to many contemporary designs but appropriate for its vintage nature. It can be worn by anyone who appreciates unusual luxury watches. A new 18mm soft leather strap from Hirsh was just fitted to the watch. Including a 1-year warranty (prorated 4 additional years) this rare Longines is estate priced at $1,900.00 CAD. Stock #501-00349.
It can take decades of marketing for a brand to become synonymous with a look. In the automotive world, the Porsche 911 comes to mind. Whether it’s a 1973 or 2023 model year, the stylists are careful to retain certain elements of design that define the look. In the watch world, the Rolex Oyster is one such watch, for Omega it’s the Constellation. For over 40 years the flagship Constellation has had a look with design components consistent with the original 1982 Manhattan model. The 4 claws at 3:00 and 9:00 o’clock, Roman numeral bezel, and integrated bracelet have always been used in one form or another. This watch was purchased new from Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers October 22, 1999 when we were authorized agents for Omega. All the original documentation for the watch including the fully endorsed warranty card and chronometer certificate are included. The watch shows scratches and scuffs on the bracelet, case and bezel from everyday use but it is 100% original. No polishing or refinishing has been done since it left the Geneva factory. The Constellation has been the flagship model within the Omega family since they were introduced in 1952. The automatic winding movement inside the case is Omega’s 1120 chronometer. It is running great and keeping excellent time after full service in the winter of 2023 (copy of our work order is included). These are uncommon watches today and seldom show up in our estate department. This more rounded design was first update of the original 1982 Manhattan design. Over 40 years later, Omega still makes a watch that looks very similar. Model 131.20.36.60.02.002 is the current version and comes with a retail price of $8,700.00. Including our complimentary 1-year warranty this 2001 Omega Constellation is estate priced at $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00188.
Gentleman’s watches and Cartier goes back to where it all began. Wristwatches were pretty much only worn by women until Cartier designed the Santos. It was the answer to a request from pioneering pilot Alberto Santos Dumont who needed a watch while flying his precarious aircraft. A gentleman’s pocket watch was too dangerous and awkward at the least to use while trying to control experimental airplanes. Dumont was a personal friend of the famous Paris Jeweller Louis Cartier. The Cartier “Santos” can correctly be called the world’s first true pilot’s watch. Modern men should be grateful to both Cartier and Alberto Santos Dumont or we could still be using pocket watches today. The Dunmont W2SA0017 is the latest version of a watch that goes back to 1904 and has been in serial production for well over 100 years. Its extra large size may not be truely representative of contemporaries from other brands but this is large for a Santos. The square outline looks much larger than 33.9mm width suggests. Compared to a Rolex 36mm Oyster it actually appears larger. The slim profile of just 7.5mm is accomplished with the help a very thin Cartier-branded version of Piaget’s ultra-thin, manual-winding calibre 430P calibre with a simple two hand display of the time only. This remarkable little movement is only 2.1mm tall. The hand wind movement has a power reserve of 38 hours and runs at a relaxed frequency of 21,600 cycles per hour. This reliable mechanism has been in service for around 25 years. The case features a solid 18 karat rose gold bezel, sapphire crystal, beaded crown with synthetic spinel cabochon. The signature of Alberto Santos Dumont is debossed into the case back along with the serial number and other Cartier information. This watch comes complete with everything from when originally purchased in June 2021. It is in original unpolished condition. There are a few light shallow scuffs on the rose gold bezel and stainless steel case. These minor blemishes go unnoticed except under extreme scrutiny. The quick release original Cartier black crocodile strap is in like new condition along with the signed Cartier buckle. This is a current model available at any Cartier boutique for $11,700.00 CAD. For a sophisticated event there is nothing nicer to wearing a thin hand wind mechanical timepiece. Refined taste in a less is more package is what the Cartier Dumont is all about. This watch is covered by our 1-year warranty (prorated 5-years) and is estate priced at $8,865.00 CAD. Stock #501-00238.
Luxury watches come in all sizes, if you like yours served up extra large, we have the perfect watch for you. This watch measures a generous 48.8mm in diameter. For decades the benchmark size for a racing chronograph has been around 40mm to 42mm. Omega’s Speedmaster and the Rolex Daytona both measure between 40 and 42mm. Pictured beside our Breitling Bentley T Speed, an 18-karat white gold Daytona looks more like a mid-sized watch. The Breitling Motors T Speed Chronograph features a very interesting chronograph function; the elapsed seconds register runs at twice the speed of a traditional watch. The seconds register circles the entire dial in just 30 seconds. This super fast pace does serve a practical purpose, it allows 1/10th of a second timing capability. Without the highspeed chronograph module, this watch would have to make do with just a 1/5 second timing increment. Seeing the seconds register circle the dial in just 30 seconds does take some getting used to, but this feature makes great sense in a business where tenths of a second matter. The extra large dial makes interpreting the tenths possible. The dial also incorporates a tachymeter scale for measuring units per hour between 1000 to 95. A rotating slide rule bezel adds extra mathematical calculation functions for those who want to exploit every possible function this watch offers. The iridescent natural mother of pearl dial is an upgrade luxury feature over the basic black or white face. The Bentley connection extends from the case back that displays 3 classic Bentley automobiles to the engine turned bezel finish that takes inspiration from the dashboard of vintage Bentleys. This watch is number 272 of just 500 produced. Attached to the case is an extra-long, heavily padded crocodile leather strap with white stitching. The strap is secured by an 18-karat foldover deployment buckle. The watch comes with a Bentley inner/outer box, a limited edition certificate, and a chronometer certificate. This watch was owned by a long time Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers customer who took exceptional care of it. It is in excellent condition looking almost like new. The leather strap hardly looks worn. All the functions of the watch are operating as designed. We are happy to include a 1-year warranty for the next owner. This watch is estate priced at $19,750.00 CAD. Stock #515-00054.
I wonder if Jack Heuer (great grandson of the company’s founder) ever could have imagined that 60 years after he designed the original Carrera, it would still be one of the brand’s most sought after models. It’s incredible to think that the iconic 1964 design is still around and looks basically the same as the original. Calibre 1887 squarely places Tag-Heuer at the forefront of modern watch making technology. The 39 jewel column wheel automatic winding chronograph movement is a miniature mechanical masterpiece comprising of 320 individual components working in perfect coordination. Although the design wasn’t completely developed by Tag Heuer, it’s been boldly re-engineered to a higher standard with greater performance. The column wheel chronograph is much more precise feeling compared to modular types seen in most automatic chronograph movements built by rival brands. Sophisticated, a pleasure to operate and beautiful to look at through the display back. It’s a movement that Tag Heuer is obviously very proud of. Our Carrera was purchased at an Ontario Tag Heuer authorized agent in the summer of 2011. It was worn for over 10 years on the original stainless steel bracelet. About two years ago the original owner purchased the very expensive Tag Heuer stainless steel deployment buckle with black crocodile strap. The accessory Tag Heuer strap and buckle cost over $1,000.00. The strap and buckle combination was only used a few months before he decided to trade the watch in for something different. The buckle still displays a protective blue sticker on the inside of the fold. The easy to operate deployment buckle is simple to operate and helps extend the life of the beautiful stitched edge strap. The 41mm case looks bigger than the dimension suggests thanks to the silver/white dial and thin bezel. This version is the dressiest of the Carreras, a simple dial with stick hour markers and no tachymeter bezel scale allows the watch to look equally at home on the race track or at your next black tie event. A discreet calendar display window is located at 3:00 o’clock providing some useful extra functionality. Comes complete with the original inner/outer box, fully endorsed warranty card and instruction booklet. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers will supply an complimentary 1 year warranty. Estate priced at $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #520-00128.
Omega makes many limited editions of their popular models. I’m sure there are dozens of different limited edition Seamaster James Bond watches and Speedmasters. The sheer numbers of limited edition offerings definitely dilute the appeal and merely make most just another model variation. We’ve seen many Omega limited editions made in runs of up to 10,000 units. Here is another Omega limited edition, but this one is well and truly a rare watch as just 333 were ever made. This is one of the last few made, number 328 0f 333. For a giant manufacturer like Omega, this is a remarkably low number. We originally sold this watch around 2007 when we were authorized agents for Omega. We still have an old catalog here showing the Canadian retail price of $18,000.00.This is a curious watch and I really don’t know what it was commemorating or why it was produced in such low numbers. What I can say is it is a very interesting timepiece due to its overwhelmingly simple and effective approach to displaying the time. The 44mm case size was giant when this watch appeared in 2007 and even today it looks extra large due to the bright white dial and lack of a thick bezel. This isn’t white paint, it is made of glass enamel. Enamel is an old technique using powdered glass and fusing it to a metal base. This process produces a super hard durable finish that doesn’t fade or stain. The technique was mostly abandoned when pocket watches fell out of favor around the mid-point of the 20th century. Omega clearly hasn’t lost its ability to produce a dial that looks like it could have come from one of their exquisite pocket watches from 100 years ago. The font on this watch looks like an early Art Deco design or something you’d see on a First World War trench watch. Simple tapered hands, a skinny blued-steel second hand, and a thin minute track on the dial edge complete the vintage look. Rather than equipping this watch with a predictable display back, Omega selected to fit this watch with a beautiful embossed image. Chronos is the Greek god of time. The winged deity is pictured on top of a globe holding an oversized pocketwatch in one hand and a spear in the other. I’m sure the solid threaded case back added significant cost compared to a display window and contributed to a total weight of 139 grams! This watch is in almost new condition, it has only been worn a handful of times and has never been polished in any way. Over time the copper alloy in rose gold produces a soft oxidized patina that we decided to leave alone. This subtle finish can easily be removed with a polishing cloth by hand in less than 1 minute. We thought leaving it completely visible was a testament to show just how little wrist time this watch has seen since 2007. The original soft brown crocodile strap is perfect and the 18-karat locking deployment buckle works great and snaps shut with a satisfying click.Powering this less is more oversized dress watch is Omega’s Co-Axial calibre 2403 automatic winding mechanism. This movement is based on Omega’s Co-Axial calibre 2500 but without the date mechanism. The 2500 was the first commercially produced Co-Axial escapement movement. The 2500 is based on the workhorse ETA 2892-A2, so you can be confident this movement will provide a lifetime of reliable service with the occasional servicing. We’d normally open a watch like this up to show off the pretty little mechanism but the delicate red wax seal is still completely intact showing the case-back has never been removed.We are happy to supply the next owner with a complimentary 1-year warranty. It does not come with any original documentation or packaging. Our estate price for this genuine Omega rarity is $13,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-000132
Chopard’s Happy Diamonds collection is best described by the 163 year old Swiss institution as being, “as audacious as they are playful, with their iconic dancing diamonds gently moving and twirling between two sapphire crystals, symbolizing an authentic touch of Joie de Vivre and a truly free spirit. Little diamonds do great things” This Happy Sport diamond chronograph certainly captures that spirit with its 0.35 carat total weight collection of 5 round brilliant cut diamonds. The diamonds are of excellent quality, grading a conservative VS clarity, G colour, and all of excellent cut. They spin and twirl across the sapphire crystal sandwich with the slightest movement. A high point in the centre of each of the bezel settings causes them to spin like a top as they float around the dial. It’s a fun a mesmerizing display that adds some sparkle to the sporting nature of this watch. It’s a large watch with a diameter of 42mm but isn’t difficult to wear. The depth of 12.6mm is quite manageable and with a comfortable weight of only 79 grams. The soft alligator strap is cut on the shorter side and comfortably fits a wrist size of up to 7 1/2 inches (longer length straps are available). This watch is in excellent condition showing only light signs of use. There are very minor scuffs and scratches on the case and bezel. The original black strap and signed Chopard buckle look almost new. Keeping time behind the easy to read white dial is a high precision Swiss quartz movement. This modern mechanism features a 30-minute elapsed timer with a lap time function, calendar, and timezone quick adjust. The one-way ratcheting bezel can also be used as a 60-minute timer when 1/10 of a second display accuracy isn’t necessary. The watch is running like new with all functions operating as designed. We are happy to provide the new owner with a no-charge 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years). The watch comes with a beautiful Chopard presentation inner/outer box with a protective cardboard sleeve. The Happy Sport diamond chronograph is estate priced at $5,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00195.
Vintage looks are popular and when you’ve been around since 1860 there’s a lot of history to draw inspiration from. The Autavia CY2111 is a retro inspired watch that owes much of its style to a watch introduced by Heuer in the late 1960s. 55 years later what’s old is new again with this fitting tribute to the original. From the bracelet and case shape to the left hand crown this watch looks like it could have been on the wrist of a 1960s racing driver. Even the black white and orange dial colours, hands, and hour markers are properly period correct derived. As a concession to modern convenience and durability, new low profile square pusher chronograph controls aren’t as prone to damage as the original round pushers. A synthetic sapphire crystal replaces the original easily scratched plastic version. Our latest estate example is in 100% original condition showing no signs of polishing or refinishing. There are some scratches on the bracelet and a few small impact marks on the sharper edges, but by and large, it presents very well. At 43mm wide it is on the large size but it’s not cumbersome. The left hand crown combined with the gently rounded case makes for a surprisingly comfortable watch even for those who don’t have a large wrist. The flat black dial with highly polished, faceted hands and hour markers make for a very easy to read face with some sparkly bling. The automatic winding movement is working like new, keeping great time with the chronograph and calendar functioning as designed. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers’ complimentary one-year warranty comes included in the estate price of $3,700.00 CAD. Stock #520-00018.
For classic looks that stand the test of time (pun intended) you can’t beat a Cartier. More often than not their watch designs will showcase an easy to read light tone dial with contrasting black Roman numeral hour markers. The Ronde Solo XL Automatic is no different. Timekeeping duties are handled by 3 simple blued steel hands (as is the Cartier tradition). At 42mm diameter this watch may not sound big, but lacking a thick bezel and very slim profile of under 8.7mm, it wears very large. Compared to the benchmark 36mm Rolex Datejust, the Ronde Solo XL looks enormous. Large and comfortable too, the complete watch weighs only 70 grams. Adding some extra interest is an inner 24 hour track, full minute track, and subtle 31 day calendar display is discreetly tucked away at the 3:00 position. A super hard synthetic sapphire is gently curved allowing minimum clearance for the hands and contributing to the trim look. The watch is in very good condition, the polished stainless steel case shows very few scuffs and remains original and unpolished. The soft original black leather strap is also in like new condition. The clever deployment buckle allows easy strap adjustment from both sides, this allows the buckle to be perfectly centered no matter the wrist size or shape. The watch is powered by Cartier’s in house developed caliber 1847 MC. This beautiful automatic winding movement measures only 3.7mm think. Named after the year in which Cartier was founded, it features an industry standard 42 hour power reserve, 23 low friction ruby jewel bearings, antimagnetic components throughout the escape mechanism and further protected from the effects of magnetic fields with an inner shield made of paramagnetic alloy that has been integrated into the stainless steel case. Included with purchase is the fully endorsed warranty card (Dec. 16th. 2020), and perfect condition red box with soft inner pillow and secret jewellery compartments inside. The Ronde line is still available through Cartier but the XL has been reduced to 2mm to 40mm and no longer features the handy 24 hour dial. The smaller version carries a retail price of $6,150.00 CAD as shown on the Cartier website. Including complimentary a one year warranty our latest estate Cartier watch is estate priced at $4,000.00 CAD. Stock 501-00345.
Tag Heuer’s Link series of watches have always bridged the gap between hard core sport design and dressy. Our latest estate Tag Heuer may be one of the last to incorporate the sporting features that made the brand so popular. Current ladies Link model watches have lost the threaded crown that lowers the water resistant qualities to 100 meters compared to 200 meters for our estate example. The new version also lacks the one way ratcheting timer bezel, fliplock safety buckle and luminous hands. While these missing features may not seem too important from an ordinary use perspective, I can’t help but think the new models have lost some of the DNA that made Tag Heuer one of the most popular brands in the entry level Swiss luxury segment. This watch still can get the job done in a demanding environment or at your next dress up event. The white/pink mother of pearl dial is classic, sophisticated and always in style. The colour shifts from almost white when viewed face on to bluish then pink when viewed from an angle. The diamond set hour markers offer obvious sparkle but also a surprising amount of function and contrast. Tag Heuer use high quality VS-FG diamond to decorate their watch dials. The watch is keeping perfect time with all functions working as designed. It was fully serviced and lightly polished in August 2024 and comes with vacuum and pressure testing results for water resistance. With everyday use its next full service is likely 15 to 20 years away, with a battery change every 2 years or so. When last available this 27mm watch had a retail price of $2,100.00 USD. Including our 1 year in house warranty it is estate priced at $1,500.00 CAD. Stock #520-00110.
Audemars Piguet, Vacheron & Constantin, and Patek Philippe are considered the holy trinity of luxury Swiss watches. Of the 3, Vacheron & Constantin’s mid-century models are an underappreciated rarity and bargain. Between 1940 and 1970 V&C produced less than 5,000 watches per year according to serial number sources. During this period, Vacheron & Constantin had a policy of producing no more than 24 examples of any reference with a specific dial, making this square case 18 karat yellow gold model scarce, to say the least. In continuous production since 1755 has earned the esteemed brand from Geneva the honor of being the oldest watch manufacturer. We have only seen a handful of VC watches pass through our estate department over the past 60 years. It is always a treat when one shows up once or twice a decade. Tradition runs deep among Swiss watch manufactures. A round case with a white dial and Roman numerals defined pocket watch style for hundreds of years. Vacheron was one of the first manufacturers to introduce a watch that wasn’t circular with their tonneau (barrel) shaped case in the early part of the 20th century, followed by square and rectangular watches. Our latest estate watch measures 26.3mm x 26.3mm (38.3mm including lugs). The 18 karat yellow gold case is hallmarked with the image of Helvetia. Helvetia is the female personification of Switzerland in much the same way Lady Liberty represents the United States of America. The G part of the stamp signifies Geneva. The attention to detail and movement finish is an important Vacheron & Constantine tradition. The beautiful 17 jewel hand wind calibre V458 is running great and keeping good time. This movement is hand finished with côtes de Genève and finely bevelled plates. It is operating at leisurely 18,000 cycles per hour with a soothing, audible, familiar tick tick tick tick tick……….. The extra-large stepped lugs give the watch more wrist presence than you’d expect for a watch of this size. A less is more silver dial features arrowhead and Arabic hour markers, connected minute track, and subsidiary seconds hand. As per our usual practice, we’ve elected to leave the gold case in its original unpolished condition. There are scuffs, scratches, and dings on some of the exposed edges but for a watch approaching 80 years of age, the condition is quite good. Attached to the watch is a brand new, genuine lizard, 19mm strap with gold plated buckle. Including a complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty, this rare watch is estate priced at $5,100.00 CAD. Stock number e14564.
Can anyone remember when super-accurate, low-cost quartz watches almost put the Swiss watchmaking industry out of business? In the 1970s, companies like Japan’s SEIKO Corporation came to North America with high-quality quartz watches that were far more accurate than any mechanical offering from Switzerland. Even powerful, respected brands like Omega, Heuer, Longines, and many others were on their economic knees at some point. Most of the traditional brands did go bankrupt at some point only to have their historically significant names purchased and revived by corporate goliaths like The Swatch Group, Richemont, and LVMH. Well, the circle has done a complete 360 and now Japan (specifically SEIKO) is poised to take on the Swiss at their own game once again with the Grand SEIKO line of luxury watches. The last bastion of mechanical Swiss watchmaking supremacy, the certified chronometer is under attack by the HI-BEAT. Our latest estate watch from Grand SEIKO is their HI-BEAT GMT SBGJ239G. It’s 100% mechanical and it operates at better than certified chronometer accuracy tolerances. The HI-BEAT calibre 9S86 is a proprietary 37-jewel movement that runs at 36,600 cycles per hour. At 10 cycles per second, the frequency is 25% faster than pretty much anything else on the market including everything offered by Rolex. Zenith’s El Primero series of movements runs at the same speed as the High Beat. The finish and performance of SEIKO’s top of the line mechanical movement is as nice as any from Switzerland. The 55-hour power reserve is on par or longer than most of the Swiss competition. It’s great to see an alternative to some of the stuffy Swiss products. The super tough stainless steel case is beautiful to look at as it is durable. In addition to offering the basic 3 hand timekeeping function with a calendar, the GMT has a few tricks up its sleeve. The arrow tipped red hand points to a 2nd timezone shown in a 24 format displayed on the two-way rotating bezel. The traditional hour hand (local time) can be set independently of the 24-hour 2nd time zone hand without disturbing the actual time. This handy feature is perfect for the world traveler when moving back and forth through different time zones. At 44mm in diameter, this is a large watch but not overwhelming. The stainless steel case with sapphire crystal and leather strap keeps the total weight down to a manageable 122 grams. Not just for the traveler, this is a serious sports watch. An optically perfect sapphire crystal will keep the view of the mossy green dial unobstructed. I love the luminous treatment of the rotating bezel and dial. The daylight hours are a silver/white colour in the light and glow green in the dark. A threaded crown and display case back contributes to a water-resistance rating of 20 BAR (600 feet). A deployment buckle integrates seamlessly with the soft crocodile leather strap. The watch has only been worn a handful of times and still sports a protective case back sticker and another on the deployment buckle. It comes complete with everything delivered from the Canadian authorized agent when first purchased in February 2022. This model is still available at a retail price of $8,800.00 CAD and can be seen on Seiko’s website. That is a bunch of money for sure, but this watch is even more costly in the U.S. where it retails for $6,600.00 USD plus 5% duty when you import one from outside Canada. These are rare and exotic, seldom coming to the pre-owned market and certainly not with all the original packaging, documents, original receipt, and even a Grand Seiko Shopping bag. The worldwide 5-year warranty will cover the next owner until February 8, 2027. Estate priced at $6,275.00 CAD. Stock #501-00168.
Seamaster 210.32.42.20.04.00 is a current model and can be seen on the Omega website where it is priced at $7,600.00 CAD MSRP. It features their newer in-house developed calibre 8800 anti-magnetic movement with a 55-hour power reserve. This is one of Omega’s most sophisticated self-winding mechanisms featuring a nonmagnetic silicon hairspring. The beautiful 35 jewel mechanical marvel is visible through the large display window fitted to a case back. The refreshing glossy white wave dial is a welcome departure from the ubiquitous “black dial diver watch”. The luminous hands and markers are framed in black giving excellent contrast. The glossy white dial is decorated with an etched wave pattern and is manufactured from fade and stain proof high tech ceramic. Highly luminous pigment has been added to the hands and hour markers make for easy time interpretation in low/no light situations. The minute hand and bezel zero index have green luminous material to distinguish them from the hour hand and hour markers. The large 42mm case size is highlighted with a black ceramic one way ratcheting bezel that is handy for time measurements of less than one hour. Our latest pre-owned Omega Seamaster is 100% original and has never been polished or touched up. In fact in was just purchased in May 2024 at an Ontario Authorized Omega agent. It looks like new. The previous owner only wore it a few times before deciding it wasn’t for him. It looks like new old stock or better. We love the clean white fresh looking dial; the fact the watch was upgraded with a very expensive Omega deployment buckle and specific black rubber Omega strap is an added bonus. These 2 components cost around $700.00 and ordinarily do not come with the watch. They add significant value to like new watch with just under 5 years left on the international warranty. The extra rubber strap also looks like new and will comfortably accommodate a wrist size of up to 8 1/2 inches. It comes complete with its original blond large wooden box, inner/outer boxes, shipping cardboard box, original documents, and fully endorsed international warranty card. This contemporary Seamaster Co-Axial Chronograph is estate priced at $6,400.00 including the bonus strap and deployment buckle. Stock #510-00184.
The Mille Miglia series continues as part of the Chopard racing line of watches. Model 8992 adds the additional feature of a GMT (Greenwich mean time) dual time display. The traditional 12 hour stopwatch, calendar, tachymeter scale are much easier to interpret with the silver/white dial. Most of these watch were delivered with a rubber strap, this one came with the uncommon stainless steel bracelet with deployment buckle. If you have a larger wrist we may need to source an extra link or two as a couple were removed at some point. The 42mm case is water resistant to 50 meters with its screwed down case back and display window. Powering the watch is a beautifully decorated, chronometer grade Valjoux 7750 that has been modified to Chopard specifications. The watch comes with a 2019 GemScan appraisal document suggesting the replacement value with new would be $11,200.00 CAD. It displays scratches and scuffs associated with use on the bracelet and case. We can refinish and polish most of these away if you wish. All the features are operating as designed and the watch is keeping good time. Surfing the Chopard website shows several different Milli Miglia models but none with a dual time display, and only available with a leather or rubber strap, priced from $9,000.00 USD. Including our complimentary 1-year warranty, this retired Chopard is estate priced at $4,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00246.
The name Roadster says it all with this Cartier. Launched in 2001 the line took its inspiration from the classic automobiles of the 1950s and 60s and it shows. The high polished 37mm wide stainless steel case curves to resemble those iconic raised fenders with the lugs mirroring the recessed headlights of the era. The scratch resistant sapphire crystal is equipped with an elongated date window that melds into the crown to parallel the “Dagmar Bumpers” of the 50s. The black dial takes its inspiration from some of the more stylized odometers and features luminous Arabic numbers, hands, and hour markers. It also features a smaller set of Arabic minute markers between the hour markers for easily tracking 5 minute intervals. Even the solid steel brushed and polished bracelet with its hidden double fold clasp inspires the curving feel of a classic roadster. The Roadster was offered with quick change interchangeable strap options for versatility and a fresh look whenever you like. This Roadster automatic 2510 comes with an original tan Cartier leather strap and deployment buckle. For size reference we here it is pictured with a 36mm Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph. The watch is powered by the Swiss made 21 jewel ETA calibre 2892A2 automatic movement that’s running well with a one year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. In nice original condition, showing only minor signs of wear that can be easily polished away. Along with the alternate strap and buckle it is accompanied by its own genuine Cartier box plus a soft leather Cartier travel pouch. Estate price $4,200.00 CAD. Stock 501-00357.
Champagne dials are quite common on many dressy watches but I must say the combination on a sporty diver chronograph is a little more rare. The Breitling Chrono Cockpit is a more than capable watch that could be worn by almost anyone. At 39mm it is not so big that it couldn’t be worn by a woman looking for something a little more than just an over sized Michael Kors watch. The completely high polish finish in bright 18 karat yellow gold and shiny stainless steel is definitely hard not to notice. Furnished inside the 200 meter water resistant case is the very competent Valjoux 7750. This steadfast movement has been a benchmark for automatic chronographs since the 1970s. Breitling watchmakers have modified the base calibre to higher standards qualifying it to certified chronometer grade accuracy levels. A one way rotating timer bezel is very handy when split second timing isn’t required. A very small tachymeter scale on the chapter ring allows an extra unit per hour calculator function but only if you have extra sharp vision. Double locking buckle on an 18 karat/stainless steel pilot bracelet completes the very attractive look. The watch is running great keeping excellent time with all functions working as designed. Including a 1 year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty the watch is estate priced at $4,900.00 CAD. Stock #515-00011 e9610
Zenith; you may not know the name but you know their work. Their El Primero automatic movement almost single-handedly saved the mechanical watch in 1969 when the quartz revolution started gaining ground. Traditional manual wind watches were pretty much all that was available at the time. Most ran at reliable but slow 18,000 beats per hour. Consumers were eager for the accuracy the new technically advanced electronic quartz watches promised. Then Zenith unveiled its El Primero, the first-ever automatic chronograph tuned to run at an unheard of 36,000 vibrations per hour. The movement was so groundbreaking until recently matched by Seiko’s High-Beat mechanism. Until the year 2000, Rolex exclusively used the El Primero movement for the Daytona chronograph, but they “detuned” the movement to run at 28,800 vibrations per hour to match the pace of their own in-house designed movements. It took Zenith 7 years to develop the 31-jewel movement masterpiece. It’s no surprise you can find it pretty much unchanged 54 years later in this exotic 18-karat rose gold 42mm Captain Chronograph Zenith El Primero 18.2110.400. This El Primero is the nicest Zenith we’ve had in a long time. Its condition is exceptional. It looks like a shop-worn example or better. There are only some tiny scuffs and scratches on the case, the high grade crocodile strap appears unworn. The watch has never been polished or touched up in any way. It still comes with its original plastic wrapping and case back sticker. A classic silver dial is the epitome of tradition and offers excellent contrast against the faceted hands and hour markers. The signed 18-karat rose gold buckle too remains in perfect blemish free condition. The 42mm case features a large easy to use crown, vintage inspired rectangular pusher controls, and a display case back allowing viewing of the intricate movement through the skeletonized weight rotor. While not considered a waterproof watch, it does come with a water-resistance rating of 50 meters in case you accidentally submerge it. The large dial allows elapsed time interpretation down to 1/10 of a second accuracy. Pictured alongside a 36mm Rolex Datejust the Zenith appears much larger than 42mm. The 6mm diameter difference is only part of the story. As the Zenith lacks a thick bezel, the dial gains some extra surface area. A subtle date window at the 6 o’clock position adds some day-to-day utility while not upsetting the perfect balance of the rest of the dial. The curved sapphire crystal has its anti-reflective coating fully intact. This El Primero comes with absolutely everything that was delivered with the watch when purchased new in October of 2011. Fully endorsed warranty card by Canadian authorized agents, instruction booklet, documents, tags, protective plastic, inner/outer boxes, cardboard sleeve, and a period-correct 280-page hardcover book outlining the history of the brand, the El Primero movement, and other contemporary Zenith watch models. This watch has been retired and replaced with a similar Chronomaster model of the same 42mm size #18.3200.3600/69.C901 showing a retail price of $27,100.00 CAD on the Zenith website. The watch is accompanied by a one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. Estate priced at $13,900.00 CAD. Stock #501-00229.
Tag Heuer’s Link model has maintained key design elements since its introduction as the S/el (sports elegance) back in 1987. Over the years is has become a more dress and less sports model. This ladies 29mm example dates from 2013. A string of bead set, high quality VS-FG round brilliant cut diamond replaces the timer bezel seen on most Tag Heuer sports models. Instead of luminous hour markers on the dial it showcases more diamonds. It is still water resistant with a sapphire crystal and sturdy stainless steel bracelet, but these models are more likely to see dressy events than scuba diving. It is powered by an ultra reliable and accurate Swiss quartz movement with calendar display. Comes complete with everything originally delivered from the authorized Tag Heuer agent. The full length bracelet will accommodate a wrist size of close to 8 inches. When last available this watch came with a retail price of $5,650.00 USD. After a light polish it looks almost like new. The sapphire crystal shows a few small scratches and impact marks, that most likely occurred from rubbing against a diamond ring. They remain pretty much invisible due the the patterned silver dial. The watch is running well and keeping perfect time. This one owner watch was recently traded in for a Rolex from the original owner. We are happy to supply the next owner with a complimentary one year warranty. It is estate priced at $4,000.00 CAD. Stock #520-00115.
2009 Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control 147.8.37.S. 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet, extra dark brown alligator strap with signed JLC folding buckle, comes with original boxes, documents, endorsed Canadian agent warranty card. 32 jewel automatic movement calibre 899 with 22 karat gold rotor edge. Very good overall condition. The leather strap is in fair condition. Comes with a 1-year warranty. The estate price is $6,000.00 CAD. Stock #e14574 501-00104
A Patek Philippe is truly a rare treat for us to showcase. The brand is considered by most as the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking tradition and quality. Since 1839 PP & Co. have been handcrafting luxury watches for royalty, heads of state, business leaders, and the world’s aristocracy. In well over 60 years of business, I’d estimate only a dozen or so have passed through our estate department. Many of Patek Philippe’s creations are extremely understated, and many models have been in production for decades. Wearing any Patek instantly confirms your good taste and appreciation of the finer things in life. We are proud to present this model Twenty-4, in 18 karat rose gold. The line was introduced in 1999 as their first collection exclusively designed for women. The obvious Art-Deco inspiration has always been popular with those who admire classic geometric design and contrast. The company describes the Twenty-4 as “a stylish companion for the life of modern, active women, at any time of day or night.” Our model 4910/11 is a one-owner example that has been regularly worn by a long-time customer of Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. We have elected to leave the watch in its current unpolished and original condition. The watch displays signs and evidence of life enjoyed, with scuffs and minor scratches on the case and bracelet. It would be an easy job for our expert onsite goldsmiths to refinish the case to the original gleaming highly polished finish if you wish. We’ll always leave it up to you whether to leave watches original or restore the finish to like new. The Twenty-4 is still a current offering with a dial change to Arabic numerals and deletion of the diamond hour markers. The setting crown on the new model is simply adorned with the corporate logo, whereas our original design comes with a 0.05 carat diamond. The current MSRP of the Twenty-4 4910/1201R-001 comes in at a cool $54,600.00 CAD plus sales tax. Our watch comes with a no-charge jewellery bonus of a pair of Patek Philippe 18 karat gold diamond and sapphire earrings. These earrings contain 60 small round brilliant cut diamonds estimated to weigh 0.01 carat each. The diamonds are contrasted by 12 bezel set blue sapphires on the edges. Needless to say, the diamonds and sapphires on these 16.3-gram earrings are of only the finest quality. If you’re looking for a pair of these earrings on the secondary market, expect to see asking prices well above $10,000.00. They come included for no extra charge with the purchase of the watch. The watch is powered by Patek’s proprietary quartz movement, calibre E15. This 6 jewel mechanism is functioning flawlessly and keeping excellent time. A fresh Swiss battery was installed when this photo was taken. It should come as no surprise that this watch is powered by an electronic movement. Patek Philippe were pioneers in quartz technology more than 60 years ago. Their precise mechanisms are finished to the same impeccable standards as the mechanical movements. The 25.5mm wide watch weighs in at a substantial 123.9 grams including the 6 adjustable sizing links. Both the watch and earrings come with their original inner/outer boxes, and complete paperwork and original invoices. The pillow and liner of the box’s finish are deteriorating and flaking off. One of the earring’s spring-loaded Omega backs is loose and should be tightened. The watch and earrings are being sold as a set only for the estate price of $31,000.00 CAD (tax included). We are happy to export duty-free to most international destinations. Stock #e14561.
Viewing by appointment only.
Rolex make a pretty good watch. So do Omega, Breitling, Cartier and scores of other Swiss manufactures. All these brands have a great history and are well known throughout the world, but are they truly the pinnacle of Swiss watch making? This title belongs to a very select few brands. Names the average person on the street may not recognize, but the true watch connoisseur in the crowd will. Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet and Breguet are some of the most esteemed watch brands. The 18 karat yellow gold Breguet Heritage Big Date one of very few Breguet watches we have ever had. Of the 1000s of watches we have sold over the last 58 years you can count on your fingers the number of Breguet to have passed through our store. This is a very sophisticated watch. Housed inside the solid 18 karat yellow gold case is the Breguet 30 jewel calibre 516GG based on the Piguet 1150 but with a higher frequency of 28,800 beats per hour. It features 2 mainspring barrels offering an extended 65 hour power reserve, and has been adjusted in 5 different positions for timing accuracy. The weight rotor is crafted from 18 karat gold instead of steel or some other none precious metals because gold is heavier and provides more winding torque from a given volume of material. The beautiful curved tonneau shaped case (35mm x 41m) still offers excellent utility and comfort. The guilloche pattern silver dial is large with black Roman numerals and blued steel Breguet style hands for great contrast. A large date display at 12:00 o’clock and seconds hand at 6:00 o’clock keep the dial perfectly balanced with lots of open space that keeps time interpretation simple. This watch is a stunning example of functionality. Overall condition of the watch is very good showing only minor evidence of use. It was previously owned by a Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers customer who has many watches in his collection. It was only occasionally worn in rotation with others. The original signed Breguet crocodile strap is in very good condition showing hardly any use. Although not a household name, Breguet has been making some of the world’s most desirable watches for well over 200 years. If you strive to own one of the finest time pieces and like to choose your own path, Breguet is a great option. The Heritage Big Date is a current offering from Breguet and can be seen on their website where is carries a retail price of $36,900.00 CAD. Now may be a great time to buy any almost any luxury watch made from 18 karat gold. We expect significant price increases from every manufacturer for gold watches as the input cost of gold continues to climb. Over the past year (ending Aug. 19th, 2024) the price of gold is up 34%. This watch weighs 127 gross weight, we estimate the net weight of gold it contains is around 85 grams. At today’s gold price, that means this watch contains close to $7,000.00 in gold value alone. If you think gold watches are expensive today, just wait until current and future gold prices filter down to the showroom display cases. Including our in house one year warranty (pro-rated 4 additional years) the watch is estate priced at $12,900.00 CAD. Stock #501-00298.
Audemars Piguet, Vacheron & Constantin, and Patek Philippe are considered the holy trinity of luxury Swiss watches. Of the 3, Vacheron & Constantin’s mid-century models are an underappreciated rarity and bargain. Between 1940 and 1970 V&C produced less than 5,000 watches per year according to serial number sources. During this period, Vacheron & Constantin had a policy of producing no more than 24 examples of any reference with a specific dial, making this 35mm, 18 karat yellow gold model scarce to say the least. In continuous production since 1755 has earned the esteemed brand from Geneva the honor of being one of the world’s oldest watch manufacturers. We have only seen a handful of VC watches pass through our estate department over the past 60-plus years. It is always a treat when one shows up once every other year or so. Our latest estate watch measures 34.7mm in diameter. This size is somewhat deceptive and wears larger than you’d expect. Pictured beside a 36mm Rolex Datejust, it appears the same or even slightly larger because it features a larger dial without a thick bezel. The 18-karat yellow gold case is hallmarked with the image of Helvetia. Helvetia is the female personification of Switzerland in much the same way Lady Liberty represents the United States of America. The G part of the stamp signifies the city of Geneva. The attention to detail and movement finish is an important Vacheron & Constantine tradition. The beautiful 17-jewel automatic winding calibre 477/1 is running great and keeping good time. This movement is hand finished with côtes de Genève and finely beveled plates. This was VC’s first self-winding movement and is housed in a water-resistant case equipped with a screw-on case back. While not intended to directly compete with a pedestrian Rolex Datejust, it was VC’s do it all design of the 1950s. The bumper rotor provides a unique wearing experience as you can actually feel the rotor weight bounce off its 2 spring bumpers through wrist movement. The original champagne dial has turned a rich toffy colour over the years with an almost complete even patina. The gambler dial features hour markers shaped like card suits, clubs, and diamonds along with Arabic 12 and 6, all connected by a traditional printed minute track. The sweeping centre seconds hand adds a touch of utility bringing the design away from a pure dress model. As per our usual practice, we’ve elected to leave the gold case in its original unpolished condition. There are scuffs, scratches, and dings on some of the exposed edges that are appropriate for a watch approaching 70 years of age. The large, fancy lugs are the most defining characteristic of this model and contribute to more wrist presence than you’d expect. They’re far more substantial than what you’d usually see on a watch of this size. Their proportions appear less significant with grooved and stepped details. Their sculpted profile arcs low keeping the strap in contact with the wrist. Attached to the watch is a new, 17mm Hirsch strap with a gold plated buckle. We will supply an additional strap of your choice at no charge if you’d like a different style or colour. Including a complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty, this rare watch is estate priced at $8,160.00 CAD. Stock number 501-00136 e14658.
Oris is a brand that you have to respect. From their 1904 inception they’ve offered exceptional quality for the price point. They were the Timex of watches before Timex even existed, manufacturing inexpensive pin lever watches for the masses. Their no jewel pin lever watches were admirable performers that could be made for less than what it cost even service a higher specification watch every few years. They were so good at producing highly accurate pin lever movements that they even were able to meet chronometer accuracy standards when subjected to testing with a specially prepared calibre 652. In the 1960s they were one of the top 10 Swiss manufactures in terms of watches produced. In 2020 Oris introduced the 400 series of movements with an incredible 120 hours (5 days) of power reserve. This new in-house designed mechanism contains two mainspring barrels, an anti-magnetic silicon escapement, and is said to be accurate to well withing chronometer tolerances but is not certified as such. They are so confident in their new calibre, it comes with a 10 year service window along with the factory supported 10 year warranty. This is 2 to 5 times longer than most Swiss watch guarantees. The limited edition Carl Brashear diver is the first Oris to feature the calibre 401. It differs from the 400 with its small subsidiary seconds hand at the 6:00 o’clock position. It is a diver’s watch was made to honor Master Diver United States Navy sailor, Carl Brashear. The 2000 film Men of Honor was based on his life, and this watch was introduced approximate a decade later in 2021. The case is made of the same bronze material that Carl’s vintage diver’s helmet was. A vintage helmet of the same design is embossed on the stainless steel case back, the individual limited edition number, and Carl’s inspirational words, “It’s not a sin to get knocked down, it’s a sin to stay down.” A curved sapphire crystal looks like vintage domed plastic but is optically superior and exponentially more durable. Threaded crown, one-way timer bezel, and interesting but difficult to fasten Nato style strap with bronze buckle come standard. I think a distressed brown leather strap would look fantastic on this watch as the bronze case wears and develops a patina. Simple stick hands with large luminous hour plots on a beautiful deep blue dial make time interpretation instantaneous. This watch has hardly been worn and comes with everything from the original hang tags to the protective outside cardboard sleeve. With only 2000 examples made these watches will all eventually make it to long term collectors not to be seen again. Our example #163 is estate priced at $3,200.00 CAD. Stock #501-00292.
Great features and performance for a bargain price. They’ve been around for 140 years but unless you’re a serious watch aficionado you’ve likely never heard of Alpina. This Alpiner 4 model AL525NS5AQ6 in a current offering on the Alpina website for $1,895.00. The watch features the same 25 jewel Sellita SW200-1 you’d find in any calibre 5 Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Oris, Sinn, and many other well known Swiss brands. It also comes standard with a hard synthetic sapphire crystal, threaded crown/case-back, two way coin edge ratcheting timer bezel, luminous hands/markers, water resistant to 100 meters, fully stainless steel case, sunray blue dial, applied markers, and a beautifully finished case. You could do a lot worse with the same money on a different watch. This one also comes with an extra Alpina signed textured 22mm blue rubber strap. The watch has never been worn and remains in perfect condition. It comes with the original documents, product/price tag, and the inner/outed boxes. Including our 1-year warranty the watch is estate priced at $1,070.00 CAD. Stock #501-00309.
Like new, 2021 Breitling Chronomat 42 with an extra Hirsch brown leather strap for 30% less than its replacement price. This watch was only worn a couple of times before it made its way to our estate department. Purchased at a Canadian authorized Breitling agent in the spring of 2021. The in-house manufactured 47 jewel B01 chronometer movement is a thing of beauty and something Breitling is very proud to show off through the transparent sapphire display back. In addition to an easy to read (day or night) 3 hand time display, model IB0134101G1A1 features a 12-hour elapsed time chronograph, tachymeter scale, plus a convenient and discreetly located 31-day calendar. The screw down crown and thread case back allows the watch a more than adequate water resistance rating of 200 meters. A touch of 18 karat rose gold trim on the polished 60-minute ratcheting bezel and controls gives this do it all watch an excuse to be used on your next dressy occasion. The throwback bullet bracelet is a Breitling original that hasn’t been seen on one of their products in close to 2 decades, and I for one am happy to see it return. This design is unique to Breitling and is a refreshing departure from the many “Rolex-looking” bracelets you see on other luxury brands. The few times the previous owner wore the watch it was only on the soft brown Hirsch leather strap, the extra long bracelet remains in unworn condition. This watch is a current Breilting offering and can be seen on their website where it carries a price of $11,800.00 CAD. The next owner will benefit from Breitling’s 5-year international warranty until April 2026. Including all of the original documents, packaging, plus the extra leather strap, this watch is estate priced at $8,260.00 CAD. Stock #515-00063.
From their 1868 inception in Schaffhausen Switzerland by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, International Watch Company (IWC) developed a worldwide reputation for manufacturing watches of the highest quality. As many of the world’s great watches do, the Portuguese model came about due to a customer request. It is believed that in the late 1930s, a Portuguese wholesaler approached IWC requesting a gentleman’s wristwatch with the precision of a pocket watch. Challenges imposed by the Second World War made the production and delivery of civilian watches difficult. According to the IWC website, barely 250 “Portuguese” watches were delivered by 1945. It turns out that the introduction of the large for the 41mm time case size was far from commercially successful. In 1993 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the IWC brand a small run called the Jubilee Portuguese was produced. The limited edition quickly sold out and a renewed interest in the classically styled model led to the reintroduction; the rest as they say is history. To this day the Portuguese is the model that IWC is best known for. We don’t see many IWC watches at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers and this one is one of the nicest we’ve been able to offer in our ever changing estate collection. The classic 41mm case size is perfect for today’s watch enthusiasts. Lacking a thick bezel, the silver/white dial looks even bigger than it is. A slightly domed crystal, relatively thin profile of 12.8mm, and supple crocodile strap help contribute to an easy to wear experience. Our example is in almost new condition. It has never been polished or refinished in any way. The leather strap with a signed 18-karat rose gold buckle looks new and is completely blemish free. The case back still sports its protective transparent sticker. Curiously, the bottom outside lug corners have each suffered a small impact as evidenced by these two flat dents, The previous owner never noticed them and couldn’t explain how they got there. They go unnoticed except under close scrutiny. The simple dial layout makes for simple time interpretation. The large dial gives the applied Arabic hour markers lots of room. The highly modified Valjous 7750 serves timekeeping duties. The calendar display has been eliminated along with the 12-hour chronograph register. IWC watchmakers even moved the continuous seconds hand to the 6 o’clock position to give the dial perfect symmetry and balance. The next owner will benefit from our 1-year complimentary warranty (prorated 5 years). This watch comes with an additional 20mm high quality generic crocodile strap with gold plated deployment buckle. The original IWC box, cloth liner, instruction booklet, service booklet, never used polishing cloth, and plastic warranty card are all included in the estate price of $13,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00241.
We love jewellery and we also so watches, so when we see something like turns up in our estate department we really get excited. We’d like to describe this as a watch but it’s really more a piece of jewellery that just so happens to also tell the time. As a jewellery item it is extraordinary. The highest quality of components went into the construction. Platinum was selected for the case material due to its rarity, superior resistance to corrosion, bright white colour, and malleable perfectly suited to setting precious gems. The 38 natural diamonds hand set in the case are estimated to weigh 1.25 carats in total. They look to be period correct transition brilliant cut, baguette, and exotic custom trapezoid shaped step cut diamonds. The diamonds are all very high quality, nicely matched averaging VS-G. A platinum case is unusual to see as white gold was more commonly selected for these watches. One aspect we’ve never seen on a watch like this are the platinum sliding strap tabs. The tabs themselves are commonly seen on these but they are usually only made of base metal, gold plated, or gold filled metal. This set is made from matching platinum that has been hand engraved with a pretty floral pattern. The buckles used on these watches is also usually made from base metal, but this one is upgraded white gold. White gold is a more suitable choice for an interference folding buckle because is offers a better spring quality compared to platinum. The tiny timepiece inside the 12.5mm wide case is a Longines fully jewelled calibre 4L. This simple movement is built to very high standards typical of Longines watches of the era. It is equipped with shock protection and synthetic ruby jewels that are themselves set in yellow gold bezels. It’s nice to see a signed Longines crown still on the watch. Over the years these are often replaced with generic dustproof replacements. The 5.5…. million serial number suggests this movement is original to the watch as this number matches Longines production to 1937. The basic silver dial has likely been refinished at some point in the past as we expect to see more surface oxidation for a watch close to 90 years old. The little hand wind mechanism is working great and keeping good time. As it stands, the short silk strap will fit a small wrist of 16cm or less. Fortunately we have lots of original silk replacement cord here in your choice of dark brown, grey/silver, khaki green, or black. When Bill Le Boeuf purchased this business is 1958, he also purchased lots of original old stock and antique parts (that were old way back then). Our building has housed a jewellery store ever since it was built in the 1940s. Included with the purchase is a two page comprehensive appraisal report dated November 2022 from International Gemological Laboratories. Replacing a watch like this would be almost impossible, but the report suggests an estimated retail replacement value of $5,310.00. We are happy to supply a complimentary 1-year warranty for the next owner with purchase. This beautiful Swiss watch/jewellery item is estate priced at $2,200.00 CAD. Stock #501-00351.
MontBlanc Star Chronograph 7104. Large 44mm diameter case. Like new condition, showing almost no evidence of use. Brand new OEM black alligator strap with fold-over deployment buckle. 12-hour chronograph Valjoux 7750, 25 jewel movement visible through the display back. 44mm stainless steel case. Beautiful guilloche silver dial with Art Deco-inspired Roman numeral hour markers. Luminous hands and markers. Comes with complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty and original box. A lot of watch for the money. Estate price $3,333.00 CAD. Stock #e14586.
In over 60 of business, we had very few opportunities to offer a Vacheron Constantin through our estate department. VC is one of the most respected of all the high-end luxury Swiss brands, with a history going back to the mid-1700s. They are considered one of the holy trinity among Swiss brands along with Audemars Piquet and Patek Philippe. These three brands occupy the ultra-high-end space when it comes to luxury Swiss watch manufacturers. This timeless design is from the Malte Grande Classique collection model 81000/000G-9107 and had a retail price of over $14000.00 USD close to 20 years ago. The solid 18 karat white gold case measures 36mm in diameter and features a beautiful hand-wind chronometer grade movement visible through the clear case back. An engraved silver guilloche dial displays only the necessary information to tell the time. The watch comes with an endorsed warranty card from Royal De Versailles dated October 2003. The original dark brown crocodile strap is in fair condition, showing significant wear, and comes with a signed 18 karat white gold buckle. The white gold case displays signs of use in the form of scratches and scuffs but remains in good to very good condition. Comes with endorsed paperwork from Royal de Versailles (October 2003), and a signed leather travel pouch. Included with the purchase is a complimentary 1-year warranty. Estate priced at $15,000.00 CAD. Stock #e6056 501-00147.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get into the watch hobby. A watch like this 1991 Tag Heuer 2000 Professional is a perfect way to figure out if a luxury watch is right for you. The 2000 series came out in the early 80s before Techniques d’Avant-Grade (TAG) had even merged with Heuer Watches. Since it was introduced, the 2000 Professional series has been a corner stone model and is still in production today, known as the AquaRacer. Our 2000 model 962.206F-2 dates from 1991 and is in good condition for its age. The textured silver dial is very nice showing no discolouration or moisture staining, and the green/red logo is crisp and sharp. Luminous tritium hour markers and hands no longer glow due to their age, showing even even patina and match very well. The hour hand is missing some of the original luminous material but that goes almost unnoticed as the colour is close the same hue as the dial. The threaded crown locks nicely down with over 2 full turns. We weren’t expecting much when we subjected the watch to an internal pressure test for water resistance, but to our surprise this 33 year old watch easily passed showing no signs of leaking. The adjustable 24 link stainless steel bracelet will accommodate a wrist size just short of 8 inches. It display moderate sag but little joint wear between the links. Its one way ratcheting timer bezel works great with 60 strong index clicks per 360 degree rotation. A flip lock buckle with diver extension tucks nicely under the clasp when not in use. At 37mm diameter, only 8.3mm thick, weighing under 100 grams, this watch is super comfortable and can be worn by either a man or a woman. We believe the sandblasted finish is completely original to the watch and it hasn’t been polished on touched up. It displays evidence of use in the form of scratches, scuffs, impact marks, on the case, bracelet, and buckle but generally faces up quite well. The lab-grown sapphire crystal is perfect, not even the slightest scuff detracts from its excellent optical properties. Powering the watch is a Swiss made precision quartz movement that is working flawlessly and keeping better time than even the most highly adjusted automatic movement could. It is nice to see the original calendar ring is with black numerals over a grey background is still here. This watch does not come with any original packaging or documents. Including our 1-year complimentary warranty this retro Tag Heuer 2000 Professional is estate priced at $650.00 CAD. Stock #520-00121.
This is another watch I really like. I have never seen one of these before. It’s 18-karat gold with a titanium bezel insert and bracelet centre sections. It is on the small side measuring 31.5mm in diameter and would fit well on a man with a thinner wrist or a lady that wants something a little bigger. It will fit a wrist size of close to 8 inches as the bracelet and case measure 20cm long. The watch weighs 88 grams in total and looks like it was only worn on special occasions. Comes with its original box and most paperwork in excellent condition. The Swiss-made Omega calibre 1444 quartz movement that powers the watch is working perfectly keeping excellent time. The two small extra hands on the dial display the day of the week along with the day of the month. The 49019121 serial number places production from approximately 1986. The estate price including a 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty is $6,500.00, CAD. Stock #510-00036 e5990.
Tag Heuer is best known for their large sporty divers watches and chronographs, often drawing on past designs from their 150 plus year history. When you think of Tag Heuer you likely don’t picture a watch that looks like this. It’s not a big, bulky, sporty divers watch. It’s the Carrera and its trimmed with solid 18 karat yellow gold. The original Carrera came out in the 60s and it has always been one of the brand’s more subtle models. This one dates from 2008 and showcases a less is more philosophy. The clean white textured dial displays only the essential information. The slightly domed sapphire crystal is scratch free with perfect optics. Quietly ticking away inside the water resistant case is an automatic Swiss made movement. The robust ETA derived 2824-2 (not the Sellita clone) mechanism is running great with all functions operating as designed. The 25 jewel movement is running well at a high beat frequency of 28,800 cycles per hour. This movement was selected and modified by Tag Heuer known as the Calibre 5 because of its reputation for being utterly reliable under adverse conditions. Versions of this movement can trace their origins to the mid 1950s. Even its contemporary configuration has been in use since the 1980s. A threaded display back showcases the movement for all to see. At 39mm diameter and 130 grams the watch is large but not overwhelming. It wears larger that the size suggests because it lacks a large bezel; it’s all dial. The solid 18 karat yellow gold bezel is in excellent condition showing only light surface scratches. The stainless steel and 18 karat gold capped links also display minor evidence of careful and occasional use. We will happily refinish/polish the watch for you if you wish but remember, it can only be original once. This one owner watch comes complete with the endorsed warranty card from Colombian Emeralds, inner/outer boxes, instruction booklet and pouch. This is an uncommon more dressy looking Tag Heuer. It will appeal to the mature watch enthusiast looking for a classy looking, easy to read luxury watch with basic time and date display. This model seldom comes around for sale and even less often complete with box and paperwork. Included with purchase is a complimentary 1 year warranty (prorated for 5 years). Estate priced at $2,750.00 CAD. Stock #520-00017 e12390.
Switzerland is synonymous with luxury watches, but Germany has its fair share of prestigious brands with long and storied histories. Even the world’s most famous brand, Rolex can trace its roots to Germany. Rolex may be Swiss Made, but they are owned by a German charitable foundation (but that’s another story). Taken from the Glashütte website is this small segment of how it all began; “In the middle of the 19th century, in a small valley in the Ore Mountains, just 30 kilometres from the Saxon state capital of Dresden, a unique success story was beginning to unfold. In 1845, the first watchmakers began to settle in Glashütte, thanks to financial support from the government. With the help of a loan from the Kingdom of Saxony, they began to train the town’s inhabitants, who then became independent watchmakers. This laid the cornerstone for the Saxon watch industry and the outstanding quality of Glashütte watches soon gained a worldwide reputation. In order to preserve this knowledge for the future, the German School of Watchmaking Glashütte was founded in 1878”. There is little doubt of the quality when you look at the beautiful construction of our latest estate watch. This throwback vintage design is reminiscent of watches dating back more than 50 years. Funky Arabic numerals, turned-down dial edges, domed crystal, simple stick hour markers, and skinny hands are typical of classic styles that are many decades old. Vintage looking yes, but there is plenty of modern watchmaking technology within the 42mm case. The large date display Glashütte calls a Panorama is unlike most big date watches. Utilizing two independent numbered discs printed 1,2,3 and 0 through 9 allows for much larger numerals than a single disc consisting of 31 days. The two discs are colour matched with the dial and rotate together so closely that they appear as a single digit. The date is also a quick change that happens pretty much exactly at midnight. The back side of the watch showcases the in-house developed 31 jewel calibre 39. This automatic winding mechanism is beautifully decorated with different metal finishes, polished beveled plates, gold plated debossed text, a delicate intricate regulating lever, and many other marvelous features to look at. You’ll want to have a loupe handy when your friends ask you about this watch. The 21 karat solid gold rotor edge isn’t just there to look pretty; it adds extra mass without extra volume to supply increased leverage for more efficient winding. The skeletonized rotor also helps to keep most of the weight away from the centre of rotation further increasing winding efficiency. This is Teutonic watchmaking expertise taken to an extreme. This watch was purchased in the fall of 2021 in Toronto at a Glashütte Original authorized agent. It comes complete with all its original packaging and documentation including a fully endorsed warranty card and even the original bill of sale. The balance of the factory warranty will protect the new owner until November of 2023. As a never worn watch, it remains in absolutely perfect condition. There is not a scuff or scratch on the case, crystal, or even the hand-made Louisiana Alligator navy blue strap. Glashütte Original watches are almost never seen in our estate showcases and this is the first never worn example we’ve had. If you value high quality and desire something a little off the beaten path of predictable watch brands, you need to drop by and check out the Sixties Panorama Date by Glashütte Original. It is estate priced at $6,630.00 CAD. Stock #501-00162.
They’ve been quietly going about their business since 1908, but unless you are in the watch loop you probably have not heard of them. In the early 20th century they were one of the first manufacturer producing private label watches for luxury brands such as Tiffany and Cartier. In the 1970s and 80s their quartz technology allowed them to produce extremely thin and sleek designs; some measuring under 2mm thick. The Mariner is Concord’s answer to a do it all sport watch that can be worn in all situations. The screwed on case back and screw down crown ensures water resistance to 100 feet. Curved synthetic sapphire crystal and curved case make a very comfortable watch. Even the polished gold applied Roman numerals on two tone black dial have a curved profile. At 37mm case size, it’s easy to wear by a man or a woman. Luxury touches like the polished solid 14 karat yellow gold bezel, and integrated locking buckle is a constant reminder of high quality and versatility. Excellent overall condition showing only minor signs of wear. The high precision quartz movement is running great keeping excellent time. This watch will prove a little snug for anyone with a wrist size much larger than 7 1/4 inches. Including Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers one year warranty Concord Mariner 15.78.110 is estate priced at $970.00. Stock #501-00344.
There are few watch brands with a longer history and more significant achievements than Longines. Since the earlier part of the 1800s, they’ve consistently produced high-quality timepieces. Early on the company experienced great success in the United States with chronographs used for precise timing during sporting activities. They were making watches with certified chronometer accuracy levels well before the turn of the 20 century. In keeping with the company’s sporting tradition, our latest estate watch by Longines features a very easy-to-operate and interpret 3 register 12-hour chronograph display. The silver dial with large hour markers and hands is also very legible with the added tachymeter scale for calculating units per hour with a range of 56 to 2000. A small continuous seconds hand and calendar add more utility. The 42mm solid stainless steel case features a large display window in the case back revealing the beautiful Longines 27 jewel calibre L683.2 (modified Valjous 7753). It is keeping great time with all functions working as designed. The watch is in very good overall condition. The bracelet and case are showing a few shallow scratches that can easily be removed if you’d like us to do so at no charge. The full complement of adjusting links allows the watch to fit a wrist of up to just under 9 inches. Including the original box and a 1 year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty, the watch is estate priced at $1,700.00 CAD. Stock #501-00290.
Breiting’s 44mm Skyracer is one of the more complicated watches out there but at the same time, it’s a little easier to use than many analogue chronograph watches. Elapsed time calculations are very straightforward as the display doesn’t rely on multiple registers to add together. The chronograph simply reads like a regular watch dial with the small left register. As an example 8:22:38 elapsed time is shown like this. The 2 large centre sweep hands can be read to exactly interpret timed minutes, seconds, and even fractions of a second. Large easy to control start, stop and reset buttons make this chronograph a pleasure to operate. An outside 60-minute timer provides additional timing capabilities. The logically laid out dial places the calendar display at the 6 position adding to the balanced look of the watch’s face. For the really keen watch fanatic, a circular slide rule adds some mathematical ability, performing calculations and conversions aiding in navigation in relation to time. Fuel consumption, distance traveled, speed, climb rates, and more can be determined using the cleverly incorporated device. Our latest previously enjoyed Skyracer is the special edition Raven model featuring a stealthy black bezel, black dial, and black rubber strap with a locking deployment buckle. The deluxe buckle adds a nifty locking slide to quickly adjust the soft rubber strap length by up to 1cm in 2mm increments for the perfect fit. The watch is in great condition showing no significant signs of wear and tear. The brightly polished case and buckle are virtually absent of scratches or scuffs. Looking and working like new with all functions operating as designed. Comes with our complimentary 1 year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. Model A27364 is estate priced at $4,900.00 CAD. Stock #515-00061.
They are functional and make a lifestyle statement without saying a word. Omega Seamasters have always been a do it all design. They are water resistant, tough, durable designs with great features. A super hard domed synthetic sapphire crystal should keep the scratches at bay. Easy to read striped tapestry silver/charcoal dial with applied luminous markers and broad arrow second hand make for quick time interpretation. The striped dial is inspired by the teak decks found on luxury sailboats. The applied hour markers/hands have been treated to luminous pigment and machined with microscopic parallel etchings that disperse white light into the spectral colours causing a subtle rainbow effect from certain angles. We took dozens of pictures trying to accurately capture the effect, this image is the best we could do. Aqua Terra dials need to be seen in person to fully be appreciated. The 42mm case is fitted with a flexible link stainless steel bracelet and locking butterfly buckle. Omega’s in house calibre 8500 is fitted behind a threaded display back. The 8500 is a fully in house developed proprietary movement consisting of over 200 individual parts. A silicon hair spring helps make the watch resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss! A handy time zone feature comes standard allowing rapid hour changes without affecting the minutes or seconds. The patented co-axial power escapement is said to be more accurate over longer service intervals compared to conventional designs. A Twin barrel mainspring extends power reserve 50% more than a typical automatic watch to 2 1/2 days. Adjusted in 5 different positions and for temperature change this mechanism easily qualifies for chronometer grade accuracy levels. An improved externally threaded waterproof tube has helped bring the water resistance rating to 500 feet. This example was purchased in Nassau at Omega authorized agents Little Switzerland in 2011. It has been worn in rotation with other watches and has owned by a collector customer of Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. It shows light scratches on the case and bracelet but looks to be in original unpolished condition. If you’d like the watch polished up, one of our onsite goldsmith can refinish it in just a few days. The watch comes with its full documentation, endorsed warranty card, hang tag, card wallet, inner/outer boxes, and two additional plastic information cards. The Aqua Terra 231.10.42.21.06.001 has been retired and replaced with a slightly smaller 41mm, $8,500.00 version (220.10.41.21.01.001) that can looks pretty much the same with a few updates. The current model be seen on the Omega website. Our lightly worn estate Aqua Terra comes with our complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 4 additional years). It is estate priced at $4,400.00 CAD. Stock #510-00150.
If you always wanted one of these awesome little Tag Heuers in high school but didn’t have had the cash to get one, here’s your chance to re-live a little part of your youth. The original TAG Heuer Formula 1 is the high end response to the wildly successful plastic Swatch watch of the 1980s. These colourful lady’s size 28.5mm TAGs helped establish the recently combined TAG Heuer brand with young watch enthusiasts. To this day the Formula 1 line is the gateway model to the more expensive models. This white/black dial WA1418 example is one of the more uncommon combinations. The original stainless steel bracelet was the upgraded version to the early composite case and rubber strap models. Looking at this example brings back fond memories of when we were Tag Heuer agents; we’d have an entire display full of rainbow colour combinations. This example appears to be original, it doesn’t look to have even been polished or refinished, it maintains the original sandblasted texture over the entire case and bracelet. The buckle shows great relief and the crown shows the HEUER like it was new. The composite bezel and mineral crystal show typical impact marks and scratches typical of a 25 to 30 year old example. The split pin rivets are intact and the perfect condition tritium dial still has some glow left with perfectly matched black framed hands. These little watches are genuinely capable sports watches. When new they were warrantied water resistant to 200 meters. They had a ratcheting 60 minute bezel, threaded case back and that Rolex Jubilee inspired bracelet with locking buckle and divers extension. With regular battery changes to the super reliable Swiss quartz movement and perhaps a service every decade or so, this little watch should be good for the next decades of retro inspired sporty service. Including our 1 year mechanical warranty the watch is estate priced at $400.00 CAD. Stock #520-00112.
From the winged logo to the various aeronautical monikers found on their products it’s very pretty obvious Breitling have a strong connection to the world of aviation. They’ve been producing watches and chronographs since the late 1800s. They were the first to offer a chronograph/stopwatch feature in a wristwatch. The Airwolf A78363 combines a large easy to read analogue dial with multiple extra functions displayed on two large liquid crystal displays. Some of these additional features include a triple date calendar, 100 day countdown timer, split time chronograph capable of recording up to 100 days of elapsed time, dual time, local/dual time alarms, universal time display, audible confirmation signal. The only way to incorporate all these bonus features is by using an electronic module with the digital readouts. The energy efficient LCD windows can be completely turned off only showing extra information on demand. A large easy to read silver dial has been treated to bright luminous material on the hands and hour markers for extra visibility in low/no light conditions. The traditional features associated with the famous Navitimer can also be found on the Airwolf A78363. A smooth turning compass heading bezel with internal slide rule adds to the sporting theme. The slide rule provides numerous calculation possibilities useful in both aviation and general activities. According to the previous owner the watch was just serviced. At the time of service a brand new Breitling genuine crocodile brown strap was also installed. A very realistic looking jet engine turbine intake fan decorates the threaded case back completing the aeronautical inspiration of the Airwolf. The precision chronometer rated quartz movement is powered by a large, high capacity lithium battery that should last for around 3 years. The power cell is easy to access and change once the back is removed. At 43.5mm diameter this is a large watch but the leather strap keeps the overall weight down to a manageable 123 grams. Although the watch is lacking the instruction booklet the original guide can be downloaded here. Including a Breitling box and a one year complimentary Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty this watch is estate priced at $3,200.00 CAD. Stock #e11297.
It’s called a SuperOcean for good reason. It’s a “super” capable diver watch with everything the sport watch aficionado could be looking for. One of the most impressive things you’ll notice is the water resistant depth rating on the dial of 5000 feet; no wonder this watch is known as Orange Abyss. That depth rating should be plenty for the typical recreational diver who is not likely to exceed any more than 100 feet. Overbuilt in almost every way the 42mm watch also is equipped with a helium escape valve. It’s another feature that 99.9% of divers will never need. It is there just on the off chance you decide to do a really really deep dive that requires living in a diving bell breathing a mixture of helium and oxygen for an extended period of time. Pressurized helium gas can penetrate the case gaskets, build up inside the case and push the crystal out if the watch isn’t equipped with a helium escape valve. It does make for an interesting conversation point if someone asks what the little button on the side is for. The rest of the watch is typical high end stuff. Certified chronometer grade automatic winding Swiss movement, super hard curved synthetic sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, threaded crown/case back, one way ratcheting timer bezel, thick highly luminous hands and hour markers. These SuperOcean models are mostly seen with basic black dials. They were also available with red, yellow, and blue coloured chapter rings around the edge of the dial. Only the orange version like this one was produced as a limited edition run of just 2,000 pieces. The overall condition as very good for a watch that was purchased new in 2013. It remains in original condition and appears unpolished. The colour matched black and orange strap is in fair condition. An accessory stainless steel bracelet is available from Breitling should you wish to change the look. The watch comes with every piece of original packaging, warranty card, certificates, instructions, booklets etc. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers will supply a 1-year complimentary warranty for the next owner. Estate priced at $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #515-00091.
Movado, like many Swiss watch manufacturers, was established in the late 1800s. They first began producing watches in the town of La Chaux-de-fonds Switzerland, the birthplace of numerous high-quality watch brands. Also like many other Swiss brands, mergers and alliances formed over the years. After the quartz revolution of the 1970s, numerous Swiss brands disappeared or merged with other companies. In the 1980s Movado was purchased by North American Watch, later changing its name to The Movado Group. The less is more philosophy has been a Movado look since the introduction of the Museum watch in the 1940s. A large dot at 12:00 on the face symbolized the sun, the single index was the only reference marker on the entire dial. The “Museum” style soon defined the brand, and to this day it is the look that personifies Movado. Our lady’s stainless steel model features the classic glossy black museum dial. The highly polished, reflective hands are surprisingly easy to see and interpret the time with. The brand new black leather Hirsch strap integrates perfectly with the 23mm round case. All stainless steel construction, with a synthetic sapphire crystal that spans the entire top surface, makes for a very modern. Very good condition, showing only a few light scratches on the case. An ultra accurate Swiss quartz movement is operating perfectly within the super thin 4.6mm case. We are pleased to offer the new owner a complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 5 years). The estate price is $400.00 CAD. Stock #501-00157.
International Watch Company’s Fliegeruhr (pilot’s watch) is a formidable piece of equipment. The large stainless steel case measures 44mm in diameter and is rather thick at 16.6mm. The robust dimensions are necessary for the purpose it was designed for, an easy to use, easy to interpret timekeeping chronograph. The large dial features simple Arabic hour markers and a set of large hands. All the important timekeeping references wave been treated with highly luminous pigment for use under any lighting condition. We see plenty of luxury Swiss made chronographs that come through our estate department but this one offers an addition function. That extra button at 10:00 o’clock can pause the silver chronograph seconds hand and allow a red “shadow” seconds hand to continue recording elapsed seconds. Push the button again and the silver hand instantly catches up and hides away until a spilt-time is needed again. The different colour registers are not for aesthetics. The chronograph minute and hour registers are charcoal coloured to distinguish them from the 9:00 o’clock constant seconds register. A large day-date calendar at 3:00 o’clock round out all the utility this watch has to offer. Time keeping duties are handled by IWC calibre 79230, itself a highly modified Valjoux 7750. IWC watchmakers added the split-seconds module, and adjusted the 29 jewel movement in 5 different positions for a higher standards of accuracy. The nicely decorated movement is protected from the effects of magnetism by an iron liner hidden underneath the heavy stainless steel threaded case back. This watch is in original condition, it doesn’t appear refinished or polished. The original dark brown strap is decent condition but the factory single end keeper has been replaced with two generic versions. The oversized winding/setting crown is both easy to use and protected from accidental adjustment as it is threaded into the case. It is running great and keeping very good time with all functions operating flawlessly. There are no original documents or packaging with this IWC. It comes with our complimentary 1-year warranty (pro-rated for 4 additional years). Estate priced at $5,970.00 CAD. Stock #501-0342.
Montblanc offer some stylish alternatives compared to the top of minds brands at a price point that is very compelling. They have the same features as the common brands and in some cases a few more. The ubiquitous diver/chronograph can found in every watch manufacturers lineup and they all pretty much look like this. Black dial, black bezel, luminous markers/hands, calendar, steel bracelet, and watertight to 200 meters or more. Montblanc’s take on the diver’s tool watch from 25 years ago is the model 7034 Meisterstück (Masterpiece). For just $1,700.00 it’s hard to argue the value of this estate watch. The date magnifying lens is on the inside of the crystal where it is not prone to getting hit. We love the luminous tapered hands that terminate to a sharp point able to display the time down to a 1/5 of a minute. The large triangular hour markers are unusual as we usually see circular or rectangular plots. An anodized aluminum bezel insert displays the elapsed time in 5 minute increments with a distinct font. There are some scuffs and scratches on the bezel but nothing very significant. The Montblanc white star logo can be found on the solid link bracelet, threaded case back, and the threaded crown. This watch comes with its original inner/outer box and instruction booklet all in very good condition. We feel this watch is 100% original and have never been polished of refinished. The bi-fold butterfly buckle nicely incorporates into the solid link bracelet. Montblanc no longer produce this model but show a basic chronograph on their website without diver function or calendar for $6,400.00 CAD. The watch is running great with all functions operating as designed. Included with purchase is our complimentary 1-year warranty. Estate priced at $1,700.00 CAD. 501-00329.
There are so many fantastic watches available. Many with rich histories going back more than a century. In fact, more than a few Swiss brands have been producing timing devices for longer than there have even been wristwatches. It’s too bad so few brands get the notoriety they deserve in North America. Ulysee Nardin is certainly worthy of consideration to anyone looking for an amazing watch with a great history of producing some amazing timepieces. They have a history going back to the mid-1800s. The company was famous for building some of the world’s most accurate marine chronometers. Before there was electronic timing equipment these highly accurate wind up time timekeepers were an essential tool for celestial navigation on the open sea. Accuracy wasn’t a luxury, it was a life or death necessity. Before the digital world of GPS positioning, knowing where you were, relied on precise time, a clear star-filled sky, a sextant, and quite a lot of operator skill. Developing incredibly accurate ships clocks was a daunting task given the environment they operated in. Accurate time was an essential factor for knowing where you were in the vast open oceans. In keeping with their nautical timing history, the Ulysse Nardin Maxi-Marine offers all the features one would expect from a rugged and durable divers watch. Super tough stainless steel case construction water resistant to over 600 feet. A threaded crown screws into the case ensuring moisture stays out and the time isn’t accidentally changed. Large bright luminous hands and markers make time interpretation virtually instantaneous. The usual calendar and second hand feature add some useful functions. A feature not seen often on automatic watches is the power reserve display located at 12:00. This circular dial acts similar to a fuel gauge displaying how much of the approximately 60 hour power supply is remaining. A unidirectional timer bezel is a useful feature for serious divers or the average guy who just needs to time a parking meter or barbequed steak. The surf logo, special wave dial distinguish the 263-36 limited edition from other Maxi Marine models. This watch is number 106 of just 1846 pieces made. A folding titanium locking buckle keeps the blue rubber strap secure and adds a modern look to the 43mm diameter watch. A transparent sapphire case back window proudly displays the mechanical marvel powering the Maxi Marine. This is in very good condition, the bezel shows scuffs and the anti-reflective coating applied to the sapphire crystal displays some minor scratches. This coating is easily removed and the bezel can be tidied up too. Comes with a beautiful wood box, outer box, and a complimentary 1-year warranty. It’s working great, keeping excellent time with every function working as designed. The watch is estate priced at $7,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00068 e14585.
The Royal Oak OffShore celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2023 and Bill Le Boeuf celebrates our 65th anniversary today (November 1st). What a great way to showcase the amazing variety of estate jewellery and watches by showcasing one of the finest watches ever to pass through on doors. We see very few Audemars Piguet watches and this is the most exotic we’ve ever had. When the OffShore was introduced 3 decades ago, the watch community was turned upside down by this audacious chronograph that built upon the tradition of the over the top Royal Oak from the 1970s. If you didn’t think the previous generation 42mm versions didn’t quite suit the nickname “The Beast” this 44mm version in platinum certainly deserved the moniker. It may only measure 44mm diameter, but trust me when I say it wears more like a 46 or 47mm due to the traditional Royal Oak case shape. And even though this watch comes on a leather strap, it still weighs in at over 261 grams! The moderate case thickness of 14.5mm is more shallow that many watches with a similar footprint and is the only concession to the wearing experience. If you’re considering this watch, you need to realize this is a commitment to those who love the feel of a heavy watch. This Offshore forgoes the rubber bezel/pusher elements found on previous models in favor or super hard ceramic. AP finish the ceramic with the same outstanding precision as the platinum case. The contrasting polished and brushed textures of the ceramic, display the same precise shaped edges and are in perfect alignment with the case details. AP products are all about the details, the more you study the watch, the more fine features reveal themselves. Audemars is as much a producer of high art as they are of luxury watches. The high tech ceramic is featured on the bezel, crown, and pushers. The OffShore name was inspired by cigarette boat racing popular in the U.S. around the same time as the original OffShore debuted. Large, luxurious, fast, bold, audacious, extravagant and generally completely over the top styling of these powerful boats was perfectly paired with the watch. Young wealthy owners of these offshore racing boats were the perfect audience for the new Ademars creation. Just like the original Royal Oak of the 1970s the OffShore took several years acquire its sea legs off and become the watch to have. Eventually those who had the means, looking for an modern alternative statement watch, flocked to the AP boutique to get their hands on any OffShore. Our platinum/ceramic example dates from around 2015 according to the J series serial number but looks almost brand new. The first and only previous owner is a long time customer of ours who has many luxury watches. This one was likely only used a few dozen times since it was purchased. It remains in 100% original unpolished condition, showing only the finest scuff or blemish. The sharp crisp case edges still retain their well defined borders. The hexagonal screw heads in the bezel are also completely flat and perfect. This sporty chronograph offers the regular features you’d expect to see. 12 hour stopwatch timing capability, 3 hand luminous time display, 31 day calendar with magnifying lens, tachymeter scale, sapphire crystal, water resistant to 100 meters, etc. We’re happy to show the exceptional quality of the like new, blemish free blue crocodile strap. Many of these watches come on a rubber strap that seems just a little at odds with a watch constructed from premium quality platinum. The graceful taper of the strap is a perfect continuation of the case. It is secured to case by means of concealed screws held within the strap. This method is more complicated than a spring bar but far more secure. The thick hide has stitched edges ensuring and extended life and an extra luxury touch. The large 24mm signed platinum buckle features a prominent step that allows the thick strap to recess into the back resulting in a flush profile; this sort of detail is what helps separate AP from many. Powering the platinum OffShore model 26401PO.A018CR.01 is the Audemars Piguet in house manufactured calibre 3126/3840 with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module. This 59 jewel chronometer grade movement runs at a slower than conventional frequency of 21,600. The slightly slower rate allows this mechanism a power reserve of over two days. A pierced high karat solid gold rotor provides ample torque to wind the fully adjusted movement in two directions. The beautiful movement can be seen through the case back display window. To get you off on the right foot, our master watchmaker performed a full overhaul to this very complicated 365 component timepiece in October 2023. Included with the service is a one year warranty. While being serviced the watch was also pressure and vacuum tested to insure water resistance to the factory specified 100 meters. The watch is performing well, operating within certified chronometer standards and all the functions operating as designed. It is a rare privilege to showcase this amazing example of one of the world’s most collectable and desirable watches. It was originally purchased at Royal de Versailles Toronto and comes with a full set of documents, product tag, inner/outer boxes, and a foam box liner, all in perfect condition. Even the dark green wooden box is beautiful with its thick lacquered finish, gold plated push button release, hinges, and a beveled bottom. This retired Audemars Piguet is estate priced at $60,000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00272.
Viewing by appointment only.
For Breitling fans and exotic automobile enthusiasts alike this one’s for you. The 49mm diameter Breitling for Bentley Barnato Racing edition makes a cool lifestyle statement. The unique function of the little steering wheel chronograph registers gives the dial more motion than a standard analog chronograph. Instead of tiny little hands slowly circulating a small minute/hour register, the actual steering wheel style registers turn around fixed indicators. The chronograph seconds register is also over geared to circulate the full dial in just 30 seconds instead of the usual 60. This makes split-second time calculation down to a 1/10 of a second easily possible combined with the oversized black dial. A handy tachymeter chapter ring scale has been indexed perfectly for motor racing with readings for 95 to 320 units per hour. It’s more than just a pretty face, it’s a well thought out tool for the racing/watch aficionado. The unique engraved bezel is designed to resemble the look of the Bentley grill. The winding rotor covering the 38-jewel Swiss movement has also been designed to emulate the look of a modern Bentley wheel. The Barnato connection comes from Woolf Barnato who was a wealthy British financier and Bentley owner. He eventually would own the company itself after investing a sizable sum of money to keep the company in business. In the late 1920s, he drove his Bentley race car to 3 straight wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. To this day he is the only person to achieve such a perfect entry vs. win ratio of 3 for 3. Our Barnato Special Edition watch was purchased in Canada in December 2013. It comes complete with the original inner/outer box, instructions, and endorsed warranty card. The watch is in excellent original condition having only been occasionally worn by a careful owner. The highly polished finish is almost perfect showing only the most minor of surface scuffs. Estate priced at $8,888.00 CAD. Stock #515-00069.
We’re quite privileged here at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. As watch aficionados, we’re lucky to see some pretty important brands and models come through our ever-changing estate collection. More common luxury brands like Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Breitling, and Tag Heuer all make regular appearances here. Once in a while, significant albeit less common models from brands like Zenith turn up in our displays. Even though the brand has been around since 1865 many people in North America have never heard of them. They are one of the few manufacturers who produce their own mechanisms. They even supplied the movement for the previous generation Rolex Daytona throughout its entire production run. Any Zenith is an unusual sighting around here but a limited edition Defy is a five-star rarity for sure. When the lights go out it’s equally interesting. This could very well be the only example in Canada as only 150 examples of this model were ever produced! The 43mm stainless steel case is water-resistant to 300 meters and features a threaded crown/case back, anodized blue ratcheting bezel, and curved synthetic sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. At the heart of this watch beats a proprietary in-house manufactured 38 jewel automatic movement calibre 685SC. This mechanism features a longish 55-hour power reserve with the display on the dial, a small subsidiary second hand, and a calendar window. The nicely finished movement is visible through the clear sapphire window in the case back. Attached to the case is a brand new, never-worn original blue rubber strap. The watch is in good condition but shows an odd scratch and ding as the original owner wore it every day for any activity. Included with the purchase are the original box and documents. Running great and keeping excellent time, it was fully serviced in September 2022 along with vacuum and pressure testing for water resistance. This watch is ready for pretty much anything you can throw at it. As with every estate watch we sell it is covered by a one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. If you’re looking for something different, and your buddy’s Submariner looks a little too pedestrian come have a look at this Zenith. If you’d like to see a WhatsApp video of the watch please let us know. Estate priced at $4,900.00 CAD. Stock #501-00031.
The first time we sold this watch it was only 6 weeks old. The second owner recently traded it for a different Seamaster he discovered in our estate collection. Now it it is looking for a new home. This Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra was purchased new from an authorized Canadian Omega dealer on April 24th 2016. The high grade stainless steel 43mm diameter case features Omega’s curved lyre lugs, high polished fixed bezel, signed screw down crown, and a domed anti reflective sapphire crystal. The teak concept pattern on the white dial was designed by Omega to recall the wooden decks of luxury sailboats and it’s been boldly accented with 18 karat rose gold luminous dial markers and hands. Precise microscopic parallel etchings on the hands and hours markers disperse reflected light in a subtle rainbow effect that is memorizing to see and can’t accurately be captured with our limited photography skills. The fine details and finish of the dial and applied details are second to none in the industry. The real achievement of this watch stands at the 3 o’clock position, a month/day calendar display that automatically recognizes months with 30 and 31 days. To account for the short month of February, the date only ever needs to be set once a year on the first of March. With satellite technologies in many quartz movements that can globally position themselves to account for changes in time zones this annual calendar may not seem like much, but consider that this annual calendar with its instantaneous jump has been incorporated into a Swiss made certified chronometer movement that already features a 55 hour power reserve, silicone balance spring on free sprung balance, two spring barrels mounted in series, and automatic winding in both directions. The sophistication of Omega’s Co-Axial Calibre 8601 allows the watch to run longer with more precision between services. The rhodium plated and red accented movement can be viewed beneath the antireflective sapphire crystal on the screw on case back. As expected from a Seamaster the watch is water resistant to 150 meters or 500 feet. The case and bracelet have the original factory finish showing signs of wear that could be refinished away if you wish for no extra charge. The previous owner purchased a genuine Omega NATO style leather/fabric strap and worn it like that for a while. The $230.00 strap (receipt included) shows significant wear but can still be safely worn if you’d like to change the look to something a little more casual. It is a pity Omega have decided no long to make the Annual Calendar Aqua Terra. They only offer the basic date display (no month display) that requires date correction 5 times per year. The smaller size 41mm current version (1.220.10.41.21.02.001) comes with a retail price of $8,500.00 and can be seen online here. Our estate example comes with the original inner/outer box, endorsed Canadian warranty card, instructions, wallet, and the extra Omega NATO strap. Before this watch was retired from the Omega lineup, it had a price of $9,650.00 CAD. Our estate price for this 8 year old annual calendar Seamaster is $5,200.00 CAD. Stock #510-00178.
Breitling’s core group of customers are typically aviation, racing, and diving enthusiasts, plus those generally interested in sporting watches. Our latest Breitling isn’t really any of those things except perhaps somewhat sporting with its 44mm case size, water resistance rating of 100 meters, and stainless steel construction. The Unitime is a watch designed for someone who is interested in knowing what time it is anywhere in the world. International businessmen and world travelers could benefit from this slick world timer. Once you synchronize your local time with the corresponding city on the outer rotating disc you can instantly see the time in major cities throughout the world. If you travel to a different time zone the hour hand can be adjusted to display your new local time without affecting the times of any other city. When jumping time zones the minute and second hands are unaffected and continue to operate, maintaining accurate minutes/seconds. This watch isn’t nearly as complicated as it looks once you’ve played with it a little bit. The Unitime isn’t the first world timer from Breitling as they made a version similar in function to this way back in the 1950s. What is different is the fact Breitling produced the world time module that they have adapted to fit modified ETA 2892. It is good for 70 hours of power reserve and has been officially certified chronometer status. This is also the first watch that Breitling has produced with a tungsten carbide bezel. This super tough metal will keep the Unitime Sleek T bezel looking scratch free and maintain its sharp crisp edge. The rest of the case is crafted from highly polished stainless steel. A 22mm lug width allows an easy selection of leather strap choices should you prefer something other than the blemish free, factory-equipped white stitched black calf. A handy 31-day calendar with luminous hands and markers and some useful extra utility to this unique Breitling. This watch appears unworn and is without blemish. It comes complete with its original box, documents, and endorsed warranty card. It is running flawlessly with all functions operating as designed. The watch remains under the factory’s 2-year international warranty until November 2023. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers will extend this warranty for 1 full year and prorate coverage for an additional 5 more years. This retired model is estate priced at $5,250.00 CAD. Stock #515-00066.
It can take decades of marketing for a brand to become synonymous with a specific look. In the automotive world, the Porsche 911 comes to mind. Whether a 1963 or 2023 model year the stylists are careful to retain certain elements of design that define the look. In the watch world, the Rolex Oyster is one such watch, for Omega it’s the Constellation. For over 40 years the flagship Constellation has had a look with design components consistent with the 1982 Manhattan model. The 4 bezel claws, Roman numeral bezel, and tapered integrated bracelet have always been used in one form or another. This 38mm automatic chronometer example 123.10.38.21.03.001 has evidence of careful use in the form of small scratches and scuffs on the bracelet and case. It remains 100% original, never polished or refinished in any way. This example comes with one of the pretties dials I’ve ever seen. The faded denim blue colour is highlighted with an etched diamond pattern that causes an illusion of raised pyramids in certain directions. Omega’s in-house developed calibre 8500 is fitted behind a threaded display back. The 8500 is a fully in-house developed proprietary movement consisting of over 200 individual parts. A new silicon hairspring helps make the watch resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss! A handy time zone feature comes standard and allows rapid hour changes without affecting the minutes or seconds. The patented co-axial power escapement is said to be more accurate over longer service intervals compared to conventional designs. A Twin barrel mainspring extends the power reserve by 50% more than a typical automatic watch to 60 hours. Adjusted in 5 different positions and for temperature change, this mechanism easily qualifies for chronometer grade accuracy levels. For a dress style watch this watch is very easy to read and comes with the extra utility of a sweeping second hand, calendar, luminous hands and markers. Our latest estate Omega 123.10.38.21.03.001 is a current offering on the Omega website where with a suggested retail price of $7,050.00 CAD. For 32% off the MSRP Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers is offering this lightly used estate watch at $4,800.00 CAD. Included with the purchase is a 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years). The watch comes with the original inner/outer boxes, instructions, and a fully endorsed warranty card. Stock #510-00141.
Hamilton is a high value offering with the features of the big brands but at a much more attractive price. When it comes to pricing, the power of a household name like Rolex, Breitling, Tag Heuer, or Omega adds thousands of dollars of cost but it’s open for discussion whether they offer a whole lot more value. Most every Swiss automatic watch you encounter with this dial layout is powered by a Swiss made Valjoux 7750 or the Swiss clone Sellita SW500. The 25-jewel mechanism is visible through the case back window display. This workhorse movement has been powering some of the world’s most famous and least famous Swiss brands since the early 1970s. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers just performed a full overhaul to this watch in January 2023. The watch is running great as the Vibrograph timing results show a plus 7 seconds per day accuracy rate. Hamilton has been producing watches since the late 1800s. They originally manufactured high quality pocket watches in Lancaster Pennsylvania U.S.A. They supplied watches to U.S. military forces for both world wars and produced the world’s first electric watch in the 1950s (decades before quartz watches took the world by storm). No longer an American company they are now owned by The Swatch Group Switzerland which also owns great brands like Omega, Longines, Blancpain, Breguet, and many more. Our BelowZero Model H786860 is in excellent overall condition. The previous owner purchased a genuine leather black Hamilton strap with signed buckle and is included with purchase. It also comes with the lightly worn original rubber strap with black steel buckle. The original strap is included which shows some wear but is still very functional. This is a very large watch but not uncomfortable as the large crown and pusher controls do not protrude outside the case edge very much. Seen beside a 36mm Rolex Datejust you really get an idea of its dimensions. The black dial with oversized hands and markers is easy to read in any sort of lighting conditions. Included with the purchase is a complimentary Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers 1-year warranty. The watch is estate priced at $1,600.00 CAD. Stock #501-00215.
They are functional and make a lifestyle statement without saying a word. Omega Seamasters have always been a do it all design. They are water-resistant, tough, durable designs with great features. A super hard domed synthetic sapphire crystal should keep the scratches at bay. Easy-to-read striped tapestry silver/white dial with applied luminous markers and broad arrow second hand make for quick time interpretation. The 38.5mm case is fitted with a top-grain chocolate brown alligator hide leather strap and deployment buckle making the watch very comfortable and slightly more casual. Rose-tone hands and markers give this modern Seamaster a slightly vintage look while adding a sophisticated touch. Omega’s in-house calibre 8500 is fitted behind a threaded display back. The 8500 is a fully in-house developed proprietary movement consisting of over 200 individual parts. A new silicon hairspring helps make the watch resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss! A handy time zone feature comes standard allowing rapid hour changes without affecting the minutes or seconds. The patented co-axial power escapement is said to be more accurate over longer service intervals compared to conventional designs. A Twin barrel mainspring extends the power reserve by 50% more than a typical automatic watch to 60 hours. Adjusted in 5 different positions and for temperature change this mechanism easily qualifies for chronometer grade accuracy levels. The improved externally threaded waterproof tube has helped bring the water resistance rating to 500 feet. This example was purchased in the late summer of 2022 and remains under the Omega international 5-year warranty until September 2027. The 2nd owner recently traded it in for something new after only wearing it a handful of times. It is in good condition but does show scratches and scuffs on the case. It remains in 100% original unpolished/refinished condition. The original crocodile strap shows only minor wear. Omega produces many combinations of stainless steel, two-tone, and 18-karat gold Aqua-Terra models. Model 231.13.39.21.02.002 is a very rare example we haven’t had before. The watch comes with the prettiest wooden Omega box I have ever seen. The box and packaging are in perfect condition. This watch comes complete with the authorized dealer endorsed warranty card, instruction booklet, product tag, cards, and card wallet. This model has been retired and replaced with the outwardly similar but more complicated Annual Calendar version priced at $9,500.00 CAD. This rare Omega Aqua Terra is estate priced at $5,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00139.
The Aqua Terra is Omega’s answer to the ubiquitous Rolex Datejust but with additional features and style details the Rolex lacks. All this at a much lower price point. When this watch was new in 2009 it came with a retail price of $5,950.00 CAD, while the 36mm Datejust 116201 $10,030.00. Both the Rolex and the Omega have good water resistance ratings, but the Seamaster is rated for 500 feet while the Rolex is around 330. The Rolex has a flat synthetic sapphire crystal, the Omega’s has a gentle curve that is stronger under pressure, disperses light reflections a little better, and blends with the profile. The classic Oyster case of the Rolex is an exercise is simple, albeit effective construction. There is not a compound curve anywhere to be found on the Datejust. The Aqua Terra not only features beautifully curved lugs, but it also showcases subtle bushed and polished finishes. Both watches use proprietary automatic winding chronometer rated movements with similar performance parameters and maintenance expectations. The beautifully finished Omega co-axial calibre 2500 is visible for the world to see through a screwed on display back, the only person that is going to see the Rolex movement is your watchmaker every 7 to 10 years when it’s in for routine service requirements. When it comes to retaining value both watches have fared about the same. No two-tone watch has been the best investment in the watch world, but they haven’t lost a ton of their original value either. We feel our 2009 Seamaster Aqua-Terra offers excellent value priced at $5,250.00 CAD, which is 88% of its original suggested retail price. Thanks to inflation and Omega’s endless pursuit of higher quality, better performance, the replacement 38mm Aqua-Terra 220.20.38.20.02.001 as shown on Omega’s website has retail price of $16,700.00 CAD. The current 41mm Rolex 126301 Datejust is going to run you $18,150.00. Our estate Seamaster is a one owner example that was purchase from an authorized agent August 2009 and comes with the original boxes, documents, endorsed warranty card, and even the original hand tags. The watch is running great and comes with our 1-year complementary warranty. It has never been refinished or polished in anyway. Whether you choose this Seamaster, or a Datejust, you really can’t go wrong. Both brands offer a tradition of excellence and performance second to now. When is comes time to trade in for something different, both are in demand and are eagerly accepted. This rare Omega red gold and stainless steel Seamaster Aqua-Terra is estate priced at $5,250.00 CAD. Stock #510-00174.
Not exactly a household name in Canada but this luxury brand has been around for over 150 years. If you’re looking for a rugged high-end chronograph and don’t want one of the typical “flashy” brands, consider this Glashutte. If you appreciate amazing little details that to the casual observer go unnoticed take a closer look at this one. 44mm of pure function. Large black dial with white luminous hands and markers offering excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. Powering the Senator Navigator is an over-engineered 51 jewel manufactured in-house movement known as the calibre 39. The beautifully finished chronograph movement is topped off with a rotor rim made from 22 karat gold. Not only does the gold rim look pretty is serves a practical function. A heavy mass on the outside allows the rotor itself to be smaller and more efficient. The movement is visible through the display case back. Model 39-34-17-17-04 was purchased in New York City in 2010. At that time it came with a retail price of $8,600.00 USD. It comes complete with all packaging, instructions, warranty card, and even a wooden loupe so you can examine the fine details. This watch was returned to the factory for service in the summer of 2017. The original receipt detailing the service; including a new leather strap, new hands, and other small miscellaneous items totaled over $1,500.00 CAD. A new 20mm black leather Hirsch strap was just fitted replacing the signed Glasutte navy blue strap. A one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty completes the package. Estate priced at $8,160.00 CAD. Stock #e9299.
The Tag Heuer 4000 series was built like no other Tag before or since. This was a model that is often overlooked but is worth considering; it was well ahead of its time when it debuted more than 30 years ago. Despite the low profile of just over 10mm, this is one tough watch. It has solid bracelet end pieces instead of hollow stamped sections. The solid ends are secured by solid bushed rivets, not hollow spring bars like most watches. Its solid stainless steel links are secured by more rivets, not split pins as found on other Tag Heuer watches from the same period. Even the folding/locking buckle is made from heavier gauge steel while still offering a diver’s extension. The coloured Tag Heuer logo splits down its middle when the bezel timer is rotated is a quirky feature exclusive to the 4000 series. The original tritium hands and hour makers are fully intact showing almost no patina or discolouration. This is a curious and rare white dial automatic version. It is somewhat usual in the fact the hour markers don’t have a contrasting metal or coloured frame around the once luminous tritium plot. This gives the hour makers an inconspicuous appearance that is somewhat at odds with a sporty diver’s watch. A hardened synthetic crystal also in perfect condition offers excellent optics on or off-axis. We serviced the Swiss-made automatic winding movement in April 2023. An electronic report shows the watch is running well within accuracy expectations. Also included is a vacuum and pressure testing report to a depth of 10 atmospheres (300 feet). One-way timer bezel, screw-down crown/case back are features you’d expect for a sporting Tag Heuer and the 4000 has them. The original sandblasted finish has held up very well and looks completely original. If you want a tough Tag Heuer that is different than the common 2000/AquaRacer series this rare 4000 is a model you’re not likely to encounter and certainly not in this sort of condition. Including a complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. Estate priced at $1,200.00 CAD. Stock #520-00104.
Gravity and time are fundamental forces affecting everything and everyone. Measuring the precise passage of time is every watchmakers goal. The invention of the sundial allowed the ability to interpret (with a relative degree of accuracy) the time of day as the sun traveled across the sky. As technology evolved, ever more complicated portable machines were developed to display time of day or night. Micro mechanical clock makers eventually developed devices small enough to fit into a pocket. High quality spring driven pocket watches, with finely crafted jeweled movements released power from tightly coiled mainsprings with astounding precision. It’s truly amazing that such mechanisms were accurate at all given the dynamic forces they’re exposed to. Tension on the spring, temperature, acceleration/deceleration forces, positional error and gravity all work to disrupt the steady and consistent display of time. Watchmakers learned how to compensate and reduce many of the error factors, but gravity was a constant force affecting time keeping accuracy. The tourbillion complication was designed to pretty much eliminate the affects of gravity on the escapement in a vertical position. As pocket watches were usually worn in a vertical position this makes perfect sense. The tourbillon cage in the Zenith Captain 03.2190.4041/01.C498 rotates the jewelled escapement on its axis once every minute, effectively eliminating the gravitational forces affecting the tiny components. Sounds simple enough in theory but it took many years for anyone to successfully build one. They are extremely rare and they are very expensive to produce. This short 16 second YouTube video shows the intricate escapement with balance wheel rotating. When this watch was new it carried a MSRP of over $34,000.00 USD. We have the original receipts showing a purchase price for over $30,000.00 Canadian plus tax. This watch is in hardly worn, like new condition. It shows only a few small scuffs on the outside case edge at 9:00 o’clock from resting on its side. It is functioning perfectly while running at an industry leading 36,000 cycles per hour from the El Primero based movement. This watch is as complete as the day it was purchased from a Canadian authorized Zenith agent in the fall of 2015. Inner/outer boxes, instructions, endorsed warranty card, accessories and even the original cardboard shipping box are included. If you consider yourself a luxury watch connoisseur or collector, a tourbillon equipped watch must be on your wish list. Including a 1 year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers wholesale warranty this exceptional watch is priced at $17,500.00 CAD. Stock #e12976.
As with all contemporary Breitling watches the automatic winding Swiss-made movement has been officially certified chronometer status for accuracy. A curved synthetic sapphire crystal is super scratch resistant with an anti-reflective coating helping with legibility. Screw down crown and case back contribute to a more than adequate 660-foot water resistance rating. Fitted to the case is a retro style mesh bracelet equipped with a flip lock buckle. These are large watches, compared to the industry benchmark chronograph, the 40mm Rolex Daytona, the SuperOcean really dominates in stature. The SuperOcean chronograph is a current offering from Breitling showing a retail price of $8,000.00 CAD. The latest version is a NON limited edition with the reverse colour scheme to this one of a green dial with a black bezel. It can be seen on the Breitling website by clicking here. The latest model displays subtle styling updates to the hands, bezel insert, logo on the dial, and text but otherwise remains virtually unchanged to our latest estate example. The latest version also features a day of the week display in addition to the 31-day calendar. Our example is number 33 of just 1000 released as a limited edition. It comes complete with the original inner/outer boxes, cardboard sleeve, chronometer certificate, instructions, and other documents, but is missing the original warranty card. The protective sticker on the inner box still covers the Breitling logo. Excellent overall condition showing little signs of use. A few minor scuffs on the bezel and a few light scratches can be seen on the buckle. The minor blemishes on the buckle can be removed in only a few minutes. The condition could be described as new old stock. A simple ultrasonic cleaning was all that was needed to prepare the watch for sale. Including a complimentary one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty the like new watch is estate priced at $6,000.00 CAD. Stock 515-00060.
Audemars Piguet is widely considered by many to be the finest of the Swiss watch manufactures. They certainly are not as widely know as the larger Swiss brands but this family owned business has been around since 1875 producing some of the world’s most exotic and desirable watches. They developed many industry firsts throughout the years. They were the first company to produce a minute repeater, ringing out the time with a series of audible chimes on command with the push of a button. The first skeleton watch movement can also be attributed to the brand from La Brassus Switzerland. While they only produce an estimated 40,000 watches per year, they are one of the most sought after. In 1972 they produced the world’s first true luxury sports watch, the Royal Oak. It was designed by Gerald Genta and features a prominent octagon shaped bezel that was inspired by a deep sea diver’s helmet. The 8 octagon screws are secured from inside the watch case helping to contribute to water resistance. The name Royal Oak itself comes from a fleet of British Navy ships sharing the same name. Like many great designs which broke from tradition styles, it was not an initial sales success. It’s integrated bracelet, octagon bezel, unconventional appearance, and very high price didn’t help. At the time it cost over 3,000 Swiss francs, which was many times that of what a Rolex Submariner cost. In its first very years of production this now flagship model represented far less than 10% of total Audemars Piguet sales. Persistence pays off, today the Royal Oak look defines the AP brand. In 2023 they look pretty much the same as they did 50 years ago, right down the to beautiful textured dials. This Audemars is very notable because it is a complicated model that features a dual time display, 31-day calendar, and a useful scale that displays the remaining power reserve of the complex 54 jewel automatic winding mechanism that contains 261 components. This watch was crafted from 18-karat and while it measures at comfortable 36mm diameter, its weight of 183 grams is more than a contemporary Rolex Day-Date 36mm and far more than the hollow link Rolex watches from the 1990s. This is a one owner example that still contains all of its original adjustment links from the 23 link tapered bracelet. The locking spring trigger clasp is a clever bit of engineering. Sliding the AP logo requires some force which releases the lock. The 23 link bracelet displays zero stretch and almost no sag. The watch is 100% original and has never been polished, refinished, or touched up in any way. It shows scuffs and scratches on the case and bracelet but still retains the original factory applied sharp edges. These pictures are very revealing, in person the watch looks worn but nearly as scratched up as these images would lead you to believe. If you’re considering purchasing a contemporary Audemars Piguet watch, you’d be well advised to buy one with a known history or a very good warranty, as servicing costs can be costly. No need to worry with this one. Our master watchmaker performed a full overhaul to the movement in September of 2023. The watch is performing flawlessly. The Vibrograph timing report shows a timing error of zero seconds per day, an excellent balance amplitude of 273 degrees, and an almost perfect beat error of 0.1 milliseconds. While being serviced it was subjected to a minor vacuum and significant pressure test (100 meters) which it easily passed. The parchment dial is nicely organized with prominent gold hour and minute hands, with a small pointer date located at 3:00 o’clock. The subsidiary 2nd time zone display is located at 6:00pm and despite the small size is easy to interpret with simple bold black hands. The power reserve scale at 9:00 o’clock balances everything off as it shows how many hours of power reserve are left on the mainspring. This rare and collectable AP is approximately 30 years old and is no longer in production. The closest contemporary model is a 37mm version with basic time keeping and date display. Model 15550BA.OO.1356BA.01 sells for a cool $55,200.00 Swiss francs (around $83,300.00 CAD). If you want a refreshing look to your familiar Rolex Oyster, perhaps a extraordinary 18 karat Audemars Piguet may be for you. Including our complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 4 additional years) this watch is estate priced at $58,000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00274.
Viewing by appointment only.
We have written and discussed previously the significance of the Omega Speedmaster. It was the watch selected over many other major watch brands (including Rolex) by NASA to be the watch “flight qualified” for all astronauts. From the Gemini 4 and of course, the Apollo 11 mission. It was the first watch worn on the moon. In fact, the old-school hand-wind Speedmaster Professional mechanical watches were standard issue well into the space shuttle program. The Omega Speedmaster Professional remains one of several wristwatches qualified by NASA for all manned spaceflight missions. The history of the Omega Speedmasters begins in 1957 with the introduction of Omega’s very first Speedmaster reference CK2915. A chronograph designed to be robust, sturdy, and reliable. It originally was intended to be used as a timekeeper for racing or aviation when split seconds count. The Speedmaster has evolved over the last 7 decades adding more models, variations, and changes to the case shape and dial, but the original ’57 Speedmaster or pre-moon Speedmaster remained an admired and desired look. Our latest Speedmaster takes the basic concept into a more luxurious design, featuring solid 18-karat case and bracelet construction. The old hand wind 1861 movement found in the Moonwatch has been replaced in this model with Omega’s caliber 3303. This 33-jewel movement adds automatic winding, superior accuracy standards, a lengthy 55-hour power reserve, and a useful 31-day calendar. The luminous broad arrow hour and minute hands are reminiscent of the first Speedmasters, and the red 1957 is an obvious acknowledgment of the debut year for the model. The watch is freshly serviced and shows evidence of use. There are a few tiny impact marks on the sapphire crystal edge, but the viewing area remains in excellent condition. The most significant area of wear is the edges on the tachymeter bezel from the 8:00 to 11:00 o’clock position. The wear looks much worse in the images than in person. These sharp and flat polished areas on the bezel are prone to impact dings and scratches on all Speedmasters, a little more so on the softer 18-karat luxury versions. We can always polish the edge a little bit to lessen or completely remove this wear, but the debossed printing may be slightly affected. The scale printing could also be completely removed leaving a simple polished bezel, which would actually look quite nice. We’ll leave that decision up to the new owner. Constructed from premium 18-karat rose gold this watch is a true heavyweight despite measuring 42mm in diameter. With the full complement of 21 links (7 are removable), this watch weighs over 227 grams! The bracelet with concealed clasp shows almost no sag and zero stretch. We’ve opted to leave this watch in its original unpolished condition. It could be refinished and polished at the expense of leaving some gold on the polishing wheel and losing some of the subtle case/bracelet details. This watch was purchased new at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers when we were authorized Omega agents. It comes with the original wooden Omega box (the cuff is missing), chronometer hang tag, original navy blue dial, timing report, and vacuum testing result report. Our master watchmaker performed a full overhaul of the movement in March 2023. The freshly serviced mechanism is running well within chronometer accuracy standards. We are happy to provide the new owner with a 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years). This rare Omega Speedmaster is estate priced at $25,000.00 CAD. Stock #510-00125.
Viewing by appointment only.
Panerai is all about big, somewhat awkward looking time telling tools. They will never win any beauty contests but we love them just the same. This is the largest Panerai to pass through our estate department to date. At 47mm diameter (54mm corner to corner diagonal) it has tremendous wrist presence. Thank goodness its construction is of titanium keeping the overall weight down to a more than manageable 146 grams. If the name isn’t obvious enough, the Submersible is Panerai’s diver’s watch. The series is water-resistant to 300 meters and comes equipped with a one-way timer bezel, automatic or hand wind movements, bright luminous hands/markers, and a unique lever lock crown. Most crowns have threaded tubes they screw down into. While quite effective, threaded crowns can only work when screwed tightly down. We’ve seen it many times; crowns can become loose but look tight allowing water inside. If the Panerai lever is out you instantly recognize the crown has not been secured. Submersible PAM00614 also comes equipped with a handy 60-minute chronograph. When used in conjunction with the bezel and hour hand, it can be used for timing events lasting up to 12 hours. This isn’t your garden variety chronograph, it comes with screw-down pusher buttons and a useful flyback feature. This allows the user to “flyback to zero time and start again without the need to push the stop button, push the reset button, and push the start button again. This sounds like an easy and logical thing to provide on any stopwatch type watch; in reality, it’s a fiendishly difficult and complicated feature few watches have. The Rolex Daytona doesn’t have it and the standard Omega MoonWatch doesn’t have it. The flyback feature is also a foolproof safeguard ensuring no damage can be done because you didn’t stop the timer before trying to reset, as can happen in ALL non-flyback chronographs. The in-house developed automatic winding P.9100 movement is comprised of 302 components and has a long 72 power reserve. This watch was purchased in Ontario at Toronto area HumberTown Jewellers in March of 2021 and comes with its endorsed warranty card. This is not a grey market watch and as such benefits from the full terms of the manufactures warranty that may be valid until March of 2029. The watch remains in excellent condition as it was only occasionally worn by its one and only previous owner. It comes complete with full documentation, packaging, tools, and even the original shipping box. The accessory leather strap is super easy to change by means of the recessed release button located on the bottom of the 1 and 5 o’clock lugs. This clever feature makes strap swapping a pleasure without the risk of scratching the lugs with a screwdriver. If you like oversized luxury watches, with easy to use features, the Panerai Submersible Flyback is for you. The thick padded Panerai leather strap remains in perfect condition as it was never used. The previous owner only used the watch with the black rubber strap. These are uncommon watches that seldom show up in the market. It even comes with a Large Panerai shopping bag. This watch is estate priced at $12,475.00 CAD. Stock #501-00153.
If you’re into anything racing, particularly the automotive variety, this is a great watch to consider. Made by luxury jeweller/watchmaker Chopard, this watch is from their Mille Miglia collection. Named after the famous Italian 1000 mile automobile race held during the mid-1900s. The race was a wild, open road event in which literally millions of spectators lined the road to watch the competitors speed by at an average speeds of close to 100 miles per hour. 56 people lost their lives in this event from 1927 to 1957. Nine spectators were killed in a single crash in 1957 that ultimately resulted in the banning the race because it was simply too dangerous. The open road race lives on today only in grainy vintage footage. A tribute parade takes place every year over several days that is open to pre-1957 cars that participated in the original 1000 Miglia. This is a limited edition, 44mm, 18 karat rose gold, automatic chronograph. The limited production of just 250 pieces worldwide means you’re not likely to encounter another one in your travels. Large chronographs have always been popular with our customers but this one goes one step further by integrating a slick split second function to the regular start/stop/reset feature. The split second button at the 8:00 o’clock position allows the user to take an exact elapsed reading by stopping the white tipped seconds register that is hidden under the red tipped hand while the chronograph continues to run. When the “split time” has been noted the white hand catches back up with another push of the 8:00 o’clock pusher and disappears under the red hand until needed again. Only the most competent of luxury watch manufacturers have successfully produced this complicated feature. The regular timekeeping duties are offered by large thick luminous hands that offer some extra legibility with luminous pigment. A pointer calendar at the 3:00 o’clock position displays the day of the month for the sharp sighted. An embossed/polished tachometer bezel scale like what you’d see on a Rolex Dayton circles the flat black dial. 44mm and 184 grams are a gentle reminder this isn’t a small delicate watch. A beautifully finished 27 jewel Joux-Perret calibre 8721 movement (highly modified valjoux 7750) is visible through display case back. The original 21mm brown crocodile strap is in perfect condition and looks unworn. The supple strap is secured with a signed Chopard double folding buckle with mechanical lock that is completely made from 18 karat rose gold (no steel springs). According to the original owner the watch was only worn 3 or 4 times. It still retains 100% of the original factory finish. It has never been refinished in any way. The flat polished bezel shows some shallow scratches and scuffs. These minor blemished can easily be removed if you wish. It is running great and keeping excellent time. We are happy to supply the next owner with a complimentary 1-year warranty that will be prorated for 4 additional years should the watch require any service. This rare watch is estate priced at $18,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00281.
There is a special attraction many of us have to mechanical watches with a chronograph feature. Even if this extra complication isn’t needed or hardly ever used, it really looks cool and definitely adds an extra dimension to any watch. If you’ve been lusting over a Rolex Daytona, Omega Planet Ocean, or a Breitling SuperOcean, but don’t want to spend that much, the Tag Heuer Aquaracer is a compelling option. It offers pretty much the same features but without the same price of admission. The workhorse movement ticking away inside the 43mm stainless case may not be an Officially Certified Chronometer, but there is a good chance it runs within or is very close to “Chronometer” accuracy expectations of +6 to -4 seconds per day. Tag Heuer’s calibre 16 is a modified Valjoux 7750 or the off-patent clone Sellita SW500. The Valjoux version has been powering some of the world’s most important brands, including Omega and Breitling for close to 5 decades. Reliable and accurate movement aside, this watch has all the other features to keep the watch enthusiast interested. A beautiful black horizontally striped dial has enough texture changes to keep even the most discriminating eye entertained. The recessed concentric ring registers with beveled frames give this dial even more depth. A one-way timer bezel with a ceramic insert should fend off almost any scratch-producing impact. Thick hands and hour markers are ultra-legible in any lighting situation. Sapphire crystal keeps that amazing dial in sharp focus, with a convenient magnifying lens over the calendar. The solid link bracelet comes with a mechanical locking buckle and diver extension. Even the threaded case back is decorated with an embossed image of an antique diver’s helmet. This watch is in very good condition. It was only occasionally showing some light scratches mostly confined to the buckle cover. The watch remains in original condition and hasn’t been polished or refinished. It comes complete with the original inner/outer boxes, instruction booklet, warranty card, product tag, and protective white cardboard sleeve. The encrypted warranty card was never dated, but we feel the watch still has some factory coverage left but we never checked up on it. It really doesn’t matter as we will be supplying a complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years) for the next owner. This is a great way to get into the automatic chronograph market without risk. If you decide to trade it in for something different, the AquaRacer has always been popular with our customers and they don’t usually sit in our displays for too long. This watch is estate priced at $3,200.00 CAD. Stock #520-00113.
Not exactly a household name but Maurice Lacroix watches should be considered if you’re horological interests lie outside the predictable brands. In the 1960s Maurice Lacroix’s parent company purchased a watch assembling business in Switzerland. They produced high quality private label watches for several different name brands. It has been common practice in Switzerland for well over 100 years for the same manufacture to produce watches for different brands, often using the same movements labeled differently. With this knowledge and experience it wasn’t much of a stretch for them to establish the Maurice Lacroix brand in 1975. They are known for producing interesting designs that are big on quality and detail while keeping prices quite competitive. The Pontos S Diver is a great example of great style and clever design. Yes, it’s a large diver watch but it lacks the cumbersome, thick, external ratcheting bezel usually associated with such models. Instead, they opted to conceal the thin bezel under the curved crystal. The extra threaded crown at 2 o:clock can turn the bezel in both directions and lock the timer in any position. The highly luminous dial, hands, and bezel indexes add extra utility matched by few. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective surface treatment is 100% blemish free. Not many watches at this price point come equipped with an automatic helium escape valve. Unless you’re living in a diving bell decompressing after long term saturation diving, this is a feature only useful as dinner party conversation. Calendar, threaded crown, threaded case-back, solid stainless steel bracelet with diver’s extension and locking buckle round out the sporting features. The water-resistance rating for the Pontos S is 2000 feet; that should be more than enough for almost anyone. The previous owner opted to wear the watch most times on a leather strap. The good condition Hirsh strap is included with purchase. The watch comes with 2 sets of drill holes in the lugs, one for use with a leather or rubber strap and one for the original stainless steel buckle. This watch is in original condition, displaying very little signs of use. There is still a protective plastic sticker inside the buckle that has never been removed. The self winding mechanical mechanism is running well and keeping great time. All functions are working as designed. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers is happy to provide the new owner with a complimentary one-year warranty. Estate price $1,600.00 CAD.
Not a household name but a name that deserves respect. The company was founded in 1976 by the brand’s namesake. The mid-70s were a time when traditional Swiss watchmaking technology was being attacked by the onslaught of super accurate less expensive electronic quartz watches from Japan. It was a gutsy move for the then 50-year-old Raymond Weil but it worked out pretty well. They’ve secured a comfortable niche in the affordable luxury market, with watches incorporating the features you’d expect of a fine watch without breaking the bank. The 34mm Parsifal 9190 is a great example of this philosophy. Stainless steel with 18 karat construction, sapphire crystal, beautiful countersunk patterned dial with applied markers, proper screws holding all the adjustable links, and a case back secured with 4 threaded screws. Beating away inside the 34mm case is a Swiss-made quartz movement with a 31-day calendar. The thin movement helps keep the overall thickness down to just 5.3mm. It’s a casual to dressy statement with a functionality not always seen in a dress watch. The original owner only wore this watch a few times before it was parked in its original box around the end of 1997. It remains in almost perfect condition showing just a few scuffs on the bracelet links. It was originally purchased at Tourneau New York in the summer of 1997. It comes complete with the endorsed warranty card, instructions, and the inner/outer boxes. selected an interesting option with this watch. It has never been polished or refinished in any way. It is running perfectly and keeping excellent time. We are happy to supply the next owner with a complimentary 1-year warranty. Estate priced at $1,000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00270.
In over 65 years of business, we’ve had very few opportunities to showcase Vacheron Constantin watches in our estate department. VC is one of the most respected of all the high-end luxury Swiss brands, with a history going back to the mid-1700s. They hold the honor of being the oldest watchmaking manufacture in uninterrupted activity for more than 260 years. They are considered one of the holy trinity among Swiss brands along with Audemars Piquet and Patek Philippe. These three brands occupy the high end space when it comes to luxury Swiss watch manufacturers. The Overseas was introduced in 1996 but can trace it roots to 1970s with its integrated bracelet and case shape, inspired from the model 222 model that debuted for the 222nd anniversary of VC. The Overseas was a watch designed to appeal to a new luxury customer looking for an alternative to the predictable styles from the more mainstream high end brands. Much the same a Audemars Piguet did with the Royal Oak a couple decades earlier, this was the new look of Vacheron Constantin sport watches that continues to this day. The machined bezel is reminiscent of the Maltese cross and the integrated bracelet links echo the repeating pattern right down to the concealed buckle. The slightly tonneau shaped case is something this watch, AP’s Royal Oak, and the Patek Philippe’s Nautilus all share in common, while all being a bit different. All three can credit the design to Gérald Genta when he designed the first Royal Oak for Audemars in the 1970s. Our latest Vacheron Constantin dates from around 2010. Measuring 42mm diameter it is large but not overwhelming and the case length of 50mm with turned down lugs and flexible tapered link bracelet make this watch comfortable for even the slim wristed. Powering the 49150 is VC’s 37 jewel calibre 1137 column wheel chronograph with a 40 hour power reserve and a relaxed beat rate of 21,600 cycles per hour. We really like the clean look of this 12 hour chronograph with registers at 3:00 and 9:00 and a small continuous seconds hand at 6:00. The large date window at 12:00 is a useful feature adding useful day to day function. A water resistance rating of 150 meters is achieved by implementing a screwed down case back and threaded crown, along with threaded chronograph control buttons like a Rolex Daytona. A glossy black textured dial is equipped with luminous hour markers that are legible in any lighting condition. The face is easy to read and dressy enough to wear at any formal event. This watch displays its original finish and has not been polished before. It shows scuffs and scratches associated with occasional use over the years, but retains beautiful sharp crisp beveled edges. The full length 21 link bracelet is quite interesting in the fact that every single link has been manufactured with a threaded screw, making it infinitely adjustable for any wrist shape. This watch is working great and keeping very good time with all functions operating well. We are happy to include our 1 year complimentary warranty. This watch is estate priced at $20,000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00279.
Omega was one of the Allies’ largest suppliers of watches during the Second World War, partially because of their ability to supply the large quantities needed, and partially because of their precision in the rigorous environments found in combat. This particular model of watch could have been used by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Though Omega briefly made a civilian model, only the RCAF issued models featuring the “non magnetic” title beneath the Omega logo. What’s curious about this example is the deluxe 35mm stainless steel case with the stepped bezel and lugs. This sort of extra decoration is something the Canadian military would not normally have spent money on. The 9,847,107 movement serial number dates its rough production to the early 1940s. Wartime production was quite unpredictable and limited. It’s impossible to know exactly when this watch was actually delivered. This watch likely never saw combat (at least officially) as there are no engravings to show government ownership, but that’s maybe just as well: Was this an RCAF approved timepiece or just efficient use of an existing dial with a deluxe case and a very rare upgraded movement. Removing the threaded case back reveals a very rare 18-jewel version of the renowned 30T2 movement inside. This manual wind 30mm mechanism is usually encountered with the standard issue of 15 jewels, not 18 as in our example. Though this might have marginally improved the watch’s ability to keep time, and provided shock protection it would have also increased its price tag—a significant trade-off when ordering these watches by the hundreds in a wartime economy. Back to those fancy stepped lugs— this is an unnecessary aesthetic addition and seemingly at odds with a utilitarian military watch. Though these improvements wouldn’t have been needed in the military, they give the watch a reason to be worn outside battle. For being over 70 years old, it’s in great condition, with patina on the original dial and luminous infill on the hour hand missing. The watch is freshly serviced and ready for action. Comes with our 1-year warranty. Estate price for this rare example of a low serial number 2254 Omega $2,700.00 CAD. Stock #510-00021
When Cindy Crawford became an Omega ambassador in 1995 she was asked for some design input with the flagship Constellation model. The subtle modifications turned into a separate line of ladies Constellations named, “My Choice”. Highly polished case and bracelets, thicker non tapered hands, pyramid shaped hour markers defined Cindy’s look. This example model 1365.75.00 comes with an upgraded natural mother of pearl dial with diamond hour markers, diamond bezel, and solid 18 karat yellow gold bezel and bracelet caps. Just like Cindy this watch has aged very well. The highly polished case with neutral colour scheme dial and diamond bezel looks just as fresh and clean today just as it did when it was introduced over 25 years ago. A 22.5mm diameter case size may be a little petite by casual contemporary standards but the dressy sophisticated look suits it well. For a more formal event the traditional size is more than adequate. Every single link is removable in the bracelet, making this watch suitable for the tiniest wrist up to one measuring over 18cm. Highly polished reflective hands with sparkling diamond markers show great contrast making the watch extremely legible despite the smaller size. The fully jewelled Omega Swiss quartz calibre 1465 movement is running flawlessly with the precision that Omega earned its reputation on. Here’s a fun fact about the “My Choice” design; the solid gold caps on each of the flexible links weigh 0.107 grams each and contain around $7.00 in gold content. This watch looks like new. A very light surface polishing, case cleaning, and fresh silver oxide battery have it looking and operating like new. Omega no longer produce this model, but a similar, 25mm version, without the diamond bezel (131.20.25.60.0055.1) comes with a retail price of $8,400.00 CAD. Our 1st generation Cindy Crawford “My Choice” comes complete with a Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers one year warranty and the original elaborate crinkle textured ribbon box and instruction booklet. Estate price $3,600.00 CAD. Stock 510-00158.
SOLD
IWC’s Ingenieur is a cult favorite among watch enthusiasts. The original debuted in 1955 as a specialty piece of equipment designed for at engineers, scientists, and doctors who regularly were exposed to strong magnetic fields that would render a regular watch useless or unreliable at best. The movement was modified and shielded from magnetism much like the Rolex Milgauss that appeared roughly at the same time. Absent from the market since 2017 the all new Ingenieur was eagerly anticipated by followers of the 156 year old company from Schaffhausen Switzerland. This is the first of the all new Ingenieur models we’ve seen, and its a beauty. This watch was purchased new from the IWC Boutique Toronto only a couple of months ago (July 18, 2024). It looks like it was never worn except a few tiny marks on the inside of the bracelet where the link release buttons were pushed to adjust the bracelet length. Quietly ticking away inside the case in an International Watch Company 21 jewel movement. The IWC calibre 32111 offers superior shock and magnetic resistance along with IWCs Pellaton winding technology employing ratcheting pals instead of gears to lock the winding wheels. An extra long 120-hour power is exceptional for an automatic winding movement. Large applied hour markers are filled with highly luminous pigment for visibility in any lighting condition. The patterned dial is both beautiful to look at and highly functional with excellent contrast. It’s interesting to see a zero in front of all the single digit dates for the calendar display (01,02,03,04……..). The 5 hexagon screws in the bezel are functional and help provide a tight seal allowing the watch a water-resistance rating of 100 meters. The threaded crown and case back also serve keeping everything inside clean and dry. The tapered “H” link bracelet is a joy to wear, offering two different sized links for ultra fine tuning ensuring a perfect fit. The bracelet is secured by 2 sets of spring bars for removal in another quirky engineering design. This allows IWC to showcase ultra sharp transitions and crisp edges to the 40mm case. The butterfly style buckle snaps tightly shut with a locking spring and integrates seamlessly into the bracelet. Fine details abound on the watch and you discover something new every time you wear it. The recess in the buckle has been detailed with an engine turned finish and the crown guards are machined separately from the case. Features like these could have been left out entirely or certainly done in a more simplified fashion but fine features like these are what makes the International Watch Company one on the most highly regarded brands in watchmaking. The previous owner has registered the purchase with IWC to extend the warranty well into the summer of 2032 for the next owner. Comes with the original packaging, documents, fully endorsed warranty card, pusher tools for adjusting the bracelet length, and an untouched IWC polishing cloth. This watch is currently shown on the IWC corporate website with price of $15,200.00 CAD. Our estate example is less than 3 months old, and in perfect condition. Estate priced at $10,000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00365.
SOLD
Tag Heuer Formula 1 watches have come a long way since the line was introduced in 1986. The debut came toward the end of the quartz crisis that bankrupted many Swiss watch manufacturers. In fact, the Formula 1 was the first watch series released after Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG) acquired the Heuer Watch Company. Heuer had become financially stressed as their traditional mechanically based product line had trouble competing with much lower priced Japanese quartz technology. It’s fair to say the brightly coloured, composite-cased original Formula 1 watches helped save the company from insolvency. Our latest formula 1 dates more than 3 decades after the originals hit jewellers showcases in the 1980s. It benefits from more than 30 years of improvements. Screw-down threaded crown, super hard synthetic sapphire crystal, advanced luminova glowing pigments, and full 316l stainless steel construction are features the originals never had. I love the blue/orange colours that pay a not so subtle homage to Heuer and their racing association with Gulf dating back over half a century.