We buy and sell better quality watches from all prominent brands.
Breitling’s line of ultra-light sports watches reminds me of Tag-Heuer’s first Formula 1 watches from the 1980s. The Endurance Pro X82310 comes in yellow, orange, red, white, and blue. The Tag Heuer F1 was an incredibly successful venture that arguably saved the financially struggling company with a lower priced mass-market sports watch. Breitling is riding a wave of success and the Endurance Pro is no low price, entry-level watch. They show a suggested retail price of $4,250.00 on the Breitling website. This price point gets you a very large composite black case measuring 44mm in diameter yet the watch only weighs 53 grams including the Breitling embossed rubber strap.
The watch was designed with athletes and adventures in mind who don’t want to be bogged down by a bulky watch that can interfere with movement. The exact composition of what Breitling calls “Breightlight” is a company secret. This mystery material has been around for several years and appears tough and resilient under the demanding conditions you’d expect a Breitling to be subjected to.
The Breitling calibre B82 is thermally compensated and should be accurate to a second or two per month with a battery life of around 3 years. The movement features a 30-minute, 3-register chronograph with a lap timer 1/10 of a second display. In keeping with its athletic design, a heartbeat pulse calculating scale can be found on the dial’s chapter ring. For someone who likes high-tech, ultra-accurate, low maintenance, sports watches, the Endurance Pro should be considered.
An anti-reflective coated, sapphire crystal allows easy time interpretation of all the dial information. Instead of a ratcheting timer bezel, which is made somewhat redundant by the chronograph feature, the Endurance Pro comes with a rotating compass heading bezel. The compass heading allows direction calculation in collaboration with the analog hour hand. Instead of the typical tachymeter scale on the chapter ring, the Endurance Pro features a heartbeat scale calculator.
This watch has only been worn a handful of times and is in perfect condition without even the slightest blemish. It comes complete with all documentation, packaging, and the balance of Breitling’s 2-year warranty valid until November 2024. Estate priced at $2,980.00 CAD. Stock #515-00072.
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 $7.788.00 CAD. Stock #515-00069.
SOLD
Piaget is one of the high-end brands from Switzerland. They don’t have the name recognition of Rolex, Cartier, Breitling, Omega, etc., but to anyone familiar with luxury Swiss watchmaking the name Piaget conjures up images of very stylish, thin, dressy watches, with minimalist displays and perhaps a few diamonds on the dial or case. The Piaget Polo and Dancer models in the 1980s and 90s were the watches of choice for the rich and famous. They were at the opposite end of the design spectrum when compared to the large, thick, automatic models from Rolex.
The majority of Piaget’s production was advanced electronic quartz movements. Often their watches measured less than 5mm thick. In 1960, The Guinness Book of World records recognized the calibre 12P as the thinnest automatic movement in the world (at the time) measuring just 2.3mm thick! Today, Piaget makes a complete mechanical watch that is only 2mm thick. This is a company with much technical skill. They produced a quartz perpetual calendar displaying the correct date for months of the year that didn’t have 31 days, it even adjusted the date display for February 29th in a leap year, all while keeping time within a few seconds per month. Even the movement in our latest estate offering is somewhat unique. With a tiny twist in the 1st setting position, the hands advance or go back exactly one hour automatically. In the second setting position, the same twist results in a one-minute advance or delay. All this is accomplished by means of the internal electronic step motor (there is no direct linkage from the crown to the hands). Seeing the hands move quickly on their own makes the watch appear haunted. We feel this watch dates from the heyday of Piaget sales in the mid to late 1980s or early 1990s. It is in excellent overall condition appearing to be unpolished. There are light scratches on the case, bracelet, and buckle.
Being constructed from solid 18 karat gold, these imperfections can easily be removed if you wish. The synthetic sapphire crystal doesn’t show even the smallest scuff. The champagne dial with a radial finish is perfect, with no stains, scuffs, scratches, or blemishes of any kind. Likewise is the condition on the faceted dauphine hands.
The previous owner took great pride wearing the watch and was careful with its use. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers has been maintaining it for over 3 decades, changing the cell every few years, with just 1 full service in the past. At 23mm wide and 8 inches long this watch could be worn by a man or woman. Weighing well over 93 grams (gross weight) this watch has a sensational feeling on the wrist. Each of the 25 links is double-jointed resulting in a bracelet that conforms to every contour of your wrist. The watch was only worn for special occasions and shows little to no wear in any of the links. Included with the purchase is a period-correct Piaget brochure showing the upgraded black onyx/diamond dial version that bears the same model number 80131K61.
More than 30 years ago the onyx/diamond example had a price of $22,900.00 CAD, we imagine our model must have sold for at least $20,000.00 CAD.
The watch is looking great, running well, and keeping excellent time. We are happy to include a complimentary 1-year warranty for the next owner. Estate priced at $7,500.00 CAD. Stock #e14343.
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.
Omega Nekton edition has many of the telltale Seamaster Professional features but there is something unmistakenly different about its appearance. The striking grade 5 titanium bezel has been deeply laser etched so that the minute indicators become embossed against the pebbled background.
Omega is a company that embraces technology while still following the tradition of fine Swiss watchmaking. The reintroduced wave pattern dial has also been created by “laser ablation” as per Omega’s description. The Nekton organization is a non for profit research foundation dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans. In 2019 they undertook several expeditions in collaboration and support with Omega to explore and help protect the Indian Ocean. The Nekton Submersible vehicle embossed on the case back is named Omega 2 in honor of ocean environmentalist/yachtsman Sir Peter Blake’s racing sailboat sponsored by Omega.
At the heart of the Nekton edition is Omega’s calibre 8806 master chronometer mechanism. This automatic winding masterpiece is certified by the Swiss Federal Office of Metrology (METAS). The testing goes above and beyond the typical COSC chronometer standards. METAS requires all the movements to already be COSC certified but also be stable when exposed to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. The accuracy requirements are also far tighter than COSC standards. This timepiece is all business, making do with only a simple 3 hand time display. There isn’t even a date display to distract from basic time interpretation. In the dark, the bright luminous hour markers and hands phosphoresce as well as anything in the business.
The zero marker on the bezel and minute hand glow a slightly different colour, to help isolate an elapsed time reading. Attached to the case is Omega’s wonderful stainless steel bracelet with concealed diver extension and push button 5 position micro adjustment.
This watch was originally purchased in Toronto at an Omega authorized agent in the spring of 2021.
It remains under the Omega 5-year international warranty until May of 2026. The watch remains in its original unpolished condition. The appearance could be described as new old stock. It shows virtually no evidence of use. This is a current offering from Omega as shown on their website and carries a suggested retail price of $9,100.00. Including the original inner/outer boxes, instructions, plastic product cards, fully endorsed warranty card, and plastic hang tag, the watch is estate priced at $6,990.00 CAD. Stock #510-00113.
Hermès has been around since 1837, originally they made high quality horse harnesses and bridles for the wealthy in and around Paris. To this day they are well known for their luxury leather goods. A quick surf over to the Hermès website reveals they still know high end leather products as their least expensive gents leather belt is priced at over $1,000.00. Over the years the expanded selection of items they produce includes shoes, luggage, hats, jewellery, perfume, and watches.
Watches have been offered by Hermès since the 1920s. In the 70s they got serious about their watch business by investing in subsidiary companies that manufactured movements, dials, and cases. Top quality leather straps were already something that gave them an advantage over the competition. We’ve only had a few Hermès watches over the years and this one is the most interesting. The Arceau line is a staple design and has been a core watch offering since 1978.
The brand’s equestrian heritage can easily be seen in the top case lugs that resemble saddle stirrups, the locking buckle has a horsey tack look, and of course the beautiful supple leather strap.
The unique numeral font on the dial has a clockwise tilt that travels the entire dial as the numbers turn upside down. The curiously inverted numerals are not distracting and add some extra character to the timepiece.
The simple two-hand display for basic timekeeping duties with a discreet calendar for a touch of bonus utility. The sunburst brown dial is a great complement to the crocodile strap. A domed sapphire crystal should keep almost any scratch-producing impact at bay. Five stainless steel screws secure the embossed case back while compressing an o-ring rubber gasket that helps the watch obtain its 30-meter water resistance rating.
Hermès describe the watch as having a 40mm diameter; according to our digital micrometer, it actually measures 41mm. Keeping excellent time within the polished stainless steel case is a contemporary 25-jewel Sellita SW300 Swiss-made automatic movement. This brown dial example isn’t shown on the current corporate website, but Hermès does show a similar version with a silver dial for $7,730.00 CAD. Our example is in new old stock condition. The highly polished case shows no scuffs or scratches of any kind. The soft stitched edge lined strap is also in perfect condition.
This watch looks completely unworn. It does not come with any original packaging or documentation. Including our 1 year complimentary warranty the watch is estate priced at $2,200.00 CAD. Stock #501-00226.
Breitling has captured my heart with this commemorative Premier B01. In recent years Breitling watches have moderated in size with designs that actually fit human-sized wrists. At 42mm diameter, this watch is still on the large side, and lacking a thick rotating bezel it looks a bit bigger still, but on your wrist, the size is diminished. The turned-down lugs contour the wrist, and the polished bevel wraps around the lugs, taking away a sharp corner. The Premier B01 was introduced a few years ago as a tribute to past designs. The classic dial layout with simple hands and markers never grows old. The raised sapphire crystal looks like something vintage and plastic. Even the oversized crown with deep knurls and square chronograph control buttons looks like they came off a manually wound chronograph from the 1940s or 50s. What’s inside the 100-meter water-resistant case is thoroughly modern. The proprietary 41 jewel B01 column-wheel chronograph movement is the first ever in-house design for Breitling, and it’s one of the best around.
It is so good in fact that Rolex uses this movement in their Tudor Chronograph and renamed it the calibre MT5813. This watch is one of only a thousand produced to commemorate Bentley automobile’s 100th anniversary in 2019. Bentley was the preferred automobile of Willy Breitling in the 1940s. Eventually, Breitling watches would become a major sponsor for Bentley during racing events. The sporty luxury watches and sporty exclusive cars have mutually benefited from their long association. An engraved Bentley plaque is screwed on the case edge that helps to protect the bezel edge.
The engine turned pattern is done in the same style as the dashboard on some competition Bentleys. My favorite feature of the Centenary B01 is the natural burl elm dial. This wooden dial is different than any we’ve seen before. It was left completely natural without the common thick lacquered finish. Beautiful grain patterns and textures were completely left alone. Natural cavities and surface anomalies are different on every dial in the limited edition run. Text and individually applied markers are printed and placed over whatever knots or imperfections mother nature left behind.
The thick, quilted brown leather strap blends perfectly with the dial. This combination is far more handsome than bracelet-equipped versions.
The strap is secured with a clever deployment buckle that looks like a simple tang design when closed. This watch was purchased new in Canada in the September of 2020 at a Canadian authorized Breitling agent.
It is in perfect condition showing no signs of wear. There are still some protecting plastic stickers on the inside of the buckle.
The watch comes complete with all packaging, documentation, and tags that originally came with it. The international electronic warranty will cover the next owner until the late summer of 2025. This is a watch we will likely not ever see another example of. This watch was limited in production to only 1000 examples. It is available for the estate price of $9,990.00 CAD. Stock #e14201.
Besides the Rolex Submariner and Daytona, Omega’s Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is just about our most requested estate watch. When they come around they usually don’t last very long. It’s a watch that hasn’t really changed much since it was introduced in the late 1950s as a sporty hand-wind chronograph with tachymetre bezel scale. If it works don’t mess with the design; an undisputed classic with a proven record of reliability.
All Speedmaster Professional Moonwatches have seen significant increases in value over the past few years. It’s one of those rare watches that has changed very little, except for the slightly over the top packaging on the most recent versions. Even as styles and technologies have moved on the Speedmaster Professional “MoonWatch” soldiers on looking the same as they did 50 years ago. Our most recent Speedy is a Canadian delivery example dating from early 2013. It’s one of the last examples to come with the simple red inner box. The complete package includes the inner/outer boxes, endorsed Canadian agent warranty cards, instructions, and a plastic price tag that displays the style/serial number and original price of $4,500.00 CAD.
In the early 1960s, NASA needed a chronograph wristwatch that was suitable for its upcoming manned space flight program. They purchased several high-quality chronographs off the shelf from several local Houston jewellers. They then proceeded to subject them to rigorous testing until they eventually failed NASA’s testing (including the Rolex Daytona). The only watch that passed the arduous testing was the Omega Speedmaster. For all 6 moon landings, 88 shuttle flights, and 110 missions there was only one watch that was “flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions”. Our latest example was only occasionally worn by an important Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers collector customer. Overall condition is practically like new, hardly a scuff or mark can be seen on the case, bracelet, or even the original hesalite crystal.
In today’s era of GPS tracking and super accurate electronic timing, it’s amazing that such old-fashioned manual mechanical technology is still being made, that’s how strong the tradition and legend of the Speedmaster Professional are. Even well into the 1990s, this hand-wind throwback from the 1950s was still the watch that was “Flight-Qualified For All Manned Space Missions” as engraved into the case back. Although the current Moonwatch has a different style number (310.30.42.50.01.002) reflecting the larger packaging, make no mistake, this is the same watch. This watch is still available from Omega as seen on the Omega Canada website for a retail price of $10,300.00. Our example is estate priced at $6,880.00 CAD including a complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. Stock #510-00122.
SOLD
For those of you who are looking for a large sporty watch with some custom bling, here is a rare opportunity to pick one up for waaaaaaaay less than what it cost to put together originally. We get far more requests for the larger “statement” type watches than actually come in. Large sporty models from Rolex, Omega, IWC, and Panerai are snapped up quickly from our displays, often even before we are able to post them online.
For overall wrist impact, the Breitling Avenger Skyland checks off all the boxes. At 45mm case size, it’s large but not overwhelming for most men. The brushed steel case with highly polished case edges is most subtle than many of the completely polished Breitling offerings.
Ratcheting one-way bezel timer, 12-hour chronograph, oversized threaded crown, heavy duty solid link bracelet with locking buckle confirm the sporting nature of the machine. Just in case you happen to overlook the large size of the watch, it’s pretty hard to miss the sparkling diamonds set into the bezel. 132 hand set round brilliant cut diamonds add up to approximately 1.25 carts of sparkling bling.
We’re happy to report this custom application uses much better quality diamonds than what we usually see. The SI-HI diamonds have been expertly hand assembled set in 4 bead settings. The watch is in very good condition. It shows evidence of careful use in the form of light scratches and scuffs. We can refinish the case, bracelet, and bezel to look new if you wish. Have some fun, and let that bottled-up extrovert make a statement with an awesome example of wrist jewellery.
A very accomplished Valjoux 7750 controls the timekeeping duties within the highly water-resistant stainless steel case. Breitling’s in-house watchmakers have refined and modified the movement receiving chronometer rated accuracy levels. All the movement functions are working as designed. The watch comes with the fully endorsed warranty certificate when the watch was delivered from an authorized Canadian Breiling agent in July 2009.
Also included is a Breitling rubber strap with a signed stainless steel buckle, when a more casual look is appropriate.
Including our 1-year complimentary warranty, the watch is estate priced at $5,800.00 CAD. Stock #515-00009.
SOLD
Despite the Seamaster moniker and a 30-meter factory rating for water resistance, early Seamasters like this were not all that watertight. Even the stainless steel case proudly displayed the Seahorse logo and WATERPROOF embossed on the back.
Rolex had their impressive and patented oyster case with screwed on case back and crown; Omega needed a different approach to protecting their watches from water. They decided to eliminate the case back entirely. The theory is: without a case back and required gasket that could potentially fail, removing the case back altogether is one less place for water to enter. To service the watch the entire movement with the dial comes out through the front after the crown and crystal are removed.
Excellent plan in theory but in practice the non screw down crown rubber gaskets failed over the years letting moisture in. This example while in excellent overall condition does show some minor evidence of moisture damage in the form of tiny specs on the original silver dial.
These blemishes are very minor, and practically invisible in most situations. Some surface rust on the two piece stem was removed while we performed the full overhaul to the original pink gold plated, 24 jewel, Omega in house calibre 552 in May of 2018.
Now in perfect running condition, the watch is keeping great time. This less in more watch is an exercise in basic timekeeping with a time only display of gold hands/markers with black highlights for extra contrast against the silver dial. Although this watch is only 34.5mm in diameter the actual dial surface area looks larger than a 36mm Rolex Datejust because it lacks a thick bezel.
When last serviced we replaced the plastic crystal with a genuine Omega replacement. The original crown while no longer waterproof was retained to maintain the overall vintage look.
You’d never guess this watch was manufactured in 1961. The 14 karat gold capped lugs are thick and still sharp edged. The solid 14-karat bezel ring shows some minor scratches that go unnoticed except under extreme scrutiny. A brand new 19mm brown Hirsch strap with a gold plated buckle has this watch looking almost like new old stock. Including a complimentary one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty this watch is estate priced at $1,400.00 CAD. Stock #510-00121.
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.
Breitling is one of the world’s great watch brands with a deep horological history dating back to 1884. The Colt chronometer GMT is one of their truly functional professional watches. Many Breitling are optioned with complicated slide rules, multi-register chronographs, and busy dials. The Colt presents its functions simply and logically. Basic timekeeping is handled by pencil shaped hour/minute hands with a full track of large Arabic hour markers. The independently adjustable 2nd hour hand displays any additional time zone in a 24-hour format (no mistaking AM or PM hours) with a short red arrow tipped hand.
As with most Breitling the watch is equipped with a one-way ratcheting bezel indexed in 30 second increments for timing capabilities of up to 1 hour. An overachieving water resistance rating of 500 meters should keep even the hard core diver satisfied. For a black dial, the luminous hands and markers offer excellent legibility in all lighting conditions.
Many modern Breitlings can be cumbersome with diameters of 44mm or larger and a bulk to match. The Colt GMT measures a very manageable 40.5mm diameter or about the same size as the benchmark Rolex Submariner diver watch. Overall condition is excellent and original.
The case and bracelet display small scuffs and scratches associated with occasional use but nothing that couldn’t be easily polished away for no charge while you wait. The watch was originally purchased in the U.S. Virgin Islands in December 2012.
It comes complete with the inner/outer boxes, endorsed warranty, instruction booklet, chronometer certificate, and even packaging stickers. For an easy to use rugged watch there isn’t anything more effective than the Colt Chronometer GMT. Not very often does a Colt show up complete with everything delivered from the factory. All functions are working as designed. Including a complimentary 1 year warranty the watch is priced at $3,250.00 CAD. Stock #515-00016.
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 redesigned Seamaster Professionals of the early 1990s and placement in the James Bond movie franchise exposed Omega watch to literally a whole new audience. The automatic Seamaster professional diver “James Bond” watch had an MSRP of $2,600.00 CAD when it was introduced.
The Dynamic was produced as an entry level offering from the brand from Bienne Switzerland showcasing many of the features found on other Omegas for a lower price point.
This experiment proved to be less popular than planned, as not too many examples of the Dynamic and Dynamic Chronograph were sold. Today these watches offer a unique look, unlike anything else Omega was producing at the time.
They came on a steel bracelet or brown calf strap. The steel bracelet is very “Speedmaster like”, the 37mm case with a threaded crown, threaded case back, and sapphire crystal is similar in construction to a Seamaster case.
The vintage looking dial and hands were inspired by Omega military watches. There were no other dial choices, the brown leather strap was the only option. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers were authorized agents for Omega when these watches were current and we sold very few of them. Today they still offer the same great value and are seldom seen on the secondary market. I think ours is the best one currently available anywhere. This example came from an avid collector who rarely wore it. It remains in 100% original condition and has never been refinished or polished. The dial and 3 hands are all perfect. I love how Omega took the time to match the font on the date-ring to the dial numbers.
The sapphire crystal is 100% scratch free. When these watches occasionally turn up they almost never have any of their original packaging or documents. Ours comes with everything, except the original warranty card. The extremely rare tin can box is here along with the equally rare pillow and harness.
All the other documents are present along with a BIRKS extended warranty card. We performed a full overall to the Omega Calibre 1109 automatic movement (base calibre ETA 2892-A2) in September 2022. The watch is running perfectly with timing/performance report detailing better than expected accuracy.
If you like the look of this 36.6mm rarity, this is likely the best one you’re going to come across. Including our 1 year complimentary warranty, it is estate priced at $2,550.00 CAD. Stock #510-00108.
SOLD
Looking great for a 60 year old. Not many consumer products that are designed to be used every day survive like a high-quality Swiss-made watch.
The nature of any machine with moving parts is wear and tear. From aeroplanes to automobiles, washing machines to whipper snippers, most machines literally wear themselves out through regular operation. Sure you can have them repaired or rebuilt when possible, but sooner or later they are not worth the cost to fix. Jewellery and high-quality wristwatches are a little different. Most areas prone to wear on jewellery can be repaired or rebuilt by a skilled goldsmith for a reasonable sum. Luxury watches are manufactured to last almost indefinitely with the occasional service.
The synthetic jewels in watches act as ultra-low friction bearings between moving metal parts. The jewels are lubricated with highly refined oils and are not subject to all that much torque, so the mechanisms can run 24/7 for many decades without the tiny parts wearing out. This hand wind Longines is a great example of a high quality watch that is ready for another 60 years of reliable service. The calibre L30 ticking away inside the 18 karat gold case is a relatively simple movement that was manufactured in-house by Longines from the mid-1950s through the early 60s. Reliable, robust, and accurate best describe this mechanism. Versions of this calibre were fitted with special balance wheels for observatory chronometer accuracy contests and faired quite well.
The movement features bevelled and polished bridge edges, gold jewel settings, and gilded engraving. After a fresh service in August 2022, our watchmaker has got this non chronometer rated watch running within just a few seconds per day. The electronic Vibrograf report show and rate of just plus 4 seconds per day, an impressive 254-degree amplitude, and a good 0.8-millisecond beat error.
This watch was presented as a service award for 25 years of service with a personalized engraving on the case back.
The solid 18 karat gold case measures an appropriate size for a vintage watch of 34.4mm diameter making it appropriate for either a man or woman today. The silver dial is perfect, showing no stains or blemishes of any kind. I love how the radial sunburst finish centres around the subsidiary second hand and not the centre of the dial as seen on other dials.
As an indication of how this watch has been cared for you only need to look at the winding crown; it is original. Seeing an original crown on a 60 year old watch is almost unheard of.
As a finishing touch, this watch comes with its original spring loaded Longines box in good condition. We are happy to provide the next owner with a complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 5 years). This rare watch is estate priced at $2,000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00185.
Omega watch company at one time was the most prolific independent Swiss watch manufacturer, outproducing Rolex and other luxury manufacturers by a wide margin. Today they are still one of the most influential brands in the industry. Together with parent company Swatch Group, they make more watches than any other Swiss company.
The Constellation was the top of the line offering when Omega was still completely independent and produced its own in-house developed movements. The movement is the heart of any mechanical watch. Omega Calibre 561 was one of few movements able to receive the “Certified Chronometer” designation.
Chronometer-rated watches must maintain accuracy levels of plus 6 to minus 4 seconds per day. Each movement was subjected to independent testing in different positions and temperatures for a minimum of 10 days.
The semi quick set calendar adds some extra utility to the very functional dial. Omega applied the date magnifier lens on the inside of the crystal where it is protected from impacts and distortion when the crystal requires polishing.
Omega was at the peak of their game in the 60s and this Constellation represents a snapshot of what an original example should look like, right down to the vintage dauphine hands. We completed a full service in October 2022. To our knowledge, our recent service was only the 3rd overhaul in almost 60 years. The watch is running great and keeping excellent time.
The beautiful 18-karat gold-capped case has never been polished. The gold cap is far more durable compared to heavy gold plating. The cap measures 0.3mm thick and can easily be seen on the underside of the lugs.
These gold-capped Omega watches can maintain their gold finish for a lifetime, even with everyday wear.
The watch is 100% original except with a newer style signed Omega crown and a new replacement Hirsch leather strap and buckle.
The crystal even appears original as it still displays the older style “tall” logo.
The watch has never been polished or refinished in any way. The screw-on case back with the observatory emblem also shows very good detail.
These watches are quite uncommon at the best of times. Coming across a one-owner example in this condition is very rare. The silver dial and original hands are perfect and blemish free. Comes with a one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty covering all aspects of mechanical failure except those caused by misuse or moisture. Modest dimensions of 35mm (excluding crown) will favor the averaged sized gentleman’s wrist or the lady who is looking for a high-quality, collectible vintage Omega. We can export tax/duty-free from Canada to most international destinations (local taxes and duties may apply). Estate priced at $3,000.00 CAD. Stock #510-00109.
SOLD
The Santos de Cartier has a long history dating back to 1904 when Alberto Santos Dumont was racing the Wright brothers for achievement in aviation. Both parties were competing to push their “flying machines” further and further. After Santos complained to Louis Cartier that it was terribly inconvenient to check his pocket watch while trying to control his aircraft, Cartier made him the world’s first pilots watch that was worn on the wrist (very unusual for a man at the time); the Santos de Cartier was born. At 38.5mm this modern Santos is quite a bit larger than the original design but is in keeping with modern tastes.
In fact, because of the square/rectangular outline it actually wears larger than a 40mm round watch. The gently curved case makes it very comfortable on the wrist.
It’s a classic style that has truly stood the test of time. At well over 100 years old the style is still admired by many and has made Cartier a design pioneer with their watch creations. This example is powered by a Swiss-made, 3-hand automatic winding mechanism. The Cartier 21 jewel calibre 049 inside the stainless steel case is based on a modified ETA 2892-A2. This venerable movement has been powering many luxury brands for decades. It is running flawlessly and keeping excellent time.
The fully stainless steel construction is a combination of a brushed and polished finish. Our latest estate Santos 2656 is the very rare Kings Road edition. The traditional Cartier white dial with printed Roman numerals in black has been replaced with a dark grey dial and raised Roman numeral hour markers in silver tone.
The watch also was originally delivered from Cartier with a bold-looking crocodile leather strap.
Our example is complete with its original Cartier box and dated paperwork. It comes with 3 extra genuine crocodile leather straps with generic Cartier-style buckles.
The crocodile strap currently installed on the watch is an aftermarket custom that looks like the original and is secured by the original Cartier butterfly deployment buckle. The 3 high-quality custom straps come in black, navy blue, and an interesting dark greenish-blue hue. All 4 straps and buckles are in excellent condition and look unworn.
The original push-button signed Cartier deployment buckle is easy to use and very secure. The 4 generic aftermarket buckles look and operate the same as the original. This watch is in very good condition, appearing only occasionally worn.
Working great and looking like new this distinctive Cartier includes our complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 5 years). Just in time for King Charles the thirds’ coronation, the rare Kings Road Edition Cartier is estate priced at $10,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00239.
SOLD
Classic Cartier in a modest size of 24.4mm x 30.9mm. This watch is powered by a super reliable and accurate Swiss quartz movement. Like new condition, only worn a couple of times according to the original owner.
The black crocodile strap is blemish free and the stainless steel case remains in its original condition. It has never been polished or refinished in any way.
The infinitely adjustable and secure deployment clasp snaps closed with a reassuring click.
Comes with the original Cartier box and instruction booklet. This watch has been replaced with a very similar model that is a little bit smaller and comes with a less expensive calf leather strap and an ordinary tang-type buckle for $3,900.00 CAD. Including our complimentary warranty, the watch is estate priced at $3,200.00.
Let’s face it, do you really need to know what time it is when you’re wearing a watch like this? The is the kind of accessory timepiece a glamorous Hollywood celebrity like Marilyn Monroe would have worn in the 1960s. It may technically be a watch, but that is simply an excuse because really it is a fabulous diamond bracelet. There are 134 hand set diamonds in this magnificent creation. Multiple sizes of round diamonds, tapered baguette, and a marquise cut centerpiece contribute to a total estimated weight of 4.00 carats. The diamonds are of brilliant SI-H quality and sparkle with the slightest movement. It was crafted from over 30 grams (net weight) of bright white 14 karat gold.
The hinged links will conform to a feminine wrist of up to 6 1/2 inches circumference, extra length could be added to the diamond clasp if needed. In the most functional and practical sense, this is a pretty crappy watch. The spring loaded cover always casts a large shadow over the small silver dial and the thick faceted edge curved crystal distorts the optics adding extra challenge when trying to see what time it is. But who really cares, this is a marvelous diamond bracelet, that just so happens to serve a second function as a watch
Despite the diamond bracelet limitations, the mechanical AS 1677 movement housed within is of a relatively high specification. The fully jewelled, hand-wind mechanism is shock protected and will run close to two days when fully wound. The beauty of these tiny movements (15mm x 13mm) is they can be left unattended for months or even years.
When you decide you’d like the sparkle for the night, simply wind it up, set the time, and away you go. No battery to fail or leak if stored for an extended period. This watch is in remarkable condition. There is no wear of any kind in any of the link joints. The diamond set clasp is equipped with 2 length settings and equipped with a safety chain for added security.
Working great and keeping good time (if you even care). We are pleased to provide the new owner with a complimentary 1-year mechanical warranty. The estate price for this beautiful diamond bracelet/watch is $5,600.00 CAD. Stock #e14534
Despite the Seamaster moniker on the dial, this IS NOT a waterproof watch. It has the case back logo, an interesting one-piece case design, and a tension-fit crystal, but these old dress Seamaster De Ville watches were not designed to be worn in or around the water.
When a vintage one turns up around here, the dial is often stained, the stem is rusted solid to the crown, and some of the movement components are suffering from moisture damage or corrosion.
Although the solid gold 9-karat case is showing significant scratches on the case-back, less so on the sides and lugs, the innards and dial are like new.
We have elected to leave the case unpolished. If you’d like it polished to look like new we would happily include this service free of charge. Whoever previously owned this watch certainly used it in dry environments only. We’ve never seen this dial before. Most Seamaster De Ville from this era have simple stick-style hour markers.
Occasionally we see them with Arabic markers at the 3, 6, and 9 positions but never complete coverage like this example. After scouring the internet looking for the same dial we could only find a few others and most of them seem to be in the United Kingdom or Canada. This leads us to believe this particular watch was only available in England and some made their way here on the arms of newcomers to Canada. The English hallmarks are clearly visible on the 9-karat case. The 9 stands for 9 karat gold, .375 is the decimal equivalent for 9 karat, the lowercase n corresponds to a date of 1967, and the Leopard’s head stamp means this case was examined at the London assay office.
The engraved serial number on the movement of 24,229,570 places the watch with a 1966 production date. Powering this Seamaster De Ville is the Omega in house developed 24-jewel calibre 552. The mechanism was produced for a little over a decade from the late 1950s until the late 60s. This series of movements came in several designations with different jewel counts and features, from basic 17 versions to 24 jewel examples with date displays and certified chronometer designations.
Our 24 jewel time only movement has not been submitted for independent chronometer certification but is running great and keeping excellent time. The movement looks like new and appears to have only been serviced a couple of times before.
These old movements have a very useful and contemporary power reserve of over two full days. The timing results show a gain rate of approximately 6 seconds per day, a decent balance wheel amplitude of 239 degrees, and a perfect beat error of zero milliseconds.
This watch is performing almost as good as new. With the occasional service, this watch should be good for another 50 years of reliable and accurate timekeeping. We are confident to provide a 1-year mechanical warranty (prorated for 5 years). Our warranty does not cover damage caused by moisture as this Seamaster is not terribly water resistant and certainly not waterproof. The estate price for this very rare dial 9-karat Omega is $3,000.00 CAD. Stock #510-00116.
Often on watch forums, there are discussions on what watch would you choose if you could only wear one watch for your entire life. A variety of brands and models are discussed but one of the most commonly agreed upon is the PO or Omega Planet Ocean. People love their POs and it’s easy to see why; it’s a true diver’s watch with its hardy 45.5mm stainless steel case design that is suitable and tested to 600m or 2000 feet of water pressure.
Because of its size, it is often referred to as a Planet Ocean Large. The dial is a gloss black beautifully contrasted with the vintage-looking text of the 6, 9, and 12-hour indexes. Not a single detail is overlooked on the beautifully detailed dial even the date aperture is surrounded by a slightly stepped border and fantastic luminescence treatment on the indexes and ever the popular broad arrow hands.
The Omega seahorse or hippocampus-shaped logo that emblazons the case back is Omega’s symbol of water-resistance. Originally designed by engraver Jean-Pierre Borle, it was inspired by an image of Neptune driving a chariot pulled by seahorses, hence the bridles on the Omega seahorses.
Our Planet Ocean was purchased new in Oct. 2011 at a Canadian authorized Omega agent and is presented in freshly serviced, lightly worn, original condition.
It hasn’t been polished or refinished in any way. The solid link stainless steel bracelet and buckle are in link new condition, showing little to no sag and zero stretch.
This watch is a full set meaning it comes with everything (original box, warranty card, chronometer certificate, pictogram, and operating instruction booklet). This watch is no longer available through Omega and due to the popularity of the first generation of Planet Oceans, we do not think it will last long in our showcase. The watch was serviced by our master watchmaker in April of 2023 and is running exceptionally well. It passed vacuum/pressure testing with flying colours.
The electronic timing report shows an average of just plus 3 seconds per day as measured in 5 different positions. The balance wheel shows an excellent amplitude of 311 degrees. The beat error is perfect in 3 of 5 positions, and just 0.1 milliseconds in the other 2 positions. I’m quite confident this watch is running better than when it left the Omega factory 12 years ago. Included with the purchase is our complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 4 additional years). The estate price for this modern classic is $5,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00110.
SOLD
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 blue 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 like new condition and comes complete with the original inner/outer boxes, instruction booklet, and warranty card. 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 $3,175.00 CAD. Stock #520-00079.
SOLD
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 #e14585.
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 $20,000.00 CAD. Stock #515-00054.
Over the years Omega has slowly been improving “non” Moonwatch Speedmasters to the point where they are truly as good as anything else on the market and better than most. Modern automatic Speedmaster watches like our latest estate example 326.30.40.50.03.001 benefit from heavier bracelets secured with proper screws and heavy-duty buckles. The previous owner of this one upgraded the buckle further with a push button adjustment.
Omega no longer uses bushed rivets to connect the adjustable links. The case backs are now a screw on type rather than a simple interference press fit. Water resistance ratings have improved from 30 meters to 100.
The sapphire crystals feature a double anti-reflective coating on both sides cutting down reflections. The movements inside are technically improved and now easily qualify for certified chronometer status. The Omega calibre 3330 now features a fully integrated column wheel for chronograph operation, gone is the modular style.
Proprietary Co-Axial escapement extends servicing intervals and increases accuracy standards, a silicon hairspring is impervious to magnetic fields and temperature changes further enhancing accuracy. Even the power reserve has increased to over 2 days when not being worn. Our latest Speedmaster estate watch incorporates all of the mentioned improvements. Even the dials showcase subtle detail and texture absent in years past.
The beautiful navy blue/black face on this watch displays 3 different textures. The colour flips from blue to black depending on the viewing angle. This watch was purchased in January 2020 from a Canadian authorized Omega agent. The watch exhibits typical signs of wear and tear but remains in its original unpolished/refinished condition.
It comes complete with the inner/outer boxes, instructions, and endorsed warranty card. The beautiful wooden box still sports a protective plastic sticker covering the release button. The new owner will receive the balance of the 5-year warranty good until January 2025.
This watch has been retired from the Omega Speedmaster line. When available new, it had a retail price of $5,400.00 CAD. In the United States, it was quite a bit more expensive (dollar adjusted), with an MSRP of $4,800.00 USD. Our estate price for this watch is $4,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-000111.
At Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers we’re very fortunate. We often feature some pretty nice watches as part of our ever-changing estate collection. Top brands like Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Cartier, Tag Heuer, etc. all make regular appearances. Patek Philippe on the other hand, now that’s another story. Despite the rather pedestrian appearance of many Patek Philippe models, they are universally considered the most desirable watch brand available. Most PPs are rather understated on the outside; the marvelous mechanical movements housed within the solid gold cases are anything but. This is perhaps one of the esteemed brand’s simplest offerings, yet the attention to detail is above and beyond anything else on the market. This tiny hand-wind movement is one of the smallest to receive the type of adjustments usually reserved for larger men’s chronometer-certified watches.
The timekeeping frequency has been adjusted in 5 different positions in order to remain as close to a constant 21600 cycles per hour as possible. In addition to positional error adjustments, the mechanism has also been tweaked for temperature variation and mainspring tension. Without these additional seemingly trivial compensations the watch may show additional levels of inaccuracy. The smaller the mechanism the more critical the adjustments become and the more difficult they are to accomplish. Shock protection and a beautiful Geneve wave finish are a sight to behold on a miniature scale that completes the mechanical masterpiece. Our retro example dates from approximately 1970. The solid 18 karat gold integrated mesh bracelet and case combine to weigh 40.3 grams (without the movement) and measures a slightly short 16.5cm in length.
This watch is the perfect accessory for the lady who loves a fun retro style. Despite the small rectangular size of 20mm x 16mm the champagne dial is quite legible with simple contrasting stick markers and black hands. A sturdy 3 position locking buckle with an internal safety clasp in itself is a remarkably well-made piece of jewellery.
In very good condition showing some minor surface staining on the dial edge. Running great the watch comes complete with its original box and a one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. Estate priced at $4,500.00 CAD. Stock #e10422.
How can you call yourself a watch collector if you only have a Rolex or two and maybe a Tag or an Omega? A collection is about variety and having something different is a great way to diversify a collection. Graham watches are a smaller company whose inspiration and namesake was English master watchmaker George Graham, who manufactured pocket watches and lived in London England. Modern Graham watches are a combination of English tradition and Swiss watchmaking talent. As far as Graham watches go the Silverstone GMT is one of the more basic designs. A quick perusal of the Graham website reveals some rather off the wall and complicated designs including a tourbillon and large chronographs models. The GMT is a great looking 42mm watch with a very purposeful design. The carbon fiber dial with white luminous hands and Arabic hour markers are very easy on the eyes.
The bold Arabic numerals appear to be floating over the weave of the carbon fiber. A Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) function allows a second time zone to be simultaneously displayed in a 24 format displayed with the large red pointed hand and outer 24 hour bezel.
This feature is very handy for the world traveler or pilot who needs to keep track of universal time plus local time. Powering the watch is a modified ETA 2893-2 21 jewel Swiss made automatic movement visible through the display back.
A screw-down case back and threaded crown allows for a watch resistance rating of 160 feet. I’m not sure of production numbers but this is a very rare watch. It’s almost impossible to find the exact same or even similar models available on the secondary market. The very low serial number of 379 suggests not many were produced. This example has been very rarely worn It sat mostly in its original box since 2013. The original owner bought it but could never get his head around wearing an “expensive” watch. He finally decided it should go to someone who wasn’t afraid to wear it and use it as intended. Comes complete with original inner/outer box, instructions, endorsed warranty card (Bandiera Jewellers Woodbridge Ontario), and insurance appraisal. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers performed a full overhaul of the movement in the fall of 2019. The watch easily passed vacuum/pressure testing after the service. A vibrograf accuracy report from the service is included.
The original price for this watch was $4,840.00 CAD. Including a one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty, the watch is estate priced at $3,000.00 CAD. Stock #e11596.
Most watch luxury watch manufacturers have one or two models that define the brand. For Breitling, the Navitimer is the watch that comes to mind. The aviation-centric brand has been making watches for pilots for almost as long as there have been pilots. The Navitimer’s chronograph and rotating slide rule bezel allow various mathematical calculations crucial for navigation, climb/descent rates, fuel consumption, speed/distance calculation, etc.; all very handy for the professional pilot and watch nerd alike.
Our newest pre-owned Breitling showcases Breitling’s B01 in-house manufactured power plant. Even though Breitling has been around since 1884 and makes some very popular sports watches, they have never produced their own mechanical movement until the B01. Like many companies, they modify and upgrade existing high-quality mechanisms from Swiss suppliers like ETA and Valjoux. Breitling certifies every movement leaving their factory is compliant with chronometer specifications for accuracy. Not wanting their production to be limited and sometimes dictated by outside suppliers, Breitling decided to produce an entirely new calibre completely in-house several years ago. The proprietary 47 jewel B01 is the result.
The single mainspring design stores a remarkable 70 hours of power reserve when not being worn and easily conforms to accuracy levels awarding it chronometer grade status. The watch industry is paying close attention to Breitling and more specifically to its proprietary movement. Breitling is justifiably proud of this mechanism and wants the world to see it. I’m sure they’re counting on you showing it off to your buddies through the display window in the case back.
Breitling has an agreement with the Rolex sibling company Tudor allowing them to use the B01 chronograph movement in the Tudor Heritage Chronograph. In exchange, Breitling has access to Tudor’s 3-hand in-house MT5612 movement (renamed B20 in Breitling products). For two major watch brands to cooperate like this is very unusual; it shows how much each manufacturer mutually respects the quality of these mechanisms.
Rolex has its Daytona Cosmograph, Omega has the Speedmaster Moonwatch; the Navitimer is the halo model for Breitling. Our model AB0137241L1A1 comes with the most desirable and hard to find green dial with black subdials. The Navitimer is a large watch and it needs to be.
The information on the slide rule would be almost indecipherable if it only occupied the space of a 40mm case size like on a Rolex Daytona.
This watch was purchased in the spring of 2022 at the Breitling boutique Yorkdale Shopping Centre Toronto and comes with a copy of the original invoice. It still sports many of the protective delivery stickers on the buckle, inside the bracelet, all 4 of the case lugs, and on both sides of the case edges.
It may have been worn a couple of times but there certainly is no evidence of any use. It remains under the factory warranty until the spring of 2027. This is a current model on Breitling’s website showing a retail price of $11,500.00 CAD. Comes complete with the full complement of packaging, documents, certificates, a bezel guard, and even the original plastic hang tag all in perfect condition. This previously owned watch is priced at $9,500.00 CAD. Stock #515-00065.
One of the world’s most sought after vintage chronographs is of course the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. The 1960s where a time when everyone was obsessed with the concept of space flight. Manufactures of the era were quick to capitalize on the trend of pilot watches with chronographs, measuring scale indexes and even slide rules. First to the party was the Omega Speedmaster; it was selected by NASA and “endorsed for all manned space flight missions”.
In a very obvious attempt to capitalize in the concept of space exploration the Rolex Cosmograph debuted a little later 1963. While the Speedmaster Professional was headed to the moon, Omega produced a few other chronograph equipped models and this De Ville is one of the most uncommon. The classic styling of the 35mm case looks very much like a Seamaster and even the Heuer Carrera.
The De Ville’s smaller case size and more basic 2 register, 30 minute chronograph make for a sophisticated look, appropriate for both casual and dressy use. The dial is actually a very dark charcoal gray colour with contrasting, sunken, silver sub-dials. This “reverse panda” look is rare within the 145.017 range. The chapter ring Tachymetre scale with red constant seconds indexes are a clue to the sporting pedigree in the 17 jewel hand wind Omega calibre 860 that lurks inside the stainless steel case. Calibre 860 is almost identical to the Moonwatch calibre 861 aside from the lack of the third 12 hour chronograph register.
Both the calibre 860 and 861 were introduced around the same time in 1968. Our latest estate watch is an early model from 1968. Very few of these watches were produced over only a few years. Our research indicates around 10,000 were made. These watches are rare enough that if you see another example I bet the serial number is quite close to this one 27713394. The dial condition of our latest estate omega is very good for a 50 plus year old watch. There is a luminous tritium dot missing at 3:00 and a few others are partially missing but by in large only appropriate patina can be seen. I suspect the 3 large white hands are replacement service items. Attached to the watch is a signed, black crocodile strap with genuine Omega stainless steel buckle.
This is the first De Ville 145.017 we have ever had the pleasure to showcase in our estate department, we may never see another. We are pleased to offer the new owner a no charge 1 year mechanical warranty. The watch is estate priced at $7,000.00 CAD. Stock #e13731.
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.
This isn’t a watch for everyone, but if you love the colourful, rare, and unusual, this would make a great addition to your collection. To commemorate Canada’s 2010 Olympic winter games Omega produced 2010 of these mid-sized Seamaster 300s. This one is a very low number 14 of the 2010 produced. It was only occasionally worn by its previous owner and remains in its original unpolished condition.
The 36mm case is suitable for a slim gentleman or anyone who doesn’t need an overwhelming watch. Its playful nature doesn’t mean this watch can’t get the job done. It is watertight to 1000 feet and has all the regular professional diver features. Threaded crown, threaded case back, sapphire crystal, helium escape valve, locking buckle with diver’s extension, certified chronometer movement with co-axial escapement, and luminous hands/hour markers.
The anodized red bezel, glossy snow white dial, Olympic rings logo on the seconds hand, and inukshuk embossed case back treatment are exclusive to this watch.
The watch comes with the original white Olympic logo inner/outer boxes, endorsed paperwork (June 19, 2012), instructions, card holder, and the original gift receipt.
This visually striking watch captures the Canadian theme in bright red and white. The tiny Olympic interlocking rings logo is my favorite part of this watch. I’m sure this tiny little part painted 5 different colours must have been quite a challenge to produce on such a scale.
We are happy to include a no charge 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years) for the new owner. This small part of Canadian Olympic history is estate priced at $5,000.00 CAD. Stock #510-00097.
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.
TAG Heuer’s Carrera line was part of a great race in the mid-1960s to develop the first automatic winding chronograph. Heuer partnered with Breitling and Hamilton to face off against Zenith. Together they launched their Calibre 11 six months before Zenith’s El Primero hit the market. The caliber 11 was shown in a line of automatic chronographs that debuted in Geneve and New York. The launch included TAG’s Carrera, Autavia, and Monaco models. The original Carrera itself was designed and launched in 1963 by Jack Heuer as the first chronograph (not yet automatic) specifically designed for professional drivers. He was inspired by La Carrera Panamericana Mexican Road Race; one of the most famous events in auto racing history running only from 1950-1954. The Carrera CV2A1D Calibre 16 is one of TAG’s models from a few years ago. From information we gather, this watch was made in a small run with blue highlights on the hands, dial, and start/stop pusher.
Almost all the models you’ll come across feature red details. We don’t know what the blue bits signify or how many of these limited editions were manufactured.
Tag Heuer is still producing a version of this model but with a new ceramic tachymeter bezel that retails at $6,300.00 CAD as seen on the corporate website. The newest model and our example are powered by the Swiss-made Calibre 16 (based on the ETA Valjoux 7750) automatic chronograph movement. This venerable movement is equipped with 25 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and beats at a speedy 28,800 vibrations per hour a vast improvement from the original Calibre 11.
The 44mm diameter polished steel case features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, fixed tachymeter bezel, three register chronograph, and a day-date window at 3 o’clock. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, with a screw-on display case back and signed black and crown. The subtle silver dial with polished stainless steel sections, and curved Arabic minute markers, contribute to giving the Carrera a remarkably dressy look. The Carrera has always been a versatile design. This watch is in used, but very good overall condition. It is nice to see the previous owner resisted the urge to polish the stainless steel bezel. It displays some scratches and minor impact marks the debossed tachymetre scale remains crisp and sharp.
No matter how careful you are any attempt to polish these bezels results in the fine details of the scale being altered. This uncommon Carrera with its Tag Heuer box and complimentary one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty is estate priced at $3,800.00 CAD. Stock #520-00076.
If this 18 karat gold watch was just a simple chain or bracelet of the same weight, it would be an excellent value at only $95.14 per gram. But this is a complicated Italian/Swiss-made watch, hand set with 82 round brilliant cut diamonds of high VS-H quality with a total estimated weight of 0.90 carats.
This is really more a piece of jewellery that also can tell time. The beautiful white mother of pearl dial displays only the Aureus logo and some fine black text, no hour/minute markers, or even a second hand. The pearl dial and hinged lugs are pave set with sparkling diamonds.
The flexible link bracelet measures 15.8mm wide and will accommodate a wrist size of up to 6 3/4 inches. A concealed double folding white gold clasp provides a more secure method of closure compared to the same design in yellow gold.
Timekeeping duties are performed by an ultra accurate ETA Swiss Quartz movement with a freshly installed battery that should last at least a couple of years. The completely solid construction is of Italian design and was manufactured to a very high standard. Keeping great time and comes complete with a complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty (prorated for 5-years). Included with the watch is a July 2010 GemScan Certificate of Evaluation stating a replacement value of $4,500.00. The important thing to consider with this 11-year-old document is that gold has appreciated over 75% since then. The diamond bracelet/watch is estate priced at $4,900.00 CAD. Stock #e14507.
The 1950s saw the emergence of electronic technology in many consumer and household products. It also allowed for the miniaturization of things like simple AM radios. What at one time they were a piece of furniture occupying an entire corner of a living room. The 1950s saw the size reduced to that of a paperback novel including the batteries. Watchmaking efficiency and fashions of the day also lead to the production of highly accurate yet tiny mechanical movements. Our latest estate watch is a great example of a tiny but highly evolved lady’s wristwatch from 1952. The Bulova 21 jewel, hand-wind movement measures just 13.0mm x 15.2mm x 3.1mm.
In the early, to the middle of the 1900s Bulova was considered one of the top brands available. This 5AH movement in this watch was as well made as any of the period lady’s mechanisms made by Longines, Omega, or even Rolex. Its 21 synthetic ruby jewels help to reduce friction and wear throughout the gear train allowing this movement remarkable accuracy. It has even been adjusted for positional error, something seldom seen in watches of this size. The 14 karat yellow gold case with plastic crystal weighs 4.2 grams (without movement). The black dial with gold Arabic and pointed hour markers are classy yet easy to read with good contrast.
Fitted to the watch is a brand new 9mm black leather strap that matches the watch’s sophisticated look. The curved lugs that attach the strap to the case are a beautiful and feminine feature that gives this watch a unique look. The watch is running well and keeping good time. We have no service history on the watch. Estate priced at $500.00. Included with purchase is a complimentary 1-year warranty and free first service, whenever needed. If you’d like to buy the watch running well but “as is”, it is priced at $400.00 CAD. Stock e13889.
This is one of those rare watches that is much more than it appears. To the casual watch aficionado, it is a basic Tag Heuer diver’s watch. While that observation is correct, this watch is much more. It is one of the first watches to display the TAG HEUER logo, and also one of the first produced after the corporate takeover of Heuer Watch Company by the holding company Techniques d’Avant Garde. It could be argued that TAG helped save Heuer from bankruptcy as the quartz revolution of the 1970s brought many traditional mechanical watch manufacturers to their knees. The 844 series of Heuer and Tag Heuer watches was the company’s first proper diver’s watch and one of the few carry-over models from the Heuer era.
Heuer enjoyed much success in the world of mechanical chronographs and timers, but robust diver’s watches were something lacking from the Heuer lineup. A more affordable option to the Rolex Submariner was the goal, and the 844 was the result. The 42mm case size was larger than the Submariner, but otherwise, they look very similar. Luminous dial markers, Mercedes-style hands, flat black paint, minute markers, aluminum bezel insert, and the crown guard are all almost the same as the Rolex Submariner from the era.
The Rolex Oyster bracelet is different, but Tag Heuer’s stainless steel bracelet appears almost identical to the dressier Rolex Jubilee bracelet found on other Rolex models. It is very clear where the design inspiration for the 844 series came from.
Powering our 844/5 is an ETA-based 2824-2 automatic movement. These workhorse movements have been around since the 1970s and are renowned for their durability. Not typically chronometer rated, the ETA 2824-2 is more than accurate enough to keep you on schedule. Finding any 844 series Heuer/Tag Heuer is an uncommon event, finding one in this kind of condition almost never happens.
The dial and hands are perfect.
From the flip lock diver’s extension-equipped buckle to the screw-down crown, everything on the watch is operating as designed.
Perhaps the rarest part of the package is the fact this watch comes with its full complement of documents including the endorsed warranty papers from a Toronto Jeweller.
Even the 30 plus year old original cardboard box is here and marked with reference 844. For the Heuer collector looking for a historically important watch, this watch checks off all the boxes. This watch was serviced late in 2021 by our master watchmaker and is running as good or better than new.
It passed vacuum/pressure testing and is keeping time better than you’d expect for a NON chronometer rated automatic watch. Including a complimentary 1-year warranty, this watch is estate priced at $5,000.00 CAD. Stock #e14384.
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.
In the 1970s, Seiko was arguably the most important watch brand in the world. They had almost single-handedly put the Swiss watchmaking industry out of business with the new electronic quartz technology. Inexpensive to mass produce, ultra-reliable, virtually shockproof, and exponentially more accurate than even the most sophisticated mechanical watch from Switzerland People abandoned their old wind up and automatic watches and never looked back. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers were authorized Seiko agents in the 1970s when they came to Canada and we sold 1000s of them. Our high end Swiss brands like Omega and Rolex sold occasionally, but everyone wanted one of these new ultra accurate watches from Japan. In the 1980s Seiko launched a new upscale brand called Lassale.
The more expensive line was focused on sleek thin design trends of the era. Dressy styles with unique integrated bracelets were among their most popular models. The average price point for these watches was over $1,000.00 CAD, which was not much less than an entry-level Rolex at the time. When I was new to this business I can remember our display cabinets full of Seiko Lassale watches. They were a dream watch for me at the time, something like a Rolex Oyster wasn’t even on the radar as they seemed antique and outdated. The style of the day was thin and dressy. This watch certainly is thin measuring just 4.3mm thick by 23mm wide.
The integrated mesh bracelet will accommodate a wrist size of up to 7 1/2 inches and can easily be shortened. The watch is practically perfect, showing only minor evidence of shop wear. The case-back is still covered by its original blue plastic protective sticker.
This never-worn timepiece is a Lassale model number 1230-5479 from the mid-1980s. It was purchased at Peoples Jewellers, given as a gift but never used. When it came in on trade we couldn’t believe our eyes. This watch is a snapshot of the latest in fashion from the 1980s. We opened the case, installed a fresh battery, and away it went.
We’ve been monitoring the timekeeping for 3 months and it hasn’t even lost a minute. We are happy to provide a complimentary 1-year warranty for the new owner. It comes complete with the inner/outer box, instruction booklet, and endorsed warranty papers. 35 years ago this watch had a retail price of over $1,000.00. Today it is estate priced at $750.00 CAD. Stock #e14659.
Believe it or not, some of the best values in the world of previously enjoyed jewellery are solid gold luxury watches. Breaking down the price to its simplest form of price per gram reveals an astonishing fact. If you shop around you can find some compelling bargains. Buying a brand new, high-end, 18-karat, Swiss timepiece new can easily run you $200.00 to $300.00 per gram. Whereas a preowned model like this one only costs less than $70.00 per gram.
If you dig a little deeper and determine the net weight of 18 karat gold in our latest Baume & Mercier estate watch is around 84 grams, you can figure out the gold value alone is around $5,500.00.
Considering the wholesale cost of the 16 high-quality small diamonds (0.66 carats VS-FG) is close to $900.00, you quickly realize our price of only $6,000.00 is quite a good value. The watch itself is in practically brand-new condition showing very little use. The bracelet is very tight, showing no stretch or sag.
The basic dial crafted from iridescent mother of pearl is absent of any hour markers, with just two faceted hands to display the time. Baume & Mercier Catwalk model MV0252-06 measures 21mm wide and will accommodate a wrist size of 7 inches. The bi-folding buckle snaps securely shut and integrate seamlessly into the bracelet.
Included with the purchase are a copy of an October 2007 appraisal and our 1-year complimentary warranty. This estate watch is estate priced at just $6,000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00212.
Chopard’s Happy Diamonds collection is best described by the 162 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 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 presention inner/outer box with protective cardboard sleeve. The Happy Sport diamond chronograph is estate priced at $5,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00195.
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 manufacturer 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 Masterchrono is no exception and is truly worthy of its masterpiece designation. Beautifully sculpted lugs have been machined and polished with 4 compound curved surfaces. Two sets of holes in the lugs allow for fitting different thicknesses of straps, with a polished concave groove cut into the case for extra clearance.
Tapered rectangular pushers control a 12-hour chronograph and a 1/4 turn locking crown prevents accidentally changing the time.
A threaded display case-back shows off a beautifully decorated 26 jewel Valjoux 7750 with engine-turned and Geneva wave pattern finishes usually reserved for watches costing several multiples of this. Highly polished levers and blued steel screws should keep the mechanical watch enthusiast mesmerized for hours. I can’t think of another watch this complete with this level of detail at this price point.
The silver dial has been crafted for actual sterling silver, not just silver coloured paint. The dial features large debossed Arabic hour markers, tapered hour/minute hands, and a continuous seconds hand shaped like a set of calipers. Recessed chronograph registers in contrasting black can display up to 12 hours of elapsed time. A day-date display at 3:00 o’clock adds some extra utility.
For the sharp-sighted a tachymeter scale around the chapter ring can be used to calculate 60 to 500 units per hour. Attached to the large 43mm stainless steel case is a 21 x 18mm black crocodile strap in very good to excellent condition with a signed deployment buckle.
The watch is running well with all functions operating as designed. Comes complete with its original inner/outer boxes, documents, product tags, warranty card (not dated or endorsed), and a never used polishing cloth. The plastic “Masterpiece” hang tag features a chrome finish edge patterned after the escape wheel of the movement within this watch.
It is nice to know a little bit of extra thought has gone into this trivial little tag that most people would have never given a second look at. Including a 1-year complimentary warranty (prorated 5 years) this visually interesting and technically sophisticated timepiece is estate priced at $2,600.00 CAD. Stock #501-00196.
Classic looking Tag Heuer Link Chronograph CJF2110-0. It’s got everything the watch enthusiast is looking for; iconic looks, generous 42mm case size, Swiss made Tag Heuer Calibre 16 automatic movement, historically significant brand, functional black dial and a do it all design. The Link series has been Tag Heuer’s dressy model since the line was introduced as the Sports Elegance over 30 years ago. The appearance has evolved over the past 3 decades, but the wishbone link bracelet design has always been a key style feature that defines the look.
The fully brushed finish gives the watch a purposeful look without the bling. 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 extra function many dress models lack. The watch is equipped with a threaded crown/case back enabling a water resistance rating of 200 meters.
An integrated locking buckle makes sure the watch stays put securely on your wrist. A 12-hour chronograph adds some bonus utility and fills the dial with independent hour, minute, and second registers. The watch is in very good original condition showing little evidence of wear aside from minor scuffs and scratches on the bezel and case. The bracelet shows no measurable stretch or sag. We just installed a new genuine Tag Heuer threaded crown and waterproof tube; after installation, the watch was vacuum tested for water resistance (passing test results included). This is a rare watch to find with a Tachymetre bezel scale and the display case back, most have a plane bezel and solid case back. A complimentary Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers one-year warranty, Tag Heuer service box, and operating instruction booklet complete this package. Priced at $2,250.00. CAD. Stock #e13121
It’s called a SuperOcean for good reason. It’s a “super” capable diver watch with everything the sports 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 6600 feet. That should be plenty for the typical recreational diver who is not likely to exceed much more than 100 feet. Overbuilt in almost every way the 44mm 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 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, and a heavy solid link bracelet with safety lock.
I love the diagonal shape of the bracelet links and how they blend with the slant of the font chosen for the applied silver hour markers.
This watch was purchased new in Canada in December 2013 and serviced at Breilting Canada through Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers in the fall of 2016.
It had a major repair including the replacement of the middle case, a new dial, a new crown, a set of hands, and a full overhaul to the movement. The service cost $1,500.00 plus tax. Since the repair, the watch has rarely been worn.
It remains in excellent overall condition displaying the odd scuff and scratch. These superficial blemished can easily be removed while you wait in just a few minutes if you choose. The subtle orange highlight on the dial and second hand give this watch a little more character than the common monochromatic versions lack.
The watch comes with original packaging, warranty card, instructions, booklets, documents, 2016 service invoice, and even the protective outer white cardboard box. Including a complimentary 1 year warranty (prorated 5 years), the estate price for this SuperOcean A17391 is 3,700.00 CAD. Stock #515-00056.
Despite the umlaut over the E, Krieger watches are American, from Miami in fact, or at least the company is American, but watches are manufactured in Switzerland. Ira Krieger, a lawyer by profession and hobbyist sailor, invented his first watch in 1988 because he was frustrated that there was no watch on the market that could predict the coming and going of the tides. His watches were instantly popular with other sailing enthusiasts and his first manufacturing run sold out in three months. He used the success to expand his offering and eventually expanded into ornate options, more jewellery than timepieces.
The model we are showcasing today is solidly constructed from warm 18 karat yellow gold and features diamond-encrusted case accents. The case measures a modest 22mm and boasts an easy-to-read white dial with distinct diamond hour markers. The 0.33 carats total weigh of petite round brilliant cut diamonds are all of high VS-H quality.
The bead link bracelet is equipped with a hidden fold-over clasp and is detachable from the case in the event you’d want to dress the watch down with a leather strap.
The crystal is made from highly scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire, and despite its small size, the crown is very easy to use for changing the time. All told the watch weighs in at hefty 51.3 grams and is accompanied by a one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers internal warranty. The estate price is $5,000.00, CAD. Stock #501-00219.
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.
Dior Christal with one-way ratcheting bezel set with 44 diamonds and black crystals. All stainless steel construction, 29mm diameter case that is water-resistant to 50 meters. The 4 sides square crystal theme extends to the bezel, faceted crown, embossed strap, and case back.
Comes complete with all of its original documentation, packaging, and authorized agent endorsed warranty card dated November 2010. Excellent condition, patent leather black leather strap with signed stainless steel buckle.
When new this watch had a suggested retail price of close to $4,000.00 USD. Including a 1 year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty (prorated for 5 years) the watch is estate priced at $1,500.00 CAD. Stock #e13811.
Omega’s De Ville line of watches was launched in 1967 and intended to be their simpler, sleeker, more refined offering. 37 years later and they’ve got the sleek but dropped the simple!
This 2004 De Ville 4586.75.00 is striking for several reasons, the most of which is the stepped, matte, and high-polished brickwork bracelet, a retro throwback to some of Omega’s designs from the 50s.
The 32.5mm case swoops up from the bracelet into a diamond-studded bezel, an ethereal mother-of-pearl dial punctuated with highly polished roman numerals and diamond dial markers.
The 48 top-quality VS-G round brilliant cut diamonds equal 1.25 carats together. The dial features a discreet date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The low-profile mechanical crown allows for a quick charge of the movement if the watch has been allowed to wind down. The exhibition case back provides a glimpse of the sophisticated automatic co-axial movement Calibre 2500 with 48-hour power reserve which is running well. Both crystals are made from scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire and show no dings or scratches.
In fact, the entire watch is in excellent condition and comes accompanied by its original inner and outer box and warranty cards stating Canadian origins (Calgary to be exact).
The watch is finished off with a 1 year internal Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty for the estate price of $9,000.00 CAD. Stock #510-00105
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 certainly not have spent extra 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 $2,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00021
In parts of the world, fine watches have become ingrained as part of the local culture. North Americans could expand their horizons when it comes to the variety of sophisticated watches available. Many manufacturers have interesting and important histories that in some cases go back to the early 1800s. There is more to the world of luxury watches than the few top of mind brands that seem to capture all the headlines. There are only a handful of brands that are well-recognized in North America and Ulysee Nardin is certainly not one of them.
They are however a brand to be reckoned with. With a history starting in the mid 1800s. The company is famous for building some of the world’s most accurate marine chronometers. These highly accurate 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; precise time, a clear star filled sky and a little skill were all that was needed to keep you on course. In keeping with the adventurous world exploration theme, we present the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Chronograph chronometer.
All black rubber coated on stainless steel. This watch will not show dings on the sharp edges or bleed stainless steel with wear and tear as on PVD coated watches. Stealthy but still easy to read with large white luminous hands and hour markers.
This watch comes complete with the original endorsed paperwork (July 2013) and packaging. It was purchased as a preowned watch from Watch Finder Toronto in the winter of 2021 for $8,000.00.
The watch was treated to a full overhaul shortly after the Watch Finder purchase by Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. The service included a cleaning of the automatic movement, regulating, and vacuum/pressure testing.
The electronic timing report shows a very good rate of well within chronometer specification, an excellent balance wheel amplitude of 320 degrees, and a beat error showing a perfect zero milliseconds.
This hardly worn watch is running exceptionally well and is covered by our complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 5 years). A few sections of the soft rubber strap have been cut out, if you have a large wrist a new strap may be required. This watch is estate priced at $6,450.00 CAD. Stock #501-00131.
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 #e12390.
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. It comes with a brand new never worn original rubber strap and 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.
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 $13,650.00 CAD. Stock #501-00053.
Longines watches are known for high quality and great value. On the secondary market, their value is truly outstanding. Previously enjoyed Longines watches offer much bigger discounts compared to the top-of-mind brands like Omega, Tag-Heuer, Breitling, Rolex, and Cartier. The price difference between new and used peaks with their solid gold ladies’ models. A preowned Longines like this 18 karat DolceVita is just $5,300.00 CAD. Looking at a new version of something similar on the Longines website reveals a retail price of $7,000.00 for a leather strap example weighing 34.9 grams. Priced by the gram, this estate version would have a replacement value of close to $14,000.00 given it weighs close to twice that of the current model. That seems reasonable considering the complexity of manufacturing something as intricate as a watch. There are dozens of components to be crafted from premium 18 karat yellow gold that all must fit perfectly together.
A heavy weight gold ring or chain necklace is exponentially easier to craft than a complicated watch with a removable and adjustable bracelet. This uncommon watch features a very rare navy blue dial. Blue is literally the complementary colour of yellow and makes for a striking combination with the premium 18 karat gold. The watch was purchased at an authorized Longines dealer in the Toronto area in the spring of 2003.
It remains in its original unpolished condition. It shows the typical evidence of use in the form of scuffs and scratches to the case and bracelet.
Whenever possible we leave our estate watches in their original condition. We will happily polish and refinish them to like new appearance, but remember, they are only original once. This watch shows only a little sag in the bracelet with no stretch.
It comes complete with all of its original documentation and packaging. The high precision, Swiss quartz movement is running perfectly and keeping great time. We will happy to include a complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years) for the next owner. Looking at the value from a different perspective, consider the following.
The net weight of 18 karat gold in this watch likely adds up to at least 63 grams. At the current price of gold ($2,580.00 CAD Jan 19, 2023) the value of gold in this watch alone is over $3,900.00 CAD! Including free refinishing, if you like, this watch is an outstanding value priced at $5,300.00 CAD. Stock #501-00190.
One of the more popular models from TAG Heuer’s top of the line Grand Carrera series. Calibre 17 RS comes with all the bells and whistles while retaining a very versatile look for daily wear or the occasional dressy event. 43mm diameter case size is large but not unmanageable; it wears a bit larger because the case design lacks a thick bezel allowing for maximum dial size without the oversize look. Calibre 17 RS features a two register rotary display chronograph with screw down pushers, tachymetre scale, screw down signed crown, display case back equipped with two sapphire crystals, and a silver framed date window at 6 o’clock. The domed sapphire crystal’s anti reflective coating shows only minor signs of wear, as does the solid stainless steel case, bracelet, and fold over integrated clasp. The black dual textured dial has a frame of ultra thin concentric rings with a matte finish centre section. Minor staining on the hour and minute hands visible under close scrutiny.
Powered by a Swiss made, 37 jewel, certified chronometer automatic Calibre 17 RS movement running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and with 42 hour power reserve. The watch was originally sold new by Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers in November of 2013. It just received complete servicing from our watchmaker including vacuum testing and comes with a one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. The watch has its full complement of links installed. When this was a current offering these watches had a suggested retail price of over $7000.00 USD. Comes complete with the original beautiful wooden box, outer box, cardboard sleeve, instructions, chronometer certificate, price tag, and even the original bill of sale. Estate price $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #520-00080.
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.
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.
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
At the height of their popularity, Universal Geneve watches were considered among the best. They shared market space with Switzerland’s finest brands in the showcases of the world’s most exclusive retailers. They were distributed in North America alongside Petek Philippe by Henri Stern as a more affordable option. In France, Hermes handled the distribution for a period and proudly displayed their name alongside Universal Geneve on the dial. The 1970s and the advent of quartz technology marked a turning point for the Swiss watchmaking industry. Many great companies floundered, attempting to reinvent themselves with lower-priced battery-operated quartz models, striving to stay relevant in the new electronic world of watchmaking. From luxury, exclusive, niche market space to competing with Japanese brands like Seiko proved a disaster for many Swiss companies that had been around for over 100 years. By the time it was over, more than 50% of the people employed in the Swiss watch industry were unemployed. Universal Geneve was one such brand that eventually succumb to the competition and was bought out by Hong Kong holding company Stelux in the 1980s. Before their demise, they produced what have become some of the world’s most sought-after and collectible watches.
The Compax line of chronographs are beautiful creations that utilized the same Valjoux 72 movement as 6 figure Rolex Daytonas. In fact, they even look quite similar with their striking “panda” dials. They are considered a poor man’s Daytona by many in the watch collecting community. While trading hands for a fraction of what similar period Daytonas do, they are no longer “inexpensive”. They have seen incredible price appreciation over the past number of years. While the 1960s and 70s Daytonas are easily sourced (I found over 200 on one website alone), there is only a handful of these Panda dial Compax models on the market. I couldn’t find even a single example of an early 885103/01, Mark 1 black dial anywhere.
It is thought that less than 1000 of these were ever produced. Among watch enthusiasts, the sister, white dial Compax 885103/02 is known as the Nina. Nina Rindt was a Finnish model, daughter of race car driver Curt Lincoln and widow of Formula One champion Jochen Rindt. She was often seen trackside at her husband’s races wearing her white dial Compax on a thick leather bund strap, recording lap times.
Jochen Rindt died tragically in a practice session before the 1970 Italian Grand Prix. With 5 wins in the first 9 races of the 1970 F1 season, Jochen’s points lead was large enough that no one was able to overtake him for the title. Today he is best remembered as being the only driver to posthumously win a Formula 1 championship. This macabre fact is part of the legend of the Universal Geneve Compax. Our “reverse panda” (white on black) has come to be known as the Evil Nina among collectors due to its dark dial. The black 885103/01 is the rarest of the rare when it comes to these models; who knows how many survived the sort of use sports chronographs are regularly subjected to.
Our example is a first edition 1966 Mark 1 dial with skinny, blued steel register hands, and a silver applied U logo.
We believe the watch to be 100% original, right down to the plastic crystal with an embossed logo, and signed crown.
This watch likely sat in a drawer unworn for at least the last 30 years. When we received the watch, the 17 jewel Valjoux 72 was suffering from a damaged clutch wheel, making it difficult to wind and set.
The rest of the movement was in perfect condition, looking like new. A fresh servicing and careful reassembly were all that was needed to prepare the watch for its next owner. Our February 2021 service may have been the first since the mid-1960s when the mechanism was assembled in Switzerland.
We believe this is the nicest example currently on the market. The knurling on the crown is crisp and sharp. The pusher tubes show no corrosion.
The flat black dial is completely blemish-free. The original plastic crystal displays some light surface scratches that can easily be polished away in only a minute or two.
3:00 o’clock tritium hour plot is missing and two others are slightly compromised but the Luminous material in the hands is fully intact.
Case-back engraving is very legible, clearly showing the original machine engraved style and serial number.
Aside from a few light surface scratches, the black tachymetre bezel scale is in remarkable shape for being 55 years old. Measuring 36mm the watch can be worn by anyone. The flat bezel makes it wear a little larger than the size suggests. We are fortunate to showcase this uber-rare Universal Geneve Compax and have it prepared for the next owner. We’ll likely never encounter another, especially in this sort of condition. From what we understand Nina Rindt is still alive and she still owns her white dial Compax, her sentimental example is not for sale. This is a watch for the serious collector looking for an unusual watch with a great story, and something far more rare than even an exotic dial Paul Newman Daytona. Including a one-year warranty, the original damaged clutch wheel, and vibrograph timing report, this rare watch is estate priced at $29,888.00 CAD. We are happy to ship this watch to most international destinations. Stock #e14086.
Some of Tag Heuer’s AquaRacers have evolved into very attractive “jewellery” watches over the years. They were first introduced as a continuation of the 2000 series in 2004. Every Aquaracer provides a rugged build with serious sporting features. Don’t let the dramatic iridescent black mother of pearl diamond dial fool you.
This watch is still made with the right stuff, able to stand up to any task asked of it. Water resistant to 300 meters, synthetic sapphire crystal, threaded crown/case back, luminous hands/markers, solid link stainless steel locking bracelet with diver’s extension, and black ceramic ratcheting timer bezel are the same features offered by the pure tool design AquaRacer models.
The beautiful mother of pearl and diamond dial adds some sophisticated feminine details that are quite striking against the combination of polished and brushed steel. It was purchased in May 2017 in Amsterdam and comes complete with the original Bill of sale plus all the original packaging, precious stone certificate, and endorsed warranty card.
The watch exhibits the usual scuffs and scratches on the case and bracelet, but the super tough sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel insert are blemish free. The watch has never been polished or refinished in any way. The bracelet and case marks can be easily removed by our expert goldsmiths in just a day or so if you choose.
At 35mm in case diameter model WAY131M is easy to read but not so big as to be uncomfortable and bulky. 11 high quality VS-G round brilliant cut diamonds sparkle and twinkle against the rainbow sheen of the black mother of pearl dial. This watch has been retired but a similar contemporary white mother of pearl example can be seen on the Tag Heuer website where it carries a suggested retail price of $3,300.00 CAD. Including a complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 5 years) this watch is estate priced at $1,900.00 CAD. Stock #520-00073.
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 #e9610
You just never know what will show up next in our estate watch department. One day it’s a 5 figure vintage Rolex and the next we have a well loved Tag Heuer like this for less than $500.00. The 1500 hundred series debuted about 10 years Techniques d’Avant Garde took control of the Heuer Watch Company. It is a mix of styling with inspiration from the original Tag Heuer 1000 and 2000 series. Phased out in the late 1990s the 1500 is rarely seen these days. This series showcased two unusual dials seen on no other Tag Heuer models before or since. The silver and slate “flake” faces are unique to the 1500 series. The silver flake dial of our 28mm is in perfect condition, there are no smudges or stains of any kind to be found.
The tritium hour markers and hands are also in excellent shape. The previous owner wore this watch for all activities, under all conditions. The gold plated bezel studs and stripes in the bracelet have sections where the stainless steel has worn through.
The crystal is showing numerous tiny impact marks that almost disappear against the silver flake dial. The 1500 series most interesting fact is, former President Barack Obama wore a white dial, two-tone 1500 on a leather strap. For under $500.00 including a one-year warranty, this watch is perfect for the lady who wants a high quality watch that doesn’t need to be worn with caution. The Swiss-made 7 jewel quartz movement is running great and keeping excellent time. Estate priced at $435.00 CAD. Stock #e14512.
Finding a dressy luxury watch that is truly tough enough to stand up to pretty much anything you’d do, yet formal enough to wear at the most sophisticated black-tie event isn’t as easy as it may seem. You could always go for a Rolex Oyster 41 if the $6,950.00 price is not a problem, but a basic Rolex does not have a calendar or timer bezel.
The Tag Heuer Link WJ1111 has those features in this beautiful pre-owned example for $1,500.00. It is water-resistant to 200 meters and constructed entirely from high-grade stainless steel. The Swiss-made movement is functioning with typical quartz accuracy of a few seconds per month. The beautiful two-tone silver dial is flattering with any outfit. The faceted hour markers/hands offer some sparkle and enhance legibility, even in the dark.
The 39mm case is easy to wear for any gentleman or a lady who likes a larger watch without being too bulky. This watch was originally purchased from Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers in July of 2008 and comes with the original bill of sale.
The watch also comes with the fully endorsed warranty card, instruction booklet, inner and outer box, all in like new condition. The watch is in very good condition and looks almost new after the timer bezel was lightly polished. Including a one-year complimentary warranty, the watch is priced at $1,100.00 CAD. Stock #e14550.
Breitling is one of the world’s great watch brands with a deep horological history dating back to 1884. The Colt chronometer GMT is one of their truly functional professional watches. Many Breitling are optioned with complicated slide rules, multi-register chronographs, and busy dials. The Colt presents its functions simply and logically. Basic timekeeping is handled by pencil shaped hour/minute hands with a full track of large Arabic hour markers. The independently adjustable 2nd hour hand displays any additional time zone in a 24-hour format (no mistaking AM or PM hours) with a short red arrow tipped hand.
As with most Breitling, the watch is equipped with a one-way ratcheting bezel indexed in 30-second increments for timing capabilities of up to 1 hour. An overachieving water resistance rating of 500 meters should keep even the hardcore diver satisfied. The silver dial offers great contrast and the luminous hands/markers make legibility possible even in complete darkness.
Many modern Breitlings can be cumbersome with diameters of 44mm or larger and a bulk to match. The Colt GMT measures a very manageable 41mm diameter or roughly the same size as the benchmark Rolex Submariner diver watch. Overall condition is very good.
The case and bracelet display small scuffs and scratches associated with use but nothing that couldn’t be easily polished away for no charge while you wait. The watch was originally purchased in Japan in November 2010. It comes complete with the inner/outer boxes, endorsed warranty, instruction booklet, and chronometer certificate. Also included are a couple of booklets I’ve never seen before made for the Japanese market, only the front covers are printed in English.
For an easy to use rugged watch there isn’t anything more effective than the Colt Chronometer GMT. Not very often does a Colt show up complete with everything delivered from the factory. All functions are working as designed. Including a complimentary 1 year warranty the watch is priced at $3,000.00 CAD. Stock #e13043.
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.
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, please.
Movado like many Swiss watch manufacturers was established in the late 1800s. They first began producing watches in the town of La Chaux-de-faunds 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, many Swiss brands disappeared or were bought merged with others 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. These watches soon defined the brand to this day are look that personifies the brand. Our latest estate watch is also the typical less is more Movado. We feel the vintage model dates from the early 1960s. It features a champagne dial lacking any hour or minute markers. The 25.5mm square case features an engine-turned bezel similar to those found on some Rolex.
12 polished raised indexes on the bezel indicate the hours, for minute interpretation I’m afraid you’re on your own. The watch has no seconds hand or calendar display, it is a watch in its most basic form. The case is made from solid 14 karat yellow gold. Including the plastic crystal, the case weighs 10.9 grams (without movement). Timekeeping duties are taken care of by a hand-wind, 17 jewel movement, shock protected movement.
While not chronometer rated the movement is still high quality and nicely finished. It has been timed and adjusted in 2 different positions for accuracy. The original winding crown still displays the embossed Movado logo.
The radial finish champagne dial is in very good condition but does display minor staining and a couple of small “beauty marks”.
The watch is running well and keeping good time. It is fitted with an 18mm soft black leather strap. If you’d like a different style/colour strap we will include one of your choice from our large inventory of options at no extra charge. The watch comes with a one-year warranty for the estate price of $850.00 CAD. Stock #e14412.
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.
Men’s wristwatches have only been popular since the mid-1940s. Before the end of World War II, most men preferred wearing pocket watches. Styles and technology have changed a lot over the past 75 years but a simple, circular, silver dial has always been a popular choice. A large face with a moderate 34.5mm diameter case makes for a watch that can be worn by anyone. If that case size sounds a bit small, have a look at it compared to a Rolex Datejust 36mm. The Omega actually has a larger dial because it lacks a thick heavy bezel, it wears a little larger than the size suggests.
This quartz Omega from the early 2000s was marketed as a dressy, gentleman’s watch. At 5.8 thick, the low-profile watch is very comfortable, going almost unnoticed on your wrist. The brickwork bracelet is soft and flexible, conforming to every wrist contour. A sliding clasp buckle disappears into the bracelet for an uninterrupted finish.
There is definitely something to be said for comfortable watches in this age of bulky sports watches that can’t even slide under a shirt cuff. Omega De Ville model 4310.31.00 has an 18 karat yellow gold bezel with gold capped links scattered throughout the bracelet. The watch is in link new condition and doesn’t appear to have been previously polished. There is no stretch or sag showing in the bracelet.
The case and bracelet display only minor scuffs. All the adjustable links are included allowing the watch to fit a wrist size of up to 8 1/4 inches. While this is definitely a dress watch, it’s nice to have a calendar display and a second hand offering extra utility.
Included with the purchase are the original, authorized agent warranty cards, plus an insurance appraisal from 2015.
The watch is working perfectly and keeping excellent time. A complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated for 5 years) will cover the new owner in case of any mechanical failure or premature servicing requirement. The watch is estate priced at $2,000.00 CAD. Stock #e14634.
Concord was founded in Switzerland in 1908. The brand was created to design luxury timepieces for the burgeoning affluent American market. Often their watches incorporated precious metals and gems making them more than just high quality timekeepers. In 1915 Concord started to manufacture watches for jewellery greats Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, and even Cartier. It was a Concord watch presented to Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin by President Truman during the World War II peace talks. During the quartz watch crisis that nearly crippled the Swiss watch industry, Concord thrived by designing and manufacturing some of the most expensive quartz watches ever to be seen on the market.
In the 1970s and 80s their quartz technology allowed them to produce extremely thin and sleek designs; some measuring less than 2mm. Our latest estate watch is this lady’s model enhanced with 44 high quality single cut VS-GH diamonds. If a large thick Rolex isn’t your style this 22.7mm Concord La Scala 29-62-635 may be more to your taste. At less than 6mm thick you hardly know you’re wearing it, aside from the 40 grams in total weight.
The Cartier style beads of rice bracelet is infinitely flexible making for a very comfortable fit. The ultra accurate 6 jewel ETA 976.001 quartz movement is functioning flawlessly keeping excellent time. A small case size doesn’t mean it’s difficult to read, the snow white dial with full Roman numerals provides good contrast for easy time interpretation. Think of this watch as a diamond bracelet that has the added feature of telling the time.
At only around $82.00 per gram (including the diamonds) the value is hard to beat. You’d pay way more for just a new simple chain link bracelet of similar weight with no diamonds. The watch is in good condition and comes with 5 removable links in the bracelet. There is very little wear to the bracelet and it shows almost no sag. A couple of links have minor dents that are difficult to spot.
The crystal displays some small scratches that go almost unnoticed against the white dial. This watch will accommodate a wrist size of up to 7 1/2 inches. The safety buckle features a secure clasp that can be closed in 3 different positions.
Included with the purchase is a navy blue Concord travel pouch along with a bill of sale from December 2014. The invoice shows a purchase price of $3,400.00 when gold was trading at just $1,400.00 Canadian per ounce. Today gold is worth close to 70% more yet our estate price is still less than what it was purchased for in 2014.
We’re happy to provide the new owner with a complimentary 1 year warranty. The watch is estate priced at $3,3000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00170.
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.
IWC 323304 Engenieur, rare watch, solid 18 karat white gold, 42.5mm diameter, 18 karat IWC signed buckle, serviced in Switzerland January 2019 through Royal de Versailles Toronto, all documents and original boxes included (warranty card not endorsed or dated). Like new condition, working great, comes with a complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. Weighs 135 grams including a new IWC crocodile strap. Estate price is $12,240.00. Stock #e14575
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.
We’re running out of time before Christmas and we just don’t have enough hours in the day to properly post some of our recent arrivals. We thought we’d give you a sneak peek at a few interesting watches that are available now. As always we have more watches and jewellery in stock that hasn’t or will not make it to our website.
1996 36mm Rolex Datejust 16220. Complete documentation, packaging, and a very interesting patina on the silver dial that has shifted the colour to a very pale olive/champagne hue. Very cool. $7,300.00 CAD. 505-00334
1998 40mm Rolex Submariner 14060. No box or papers, but with the sought-after “SWISS only” 1-year dial. Rare and collectible. $12,000.00 CAD. 505-00335 SOLD
2006 41mm Omega Seamaster 300 2531.80.00. The “James Bond” watch. Nice condition with a pristine box and most of the original documents, recent factory service. $3,680.00 CAD. 510-00102
39mm Tag-Heuer Link. Classic Tag for someone just getting into the hobby. You can’t go wrong with this low-maintenance quartz. No box or documents but in excellent condition. $1,000.00 CAD. 520-00087 SOLD
Buy this 18 karat gold bracelet and get a free Omega watch. That’s really the way to view this vintage watch/bracelet combination. To the previous owner, this watch must have been a treasured possession. When new in 1969 this was the entry-level Omega. Small case size of just over 18mm diameter, simple 17 jewel calibre 485 hand-wind movement, and 20-micron gold plated case would have kept the price somewhat affordable. At some point, over the past 50 years, the original leather strap was replaced with this 18 karat yellow gold flexible mesh-style bracelet. This would have been a very expensive accessory even when gold was much less expensive than today. If you were to purchase an 18 karat bracelet like this today, expect to pay at least $2,000.00 (likely more). The bracelet alone weighs 17.5 grams and is equipped with a rather complicated to make hinged buckle with flip-lock safety clasp mechanism. The bracelet and watch are both in excellent condition.
The champagne dial is free from any sort of stains or smudges, the signed winding crown appears original as does the Ω logo embossed crystal. The petite watch and bracelet will accommodate a wrist size of up to 16.5cm. Omega model 511.314 watches alone can easily sell for $500.00 on a basic leather strap. Including a complimentary 1-year warranty, this watch with upgraded 18 karat gold bracelet is estate priced at $1,750.00 CAD. Stock #e14286.
Original Heuer Autavia watches are commanding huge prices these days. A decade ago really nice ones would change hands for a couple of thousand dollars. Today these same watches are selling for 10 times that figure. In fact, a few years ago year we made an even trade with a no box/papers vintage Autavia for a stainless steel full kit Rolex Daytona. This practically new Autavia combines the handy features of a 12-hour chronograph along with a rotating bezel that displays a second timezone.
These features are perfect for the world traveler, pilot, or automotive racing enthusiast. The 42mm case size and 16mm thickness really helps capture the vintage character of the watch.
“Panda” dial, HEUER only dial logo, tan luminous hands, and hour plots reinforce the vintage look.
Looking at an original Autavia it’s easy to see that Tag Heuer got it right with the re-edition. This image was taken from On The Dash.
They are a fantastic online resource for any vintage Heuer fan. As a modern Tag Heuer, this watch benefits from a super hard synthetic sapphire crystal treated with an anti-reflective surface coating, luminous hands/markers, proprietary in house developed 33 jewel column-wheel calibre 02 movements with an extended 75-hour power reserve.
The handy 31 day calendar in a small aperture located in the constant seconds hand 6:00 sub-dial practically goes unnoticed. The beautifully finished automatic winding movement can be seen through a display window on the case back. The movement is a micromechanical work of art. Our latest estate watch could be classified as truly in like-new condition. It was only occasionally worn once or twice with great care and caution.
The fully polished finish remains scratch, scuff, and ding free looking like it just came out of the Tag Heuer factory in Switzerland. It has never been refinished in any way and is 100% complete and original. The leather strap is without blemish or stain and gives the watch a much more casual look.
The re-issue Heuer Autavia comes complete with all the original packaging, booklets, and warranty card. The factory warranty with cover the next owner until October of 2023. We only have one and it is priced at $4,900.00 CAD. We export ship duty-free out of Canada to most international destinations. Stock #501-00184
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.
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.
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.
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 proper 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.
SOLD
We are privileged to be able to see and handle some amazing watches and jewellery items that pass through our ever-changing estate collection. Looking through the camera lens we often discover features and attributes that can go under casual observation. This Jaeger-LeCoultre is a great example of why brands like this represent the pinnacle of boutique manufacturers. Finely machined edges, texture/finish changes with sharp crisp defined edges, and interesting features that you don’t initially appreciate until you take a pause with some thoughtful consideration.
The Limited Edition Master Compressor is more than a capable dive watch. Yes, it has the usual bezel timer, locking crown, threaded case back, sapphire crystal, one-way bezel, luminous hands/markers, etc., but looking a little deeper you see so much more. That small subdial at 9:00 is an independent hour hand that can display any second timezone in a 24-hour format.
The subtle format means you won’t be distracted by excess information. There is no traditional second-hand to occasionally conceal dial features. Instead, JLC has cut a horizontal window in the dial above the 6:00 marker that displays an internal blue/white rotating disc. Every 60 seconds this display slowly changes from 1/2 blue on the right, to half blue on the bottom, to half blue on the left, to half blue on the top.
As the disc slowly rotates you see a wave gently transition from trough to peak. The calming display is perfect for a diving watch such as the Master Compressor. I love how the white section of the display is treated with the same luminous material as the hour markers, hands, and zero index on the rotating bezel.
The super easy 1/2 turn locking crown with colour indication (white=locked/blue=open) makes quick foolproof time adjustments super easy, with no chance of cross threading.
Innovative and considerate details like this make JLC one of the world’s most respected brands. The titanium and rubber construction keeps the large 44mm watch weight down to a very comfortable 154 grams. The bifold locking buckle with 2 micro adjustments ensures a perfect feeling on the wrist no matter what you’re doing.
This watch has hardly been worn and has never been refinished. There are a few minor scratches on the bezel that go almost unnoticed. It comes complete with inner/outer boxes, an extra nylon strap (never used), instructions, a warranty card from Casa de Oro (not dated), snap-on buckle guard, and a limited edition certificate.
This watch of number 644 of just 1500 ever produced. This is a watch with plenty to offer and much more than meets the eye. The in-house-created calibre 975D is working flawlessly with all functions operating as designed. The 29-jewel, 230-component automatic winding movement offers a power reserve of 2 full days when not worn. Including our complimentary 1-year warranty this watch is estate priced at $7,660.00 CAD. Stock #501-00148.
SOLD
For all those who are looking for an oversized sporty watch with some custom bling, this one’s for you. We get far more requests for the larger “statement” type watches than actually come in. Oversized models from Rolex, Omega, IWC, and Panerai are snapped up quickly from our displays, often even before we are able to post them online.
For overall wrist impact, the Breitling Super Avenger checks off all the boxes. At 48mm case size, it’s one of the bigger models available. The highly polished case and bracelet provide the necessary bling factor.
Ratcheting one-way bezel timer, 12-hour chronograph, oversized threaded crown, heavy duty solid link bracelet with locking buckle confirm the sporting nature of the machine. Just in case you happen to overlook the extra large size of the watch, it’s pretty hard to miss the sparkling diamonds set into the bezel. 40 hand set round brilliant cut diamonds add up to 1.00 carat of bright I1-HI quality bling.
The custom application finishes off the bold look. The watch is in very good freshly polished condition. Have some fun, and let that bottled-up extrovert make a statement with an awesome example of wrist jewellery.
A very accomplished Valjoux 7750 controls the timekeeping duties within the highly water-resistant stainless steel case.
Breitling’s in-house watchmakers have refined and modified the movement receiving chronometer rated accuracy levels.
All the movement functions are working as designed. The watch comes with a Breitling box and our 1 year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. Estate priced at $5,250.00 CAD. Stock #515-00071.
SOLD
The original Omega Dynamic was a bold new design concept for Omega that debuted in the late 1960s. The unusual oval case shape and unique method to secure the strap or bracelet were like nothing seen before. No spring bars to remove, just a simple threaded lock ring holding the one-piece strap or accessory metal bracelet in place.
Strange looking; perhaps, but the youthful coming of age consumers of the time embraced these with great enthusiasm. From the information, we gathered it is estimated Omega produced around a million of these first generation Dynamics. We’ve had a few of these over the years but this one is the best by far. We think this watch was worn for a year or two and then abandoned in a drawer for the next half century.
Everything about the watch appears original. The dial is practically perfect with no discolouration, fading, scratches, or oxidation, and the hands appear untouched. It is likely the watch has never been apart for any servicing before. Taking these apart for service is a stressful procedure. The crown needs to be forcefully separated from the stem by pulling on it far harder than you’d expect.
The movement, complete with the dial and hands comes out through the front after the crystal is removed (hopefully without breaking it). We opted to leave everything in place as the watch is running well and keeping pretty good time. We’re fairly confident the hand wind mechanism ticking away inside the stainless steel case is Omega’s in-house designed 17 jewel calibre 613. These are very reliable movements with a useful 50-hour power reserve and quick set calendar feature. The tension-fit crystal still proudly displays the corporate logo on the inside surface.
It shows a few light scratches but these are easy to polish away while you wait. The perforated black strap is in great condition showing little signs of use. The signed Omega stainless steel buckle and crown appear to be original to the watch.
The 40mm x 34mm oval case still exhibits a perfect radial finish on the surface with crisp edges that have never been refinished. This peculiar watch would make the perfect accessory for the watch collector who appreciates a distinctive design.
Leave it alone or treat it to a complimentary first service. This watch is covered by our 1-year no charge warranty. The watch does not come with an original box or any documentation. It is estate priced at $1,090.00 CAD. Stock #510-00112.
SOLD
First-generation Omega James Bond watches are showing up less and less on our estate pages. Despite the fact that they were Omega’s most popular model, we are seeing fewer and fewer all the time. Their rugged construction, handsome good looks and do it all design has made them even more popular as pre-owned collectibles. Titanium version 2231.80.00 although by strict definition is not truly a James Bond watch, it comes from the same series with a few design differences. The bezel is titanium, not blue anodized aluminum, and therefore will not fade.
Dial markers are rectangular instead of round, the hands are easy to see sword style with more visibility and luminous material. In fact, I don’t know of a more effective dial in low or no-light situations.
Our latest estate Omega comes with the less uncommon “James Bond” style bracelet. Most examples of this watch you’re likely to encounter have the more simple 5-segment link; this bracelet uses the 9-section link. The more complicated bracelet is the same as what you’d see on James Bond’s watches from the 1990s films (except titanium). The titanium model is far rarer than the basic steel Bond version because when new it cost close to 50% more yet looked almost identical. Titanium is twice as hard as steel yet half the weight with a more dull grey colour. There are no polished highlights anywhere on the case or bracelet. 41mm case size is the same size as a contemporary Rolex Submariner and comfortable for most men.
Water resistant to 1000 feet, equipped with a curved synthetic sapphire crystal, threaded crown/case back, heavy-duty locking buckle with divers extension, helium escape valve, and rotating timer bezel make this the ultimate tool watch.
Inside the case beats a modified ETA 2892 A2 chronometer grade movement with a calendar. Including a Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers one-year warranty the watch is estate priced at $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00118.
SOLD
Every watch manufacturer has a ubiquitous diver’s style watch that looks pretty much the same and performs pretty much the same task. There is no doubt the universal appeal of such watches. They offer high functionality, durable construction, and classic good looks. Which one you decide to get really comes down to how much you are prepared to pay. The benchmark Rolex Submariner is going to cost you over $12,000.00 for either a new or used model. While something like this Longines HydroQuest is available for 85% less. This more than capable Longines cost just about the same as just the sales tax on a Rolex Submariner. From a purely functional standpoint, it can do everything the Submariner does.
Longines has been around since 1832 and was a pioneer in highly accurate mechanical movements that won many accuracy competitions over the years. There are few watch brands with a longer history and more significant achievements than Longines. Since the mid-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 and well before Rolex was even a concept. This automatic HydoConquest is far more capable than most of the people who may wear it.
It comes with a water-resistance rated of over 1,000 feet thanks to its threaded crown, screw-down case back and interference fit, super-hard sapphire crystal. The blue rubber strap is very modern looking and is fitted with a locking fold-over deployment buckle.
Our Longines HydroConquest L3.782.4.96.9 is a single owner example and was purchased from a Canadian authorized agent in December of 2020. It comes complete with full documentation including the original invoice receipt, inner/outer boxes, instructions, and warranty card, all in like new condition. Its previous owner rarely wore it and as such remains in almost perfect condition.
Only the lightest scuffs can be seen on the buckle and case. The watch has never been polished or refinished in any way. The sapphire crystal remains 100% perfect without even the slightest scuff and the Sunray Blue dial is 100% blemish free. This watch is a current offering on the Longines website showing a current retail price of $2,150.00 CAD. Including the balance of the factory’s 2-year warranty plus a complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty, this watch is estate priced at $1,635.00 CAD. Stock #e14660 501-00132.
SOLD
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 bevelled 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 their 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 almost complete even patina. The gambler dial features hour markers shaped like the card suits, clubs, 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.
SOLD
Hands down one of Omega’s coolest watches ever has got to be the Railmaster XXL 2806.52.37. While it was a slow seller when initially released around 2005 it has become a prized collectible among Omega enthusiasts. This is only the second one to appear in our estate section. I doubt there is a more thoroughly documented example on the market. You couldn’t ask for one more complete than this. It comes with the original inner/outer box, instructions, endorsed warranty card from an Ontario authorized agent with holder, plastic case back sticker, original bill of sale, and even a little piece of white tissue to keep the inner box lid from sticking to the bottom.
Excellent 100% original condition. The brown genuine crocodile strap has been worn but still rates a 7/10. Sharp, lugs, and bezel exhibit evidence of use in the form of some fine scratches and the odd ding. The screw on case back still has the red wax factory seal in place as proof the back has never been removed.
The XXL moniker comes from the fact this watch measures close to 50mm in diameter. Compared to a popular, large watch most people are familiar with like a 40mm Rolex Submariner the Railmaster looks enormous. Despite the size, it really isn’t difficult to wear.
At only 122 grams the weight is well distributed and the profile is slim thanks to the hand wind Omega calibre 2201 (ETA 6498-2). This movement can trace its roots to the 1950s as the Unitas pocket watch movement 6497. In Omega’s specification, the movement has been beautifully finished and significantly upgraded to chronometer grade status. The old school rhythm beating from the 17 jewel movement is music to the ears of those who appreciate the art of a mechanical watch.
Classic looks but with modern high quality features, threaded case back with a display window, curved synthetic sapphire crystal, deployment buckle, water resistance to 500 feet and perhaps the most luminous dial treatment in the business make it super easy to read under all lighting conditions.
There are not many of these watches on the market and pricing has been going up for the past few years. I don’t think there is a more thoroughly documented original example currently available. Including a year one Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty, the watch is estate priced at $4,250.00 CAD. Stock #510-00090.
SOLD
Vintage design is big business these days. The classics are back, from automobiles to the latest clothing fashions, retro styling from some of the most respected brands is very popular today. This 1970s Omega Seamaster suited the well-dressed sporty gentleman over 40 years ago and today the reasonable 35mm size is perfect for a modern woman or man who appreciates classic design and has an eye for fashion that pushes the conservative norm without going over the top.
Watches like this Gérald Genta-inspired design Seamaster are just plain cool. In the watch design world, the name Genta can be compared to the great fashion houses of Chanel, Gucci, and Versace. The beautiful “C’ shaped case is one of the all-time greats that has been imitated by many. Genta also designed watches for elite manufacturers like Patek Philippe, IWC, Audemars Piguet, Universal Geneve, Cartier, and Omega. This is a fun watch that isn’t going to cost a year’s worth of mortgage payments but still turns heads. It can be worn with pride and will definitely strike up a watch conversation. The Omega design calibre 1012 is an in house build with a full 23 jewel count, modern for the era 28,800 frequency with hacking second hand and calendar display.
The simple radial finish silver dial is subtle and traditional, blending perfectly with the brushed finish on the rest of the watch. The overall condition is very good showing little wear and no stretch in the 7 3/4 inch long signed bracelet.
Working well with all functions operating as designed. The watch is reported to be a one-owner example showing little service over the past 4 decades. There are no visible repair etchings inside the case back.
The watch comes with a complimentary one-year Bill Le Beouf Jewellers warranty. A complete technical revision of the automatic movement was completed by our master watchmaker in September 2020. The September 20th, 2020 Vibrograph report shows a gain rate of just 1 second per day. Retro/modern looks for the nostalgic price of only $1,400.00 CAD. Stock #510-00095.
SOLD
1940s aircraft both military and civilian relied on high quality precise analog timing equipment for accurate navigation. Cockpit timers and clocks were supported by large watches worn on the outside of pilots’ and navigators’ flight jackets. These watches needed to be legible, easy to operate, accurate, and reliable. The German Luftwaffe (Airforce) set out strict requirements for manufacturers to follow for military applications. Only the most accurate movements qualified; all were tested prior to delivery in 6 different positions at 3 temperatures for chronometer quality.
Due to the large number of watches required by the Luftwaffe, 5 different manufacturers were commissioned to produce movements (Wempe, IWC, Laco, Stowa, and A. Lange & Söhne). The mechanisms are of a different design but every watch looks the same from the outside. Each large 55mm diameter case is engraved Fl 23883 on the case edge at 3:00 o’clock (Fl stands for Flight, the 23 stands for navigation, and 883 was a code assigned by the German Testing Office for Aeronautics.
All have a simple case of brass or steel construction, painted flat grey with a snap closed case back.
The oversized crown is for adjustment with gloves on.
Black dial with white markers, a triangle with two dots replacing the 12 to quickly distinguish it from the other markers and show the upward direction of the dial.
All movements feature a hacking device to stop the mechanism, allowing synchronization of multiple watches or with a time signal. A Breguet overcoil was used on the balance spring for a more consistent release of power no matter the tension on the mainspring (isochronism). Despite their absolute functional look and design, these were highly evolved, state of the art timepieces. Our rare Wempe movement equipped model appears original except for the gold tone crown.
The movement appears only to have been serviced twice over the last 8 decades; once in 1966, and again when we performed a full overhaul to the NON shock protected mechanism in January of 2023.
We believe the brown leather strap to be the original or a period correct replacement. The buckle is missing, but we have a suitable modern replacement that could easily be installed with a needle and thread to secure it.
Modern, oversized Pilot watches are quite popular with collectors and enthusiasts. Here is an opportunity to have an original. This is the first time we’ve ever had a genuine World War II pilot’s watch come through our estate department. We are happy to provide the next owner with a complimentary 1-year warranty. Estate priced at $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00128.
SOLD
Yes, we showcase many great estate and vintage watches on our website. Our ever-changing selection keeps our watch collecting clients coming back. We never grow tired of the magnificent watches that we temporarily foster until they find their forever homes. If an estate Rolex, Omega, or Cartier just seems a little too pedestrian and you desire something more exotic, how about an IWC Schaffhausen? Not only is it a fun name to say, but it is also one of the true great manufacturers. They are much more than just a well-marketed brand. From their 1868 inception in Schaffhausen Switzerland by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, they developed an international reputation for manufacturing watches of the highest quality. Our newest estate watch is this titanium AquaTimer with an internal one-way rotating bezel.
This feature was last seen in the original ICW AquaTimers from the 1960s and we’re happy to see its return. The slick system allows for timing events by setting the bezel with the 4:00 o’clock crown. There is no external ratchet system to get dirty and stiff and gives the watch an interesting slightly dressier look than a hardcore sports model. Make no mistake this is still a serious diver tool, with a water-resistant rating of 2000 meters!
This 42 watch is in hardly worn condition and remains in completely original condition without ever being refinished. Despite its larger size the titanium case and bracelet keep the weight to a very manageable 132 grams (on bracelet).
If you want an even lighter experience, the previous owner purchased the original rubber strap with a signed titanium buckle for $463.00 in July 2022.
The large hands and markers with luminous treatment are easy to read in all lighting conditions.
The movement inside the case is an IWC 21 jewel 30110 (base caliber ETA 2892-A2). This automatic winding mechanism has been powering some of the world’s most famous Swiss brands with accuracy and reliability for decades.
Included with the watch are the original box, documents (missing warranty card), bracelet sizing/strap fitting tools, and strap purchase receipt from the IWC boutique at Yorkdale Toronto. IWC is still making an AquaTimer with an internal bezel in stainless steel that retails at $8,900.00 CAD and can be seen on the IWC website here. This “new old stock” condition watch comes with our complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years). The factory-applied, protective transparent case back sticker is still in place. The watch is estate priced at $5,610.00 CAD. Stock #501-00217.
SOLD
The Omega Marine Chronometer was and is to this day one of the world’s most accurate watches despite the fact it’s almost 46 years old. Today you can buy some pretty inexpensive, incredibly precise quartz watches that receive a time signal from an orbiting satellite to stay synchronized. These watches are globally compromised as some locations on earth can’t receive these celestial signals. The Omega Marine Chronometer doesn’t require any external influence to keep time within 1 second per month.
It achieves this rate without the use of any thermal compensation circuitry. This level of accuracy is roughly 10 times better than a modern quartz watch. The secret to its remarkable ability to keep such accurate time is the amazing Omega calibre 1516.
The quartz crystal contained within this 13 jewel movement vibrates at an incredible frequency of 2,359,356 Hertz. Nearly all modern quartz watches rely on a frequency of 32,768 Hertz to control accurate timekeeping. That automatic Rolex on your wrist runs at just 8 Hz. (no wonder it doesn’t keep great time). Back in the 1970s quartz technology was very expensive and no one knew exactly where this curious new “space-age” technology was going.
Some manufacturers virtually abandoned traditional mechanical watches in favor of this electronic science. Omega invested considerable money into quartz technology that today the luxury watch brand hardly uses. Our example has two factory-applied model numbers inside the case back of 198.0082 and 398.0832.
Not only did this watch hold the title of the world’s most accurate watch for decades, but it also was the first watch with a jumping time zone feature. This complication allows the changing of the hour hand without affecting the minutes or seconds; a useful feature for any world traveler.
It’s a chunky watch measuring 44.25mm X 32.5mm and 11.75mm thick. The slightly curved rectangular case is very comfortable and the bracelet links are quite flexible. If your wrist size is any larger than 8 inches we’ll have to source out an extra link or two for you.
Omega’s Marine Chronometer is a hugely important part of watchmaking history, this is the first example we have ever been able to offer through our estate department. Even when we were Omega authorized agents in the 1970s we never sold a single example of this watch. This could be due to the fact it cost about 3 times the cost of most other Omega models.
We believe our example to be a one-owner example that was originally purchased in Hong Kong. To our knowledge, the case and bracelet are in original condition looking practically unworn, showing virtually no wear. This watch is in truly remarkable condition given its age.
These are rare watches that don’t show up very often. This one is likely the best example currently on the market anywhere. We believe this to be one of the last MegaQuartz examples produced, displaying the serial number plaque 37,061,038 in perfect condition.
We’ve freshly serviced the movement in February 2021 and it is functioning flawlessly. You can tell a lot about the service history of a watch if you look at the case and movement screws. I’m happy to report the case back screws are not all torn up and the movement screws are in perfect shape without signs of being removed over and over again. This is a watch that has likely only been apart for service twice since the 1970s.
For the Omega Collector looking for a rare and historically important watch, this is a must-have. Including a one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty, the watch is estate priced at $5,500.00 Canadian. Stock #510-00032.
SOLD
Jack Heuer is the great-grandson of company founder Edouard Heuer, who established the company back in 1885. Jack Heuer was instrumental in designing one of the world’s most renowned wrist chronographs in 1963, the Carrera. The Autavia is a model that goes much further back into Heuer’s history. In the 1930s Heuer developed a dashboard timer that could be used both in automobiles as well as in aircraft. The name Autavia is derived from AUTomobile and AVIAtion. The Autavia moniker was revived in 1962 when Jack Heuer launched the first new watch while the company was under his direction. To celebrate the 85th anniversary of Jack’s birth, Tag Heuer introduced a limited-edition tribute watch that was highly influenced by the original 1962 version. The new edition was limited to just 1932 pieces worldwide. Our example is number 0083/1932. It was purchased by the one and only previous owner at European Jewellers Toronto in December 2017.
It has been only lightly worn since that time. It displays some minor surface scratches on the buckle, case, and bracelet. The completely high polished finish can be fully restored within an hour by one of our onsite technicians if you wish. With a worldwide run of fewer than 2000 pieces, these watches were almost completely spoken for before they hit the showcases of authorized agents. A perfect condition 227-page hardcover book documenting the history of the Autavia is part of this limited edition package. This rare book is in perfect condition, its spine isn’t even creased. A book like this is a must for any vintage watch enthusiast.
The watch is powered by Tag Heuer’s in-house manufactured Tag-Heuer calibre 02. This 33-jewel automatic winding certified chronometer mechanism has a generous 75-hour power reserve while running at an industry standard 28,800 cycles per hour. When this watch was available it carried a price of $6,050.00 in the U.S.A and $7,200.00 in Canada.
We may never see another one of these rare watches again. Originally purchased through an authorized agent; this is not a grey market import, it benefits from the full support of the factory warranty. Comes complete with all the original packaging, booklet, instructions, bill of sale for $7,200.00 plus tax, and even the outside cardboard box sleeve displaying style and serial number. This all-original, excellent condition estate example is priced at $5,500.00 CAD including our complimentary 1-year warranty. Stock #520-00002 e11999.
SOLD
Regulator visitors to our website often see brand new, never worn watches. Rolex models are seen more than any other brand when it comes to the never worn secondary market. A never worn Cartier is a first for us. Not only has this 36mm Rhonde never been worn, but it is also still completely covered by factory applied protective wrap on the case and bracelet. This watch was presented to the original owner as a gift of a job well done by their employer in 2014 and has remained untouched in its box ever since. It was originally purchased at the Cartier Boutique in Abu Dhabi.
The model is still available albeit with a slightly more basic dial lacking the 24-hour inner dial track. The Cartier website shows the current 36mm Rhonde quartz WSRN0034 with a retail price of $4,050.00 CAD. We carefully peeled the protective plastic wrap from the case, installed a fresh high capacity silver oxide battery, and away it went.
The Cartier website describes the watch as having a high autonomy movement with a battery life of 8 years. Super accurate quartz technology, a thin case of under 8mm, and a manageable case size of 36mm make this a very easy to live with a luxury watch. Including our complimentary 1-year warranty (pro-rated for 5-years) the Cartier Rhonde is estate priced at $3,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00141 e14679.
SOLD
To celebrate their 100th anniversary in 1948 Omega produced a limited edition of 6,000 watches named the Centenary. These were Omega’s first-ever self-winding chronometer-rated watches. The small run proved to be more popular than expected, consumers and collectors appreciated the convenience of automatic winding plus the superior accuracy of the high precision movement.
The success of the Centenary inspired the Omega Constellation, a flagship model featuring exclusively chronometer-grade automatic movements. The name Constellation recognizes Omega’s pursuits in chronometry (the science of accurate time measurement).
At the height of pocket watch popularity in the mid-1930s, Omega scored a pair of victories in every category with a pocket watch movement. From 1945 to 1952 they won an additional six times. These accuracy competitions were performed at astronomical observatories in Geneva and England. The case-back of every Constellation is embossed with the image of an observatory along with 8 stars, one star for each precision contest won over the years before the Constellation’s debut in 1952.
Special dial characteristics let the world know this was no ordinary Omega. Applied brand name and logo, automatic chronometre officially certified was written out under the logo, and applied star over the 6 o’clock hour marker strengthened the astronomical theme. The elaborate faceted hour markers with Arabic 3,6, and 9 is another feature that distinguishes this watch from the majority.
As a final reference to accuracy and precision, many Constellations have a thin crosshair applied across the dial. This estate Constellation is made from 14 karat yellow gold.
This is unusual as most were produced in premium 18 karat gold. When the Constellation hit the market in 1952 it was powered by a movement that had already been in production for almost a decade. Omega’s 17 jewel calibre 354 was a high-quality mechanism for the day with a beautiful rose gold plated finish and practical utility of built-in shock protection.
The original “bumper” winding rotor was only used for a few years until the 360 rotor design replaced it in 1954. If you own an early example you’ll know the unique feeling on your wrist when the automatic weight bumps off the return spring. Inefficient, yes, but that is part of the charm of this extremely collectible Omega. Our master watchmaker just performed a full overhaul of the 68-year-old mechanism. Included with purchase is a vibrograf report showing impressive accuracy and a robust amplitude of 258 degrees.
We are happy to include a complimentary 1-year warranty for the next owner. A brand new 18mm genuine lizard strap has been fitted to the watch complementing the vintage look perfectly. These original Constellations offer great value and are appreciating in value. This watch is estate priced at $5,000.00 CAD. Stock #e14604.
SOLD
Tag Heuer, along with every other Swiss watch manufacturer has been upping their game quite a bit over the past few years. Interesting dial treatments, case details, and exotic materials, along with higher prices are what you should expect from any of the top brands these days. What I like the most about this late 2021 Tag Heuer AquaRacer is how it looks in the dark. When the lights go out the luminous treatment on the minute hand, seconds hand, and bezel reference glow more of a blue colour, while every other reference glows the more typical green hue.
To some, this would appear as an error or defect, but I think it was done by design as an added feature to distinguish the minute hand from the hour hand. Sure the hour hand is wider and shorter but in an emergency situation any extra characteristic that brings attention to the critical timing components is a thoughtful touch. If your aesthetic fashions believe the old saying “blue and green should never be seen”, then this watch isn’t for you. The Tag Heuer AquaRacer is the brand’s top-selling diver’s tool and has been for decades.
It has everything a sports watch should have. Tough stainless steel case, large size, easy to interpret dial, highly water resistant, threaded crown, one-way safety timer bezel, adjustable locking buckle, super hard sapphire crystal, and reliable mechanical or quartz mechanism.
Of course, the Tag Heuer includes all of that plus a useful 31-day calendar thoughtfully positioned at 6:00 o’clock. This location was selected so as not to mess up the balance of the rest of the beautiful horizontally striped black dial. This watch is in like new condition and has hardly been worn. Only the buckle exhibits a few light scuffs. The buckle is equipped with a clever push button 6 position extension for days when a little bit of extra room is more comfortable.
This watch was purchased directly online through Tag-Heuer and comes with slightly over the top packaging. The huge black and vivid red outer box opens in a bi-fold manner to reveal the traditional clamshell hinged box along with a lovely swede textured travel box only slightly smaller than the regular box. If “presentation is everything”, this packaging makes a compelling case. The WBP201A.FT6197 is a current model and can be seen on Tag Heuer’s website where it carries a price of $3,950.00 CAD. Our like-new example includes the balance of the 3-year factory warranty plus our complimentary 1-year extension (prorated for 5 years). Our estate price for this popular 43mm Tag Heuer is $2,800.00, CAD. Stock #520-00092.
SOLD
It’s called a SuperOcean for good reason. It’s a “super” capable diver watch with everything the sports 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 6600 feet.
That should be plenty for the typical recreational diver who is not likely to exceed much more than 100 feet. Overbuilt in almost every way the 44mm watch also is equipped with an automatic helium escape valve on the side of the case at 9:00..
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 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, a heavy solid link bracelet with safety lock, and big bright luminous hands/markers.
I love the diagonal shape of the bracelet links. For a more casual look, the previous owner purchased a genuine Breitling soft rubber strap with stainless steel signed buckle.
This easy to install sporty rubber strap gives the watch a completely different look with very little effort.
Overall condition as one would expect for a watch that was purchased new in 2015 and only used occasionally. It shows some minor scuffs and scratches on the case and bracelet but nothing major. We can easily remove the minor blemishes in a matter of a few minutes if you wish. The watch comes with every piece of the original packaging, warranty card, instructions, booklets, and even the original chronometer document. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers will provide a complimentary one-year warranty. Estate priced at $4,000.00. Stock #515-00046.
SOLD
It came as no surprise to many when the Ferrari/Girard Perregaux relationship dissolved in the mid-2000s. The long-established Swiss watch manufacturer certainly had the heritage and quality to complement the exotic car manufacturer from Modena, but they somehow just didn’t have the spirit that makes Ferrari so much more than just a sports car company. In 2006 the announcement between Ferrari and Italian luxury watchmaker Panerai seemed like a much better pairing. Both are companies fueled by long-standing traditions, history, and more important than anything else, passion. Ferrari fans form a sea of red at every Formula 1 race anywhere in the world. This vocal group of enthusiast supporters drowns out the competition when it comes to emotional brand support. Panerai are not inexpensive watches, but they are at least somewhat accessible to many of the Ferrari Tifosi, unlike the automobiles. Panerai didn’t simply just add a prancing horse logo to one of their existing models; they produced a separate line of watches.
They looked similar, as all Panerai do but they were a Ferrari watch, engineered, designed, and built by Panerai. This example is perfect for the world traveler. The dual time function allows a separate timezone displayed in a 24-hour format around the outside of the dial.
A calendar display and small seconds hand at 9 o’clock offer some extra utility. A domed sapphire crystal should ward off almost any scratch producing impact. A threaded case back and special 1/3 turn locking crown should keep the chronometer-rated automatic movement protected from moisture to a depth of 100 meters.
The watch comes with its original Panerai leather strap and rubber strap with a deployment buckle. An Italian/English instruction booker, Ferrari branded yellow box, and screwdriver complete the original delivered accessories.
It came as somewhat of a shock in 2010 that the Panerai/Ferrari partnership contract was not going to be renewed. Hublot was to be the new official watch of Ferrari. In 2021 this partnership also dissolved when Richard Mille became the watch of Ferrari, at least until the terms of this current contract expire. Ferrari/Panerai watches were only made for around 5 years. They never sold in huge quantities making them unusual for us to come across. This GMT example is in very good original condition showing only light signs of use. We a happy to provide the next owner with a complimentary 1-year warranty. The estate price for this watch is $5,200.00 CAD. Stock #501-00149.
SOLD
No one ever said we didn’t lack variety when it comes to estate watches. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of Squale watches before, neither had we until this one came in. Learning about this focused brand, we are impressed and intrigued by the value proposition they represent. They have been around since 1959 producing only watches that are suitable for underwater pursuits. No dressy fashion watches, just heavy duty, well built, watertight timekeepers. Even this Greenwich Mean Time model is a bit of a departure for the brand that is currently only showing purposeful dive watches. While this is a true GMT dual time watch it has a water resistance rating of 30 atmospheres (around 1000 feet), a flip lock buckle, a diver’s extension link, a threaded crown, a screwed on case back, and a one-way bezel.
Instead of a 60-minute timer, the bezel is indexed to show the world’s 24 different time zones that can be displayed with the additional red hour hand.
The thick sapphire crystal has been treated with an anti-reflective coating. This watch has a vintage look with modern performance. The basic dial is reminiscent of early Rolex Submariners with simple printed hour plots. Squale has intentionally added some patina to the luminous hands and markers giving them an aged tritium look. Despite the vintage look, this dial glows very well in low light and no light situations.
The ceramic bezel insert displays the daylight hours in navy blue, while the nighttime hours are shown in a grey/green primer hue. Controlling the timekeeping duties within the 42mm stainless steel case is a Sellita SW330-1 25 jewel Swiss made automatic winding mechanism based on the accomplished ETA 2892-A2 design. The watch is running great and keeping excellent time. We were impressed by everything about this watch including the Oyster style bracelet with diver’s extension and solid links that have proper adjustment screws, no failure prone bushed pins here.
This watch comes with an endorsed warranty card, instructions, hang tag, and original packaging. The watch is in very good condition showing only minor scuffs and scratches.
With the quality offered by the Squale brand, we have no problem in supplying a 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years) for this interesting watch from a brand with a dedicated theme. To learn more about Squale, check out their website. This is the sort of watch you don’t see in many jewellery stores, you’re more likely to see them at a high end dive shop. This watch is estate priced at just $1,000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00197.
SOLD
We love the beautiful silver patterned dial. It needs to be seen in person to truly be appreciated, it can be best described as a radial quilted pattern. It had an optical illusion of extra depth that doesn’t work in a photograph. The Chrono Cockpit B13050 is a more than capable sport 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 oversized Michael Kors fashion 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 early 1970s. Breitling watchmakers have modified the base calibre to higher standards than the basic calibre. 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. A double locking buckle on an 18 karat/stainless steel pilot bracelet completes the very attractive look. The bracelet shows minor scuffs and scratches but no stretch or sag.
The watch is running well and keeping time with all functions working as designed. We’ve completed (June 2020) a full technical revision to the Breitling modified Valjoux 7750 movement, including new gaskets, chronograph pushers springs, water-resistance testing, regulating, and timing. The Vibrograph timing report shows an accuracy rate of only plus 4 seconds per day.
A complimentary 1-year warranty (prorated 5 years) is included for the new owner. Comes with a Breitling box (pillow missing). Estate priced at $4,000.00 CAD. Stock #515-00028.
SOLD
If you want an inexpensive Swiss watch with great features and brand history, Tissot is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a durable watch to wear in situations that you’d rather not submit your Rolex, Omega, Breitling, or Cartier; Tissot makes a great choice. This SeaStar 1000 is in like new condition, perhaps it was worn once or twice.
There are still a couple of plastic stickers on the bracelet. The vivid blue dial and bezel are popular choices for gent’s sports watches. This large 45.5mm diameter watch is water resistant to 1000 feet and features a threaded crown/case back and one-way timer bezel. In addition to timekeeping and date display the Swiss-made quartz movement showcases a 30-minute 1/10th of a second chronograph with lap time capability.
A super hard sapphire crystal and larger luminous hands/markers make quick time interpretation a snap.
Attached to the case is a solid link stainless steel bracelet with flip lock safety buckle and concealed diver’s extension.
This watch comes with its original inner/outer box and instruction booklet (warranty card missing). We are happy to include a complimentary 2-year warranty, that matches the original guarantee. This model (T120.417.11.041.00) is currently available on Tissot’s website where is carries a $725.00 price. Our like new example is estate priced at $500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00218.
SOLD
Omega’s De Ville Chronoscope 4850.50.31 on the black padded crocodile strap has got to be one of the most striking watches ever produced by the 175 year old Swiss luxury watch manufacturer. From the large 41mm polished stainless steel case to the beautiful “smiley face” white on black dial, this watch has almost too many great details to mention.
The dial is a miniature work of art. Counter sunk circular graining on the chronograph registers, faceted hour markers, applied Omega logo, delicately framed large calendar window, luminous hands, beautiful raised text printing, the dial really twinkles as the watch is worn.
As pretty as the outside is, the inner works are an exercise in mechanical art. Omega’s 37 jewel calibre 3313 keeps time to chronometer level accuracy with a long 52-hour power reserve. The clear display case back reveals the highly engineered, beautifully decorated automatic movement for all to see.
An easy to use, locking deployment buckle is contoured to the shape of your wrist making the watch a treat to wear.
Purchased brand new from Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers in March 2010. The case and buckle show some light scratches but the watch remains in its original unpolished condition.
The soft black crocodile strap is original to the watch and also shows little wear. Comes complete with all of the original packaging, instructions, and endorsed warranty card. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers will cover the watch with our 1 year in house warranty. Before this model was retired it carried a retail price of $7,300.00 USD. Our estate price is $5,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00104.
SOLD
The recent announcement of the retirement of the Speedmaster 311.30.42.30.01.006 MoonWatch should make these 17 jewel hand-wind, calibre 861 Speedys even more desirable. The more modern 18 jewel calibre 1861 SpeedMasters are also now a thing of the past. They are getting snapped up at Omega dealers as the new Speedmaster 310.30.42.50.01.001 begins to turn up in display cases. The new MoonWatch can be seen on Omega’s website at a price of $9,000.00 CAD. I wonder if it will have the tradition and following of the 861/1861 series that lasted well over 50 years. Our latest vintage Speedmaster Professional dates from the early 1990s and could be considered vintage as it is now 30 years old.
It has elements of the older, big dollar versions like a simple interference snap buckle, tritium hour markers, and hands, plus that beautiful 17 jewel, hand-wind movement. Early examples were rose gold plated. For only around 5 years or so Omega switched to gold plating in the 1990s before switching to rhodium plating. This is one of the less common gold plated examples. These are among the prettiest movements ever produced.
Logically developed, accurate, robust, and uber reliable are features that helped the Speedmaster Professional to be selected by NASA over several other Swiss chronograph/watch manufacturers including Rolex. This watch has been used as an everyday timepiece and as such shows patina and minor wear and tear. The case appears original and unpolished displaying small dings and impact marks on the edges. The tachymetre bezel scale for measuring units per hour likewise isn’t perfect. Bracelet and buckle show evidence of use but little sag and no stretch.
The classic black dial is perfect. The tritium hour markers have aged to a dark tan hue with matching hands. The hesalite crystal is signed with the Omega logo.
I know there are a lot of Speedmaster fans out there and we have a question for you. I’d love to know what the pine tree hallmark stamped inside the case back means. There has to be someone out there who can shed some light on this curious mark.
I assume this mark is from the A. Donze-Baum company (part of the Richemont group); perhaps Omega sublet to them for producing the case back or perhaps the entire case. We’d love to learn more about this stamping if anyone knows its meaning. The watch is running great, keeping good time with all functions operating as designed. Including a complimentary 1 year warranty the watch is estate priced at $6,000.00 CAD. Stock #510-00007.
SOLD
One of the key factors most successful brands have in common is a consistent message. It can be as simple as a corporate logo, product look, colour scheme, or unwavering commitment to design. All the great brands have a strong corporate look; Porsche, McDonald’s, Google, Tim Hortons, and many other companies have a look that defines the brand. Many children can name and recognize brands years before they know how to read or have even learned the letters of the alphabet. Swiss jeweller/watchmaker Cartier has been making a watch that looks like this since wristwatches debuted over 100 years ago. Very few consumer products have stood the test of time like the Cartier Tank shaped watch. This Demoiselle Santos W25064Z5 is a petite 20mm in width (not including the crown) making it perfect for the lady who prefers a smaller watch. No seconds hand or calendar feature, just two blued steel hands against a silver/parchment coloured dial. The case shape, the blue cabochon crown, and black Roman numerals with an inner minute track are all distinctive Cartier style details.
It’s these details that define the look helping to make a Cartier among the most desirable watches in the world. A microscopic detail you may not even be aware of can usually be found on Cartier dials. A discreetly printed logo incorporated into one of the Roman numeral hour markers is a tiny feature often overlooked or poorly executed by counterfeits.
Overall condition is excellent. The bracelet and case have been refinished correctly to the factory’s high polish finish. The bracelet shows little to no stretch and can be confidently worn for many more years to come.
The watch is running great, keeping excellent time with a fresh battery just installed. This watch comes with its original fully endorsed/dated warranty papers and the bill of sale from Goldfinger Jewelry in Saint Maarten. In December of 2005, the first and only owner of this watch purchased it for $2,205.00 USD. Including a one-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty (prorated 5 years), this Cartier is estate priced at $2,700.00 CAD. Stock #501-00171.
SOLD
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, inexpensive 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 taking on the Swiss at their own game once again with the Grand SEIKO line of luxury watches.
The last of mechanical Swiss watchmaking supremacy, the certified chronometer is under attack by the HI-BEAT.
Our latest pair of estate watches from Grand SEIKO are the HI-BEAT SBGH281 “Superman” (yes, it’s not just Rolex models that people attach silly names to), and the HIGH-BEAT SBGJ201G silver GMT. Both of these watches are 100% mechanical and operate at better than certified chronometer accuracy tolerances for accuracy. The HI-BEAT calibre 9S85A and 9S86A (GMT) are proprietary 37 jewel movements that run 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 movements are as nice as any from Switzerland. The beautiful movement components are so finely machined their surfaces refract light into subtle spectral colours that roll across the plates as the watch is moved.
The 55-hour power reserve is on par or longer than most of the Swiss competition. It’s great to see a genuine alternative to some of the stuffy Swiss products. The super tough stainless steel cases are both beautiful to look at as they are durable. Again, the finish of these cases are as nice as anything from Europe. The classic shaped cases date back to popular Seiko designs from the 70s and 80s.
The case edges are ultra sharp and crisp, alternating from fine brushed sections to perfectly polished areas. 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 blued steel hand points to a 2nd timezone shown in a 24 format displayed on the dial chapter ring.
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 40mm diameter this is a good sized watch but not overwhelming. The watch is hefty but not a chore to wear coming in at 158 grams. Not just for the traveler, this is a serious sports watch.
Optically perfect sapphire crystal will keep the view of the silver/white dial unobstructed. A threaded crown and display case back contribute to a water-resistance rating of 10 BAR (300 feet).
A solid link bracelet with a mechanically locking buckle rounds out the overachieving features. The watch is in like new condition showing no evidence of use except under microscopic scrutiny and is has never been polished in any way. The blue dial example is a bit of a retro throwback featuring a midnight blue dial, red second hand, and red text. Seiko only produced 1500 examples of this limited edition commemorative watch.
It was made in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Grand Seiko line. This watch is also in like new condition except for a single impact mark on the 11:00 o’clock case lug (never let someone else where your watch). We can soften or remove this blemish while you wait but we always prefer to leave our estate watches in original unpolished condition.
Both watches come complete with original documents, packaging, and paperwork endorsed by Canadian authorized Grand Seiko agents. Included with each watch is a complimentary Grand Seiko 19mm OEM strap with signed stainless buckle.
Each watch is covered by the balance of the factory’s 5-year international warranty. Both of these watches are still available on Seiko’s website where they show prices of $6,300.00 USD each (blue dial SBGH281) (GMT SBGJ201G). These are rare and exotic, seldom coming to the pre-owned market and certainly not with rare accessory leather/fabric straps. Both watches are running perfectly with all funcitons operating as designed. Included with the blue dial example is a Grand Seiko shopping bag. They are estate priced at $5,200.00 (blue dial) stock #501-00211 and $4,400.00 (silver GMT) stock #501-00210.
BOTH SOLD.