May 15, 2024

Tag Heuer 4000 automatic WF2110-K 38mm $1,200.00 CAD. 520-00104

The Tag Heuer 4000 series was built like no other Tag before or since. This was a model that is often overlooked but is worth considering; it was well ahead of its time when it debuted more than 30 years ago. Despite the low profile of just over 10mm, this is one tough watch. It has solid bracelet end pieces instead of hollow stamped sections. The solid ends are secured by solid bushed rivets, not hollow spring bars like most watches. Its solid stainless steel links are secured by more rivets, not split pins as found on other Tag Heuer watches from the same period. Even the folding/locking buckle is made from heavier gauge steel while still offering a diver’s extension. The coloured Tag Heuer logo splits down its middle when the bezel timer is rotated is a quirky feature exclusive to the 4000 series. The original tritium hands and hour makers are fully intact showing almost no patina or discolouration. This is a curious and rare white dial automatic version. It is somewhat usual in the fact the hour markers don’t have a contrasting metal or coloured frame around the once luminous tritium plot. This gives the hour makers an inconspicuous appearance that is somewhat at odds with a sporty diver’s watch. A hardened synthetic crystal also in perfect condition offers excellent optics on or off-axis. We serviced the Swiss-made automatic winding movement in April 2023. An electronic report shows the watch is running well within accuracy expectations. Also included is a vacuum and pressure testing report to a depth of 10 atmospheres (300 feet). One-way timer bezel, screw-down crown/case back are features you’d expect for a sporting Tag Heuer and the 4000 has them. The original sandblasted finish has held up very well and looks completely original. If you want a tough Tag Heuer that is different than the common 2000/AquaRacer series this rare 4000 is a model you’re not likely to encounter and certainly not in this sort of condition. Including a complimentary 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty. Estate priced at $1,200.00 CAD. Stock #520-00104.

May 14, 2024

0.66ct. I1-H (26=0.20ct. tw. I1-H) natural diamonds, 2.5gr., sz. 7. $1,890.00 CAD. 101-00497

This style of ring is just what all the kids are looking for these days, except this one contains 100% natural diamonds, no synthetic laboratory grown diamonds here. The skinny 1.7mm wide shank is plenty strong enough given its almost square profile and tall height of more than 1.5mm. Bead set down the shoulders well past the half way point are 26 petite brilliant cut diamonds each secured in 4 bead settings instead of shared prongs for extra security. The tall four prong setting showcases a 5.6mm diameter round brilliant cut diamond has been calculated to weigh 2/3 of a carat and was expertly cut to excellent standards. An open gallery setting displays the perfectly centred diamond with an unobstructed view from any angle. A strong I1 clarity is based on a few scattered inclusions that go unnoticed to the naked eye, the H colour is white and bright. The white gold ring measures a finger size 7 1/4 and can be adjusted up or down a couple of sizes if required. The ring is in like new condition and still retains its original bright white rhodium plating. This natural diamond ring comes with intrinsic value unmatched by any lab-grown diamond ring. Estate priced at just $1,890.00 CAD.

May 13, 2024

Cartier Panthère date 187949 26.7mm stainless steel & 18 karat gold $3,400.00 CAD. 501-00333

One of the key factors successful brands have in common is a consistent message. It can be as simple as a corporate logo, audio jingle, product look, colour scheme or unwavering commitment to design. All the great brands have a strong corporate look; Porsche, McDonalds, Google, Tim Hortons and many more companies have a look that defines the brand. Most 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 have been making a watch that looks like this since wrist watches debuted over 100 years ago. Very few consumer products have stood the test of time like the Cartier Tank shaped watch. Cartier still produce a watch that looks almost exactly the same as this, except in has two row of gold link sections. The current model CRW2PN0007 can be seen on the Cartier website where it is priced at $12,600.00 CAD. The current model is 2mm wider, has 2 stripes of yellow gold in the bracelet, but lacks the handy calendar and second hand. Our estate Panthère meausures 26.7mm in width making it perfect for the lady who has an average to slender watch. Everything yellow on the watch is solid 18 karat gold. Unlike many luxury brands that only laminate a thin gold cap on a steel core, the gold links in this Cartier are completely solid through and through 18 karat. The parchment dial has only the necessary information displayed with blued steel hands with black Roman numeral hour markers. The case shape, the octagon crown, black Roman numerals with inner minute track and dial 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. We suspect the synthetic cabochon spinel in the crown fell out or got broken and was replaced with a genuine rose cut diamond. While it isn’t original a rose cut diamond is certainly a nice upgrade. 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 detail often is overlooked or poorly executed by counterfeits. Overall condition is good. We believe the bracelet and case have never been refinished. We did a light polish only on the 18 karat gold bezel surrounding the synthetic sapphire crystal as it had a few light scratches. The bracelet shows a little sag and only a tiny amount of stretch. These bracelets are very comfy, the folding butterfly buckle integrates seamlessly into the link pattern. The watch is running great, keeping excellent time with a fresh battery just installed. Including a one year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty this Cartier Panthère is estate priced at $3,400.00 CAD. Stock #501-00333.

May 12, 2024

2mm platinum knife edge ring, James Allen, sz. 6, 2.3gr. $344.00 CAD. 401-00264

Chances are if you try platinum jewellery you’ll never consider white gold again. It’s whiter, tougher, chemically inert, more dense, and never needs rhodium plating. Not that long ago platinum cost twice that of gold, now it’s half the price of gold, so the premium to get into the ultimate true white precious metal isn’t what it once was. This like new platinum wedding ring has a traditional knife edge profile that has been around for 100 years. The style fits great with many solitaire engagement rings and has been one of Tiffany’s best sellers for generations. Our like new, size 6 ring was purchased in 2023 from the online vendor James Allen. Their laser etched trademark, metal identification mark, and purity mark are still easily visible inside the shank. This model is still on their website where they currently show a retail price of $625.00 CAD. It is in perfect condition and comes with the original invoice and our blue presentation box. We can adjust the size up or down as required but something like this is best left alone or manufactured to fit. Our estate price for this hardly wore platinum band is $344.00 CAD. Stock #401-00264.

SOLD

May 11, 2024

14 1/4″, platinum & 14 karat yellow gold antique pocket watch chain, 10.4gr. $925.00 CAD. 431-00756

Before technology advanced to the point where individuals could carry portable time keeping devices like a pocket watch, spring or weight driven clocks were the only time reference available. For many people, the local town hall tower clock was the way to see the time or hear the chimes ring out the hour and quarter hour. Pocket watches introduced personal time keeping. The industrial revolution of the mid 18th century brought such high tech devices to the masses. Unlike modern mechanical watches, most pocket watches were not protected against severe shocks. Accidentally dropped, your pocket watch could almost be  guaranteed to break its balance staff and perhaps a jewell or two. The pocket watch chain served a practical use by securing your watch to a belt loop or a vest button hole. Most were strictly function but some offered a touch of luxury and style. I think this is the most interesting pocket watch chain to pass through our estate department. It was crafted from 14 karat yellow gold and exotic platinum. The elongated four sided connecting links have been decorated by rolling them through a mill, embossing a pattern that looked like it was hand engraved. Not only is the platinum noticeably more white than white gold, it is also much heavier and instantly can felt when the chain is picked up. At just over 14 inches in length it could be wrapped around your wrist twice for a bracelet, or used as a choker necklace. A few extra links could easily be fabricated if you need a touch more room. We believe this style of chain dates from the late 1800s. It is in perfect condition and looks like it was rarely used if at all. It has never been polished and shows no wear in any of the links. It is secured by an oversized spring ring clasp on one end and a swivel clasp on the other. It weighs 10.4 grams and is estate priced at $925.00 CAD. Stock number 431-00756.