Latest Vintage Piece

***RARE*** 1979 Rolex 4089W white gold diamond presentation watch, 15mm. $2,500.00 CAD. 505-00655

For over a century, a gold watch was the traditional gift for recognition of service; often given by an employer to mark a significant milestone or upon retirement. Famous Canadian department store Eaton’s was famous for presenting its 25 year employees with a solid gold Rolex watch. Not to be outdone, rival department store Simpsons department store did the same thing. Both stores opened around 1870 and had a significant presence across Canada for over 100 years. Their flagship stores in downtown Toronto operated right across the street from each other. Changing economic forces and trends finished both retail empires off toward the end of the 20th century. Eaton’s went bankrupt in 1999, Simpsons was acquired by Canada’s oldest company Hudson’s Bay Co. in the late 1970s and they closed Simpsons brand as a corporate restructuring in 1991. Recently in 2025 Hudson’s Bay Company declared bankruptcy and closed all its remaining stores. This little Rolex is part Canadian department store history and was gifted to a 25 year employee of Simpsons.  I sure it was a treasured possession of original owner as it is appears in practically new condition. It looks unpolished and original. The engraved dedication on the case back looks like it was done yesterday. The simple silver dial is perfect. The only blemish is where the inside bezel applies pressure that keeps the movement tight in the case. This would have happened when the factory snapped the back shut close to 50 years ago. It is invisible when the watch is fully assembled. A pressure mark like this is completely normal and would be expected on every watch designed in such a  way. The signed winding crown still display the Rolex coronet logo in great detail. The black swede finish strap is also perfect, featuring an American made JB gold filled buckle showing no wear. The double safety buckle also comes with a safety chain attached. The tiny 15mm case contains Rolex’ hand wind 18 jewel calibre 1400 with a surprisingly long 44 hour power reserve and a slower beat rate of 21,600 per hour. It was produced from the 1960s into the 1980s for small cocktail watches like this. Measuring under 14mm in diameter it is the smallest movement ever produced by Rolex. This is a very rare Rolex these models seldom turn up on the secondary market. Reference 4089W showcases a solid 14 karat white gold case set with two 0.08 carat round brilliant cut diamonds on each lug. The diamonds are of excellent quality and cut, VS-GH or better. Perhaps even more rare than the watch is the original spring loaded hinged box and product tag. It’s hard to put a price on the box, but I think it’s safe to say the box alone has got to be worth at least $1,000.00. The box is in very good condition with a stain free vivid green interior. We will not sell the box separately. This one owner watch is running great and keeping time. We are happy to include a one year warranty. Estate price $2,500.00 CAD. Stock #505-00655.

view more vintage pieces