March 28, 2025

39mm Tag Heuer Link WJ1114-0 mother of pearl diamond dial $1,695.00 CAD. 520-00127

Finding a dressy watch that’s truly tough enough to stand up to pretty much anything, yet formal enough to wear at a sophisticated black tie event isn’t as easy as it may seem. You could always go for a Rolex Oyster 36 if the $8,000.00 price isn’t a problem and you’re fortunate enough to see one at your Rolex agent. As timeless as the Rolex is it lacks some handy features and details of the Tag Heuer. A basic Rolex Oyster doesn’t have a calendar, diamonds, mother of pearl dial or timer bezel. The diamonds are petite but of excellent VS-G or better quality. They are prong set in square settings that double as very functional hour markers. The Tag Heuer Link WJ1114-0 has excellent sporting features in this pre-owned example for $1,695.00. It’s water resistant to 200 meters thanks to an incredibly durable sapphire crystal, threaded crown and threaded case back. The watch is constructed entirely from high grade 316L stainless steel. The Swiss made movement is functioning with typical quartz accuracy of plus or minus a few seconds per month. Mother of pearl dials are flattering with any outfit as their subtle rainbow of iridescent colours roll across the face. Diamond hour markers add just a touch of bling without being over the top. The 39mm case is easy to wear for any gentleman or the lady who likes a larger watch without being too bulky. The iconic “S” shaped flexible link bracelet is tight showing no stretch or sag. It is secured by a fold over clasp with safety lock. It has been worn responsibly by a regular customer/collector of ours. It shows light scuffs, scratches, and minor dings from use. A light polish/refinishing tidied things up without disturbing too much of the original detail. Including a one year complimentary warranty and our presentation box, the watch is priced at $1,695.00 CAD. Tock #520-00127.

1994 Rolex Datejust 16200 36mm with rare Jubilee dial & bracelet, $7,900.00 CAD. 505-00281

For centuries white dials with Roman or Arabic hour markers were the choice for watch and clock manufacturers from around the world. To do anything different was rarely even considered. While it may not be the most flamboyant choice, there is no denying how effective the combination is. For a classic and conservative brand like Rolex, a white dial with stainless steel case is particularly attractive. Until I owned a white dial watch myself I really didn’t appreciate its simple elegance; now you’d have a hard time convincing me to go with any other colour for my day to day. For a watch that was made over 30 years ago this Datejust has stood up amazingly well. It displays wear and tear typical of a watch occasionally worn for just a few years. Aside from a small amount of sag in the Jubilee bracelet and the older style buckle, this watch could pass for a contemporary model. You seldom see these vintage 16200 Datejust watches with the dressier Jubilee style bracelets as most were delivered from the factory with the sportier oyster style bracelet. The previous owner(s) took care preserving the original boxes (both inner and outer), Rolex Oyster booklets, and a service receipt. Rolex watches are well known for their reliability and durability. They often run great for 10 years between service intervals. The previous owner had the watch serviced by a Canadian Authorized Rolex agent in the fall of 2021. The 36mm size is more and more becoming the popular choice for both men and women looking for an easy to wear casual look that isn’t overwhelming on an average size wrist. Polished and brushed sections are evenly balanced on the case and bracelet resulting in a balanced tone on tone look that blends perfectly with the white dial. Rolex still make a watch of similar design for $10,050.00 CAD, but not with the very rare tritium text Jubilee dial with Arabic hour markers. I love the fact that Rolex decided to keep all the numbers facing inwards so that half of them are upside down or sideways in any viewing direction. After all you’re not really reading the numbers but recognizing what number the hour position represents. Even though the upside down 6 o’clock marker looks like a 9 you know it represents a 6. Unless you study the dial very carefully you’d think the dial was just an interesting texture. It is actually the word ROLEX repeated over and over without and spacing. Very cool and rare dial. After over 300 years of wearable mechanical timekeeping devices, white dials with Arabic numerals are still the first choice for many. Ready to wear and estate priced at $7,900.00 CAD. Stock #505-00281.

Oris Big Crown Pointer Day-Date 44mm 645 7629 40 64 MB. $1,600.00 CAD. 501-00253

People who own Oris watches know the value the brand represents. Not the most well know make but they are solid performers with unexpected features at this price point. The Big Crown Pointer Day-Date approaches the day of the week display in an unconventional way. The long red-tipped hand points the day of the week in written form, or points to the number of the day of the week with a small Arabi number (Monday is 1, Tuesday is 2, Wednesday is 3 etc.). The day of the month calendar is displayed in the traditional manner of a small cut out window on the dial at 3:00 o’clock. A subsidiary seconds hand at 9:00 o’clock isolates the pointer day hand so it doesn’t get mixed up. A domed sapphire crystal with antireflective coating and coin-edged bezel give this watch an antique look but this watch quite modern in performance. The large setting/winding crown measures 8.5mm in diameter allowing easy adjustments and lots or torque when it is screwed down into the water resistant position. The threaded crown and case back contribute to a water resistance rating of over 300 feet. Powering the Oris is a automatic winding ETA 2836-2. If this calibre sounds unfamiliar it’s basically a 2824-2 but with the day of the week complication added; so don’t be afraid of a delicate bespoke movement. The base 27 jewel mechanism is an accomplished performer, it is robust, accurate, reliable, and serviceable by almost any watchmaker. Super bright luminous hands and markers add utility when the lights grown dim. The glossy black dial and inner crystal surface made in impossible to take a clear picture of the bright glow without reflections. The large 44mm case looks a bit bigger than the dimension suggests because there is no large sporty timer bezel. Attached to the case is an well made stainless steel Oris bracelet with adjustable links of two sizes. allowing for a precise fit. The watch is in good condition, showing typical scuffs and scratches on the case and bracelet. The bracelet is secured by a locking signed Oris buckle with 4 positions of further micro adjustment. This watch does not come with its original documentation but has an Oris hinged box. We are happy to provide the new owner with a 1-year warranty. Estate priced at $1,600.00 CAD. Stock #501-00253.

Omega Planet Ocean Master Chronometer 215.30.40.20.01.001 39.5mm. $5,500.00 CAD. 510-00187

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean watches are becoming more collectible all the time. The flagship of the Sea-Master line has been around since 2005. The models with the super scratch-resistant ceramic bezels are always snapped up quickly in our estate department. Our latest Planet Ocean is this slightly smaller size version made to a comfortable 39.5mm diameter. The actual measurement our digital caliper is 40.6mm. This the the perfect dimension for the average sized gentleman’s wrist. It’s one of the models that everyone’s looking for with the Omega’s in-house developed 35 jewel calibre 8800. All 200 plus components were designed and manufactured in Omega’s workshops. The movement features lots of cool technology like Omega’s proprietary co-axial escapement, silicon hairspring, slightly slower 25,200 cycle per hour frequency, a long 55 hour power reserve using 1 mainspring, bi-directional winding rotor, blackened screws, balance wheel, mainspring barrel and more. The slightest movement of your wrist causes the weighted rotor to spin, efficiently and silently winding the movement. The micro-mechanical masterpiece is visible through the display case back. This movement has taken the chronometer rating a step further with its METAS certification. Each Omega mechanism equipped with a “Master Chronometer” calibre 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 up to 15,000 gauss. The accuracy requirements are also tighter than COSC. A final test confirming the manufacturer’s water resistance rating is conducted on the complete watch with the movement installed. Being a Seamaster all the regular sporty diver features are here. Watertight to 2000 feet, one-way ratcheting bezel, helium escape valve, locking buckle with concealed fine adjustment extension, bright oversized luminous hands and hour markers plus the more basic details of threaded crown/case back, etc. New new this Seamaster Planet Ocean 215.30.40.20.01.001 had a suggested retail price of $9,600.00 CAD and can be seen on the Omega website. Our 39.5mm gently worn example is estate priced at $5,500.00 CAD. It looks to have only been worn a few times, with only a few very light scuffs on the bracelet and case. All the accessories and packaging are in perfect condition, the plastic protective sticker is still on hinge release button. Included with the watch are the original box, foam-lined outer box, instruction booklet, card wallet, instructions, hang tag, and even the original brown cardboard shipping box, but it is missing the original endorsed warranty card. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers is pleased to include a complimentary one-year warranty with the purchase on this watch. Estate priced at $5,500.00 CAD.  Stock number #510-00187.

SOLD

March 27, 2025

Vintage interchangeable stone ring. 14kt., 8.6gr., size 7. $1,050.00 CAD. 206-00610

A great idea that never really caught on. We’ve seen a few jewellery designs over the years with removable stones but never one quite as elaborate as this before. This one is the most thoroughly thought through that we have encountered, right down to its vintage packaging and patent protection. I imagine whoever designed this spent a small fortune developing the idea and hopefully didn’t lose their life savings on the concept. The nugget textured ring, funky packaging, and earthy tone gems, lead us to believe this creation dates from the very early 1970s. It was a brilliant attempt with thoughtful attention to every detail. A special gold plated tool works perfectly to pry the release mechanism free from the underside on the bezel setting. A hinged locking spring mechanism allows the clever system to swap out one of 11 different semi-precious and imitation oval cabochon gems. Each stone measures 14mm x 10mm. It wouldn’t be difficult to obtain more modern vibrant colours that could be used with this ring. I love the integrated plastic prop that works like the legs on a card table to tilt and elevate the display for more visibility and better marketing. After a little online searching we could only find 2 other “ChangeAStone” designs but not like this one and certainly not as complete in this kind of condition. The ring itself appears to be virtually unworn, it didn’t even require polishing when we received it. It measures a finger size 7 and weighs a substantial 8.69 grams. Our onsite goldsmiths can adjust the fit up or down a little bit if required. This fun and funky vintage ring is estate priced at $1,050.00 CAD. Stock #206-00610.

Sale pending. J.S.