March 30, 2025

1983 Piaget Polo 18kt. his & hers 7131 & 8131 gold value only plus 20%. 501-00385 501-00386

In the 1980s Rolex was steadfast in maintaining their Professional line of automatic Oyster case watches. The Submariner, GMT-Master are other “tool” watches made up the bulk of production, but they also dabbled in some more fashionable designs reflecting the styles and trends of the time. The lesser known Rolex Cellini models experimented with various designs, some that looked very similar to these Piaget Polos. The Cellini never really caught on. Rolex kept producing various Cellini styles until quite recently, today not a single example is offered on the Rolex website. If you were a young affluent consumer in the 80s, who wanted something new and different form what your parents were wearing, the Piaget Polo was it. Thin, sleek, electronic quartz technology, fully integrated bracelet with a link pattern that continued uninterrupted through the dial. While Rolex gold watches of the period were made with hollow links and the inners cases machined away any excess gold, Piaget watches were totally solid. Despite the small width of just 25mm verses 36mm for a Rolex Day-Date or Datejust, the Piagets contained substantially more gold. Our gents version weighs in at a hefty 140.4 grams and the lady’s weighs 105.6 grams. The super thin quartz movement, crystal, and other non-precious metal components are estimated to weight only around 5 grams. Piaget Polos are rarely seen on the market today and when they occasionally turn up they usually show some wear in the bracelets. They are never seen as a single owner his and hers set, with an original warranty card and a bill of sale. For watches that are over 40 years old these show little wear. The bracelets are tight as a drum showing no stretch and zero sag. The ladies displays some dial staining likely from some exposure to moisture at some point over the last four decades. These watches were purchased as a matching set in August of 1983 at European Jewellers Toronto. The original receipt shows a total purchase price of $24,010.80 including just 7% Ontario sales tax. The original purchaser must have been a savvy negotiator as the retail price for these watches was $33,000.00. At the time, the price of gold was only around $500.00 per ounce, today an ounce of gold costs well over $4,000.00 CAD. The gents comes with its original endorsed Piaget warranty card, insurance appraisal, and movement instructions. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Piaget in 2024, the company reintroduced an updated version of the round case Polo that was originally introduced in 1979. The retro style is a little larger than the original and comes exclusively with an automatic movement. An excellent review of the 2024 reintroduction can be seen on Hodinkee. The new version stays true to the original design and comes with a thoroughly modern retail price of $70,000.00 USD. Since the reintroduction of the Polo, the originals are seeing renewed interest and prices are on the move. With the price of gold moving up too, buying these could prove to be a great investment also. The retro revolution is on, from cars to clothing, what old is new again, and these vintage Polos are perfect for those who wanted one 40 years ago but couldn’t afford it. We are offering these watches for only their net gold weight plus just 20% and applicable sales tax. Both watches have fresh batteries, are keeping excellent time and come with a complimentary 1-year warranty. We estimate the gent’s has a net 18 karat gold weight of 135 grams and 100 grams for the lady’s. They come with a customer brochure from the 90s with price list, original 1983 bill of sale, warranty card (gent’s only), insurance appraisals, and movement instruction cards. Dealer enquires are always welcome. Stock #501-00385 (gents) and 501-00386 (lady’s).

March 29, 2025

10 karat, 22.5 inch, Cuban link chain, 10.5mm wide, 43.3 grams, hollow. $3,300.00 CAD. 431-00955

It seems strange to describe a necklace that weighs in at over 43 grams as hollow, but it is true. Some hollow jewellery that is made from gold so thin it’s more like foil, we’ve even see earring posts that have been hollowed out like the needle of a syringe. While this chain is technically hollow it is certainly worthy of a showcase posting among our other vintage and estate items. It has been expertly manufactured from heavy gauge 10 karat yellow gold that is inherently harder than higher karat material. The chain measures 10.5mm wide with a chunky 4.0mm thickness and a total length of 22 1/2 inches long with the clasp closed. The clasp itself is notable in its own right. It has been bead set with over 100 tiny cubic zirconia (imitation diamonds) and has a clever double push button clasp. Both triggers of the catch are individually sprung and must be pushed together with a surprising amount of force before it will release. When it closes it snaps shut with a reassuring click. The chain is in like new condition showing no wear, dents, kinks, or scratches. Gold may be hitting record prices but that doesn’t mean can’t get great value. Just considering the recyclable gold content alone, this necklace contains over $2,600.00 worth of pure gold and fine silver alloy ( as of March 28th 2025). There is a lot of labor that goes into making something like this, plus the cost of the gold that gents wasted in the manufacturing process to consider. At only 27% more than the salvage value, this chain offers unbeatable value. It is estate priced at $3,300.00 CAD. Stock #431-00955.

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.

SOLD