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Lot Essay
Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of Authenticity No. GE2007-227 dated 28 November 2007 confirming the sale of the present watch with platinum bracelet by Cartier Paris in 1956.
The revival of gold watches in round cases in the mid 1940s inspired Cartier to design models completely different from the classical "Cartier" style. Amongst these post war creations figured the famous "Helm" watch, the name derived from its design resembling a ship's wheel.
The Helm model was made in various versions, comprising dress watches and wristwatches, varying in layout and sizes, the majority however cased in yellow gold. Celebrities such as Barbara Hutton and the Maharajah of Kapurthala owned examples of this very popular model.
The present watch is one of the rarest types of the "Helm" wristwatch ever made, combining a platinum case with a diamond-set bezel and a platinum bracelet, sold at Cartier Paris in 1956 as confirmed by the Certificate of Authenticity. Considering the time of creation of this highly attractive wristwatch, it is furthermore of comparatively large size and in beautiful, original overall condition.
Cartier
Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, the name Cartier has always been a synonym for elegance and beauty. It was also Louis Cartier who, in the early 1900s, was the first jeweller to create platinum jewellery which he used in his "Garland" creations and to enhance the brilliance of diamonds. Cartier's unrivalled skill in working with platinum contributed to its reputation of "the Jeweller of Kings and the King of Jewellers".
Today more than ever, platinum, the rarest of all precious metals and its unique white lustre, is the favourite metal of many collectors.
For examples of the "Helm" watch see The Cartier Collection - Timepieces, Editions Flammarion, pp. 395-397.
The revival of gold watches in round cases in the mid 1940s inspired Cartier to design models completely different from the classical "Cartier" style. Amongst these post war creations figured the famous "Helm" watch, the name derived from its design resembling a ship's wheel.
The Helm model was made in various versions, comprising dress watches and wristwatches, varying in layout and sizes, the majority however cased in yellow gold. Celebrities such as Barbara Hutton and the Maharajah of Kapurthala owned examples of this very popular model.
The present watch is one of the rarest types of the "Helm" wristwatch ever made, combining a platinum case with a diamond-set bezel and a platinum bracelet, sold at Cartier Paris in 1956 as confirmed by the Certificate of Authenticity. Considering the time of creation of this highly attractive wristwatch, it is furthermore of comparatively large size and in beautiful, original overall condition.
Cartier
Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, the name Cartier has always been a synonym for elegance and beauty. It was also Louis Cartier who, in the early 1900s, was the first jeweller to create platinum jewellery which he used in his "Garland" creations and to enhance the brilliance of diamonds. Cartier's unrivalled skill in working with platinum contributed to its reputation of "the Jeweller of Kings and the King of Jewellers".
Today more than ever, platinum, the rarest of all precious metals and its unique white lustre, is the favourite metal of many collectors.
For examples of the "Helm" watch see The Cartier Collection - Timepieces, Editions Flammarion, pp. 395-397.