Lot Essay
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 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 amongst the rarest types of the "Helm" wristwatch, attractively combining a case of unusually massive design for this model with a diamond-set bezel and a gold bracelet. Interestingly, the deployant clasp is also stamped GF for Gay Frères in Geneva, renowned for their high quality bracelets supplied to the most important watch manufacturers. Considering the time of creation of this highly attractive wristwatch, it is furthermore of comparatively large size and in beautiful, original overall condition. Purchased decades ago by the grandfather of the present owner, it is fresh to the market and has always been treated with respect.
For different examples of the "Helm" model see The Cartier Collection - Timepieces, Editions Flammarion, pp. 395 - 397.
The Helm model was made in various versions, comprising dress watches and wristwatches, varying in layout and sizes, the majority 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 amongst the rarest types of the "Helm" wristwatch, attractively combining a case of unusually massive design for this model with a diamond-set bezel and a gold bracelet. Interestingly, the deployant clasp is also stamped GF for Gay Frères in Geneva, renowned for their high quality bracelets supplied to the most important watch manufacturers. Considering the time of creation of this highly attractive wristwatch, it is furthermore of comparatively large size and in beautiful, original overall condition. Purchased decades ago by the grandfather of the present owner, it is fresh to the market and has always been treated with respect.
For different examples of the "Helm" model see The Cartier Collection - Timepieces, Editions Flammarion, pp. 395 - 397.