CARTIER PARIS VERY RARE 1940-50s VINTAGE \"HELM\" WRISTWATCH,Signed & Numbered
![CARTIER PARIS VERY RARE 1940-50s VINTAGE \](img-large/g/WJYAAOSwqYhZxQqW/s-l1600/CARTIER-PARIS-VERY-RARE-1940-50s-VINTAGE-HELM-WRIS.jpg "CARTIER PARIS VERY RARE 1940-50s VINTAGE \")
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CARTIER PARIS VERY RARE 1940-50s VINTAGE \"HELM\" WRISTWATCH,Signed & Numbered:
$4900.00
The Cartier Helm history and the history of the model name:
Besides the very famous watch models like the Santos, the Tank, the Tonneau or the Crash, Cartier has created many other models, too. An interesting model, commonly known as the ‘Helm’ takes its name from the distinctive form of the bezel, shaped like a ship’s steering wheel.The Helm watches have examples from the 30’s in different variations either as wristwatches (including dress watches) or pocket watches but always in extremely limited numbers.One of the most famous examples of the Helm is part of Cartier’s private collection, having previously belonged to the Maharaja of Kapurthala (the maharajas of Kapurthala and Patiala were prized clients of Cartier, ordering uniquely designed pieces of jewellery and watches).Examples of Helm timepieces are very rare and it is even rarer to find museum quality pieces like the present lot.
This unusual Cartier wristwatch models features one of the most fascinating case concept designs Cartier was producing in the 1940/50s.
The dial is signed Cartier Paris, case is stamped with Cartier numbers and the lugs are sharply hallmarked with french hallmarks as a piece made in Paris should be marked.
The movement is signed Gubelin which at this time was not unusual since Cartier was experimenting with unique case designers and needed manufacturers who could produce small enough movements to fit into their unique concept creations without it taking away from the already preferred case design. Gubelin and Jaeger Lecoultre produced such movements as they could fit into the smallest of watches as a back wind movement which is the type of mechanical movement found in the present lot.
The nickel-finished lever movement is 18 jewels and in working condition.The silvered satin dial has 18kt yellow gold baton hands surrounded by an outer 18kt yellow gold helm bezel.The case is stamped with Cartier reference numbers, the dial is signed Cartier paris
The case is sharply hallmarked and the lugs display clear hallmarks as well as the serial numbers. This indicates to the collector that the piece has been very rarely worn and remains in excellent condition given its vintage.
The dial is also perfect with no hairlines , dirt or water damage and the case shows minimal signs of scratching or wear.
CARTIER PARIS VERY RARE 1940-50s VINTAGE \"HELM\" WRISTWATCH,Signed & Numbered:
$4900.00