An incredibly rare and truly remarkable, “Giant” Gouvernail, wristwatch in white gold, with “roue à 12 points” and guilloché decorated dial, published in Osvaldo Patrizzi book "White Cartier Bianco".
Model "Giant" Gouvernail Case Material White gold Bracelet Material Leather strap Year 1950 Movement Manual, 18 jewels Case N° 36'075 Dimensions 37mm Diameter Signed Case, dial and movement Literature This specific watch is published in Osvaldo Patrizzi book "White Cartier Bianco" at page 50 - 51
Since its founding in 1898, Cartier has been synonymous with refinement, luxury, and innovative design. Renowned not only for its Parisian glamour but also for pioneering bold, seductive shapes in timekeeping, Cartier’s contributions to watchmaking are as much about artistry as they are about precision. This striking example, a “Giant” Gouvernail Paris watch from 1950, exemplifies Cartier’s unyielding commitment to both elegant design and groundbreaking innovation. In the post-World War II era, round wristwatches gained immense popularity, overtaking the angular Art Deco styles that had defined the previous decades. However, Cartier, always at the forefront of design experimentation, took this familiar shape and transformed it into something entirely new. In a daring move that would further cement Cartier’s reputation as a leader in avant-garde watchmaking, the brand introduced the “Helm Watch,” also known as the Timone in Italian or Gouvernail. Its name, derived from the word for “ship’s wheel,” reflects the unique design—combining a round case with a circular bezel, affixed by distinctive circular fixtures. What makes this Timone even more exceptional is its rare white-gold “giant” case, a true rarity within Cartier’s already exclusive collections. The 37 mm case is beautifully preserved, with the original vendome lugs and the octagonal crown remaining in excellent condition. The 12 outer rounded indexes, known as the Roue à 12 Points d’Or, are another exceptional feature, making this model particularly special. These rounded markers are extremely scarce in white gold, offering an elevated design that distinguishes this piece from other iterations of the Helm. The dial itself is a work of art, diverging from the usual plain surfaces in favor of a captivating guilloché-channel pattern. The Gouvernail was a pivotal moment for Cartier, marking their shift towards avant-garde designs that would define their watchmaking philosophy. This incredibly rare white-gold Helm, with its special case and guilloché dial, represents one of the most important and highly sought-after by collectors, embodying Cartier’s innovative spirit and adding immense value to any vintage collection. 
