French commemorate watch in the shape of a ship’s wheel Circa 1910

Gold and enamel open faced pocket watch by Cartier
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A French gold and enamel, keyless, open faced pocket watch shaped like a ship’s wheel, circa 1910. This piece celebrates the triumph of the American racing schooner Westward at the 1910 Kiel Regatta. The watch features a frosted gilt movement equipped with a lever escapement and 18 jewels, complemented by a bimetallic compensation balance, and is signed Cartier Paris. The frosted gilt dial showcases Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and two enamel crossed Yacht Club burgees; one represents the American Sailing Club, inscribed with RPP from ASC and Kiel 1910 at the centre, also signed Cartier Paris.
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The case, crafted from 18 carat gold, has a back in the shape of a ship’s wheel, embellished with blue enamel spokes and centred with the name Westward. It is adorned with cabochon sapphire set wheel handles and is numbered 8770 and 4549, featuring the Paris gold mark for 1847-1919.
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Signed: Cartier Paris
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The dial has some areas of dirt around the flags and some scuffs throughout the dial, visible under certain lights. There are no cracks in the enamel of the case. The movement indicates that the watch runs.
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The present watch was likely ordered from Cartier by Alexander S. Cochran to commemorate the 1910 winning season of his Racing Schooner, Westward. The bespoke watch, uniquely designed as a ship’s wheel, included the yacht’s name enamelled on the case back. At the same time, the dial incorporated the wording Kiel 1910, Cochran’s initials A.S.C., and what was likely his private signal flag, as well as the New York Yacht Club burgee, Alexander’s storied home yacht club based in Manhattan.
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Cochran, a wealthy New Yorker, commissioned the 135 foot Racing Schooner from the famed boat builder Nathaniel Herreshoff in Rhode Island. The state-of-the-art racing machine was ready in an astonishing six months.
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Cochran departed Rhode Island for England in April 1910 on the Westward with Charlie Barr, a three time winner of the America’s Cup, at the helm. While racing in England, they won eight of nine contests. The next stop was Kiel Week, where the Westward swept the board against competitors that included the German Kaiser, Wilhelm, on his yacht, the Meteor.
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Having tasted success, Cochran sold the Westward in 1911 and, with his new boat, Vanitie, competed in the 1914 America’s Cup. World War I postponed the 1914 Cup race until 1920. Cochran’s Vanitie competed again in 1920 but was bested in the trials by fellow New York Yacht Club members sailing Resolute, the 1920 America’s Cup winner.