The Cartier Roadster Comes Roaring Back: It’s Ready To Roll In Two Sizes
Sometimes, a watch release makes you feel old. The Cartier Roadster now comes roaring back, but I couldn’t help but think it hadn’t been that long since it debuted. Well, it turns out the launch of the first Roadster was 24 years ago. Anyway, Cartier has just announced a revised collection that maintains the automotive-inspired design while refining proportions and details. The updated range is offered in steel, gold, and a combination of the two, and the watches come in medium and large sizes. Their tonneau-shaped cases stand out for how they highlight the date window and crown, as well as for the prominent bezels, which now feature four visible rivets. Two in-house automatic movements power the Roadsters as well.
What I remember most about the Roadster’s launch in 2002 was its bold, daring design, but I found the execution a bit clunky. Now, “clunky” is not a word Cartier wants to be associated with, I guess. Maybe the designers in Paris felt the same because the rebooted collection debuting at Watches and Wonders 2026 is more refined while also underlining the Roadster’s automotive, industrial character.
The Cartier Roadster comes roaring back in several variations
What’s the first thing that strikes you when looking at a Roadster? Is it the typical Cartier dial you won’t confuse with anything else, or is it the voluptuous date window? Let’s call it a tie. And therefore, let’s first look at the dial. The Roman numerals dictate the overall look, but the dial also shows a subtle reference to automotive instrumentation. The combination of a dynamic circular striated pattern, Roman numerals, and a chemin de fer track balances traditional and contemporary elements. Also, the use of applied Roman numerals is new and adds more depth to the dial than printed ones.
There are two dial colors available for the “tuned” Roadsters. There’s one large steel version with a dark blue PVD dial, and all the other models in steel, yellow gold, and two-tone, in both the large and the medium sizes, have white dials. The characteristic sword-shaped hands and Roman numerals are filled with luminous material for improved legibility — in tunnels, for instance.
What truly sets the Roadster apart is its signature magnified date window “integrated” into the bezel. This is a typical case of “love it or hate it.” No matter your opinion, it does give the watch a distinct look, a strong character, and a powerful presence.
Sizes and movements
The large Roadster models have a 38mm case with a 47mm lug-to-lug and a 10.06mm profile. Inside this 100m-water-resistant exterior beats the automatic in-house caliber 1847 MC. The medium-sized Roadsters, with their 34.9 × 42.5 × 9.7mm cases, share the same water resistance but house a different movement. Powering these smaller Roadsters is the automatic 1899 MC. Both calibers beat at 4 Hz, offer a roughly 40-hour power reserve, and have 23 jewels. They also both offer a date function, but that goes without saying since the Roadster’s outspoken design revolves around the voluptuous date indication.
More improvements and first thoughts
The bracelets on all the Roadster models also received a significant update, now featuring shorter links for greater comfort. They display brushed and polished finishes and feature the QuickSwitch system for easy strap changes. The large- and medium-sized steel versions with a white dial come with an additional semi-matte navy-blue alligator strap and a steel interchangeable folding clasp. The large steel model with a blue dial includes a navy-blue rubber strap. Finally, all the other references come with an additional semi-matte dark gray alligator strap with a yellow gold or steel folding buckle.
The restyling did the Roadster good. It’s sleeker and more refined than before, without losing its unique character. Also, the four rivets are a nice touch. Yes, this is a polarizing watch, but that’s good; it means it has character and personality. Does its personality match yours? Let me know in the comments.
The medium-sized steel Cartier Roadster retails for €7,600, and the two large ones cost €8,300. The prices of the two-tone and full-gold variants have yet to be announced. We will keep you posted on that and will also request a “test drive” with the Roadster in both sizes.
