Introducing: The Cartier Roadster Returns

What We Know

For some, the Cartier Roadster is an icon of a past era. A tonneau-shaped watch with concentric circles of chapter rings that draw from the aesthetics of a speedometer, a magnifying glass for the date that blends into the shaped bump in the case and the crown that resembles 1950s car taillight fin lights, it’s a distinct look for Cartier. And now it’s back in six different different variants in two sizes.

The Roadster has refined its dimensions a bit. The new models in large sizes measure 47mm by 38mm with a 10.06mm thickness and a water resistance of 100m. These versions come in yellow gold and two-tone steel, with yellow-gold and white dials with yellow gold accents, and a steel model with a dark blue PVD-coated dial, all treated with Super-LumiNova.

For the midsize, its about the same for aesthetics, just without the dark blue dial (now the steel comes with a white dial and blue varnished numerals). The cases measure 42.5mm by 34.9mm with a 9.7mm thickness. Inside the large models is the automatic 1847 MC movement with about 42 hours of power reserve and the functions shown on the dial side. The medium models have the caliber 1899 MC automatic movement with a touch less power reserve. But one of the bigger updates is the bracelet with horizontal, polished central links and brushed outer links that comes on the Cartier QuickSwitch system. That means you get the watch on the same material as the case, but you can swap to the included alligator straps (with folding clasps) or the navy blue rubber strap for the large model with blue dial.

The new Cartier Roadsters are going to be available soon but the brand has not shared any pricing and, as of writing, the models aren’t on the Cartier website. We’ll update when more infomation becomes available.

What We Think

I’m the biggest fan of Cartier in its most reserved forms. The long, straight, simple (but revolutionary) lines of the Tank, the Baignoire, maybe a Crash. This might not be the Cartier for me, but as Ben has pointed out to me in the past, there are a number of people who feel a lot of nostalgia around the model. The older versions felt a lot more disjointed, that is true, but there was something a bit charming about how out of place they felt against the more modern, refined designs of the day. There’s no doubt Cartier has really dialed these versions in, and maybe with an eventual Roadster Chronograph, I will feel that Cartier has leaned full throttle into their automotive designs.

The Basics

Brand: Cartier
Model: Roadster

Diameter: 47mm x 38mm (Large Size); 42.5mm x 34.9mm (Midsize)
Thickness: 10.06mm (Large Size); 9.7mm (Midsize)
Case Material: Steel, yellow gold and steel, or yellow gold
Dial Color: White dial with Super-LumiNova or Dark Blue Super-LumiNova
Indexes: Varnish-applied
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Case-matched Bracelet/strap equipped with the QuickSwitch system; second straps in alligator of various colors or rubber for the dark blue dial

The Movement

Caliber:  Caliber 1847 MC (Large); Caliber 1899 MC (Midsize)
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Power Reserve: 42 (large) and 38-40 (Medium) hours
Winding: Automatic

Pricing & Availability

Price: None yet shared
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

For more, click here.