Launched in 2001, the Cartier Roadster celebrates the golden age of automotive design. It draws its inspiration from the sporty curves and powerful motors of the racing cars of the 1950’s, transforming the essence of speed and sophistication into a wearable piece. The Roadster's unique case, shaped like a car's headlight, instantly distinguishes it from other high-end watches.
Every aspect of the Roadster reflects Cartier's deep-rooted tradition in watchmaking. From the iconic Roman numeral dial to the creative use of the date window, the collection highlights Cartier's dedication to forward-thinking design. The Roadster quickly gained popularity among watch collectors, providing a harmonious blend of a sporty look and sophisticated elegance that mirrors Cartier watches history.
The Cartier Roadster lineup includes a variety of standout features that appeal to both style-conscious individuals and those with an interest in watchmaking. From its eye-catching case to the diverse selection of movements and materials, the Roadster has something appealing for everyone. Let's delve into the important details that distinguish this collection in the realm of luxury watches.
Cartier employs a mix of high-quality materials in the creation of the Roadster lineup to accommodate a broad range of tastes. Traditional stainless-steel models are not only durable but also have a clean, modern look, ideal for daily use. For those looking for an upscale option, yellow gold and rose gold models project an aura of elegance and warmth. A selection of models combines steel with gold, offering a two-tone look that merges sporty and refined styles.
The Cartier Roadster movement choices cater to various watch enthusiast preferences. Several models include dependable automatic movements, providing the benefit of self-winding while maintaining the elegance of mechanical timekeeping. These movements, which are visible through sapphire casebacks in some models, reflect Cartier's dedication to superior watchmaking. For individuals who value precision, options for quartz movements are available, ensuring accurate timekeeping with minimal upkeep.
The Cartier Roadster dials are a display of the brand's excellence in design. The lineup boasts an array of dial colors, such as traditional white, sleek black, and vibrant blue options. The collection features Roman numeral hour markers, a signature of Cartier, adding a sense of sophistication. The dial's unique tonneau-shape, akin to that of a vehicle's speedometer, is complemented by a distinctive minutes track. Some models incorporate elaborate guilloché designs, adding dimension and texture to the dial.
The Cartier Roadster lineup comes with an assortment of watch band options, all crafted to boost the watch's adaptability and attractiveness to various style preferences. Whether it's sleek metal bracelets, classic leather straps, or sporty rubber bands, these options give owners the ability to tailor their Roadster to fit any occasion. The variety of band styles not only complements the watch's unique look but also brings out the Roadster's special mix of sophistication and sportiness. Let's dive into the array of watch band options available for the Cartier Roadster.
Cartier Roadster watches come in various sizes to accommodate a broad spectrum of wrist sizes and fashion tastes. This diversity guarantees an optimal fit for everyone, ranging from those who opt for a more understated elegance to those who seek a watch that demands attention. The different sizing options also ensure the Roadster adapts effortlessly from casual to formal events.
Roadster watches are crafted to have a certain level of practical water resistance, usually rated to 100 meters (330 feet). This degree of water resistance allows the Roadster to be used for swimming and snorkeling, fitting its athletic theme. Nevertheless, it's key to understand that water resistance levels can differ from one watch to another, and consistent upkeep is essential to maintain this feature. It’s essential to verify the exact water resistance capability of your Roadster watch before exposing it to water.
The Cartier Roadster assortment presents a wide variety of models, each designed to meet various tastes and requirements. From sleek chronographs to sophisticated time-only pieces, the Roadster series highlights Cartier's adaptability in the creation of watches. These designs differ in size, materials, and complications, guaranteeing the ideal Roadster for every wrist size and occasion. Let's take a closer look at some of the standout models in this iconic collection.
The Cartier Roadster Chronograph blends the watch's unique look with top-notch timekeeping features. This watch is equipped with a tricompax layout, usually including subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, measuring elapsed hours, minutes, and running seconds. The chronograph pushers are seamlessly integrated into the case design, keeping the watch's sleek design while providing accurate timekeeping.
The Roadster Chronograph is also available in larger sizes, highlighting its athletic style. It comes in different materials like stainless steel and fine metals, catering to those who value both style and functionality. The addition of the chronograph complication not only improves the watch's practicality but also makes the dial more visually appealing, making it a sought-after piece among collectors and fans.
The Cartier Roadster XL represents the boldest expression of the collection's design ethos. With its larger case size, typically around 43mm, the Roadster XL makes a strong statement on the wrist. This model often features more complex dial designs, showcasing Cartier's creativity in reimagining the automotive-inspired theme on a grander scale.
Despite its imposing size, the Cartier Roadster XL maintains the collection's signature elegance. The larger canvas allows for enhanced legibility and often incorporates additional complications or design elements. From intricate guilloché patterns to oversized date displays, the XL models offer a perfect blend of sportiness and sophistication, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial timepiece.
The Cartier Roadster S is an updated, sportier version of the timeless Roadster style. It usually has a more streamlined case and more minimalist dial options, appealing to individuals who enjoy a modern look. This model is made with advanced materials like titanium or ADLC (Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon) coatings, making it more durable and sportier.
With a blend of performance and style, the Roadster S is often equipped with rubber straps or sportier bracelets designs. This model keeps the essence of the collection but introduces it into casual, daily wear. The Roadster S is ideal for people who value the Roadster's history but also want a timepiece suitable for an active lifestyle.
The Cartier Roadster GMT introduces a practical travel complication to its lineup. This version comes with an additional hand that tracks a second time zone, perfect for travelers who are frequently on the move or those who need to keep track of multiple time zones. The GMT function is seamlessly incorporated into the Roadster's design, often making use of the watch's unique date magnifier to show the 24-hour time scale.
Offering a variety of materials and dimensions, the Roadster GMT merges practicality with Cartier's distinctive look. The addition of the GMT complication boosts the watch's adaptability, making it appropriate for travel both for work and leisure. This watch is attractive to travelers and watch lovers who value the extra feature without giving up the Roadster's unique style.
The Cartier Roadster Automatic models are the centerpiece of the collection, boasting the glamour of self-winding mechanical movements. These timepieces usually come equipped with a timeless three-hand layout featuring a date function, capturing the true spirit of the Roadster's aesthetic. The automatic movement, often shown through a sapphire caseback, highlights Cartier's dedication to crafting exquisite luxury watches.
Offered in different sizes and materials, the Roadster Automatic range appeals to a broad spectrum of tastes. From modern, sleek stainless-steel options to elegant gold options, these watches strike a perfect equilibrium between a sporty look and intricate engineering. The automatic models are suitable for enthusiasts of mechanical watches and those who value the ease provided by the self-winding technology.
The Cartier Roadster Quartz models are celebrated for their precise timekeeping within the collection's unique design. These watches are known for their simplistic, uncluttered dial design, emphasizing the critical time and date functions. The quartz movement guarantees exact time accuracy with minimal upkeep, rendering these models an excellent choice for individuals who value the convenience and dependability of a quartz movement.
Available in a variety of sizes and generally at a more budget-friendly price, the Roadster Quartz models introduce newcomers to the collection. These watches maintain all the characteristic design aspects of the Roadster, from its curved case to its Roman numeral design. The quartz versions are perfect for those who admire the Roadster's design yet prefer the accuracy and low maintenance that a battery-powered movement provides.
The Cartier Roadster collection offers a variety of prices that reflect its variety of designs and. New Roadster watches, when they were in production, typically range from around $4,000 for entry-level quartz models to over $20,000 for precious metal or complicated versions. However, as the collection has been discontinued, current prices primarily reflect the pre-owned market.
In the pre-owned market, used Cartier Roadster watches offer great value for watch collectors and enthusiasts. Prices can start from around $2,500 for well-maintained steel quartz models, with rare or special edition models fetching much higher prices. Factors such as condition, material, complications, and rarity all influence the pre-owned Roadster's value. This price range makes the Roadster an appealing choice for both newcomers to luxury timepieces and experienced collectors.
disc. = discontinued
"Every Roadster watch showcases Cartier's creativity by combining a sporty look with its renowned style. Our sophisticated customers love the Roadster for its unique appearance, expert workmanship, and the luxury status of the Cartier brand. The Roadster collection comes in a variety of models to meet different tastes, including traditional automatic watches and sporty chronographs. Its discontinuation has only increased its desirability among collectors, making it an attractive option for anyone seeking a timeless luxury watch."
- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob’s Watches
When it comes to acquiring a Cartier Roadster, Bob's Watches stands out as your trusted partner. Our group of watch specialists offers unmatched expertise and enthusiasm in each purchase, making sure you receive accurate information and guidance. We pride ourselves on transparency, offering detailed descriptions and fair pricing for each Roadster in our inventory. Our rigorous authentication process guarantees that every watch we sell is 100% genuine, providing you with peace of mind.
At Bob's Watches, we understand that purchasing a luxury timepiece is more than just a transaction – it's an investment in quality and heritage. Our commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond the sale, with excellent after-sales support and seamless buying experience. Choose Bob's Watches for your Cartier Roadster and join countless satisfied customers who have made us their go-to source for premium pre-owned watches.
Thinking about selling your Cartier Roadster? Allow Bob's Watches to help you through a smooth selling experience. Our expertise in high-end watches guarantees that your Roadster will be accurately valued, showing its true value in today's market. We provide fair prices and a straightforward, transparent selling process. Whether you're looking to upgrade your collection or just ready for a change, we assure you that we will treat your Cartier Roadster with the attention and respect it deserves. Visit our sell your Cartier watch page to get started on your watch's next journey.
No, Cartier discontinued the Roadster collection in 2012, making these watches highly sought-after among collectors.
Pre-owned Cartier Roadster prices typically range from $2,500 to $15,000, depending on the model, condition, and materials.
For automatic models, wear the watch regularly. For manual wind versions, gently turn the crown clockwise about 20-30 times.
Cartier likely discontinued the Roadster to make way for new collections, though the exact reason wasn't publicly stated.