After more than a decade, the Cartier Roadster returns at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026—and this is not a simple reissue. The original, launched in 2002 and discontinued around 2012, drew its identity from the aerodynamic lines of 1950s sports cars: a tonneau-shaped case, a boldly integrated crown, and a dial that borrowed its visual energy from the instrument cluster. That DNA is intact here. What Cartier has done is subtract the clunkiness and sharpen everything else.
Things to Know About the Watch
The new Roadster is offered in two sizes: Large at 38.8 mm wide and Medium at 34.9 mm wide. Both are about 10 mm in thickness, and both are water-resistant to 100 meters. Material choices inlcude steel, two-tone with steel and 18K yellow gold, and 18k yellow gold. The white dial is standard across the collection, with one exception: the blue PVD dial is exclusive to the Large steel reference equipped with a matching rubber strap.
The dial retains the hallmarks: applied Roman numerals, concentric grooves on the chapter ring, a chemin de fer minutes track, sword-shaped hands, and the hidden Cartier signature at the VII marker. The bracelet now has shorter, more ergonomic links with the central links finished with a polished surface contrasting with brushed outer links and the watches are equipped with Cartier's QuickSwitch system for easy strap changes. All new Roadsters ship with an alligator strap, while the blue dial reference comes with a navy rubber strap.
The Movement
The Large models are powered by Cartier's calibre 1847 MC with a 42-hour power reserve. The Medium models are powered by the calibre 1899 MC with a 40-hour power reserve. Both movements are manufacture calibres.
On the Wrist & Price
The new Roadster is smaller than its predecessor, and for some of us who loved it back at the beginning of the millennium, this relaunch is very welcome.
Sticker Price USD 10,200 large steel, USD 9,300 medium steel, USD 20,000 large two-tone, USD 18,300 medium two-tone, USD 57,000 large 18K gold, and USD 51,500 medium 18K gold. For more info on Cartier, click here.
