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Cartier Brings Back the Roadster
The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
Cartier has relaunched the "Roadster," previously produced from 2002-2012, in three new versions—yellow gold, yellow gold and steel, and steel.
Geneva—Cartier has announced its lineup of novelty debuts on display this week at Watches & Wonders in Geneva, and the "Roadster" has made a comeback.
The model, boasting a design inspired by the world of 1950s car racing, was originally released in 2002, and ran until 2012, according to Chrono24.
It is relaunching in three new versions—yellow gold, yellow gold and steel, and steel—and two new sizes, medium and large.
The new watches, pictured at the top of the article, are powered by one of two signature self-winding mechanical movements.
The 1847 MC is used for large models, and the 1899 MC for medium models.
In manufacturing the new Roadster, the brand sought to redefine proportions, sharpen lines, and rethink ergonomics without altering its distinctive shape.
The model, boasting a design inspired by the world of 1950s car racing, was originally released in 2002, and ran until 2012, according to Chrono24.
It is relaunching in three new versions—yellow gold, yellow gold and steel, and steel—and two new sizes, medium and large.
The new watches, pictured at the top of the article, are powered by one of two signature self-winding mechanical movements.
The 1847 MC is used for large models, and the 1899 MC for medium models.
In manufacturing the new Roadster, the brand sought to redefine proportions, sharpen lines, and rethink ergonomics without altering its distinctive shape.
Elements of the original model—such as its speedometer-inspired dial, conical crown, and headlight-shaped date magnifier—are present, paired now with upgrades such as a more streamlined case design and four new rivets on the bezel.
Cartier preserved the circular striated pattern, the rail track, and the Roman numerals on the dial.
The new version, however, features a decorative “appliqué” effect created by a stamping tool, which adds relief, and a varnish applied to the index and a transferred rail track.
Resembling a dashboard, the dial on the steel versions features blue or anthracite sword-shaped hands coated with “Super-LumiNova.”
The metal bracelet has also been reworked. It features shorter, more ergonomic links, and a blend of polished and brushed surfaces. It is interchangeable, equipped with the brand’s “QuickSwitch” system.
In reinventing the collection, the brand said it partnered with more than a hundred artisans, including designers, watchmakers, dial-makers, polishers, and stampers.
The new Roadster watches range from $9,300 to $57,000, as per Cartier’s website.
Cartier is known for the shapes in its signature watch designs, and this element is at the center of its new novelty releases.
The skeletonized “Crash Squelette” features the Manufacture 1967 MC movement with manual winding, which houses its 142 components. It is available in 150 numbered limited-edition pieces.
Its creations require bespoke craftsmanship adapted to their singular designs.
A particular technical feat by the watchmaker seen in its new offerings is a skeleton movement adapted to the irregular case of its “Crash” watch.
The “Crash Squelette” is one of six pieces in this year’s Cartier Privé release, a series of high-end, limited-edition reinterpretations of its archival designs. The collection, which is released annually, is in its tenth year.
The series also includes two “Tank Normale” watches, a “Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir,” a “Tank Cintrée,” and a “Cloche de Cartier.”
Cartier also draws inspiration from the inventive processes used in its jewelry creations.
The new “Baignoire” watch, which is studded with clous de Paris, and the new lacquered and pavé “Myst” watch “combine the jeweler’s eye with the watchmaker's gestures,” the brand said.
On the new Baignoire, all of the polishing is done by hand. The diamond version, seen left, features 100 brilliant-cut snow-set diamonds on the dial and inverted pavilion diamonds on the case.
The bead setting on the Myst bracelet uses stones of different sizes, and 112 hours of gem-setting work went into the piece. Its lacquered and pavé sections are strung on an elastic strap without a clasp, so the watch can slip onto the wrist.
"The new Myst de Cartier watch is all about volume and movement. Its design follows in the footsteps of the jewelry watches created under the direction of Jeanne Toussaint in the early 1930s – pieces that were both sculptural and flamboyant,” said Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s director of image, style, and heritage.
Other new releases from the brand include a Santos-Dumont reinterpreted with vintage accents boasting a dial in gilded obsidian.
Explore more of Cartier’s Watches & Wonders lineup via an interactive display on its website.
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