Watches

Cartier Brings Back the Roadster

WatchesApr 16, 2026

Cartier Brings Back the Roadster

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

Cartier Roadster
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.

 
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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Cartier is known for the shapes in its signature watch designs, and this element is at the center of its new novelty releases.

Cartier Crash Squalette
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.


"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.

The Latest

Cartier bracelet and ring
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia Airport

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

Pandora celestial chandelier earrings
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on Design

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

NYC Jewelry Week Biolgems Jewelry Exhibition
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition Yet

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Lanessa Elrod
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Replica of Infinity Gauntlet
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for Auction

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Arthur Klein
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Zadok Jewelers
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

David Yurman Gem Awards Grant 2027 Graphic
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 Applications

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, Shari Lukacs
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America new board members
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

Kristi Yamaguchi Wearing Always Dream Collection
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ Collection

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Best Of Winners
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum Awards

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Edina Kiss Eye Pendants on Charm Necklace
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising Officer

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

Norma Wellington spider web pendant
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

Ann Cahoon
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann Cahoon

Cahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Holiday Campaign with Amanda Seyfried
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday Campaign

Tiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.

Graphic of cauldron and cat with jewelry in bubbles
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on You

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.

Jaythan Gilder and Stolen Tiffany & Co. Earrings
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings Convicted

Jaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gas station
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices Ease

Consumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.

Stuller Magic of the Moment Holiday Campaign
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ Shine

The holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.

De Beers Desert Diamonds Icons Campaign Designer Showcase
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ Campaign

The “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.

Mervis Diamond Importers store
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond Importers

Solomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy