WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24WatchesApr 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 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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
