The Cartier Roadster watch is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a classic timepiece with a modern twist. A timeless icon, its design is inspired by the golden age of the sports car, with a bold and streamlined aesthetic. The case is crafted from stainless steel and features a screw-down bezel with a bevelled edge, while the integrated lugs echo the look of wheel spokes.
The sunray dial is adorned with Roman numerals and symmetric counters for the date and small seconds, as well as a double cabochon-studded crown. The shape of the case resembles a drop top roadster complete with those headlight looking screws adorning the lugs. The Roadster is the perfect combination of style and function, offering a sophisticated look that’s guaranteed to turn heads.
Cartier has been creating luxury watches for over a century. The first Cartier watch was created in 1847 when Louis-Francois Cartier inherited his master’s jewellery store. The world’s first ever wristwatch was crafted by Cartier in 1904, which quickly became a symbol of luxury and affluence. The Cartier Roadster is one of the most striking watch designs that the Maison has ever produced. Its unique tonneau shape was designed to recall the aerodynamic curves of sports cars, combining an elegant yet sporty design.
As a result of this, it has become one of the most popular watches in the Cartier collection, and is a favourite of many collectors. Its popularity has only grown since Cartier ceased production of the model in 2012. The Roadster was originally released in 2001 in three sizes. There was a men’s model with a 24.2mm case, and then two ladies models with 19.2mm cases. It was available in stainless steel, yellow gold and rose gold, as well as a variety of dial colours. Select models offered the option of diamonds, adding a further lustre and brilliance to an already unique collection.
Cartier’s House Code system was born out of necessity as the company began marketing a line of wrist watches. Developed to provide a set of parameters to ensure quality within their comprehensive catalogue of watches, the House Code made it easy for clerks to quickly identify the detailed qualities of each model on sight. This practice then was integrated into all of their catalogues and even sole patented pieces and provided an assurance to customers that each watch was monitored for production quality and detailing on an individual basis.
Even today, the House Code is utilized to ensure that each Cartier watch meets the highest of standards for design, assembly, finishing, and function to ensure the Cartier mark of quality throughout. Today, Cartier is one of the leading luxury brands in the world, and their signature design features, or house codes, are reflected in every timepiece they create. The Roadster watch, for example, is made distinctive by the silver dial face, black Roman numeral time stamps, and hidden Cartier signature at the 7 or 10-hour stamp. Topping it off is a blue sapphire or spinel in the watch’s crown and a case back engraved with the Cartier brand signature.
Alongside more traditional pieces, the Cartier Roadster Chronograph displayed a daring combination of functionality and elegant design. The Cartier Roadster W6206020 utilises a chunky 50mm stainless steel tonneau case designed to make an impact — while still comfortably fitting wrists of all sizes.
The fixed black coated bezel creates an elegant contrast with the accompanying black rubber strap, just adding to its signature charm. Finished with slanting Roman numeral markers, luminous sword hands and three sub-dials in black. This watch is crafted with complete precision and features an effortlessly stylish look that you can wear in any situation.
But where this Roadster truly stands out are its sub-dials. Unlike most traditional chronograph sub-dials, which are neat and round, the Roadster offers oval shaped sub-dials which allow them to perfectly fit into the the subtle design of the watch.
The Roadster W6206020 model offered a more versatile and refined look, offering a silver opaline dial with Roman numeral markers, sword hands, a sizeable date window at 3o’clock as well as oval-shaped sub-dials that work together to provide accurate readings of its 60-second, 60-minute, and 12-hour chronograph counters.
The Roadster W62048V3 – an ideal watch for any occasion with classic elegance and modern versatility. Its barrel–shaped case with automatic power looks beautiful with the three–link stainless steel bracelet that adds a touch of elegance to the design. The cobalt blue dial displays elegant Roman numerals, making it a great addition to formal attire or an everyday look.
For Women, the Roadster W62026Y4 is a remarkable timepiece that showcases a desirable two-tone colourway. Its exquisite barrel-shaped case is encased with a yellow gold fixed bezel and a two- tone bracelet, that features sleek stainless steel links and opulent gold inner links. The watch is completed with a silver-white dial, detailed with Roman numeral markers, luminous hands, and a date complication.
Whilst the Roadster may have been discontinued, there’s no denying its popularity as a classic from the House of Cartier.
Click here to seeour Carter Roadster selection.
So, why not have a look at our offerings below and add one of these timeless icons to your collection. Please feel free to browse some of Roadsters we currently have in stock.
