Cartier Revives Iconic Roadster Watch and Unveils New Collections at Watches & Wonders

Cartier has made a significant splash at Watches & Wonders in Geneva, most notably with the highly anticipated return of its beloved Roadster watch. First launched in 2002 and inspired by the aesthetics of 1950s car racing, the Roadster boasts a renewed design that sharpens its iconic lines while retaining its distinctive character. This revival, after a 14-year hiatus, sees the collection presented in three new versions—yellow gold, yellow gold and steel, and steel—and available in two new sizes: medium and large.

The Reimagined Roadster

The new Roadster models pay homage to the original's speedometer-inspired dial, conical crown, and headlight-shaped date magnifier. Enhancements include a more streamlined case design and four new rivets on the bezel. Key elements like the circular striated pattern, rail track, and Roman numerals on the dial have been preserved, but now feature an updated relief created by a stamping tool and a varnish applied to the indexes. The dial on the steel versions showcases blue or anthracite sword-shaped hands coated with Super-LumiNova®, reminiscent of a car's dashboard. The metal bracelet has also been redesigned for improved ergonomics, featuring shorter links and a blend of polished and brushed surfaces. All new Roadsters are equipped with Cartier’s QuickSwitch system, allowing for effortless strap and bracelet changes.

The watches are powered by two distinct self-winding mechanical movements: the 1847 MC for the large models and the 1899 MC for the medium models. The large versions measure 47mm by 38mm with a thickness of 10.06mm, while the medium models are sized at 42.5mm by 34.9mm with a 9.7mm thickness. Both sizes offer water resistance up to 10 bar (approximately 100 meters).

Prices for the new Roadster collection range from $9,300 for a midsize steel model to $57,000 for the yellow gold versions. The collection includes seven variants, with availability starting from April 20th for preorders.

Cartier Privé and Other Novelties

Beyond the Roadster, Cartier continues to celebrate its rich heritage with the tenth edition of its Cartier Privé collection. This year’s series focuses on reinterpretations of iconic archival designs, presented in platinum with a distinctive burgundy colour scheme. It includes the Tank Normale, the Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir, and the Crash Squelette. The Crash Squelette, in particular, features the manual-winding Manufacture 1967 MC movement and is limited to 150 numbered pieces.

The Baignoire collection also receives a notable update with new models featuring the Clous de Paris motif, extending this pyramidal pattern across the case and bracelet for a more sculptural effect. These are available in yellow gold, including a fully diamond-set version with 171 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case and bracelet, and an additional 100 stones on the dial.

Furthermore, the Myst de Cartier watch showcases Cartier’s prowess in combining jewelry artistry with watchmaking. Inspired by sculptural and flamboyant jewelry watches from the 1930s, the Myst is presented in yellow gold with black lacquer and diamonds, and in white gold, lavishly set with 986 diamonds on the case and bracelet, and 45 on the dial.

Other highlights include a reinterpretation of the Santos-Dumont with vintage accents, featuring a gilded obsidian dial and a new, exceptionally flexible bracelet composed of hundreds of ultra-thin links. The Tortue collection also sees significant expansion, with eight new versions in various gold and diamond-set configurations, including a striking platinum model covered in baguette-cut diamonds and unique Panthère Mêtiers d’Art Tortue watches.

Cartier’s presence at Watches & Wonders underscores its commitment to innovation while honoring its legacy of distinctive design and exceptional craftsmanship, from sporty-inspired timepieces to exquisite jewelry watches.