Some watches are discontinued. A rare few are missed. The Cartier Roadster, retired in 2012 and quietly adored by collectors ever since, belongs firmly to the second group, and in 2026 the Maison brought it back.
At a glance
- What: The return of the Cartier Roadster, first launched in 2001 and discontinued in 2012.
- When: Unveiled at Watches & Wonders Geneva, April 2026.
- Sizes: Large 47.2 x 38.7 mm; Medium 42.5 x 34.9 mm.
- Movements: Automatic calibres 1847 MC (Large) and 1899 MC (Medium).
- Price: From $9,300 in steel to about $57,000 in yellow gold.
What was the original Cartier Roadster?
The Roadster arrived in 2001, at the height of watchmaking’s love affair with the automobile. Its tonneau case swelled like the fender of a vintage sports car, and a magnifying lens over the date recalled a dashboard gauge. It was playful and unmistakably Cartier: a shape first, a watch second, which is exactly how the Maison has built its greatest designs since the Santos of 1904 and the Tank of 1917.
After eleven years, Cartier retired the Roadster in 2012 as it streamlined its collections. Collectors did not forget. On the secondary market, the model became a cult favorite: the watch people wished they had bought.
What is new in the 2026 Roadster?
The revival keeps the silhouette that made the original so recognizable, then brings it up to modern standards. It comes in two sizes: the Large at 47.2 x 38.7 mm and just over 10 mm thick, and the Medium at 42.5 x 34.9 mm. Both are available in stainless steel, yellow gold and two-tone, with blue or white dials, applied Roman numerals and the signature magnified date.
Inside are Cartier’s own automatic movements, the 1847 MC and the 1899 MC. Water resistance rises to 100 meters, and the QuickSwitch system lets the owner change straps without tools. Here, a design once celebrated for fun now answers to everyday life.
A shape first, a watch second: the Cartier way since 1904.
How much does the new Cartier Roadster cost?
Steel models start at $9,300 for the Medium and $10,200 for the Large. Two-tone versions sit between $18,300 and $20,000, and full yellow gold reaches $51,500 to $57,000.
Why the Roadster matters now
Cartier’s strength has always been its archive of shapes. By reviving the Roadster, the Maison reminds a new generation that its design language did not stop in the twentieth century. For collectors who missed the original, this is a second chance. For those who own one, it is a quiet vindication.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Cartier Roadster discontinued?
The original Roadster was produced from 2001 to 2012.
Is the 2026 Cartier Roadster automatic?
Yes. The Large uses the automatic calibre 1847 MC and the Medium uses the automatic calibre 1899 MC.
Is the new Roadster water resistant?
Yes, to 100 meters.
Source: Haute Time
