CARTIER BROUGHT BACK THE ROADSTER - IN SEVEN VERSIONS

Cartier's Roadster, discontinued after its original 2001-to-2012 production run, returned officially at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026 - presented in two case sizes and three metal finishes, giving collectors seven distinct versions to choose from at the relaunch.

The revival arrives at a moment industry watchers describe as one of the strongest momentum waves in Cartier's recent history, with auction results surging and collector interest in shaped and vintage-inspired watches running higher than it has in years.

The new generation retains the Roadster's recognisable racing-inspired identity while reworking its execution throughout: the case, crown and crystal have all been revised, with a new metal cabochon added over the date window, and the bracelet now features shorter links for a more refined fit. Four new rivets appear on the bezel, while the dial gains texture through stamped appliqué work and varnished Roman numerals - details reviewers describe as making this generation sharper and more ergonomic while remaining unmistakably a Roadster.

The medium model measures 42.5mm by 34.9mm and 9.7mm thick, available in full gold, full steel or a two-tone gold-and-steel combination, all with white dials. Cartier did not confirm any Roadster reissue plans alongside its other 2026 announcements, but industry analysts note original Roadster references from the 2001-2012 run are already seeing renewed collector interest now that the name is back in circulation and current-production comparison pieces exist on the market.

For a design that spent over a decade out of production, a seven-variant relaunch - rather than a single cautious reissue - suggests Cartier is treating the Roadster's return as a genuine, multi-tier collection rebuild rather than a limited nostalgia play.