Introduced circa 2001, the Cartier Roadster was inspired from mid-twentieth-century sports automobiles, translating vintage car silhouettes into a tonneau-shaped steel case. The model integrated design cues derived from classic speedometers and curved automotive bodywork to establish a distinct motoring motif within Cartier's catalog.
The silver opaline dial features central guilloché finishing, black Roman numeral hour markers, and a date display positioned at 3 o'clock beneath a magnifying lens. Powering the timepiece is the self-winding Caliber 049, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour to provide a 42-hour power reserve within a 100-meter water-resistant stainless steel enclosure.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier approaches horology with the perspective of a master jeweler, prioritizing form, proportion, and aesthetic purity. The Maison was a crucial pioneer of the modern wristwatch, creating the purpose-built Santos-Dumont in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and later the iconic Tank in 1917, whose "brancards" seamlessly integrated the case and lugs into a singular design.
While historically collaborating with ebauche movement suppliers, Cartier has since invested significantly in its own manufacture capabilities in Switzerland, developing a suite of in-house calibres. The brand's enduring significance lies not in technical innovation, but in creating a portfolio of iconic case shapes that are foundational to watchmaking itself.
Overall Grade: 8 / 10 | Great Condition, Visible Wear Production: 2011 Contents: Full-set Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 43x48mm Thickness: approx. 11mm Lug Width: approx. 19mm
Case: Stainless steel, mirrored sides, visible wear Bezel: Stainless steel, fixed, brushed finish, visible wear Dial: Opaline dial, outer guilloché pattern, printed Roman numerals and track Hands: Lumed steel sword hands
Crown: Stainless steel, push/pull crown, visible wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, visible wear Bracelet: Stainless steel, integrated three-link bracelet, visible wear Caseback: Stainless steel, solid, screwed, visible wear Movement: Automatic Caliber: Caliber 049