Cartier Roadster watches Short History and Buyers Guide

Cartier Roadster watches Short History and Buyers Guide

When one mentions the French brand Cartier, one of the oldest and most popular watchmakers and jewelers in the world, the Cartier Roadster watches, though discontinued over a decade, continue to enjoy popularity among watch collectors and aficionados, and is equally creative and revolutionary.

About the Cartier Roadster

The Cartier Roadster has an iconic look of a tonneau-shaped case (tonneau means “barrel” in French), a shape that was used by Cartier around 1906. It was inspired by sports cars from the 1960s. It became a popular sport and dress watch.

First of all, there are plenty of size choices within the Cartier Roadster line. Sizes range from small women’s models to XL sizes with cases measuring around 43mm–and plenty in between. As expected, the Cartier Roadster is available in different materials including steel, yellow gold, and two-tone steel and gold. There are also opulent gold and diamond versions of the Roadster watch.
In addition to the time and date versions of the Roadster, Cartier also made Roadster Chronograph editions and Roadster GMT models.

Cartier Roadster watch pros and cons-1

While it was the Roadster’s unique aesthetic that drew the most attention on its initial release, customers soon found its function to be just as noteworthy as its design. Most models in the range boasted an epic 42-hour power reserve, along with an equally significant 100 meters of water resistance. Thanks to the addition of a stop-seconds mechanism, the wearer could easily synchronize the watch to a time signal with to-the-second precision.

Towards the end of the 2000s, Cartier offered a simplified version of the Roadster, dubbed the Roadster S, as an entry-level priced offering. The Roadster S did away with the date magnification lens and the visible screws on the lugs., but kept the distinct tonneau shape and quick-release lug system. A particularly sporty version of the Roadster S comes with a black rubber strap and matching black PVD-coated bezel on its stainless steel case. There are also full steel versions of the Roadster S with a matching steel bracelet.

Cartier-Roadster-watch-collection-most-popular-watches-models

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we know more about the Cartier Roadster’s best models, let us talk about some of the most frequently asked questions about this series.

When were the Cartier Roadster watches discontinued?

The Cartier Roadster was released by Cartier in 2001. The French watchmaker discontinued production of the watch around 2012. Since then, the Cartier Roadster only became available in the pre-owned watch market.

Custom blue leather watch strap for Cartier Roadster

How can you tell if a Cartier Roadster watches is real?

In order to make sure that a Cartier Roadster (or any Cartier model watch) is an original, take note of the following signs:
1. The back of the watch. Take a look at the back of the watch. A Cartier case back should have an inscription. There should also be an engraved serial number. The case back should have two letters and six numbers that are etched on the steel.
2. Weight. The watch should have some weight to it. A real Cartier watch also has extremely durable glass that does not smear. When it comes in contact with water, the liquid should just easily roll off.
3. Dial. Check the Roadster or any Cartier watch with a Roman numeral dial to have a spelled-out “Cartier” placed on either 7 o’clock or 10 o’clock. Also, check the 6 o’clock position for the words “Swiss Made”.
4. Ask the expert. The best way to check if a watch is a real Cartier is by asking an expert to check the watch. By consulting someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about luxury watches, you can make sure that what you’re wearing is legitimate.

Cartier Roadster S watch OEM Nylon band quick release band

Does the Cartier Roadster watch retain value?

Cartier watches have good resale value, but many experts say that they may not hold their value as well as other luxury watch brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe.
However, owners of Cartier watches, including the Roadster, vouched for the brand, saying that it remains excellent after years of use. And they also pointed out that when one buys a watch, it’s not just the movement or materials they’re buying, but its history. A Cartier may not have the top resale value, but its timeless design is reason enough to be a part of one’s luxury watch collection.
The resale value may not be the same as its luxury watch counterparts, but second-hand models are still pretty pricey.

Replacement Cartier Roadster strap leather quickswitch

How do you set a Cartier Roadster watch? 

The process of setting a Cartier Roadster piece is quite similar to that of other watches. In fact, it is fairly straightforward. You simply have to pull the crown of your Cartier Roadster out. Turning it either clockwise or counterclockwise will then cause the hands of the watch to move. Then, just rotate the crown until you reach the correct time/date.

Is the Cartier Roadster worth adding to your collection? 

Honestly, this really depends on what your preference is, especially since every collector has different factors to take into consideration. The Cartier Roadster is a well-crafted and highly-respected racing watch. One of the most appealing things about the Cartier Roadster is that it boasts elegance and sophistication you cannot find in most other motorsports-inspired watches, which tend to be more rugged. If you want something that offers a slightly different twist on the automotive watch, then the Cartier Roadster is a must-have.

Custom handmade leather watch straps & bands for Cartier Roadster

Watch band size guide for Cartier Roadster watch

  • 15.5mm for Cartier Roadster 2675 ladies’ watch
  • 19mm for Cartier Roadster S, 2510, W62041V3, Cartier Roadster, Cartier Roadster Chronograph rubber model 3405,, Las Vegas,2524, W6206020, 3874
  • 20mm for Cartier Roadster Chronograph 2618, GMT XL watch

Cartier Roadster watchband lug size guide instruction

Cartier Roadster watch band buying guide

When purchasing the replacement leather watch band for the Cartier Roadster watch, You can choose either with grooves (ridges) or without. Both are nice. Depends on which design would you prefer.

Cartier Roadster watch strap with grooves

With quick-switch system – metal adapter design

There are a lot of seller out there, Drwatchstrap has sold a lot of replacement leather watch straps for Cartier Roadster watches. We received plenty of 5-star reviews from our customers. Guarantee fit your original Cartier Roadster watch. No need to worry about the not fit problem. Be sure to order the correct lug size.

Custom Genuine handmade red alligator crocodile Belly-scale Quickswitch leather strap and watch band replacement 19mm 20mm for Cartier Roadster Chronograph, XL, 2510, GMT 19mm 20mm mens and womens watch for sale, quick release systoem easy change between rubber, kevlar and braceleet straps - Shop the premium straps and watch bands Free shipping to US, UK and whole world

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Replacement Nylon fabric watch strap for Cartier Roadster quickswitch

Replacement Cartier Roadster strap alligator leather quickswitch

Compatible with Cartier Roadster Strap quickswitch – Alligator leather with grooves (Multi-colors)

Custom leather watch bands for watch brands include Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Breguet, Bvlgari, Breitling, Cartier, Chopard, Corum, Franck Muller, Glashutte, Graham, Hamilton, Hermes, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Omega, Oris, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Rado, Richard Mille, Rolex, Tudor, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Zenith and more watches watch bands & straps.

Custom leather strap for Cartier Santos Roadster watches

Please check your watch to make sure the band fits before choosing one. If you need help, please email us pictures of your watch and old strap at Drwatchstrap and we will be happy to help!

Watch band Review for Cartier Santos

Watch band Review for Cartier Roadster