Start your engines. One of the most characterful watches Cartier ever made has returned.
After fourteen years away, the Cartier Roadster 2026 is here, redesigned, re-engineered, and every bit as bold as the original. It is Cartier with the top down, a driving watch with genuine personality, and it comes in two sizes and a whole range of finishes. This is your complete guide to the new Cartier Roadster: its history, what has changed, and every model in the lineup.
The history of the Cartier Roadster
The Roadster first arrived in 2001, inspired by the golden age of sports cars. Its curved tonneau case echoed the sleek body of a classic roadster, its dial read like a dashboard, and the whole watch carried a confidence that set it apart from anything else Cartier was making at the time.
It quickly earned a cult following. Then, around a decade later, it quietly disappeared from the catalogue. Collectors never stopped asking for it, and prices on the pre-owned market climbed as the years passed. Now, more than two decades after its debut, the Roadster is back and better than ever.
What is new on the 2026 Cartier Roadster
This is a full redesign, not a simple reissue. Cartier reworked the Roadster from the ground up while protecting everything that made it special.
The curved tonneau case has been refined for a more fluid, integrated profile, with the bezel, crown and crystal now flowing together as one. Four rivets sit on the bezel, a deliberate nod to the watch's automotive roots. The famous magnified date is back, now finished with a neat metal cabochon detail.
The biggest change is under the hood. Cartier has fitted its own in-house automatic movements, the calibre 1847 MC in the large models and the calibre 1899 MC in the medium, each delivering around 40 hours of power reserve. The bracelet has been redesigned with shorter links for better comfort and articulation, and the QuickSwitch system now lets you swap between the metal bracelet and a supplied strap in seconds, with no tools. Every model is water resistant to 100 metres.
A dial full of character
The Roadster dial keeps all of its charm. Roman numerals, a rail-track minute scale, and that signature circular striated pattern, now built up in appliqué for extra depth and shadow. Sword-shaped hands with Super-LumiNova keep everything legible, day or night.
Look closely and you will spot the secret Cartier signature, discreetly hidden inside the VII numeral. A tiny detail, and a lovely piece of watchmaking theatre.
Every Cartier Roadster 2026 model
The 2026 collection spans two sizes and several finishes. Here is each reference in the lineup, and who it suits best.
Cartier Roadster Medium, steel (WSRD0019)
The easy everyday Roadster. A steel case measuring 42.5mm by 34.9mm and just 9.7mm thick, with a crisp white dial lifted by blue varnished Roman numerals. It runs the in-house automatic calibre 1899 MC and comes with the QuickSwitch bracelet and an alligator strap. Understated, versatile, and the most wearable way into the collection.
Cartier Roadster Medium, two-tone (W2RD0009)
The same comfortable medium proportions, now with a little more warmth. This version pairs steel with 18K yellow gold and sets a silvered opaline dial into the case, powered by the automatic 1899 MC. It sits beautifully on a smaller wrist and pairs the sporty Roadster shape with a dressier, precious-metal finish. A great choice for anyone who wants presence without the full weight of gold.
Cartier Roadster Medium, yellow gold (WGRD0011)
Pure statement, in a wearable size. The medium case here is crafted entirely in 18K yellow gold, 42.5mm by 34.9mm and 9.7mm thick, with a silvered opaline dial, Roman numerals and gold-finished hands. It runs the automatic 1899 MC and comes on an interchangeable yellow gold bracelet with a grey alligator strap. The most precious way to wear the everyday Roadster.
Cartier Roadster Large, steel (WSRD0020)
The classic Roadster, full size. A steel case measuring 47.2mm by 38.8mm and 10.06mm thick, with a silvered opaline dial and blue sword-shaped hands, driven by the automatic calibre 1847 MC. It has real wrist presence while staying surprisingly slim, and the QuickSwitch system makes switching from bracelet to strap effortless. This is the definitive modern Roadster.
Cartier Roadster Large, two-tone (W2RD0010)
The statement of the everyday lineup. The large case blends steel with 18K yellow gold over a silvered opaline dial, running the automatic 1847 MC. It carries the boldness of the large Roadster with the glow of gold, a watch that reads sporty and luxurious in the same glance.
Cartier Roadster Large, yellow gold (WGRD0012)
The flagship. The full 18K yellow gold large model, 47.2mm by 38.8mm and 10.06mm thick, with a silvered opaline dial, Roman numerals and gold-finished hands, powered by the automatic 1847 MC. On its interchangeable yellow gold bracelet with a grey alligator strap, it is the most luxurious expression of the Roadster, and the one that turns the most heads.
Cartier Roadster Large, blue dial on rubber (WSRD0014)
The sportster. This large steel model swaps the silvered dial for a deep blue PVD dial and rides on a navy rubber strap, with a matching bracelet also available. Powered by the automatic 1847 MC and water resistant to 100 metres, it is the most driving-focused piece in the range, and the one most likely to start a conversation.
Cartier Roadster 2026 specifications at a glance
| Reference | Size | Material | Dial | Case size | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSRD0019 | Medium | Steel | White, blue numerals | 42.5 x 34.9 mm | 1899 MC |
| W2RD0009 | Medium | Two-Tone | Silvered opaline | 42.5 x 34.9 mm | 1899 MC |
| WGRD0011 | Medium | 18K yellow gold | Silvered opaline | 42.5 x 34.9 mm | 1899 MC |
| WSRD0020 | Large | Steel | Silvered, blue hands | 47.2 x 38.8 mm | 1847 MC |
| W2RD0010 | Large | Two-Tone | Silvered opaline | 47.2 x 38.8 mm | 1847 MC |
| WGRD0012 | Large | 18K yellow gold | Silvered opaline | 47.2 x 38.8 mm | 1847 MC |
| WSRD0014 | Large | Steel | Blue, on rubber | 47.2 x 38.8 mm | 1847 MC |
Shared across the collection: automatic movement, around 40 hours of power reserve, QuickSwitch strap system, water resistant to 100 metres
Which Cartier Roadster is right for you?
Want the everyday all-rounder? The steel medium or large. Want a little luxury? The two-tone in either size. Want something sporty and bold? The blue-dial steel large on rubber. Whichever you choose, you are getting a genuine Cartier icon, reborn with in-house movements and modern comfort.
Why the Roadster's return matters
Few Cartier watches have this much attitude. The Roadster is sporty, distinctive and instantly recognisable, and this new generation brings it fully up to date without losing an ounce of the original's character. For collectors who love a watch with a story and a bit of swagger, it is one of the most exciting returns of the year.
Discover the Cartier Roadster at Calibre 88, Dubai
The new Cartier Roadster collection is coming to Calibre 88. Visit the boutique to see the models in person, or message us to arrange a private preview and be among the first to try one on.