While Cartier have a slew of iconic designs that any watch enthusiast will know like the back of their hand, they have also produced some lesser known watches that exist as rather under-the-radar offerings from the French Maison, one of which is the Roadster. Released in 2001 as an homage to the golden age of sports cars the Cartier Roadster is one of the brand’s most versatile sports watch offerings. Sporting the distinctive tonneau-shaped case that helped to elevate Cartier’s popularity at the turn of the 1900’s, the Roadster sets itself apart from the normal sports watch with its elegant take on the automotive world. Featuring an exaggerated and curved date magnification lens that is directly inspired by the curved windshield of cars from the 50’s and 60’s and a distinctive winding crown that contributes so much to the overall aesthetic of the watch by closely mimicking both car radiators and wheel covers, the Roadster lives and breathes automotive design. Offered with a selection of dials, the example we have here boasts a silver dial to match its 38mm stainless steel construction, with a guilloche engraved center and a raised chapter ring containing Cartier signature exploding black Roman numerals, this Roadster is still unapologetically Cartier by design, even if it is a lesser-known model.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. Case shows light signs of wear and the caseback is sharp with all the engravings legible and clean. The strap is worn and is damaged where it attaches at the 6'oclock side.

The Roadster is one of the best modern examples of Cartier’s ability to design fantastic timepieces that manage to perfectly blend the inspiration behind the watch into a classy and functional piece of timekeeping.