Cartier Roadster

Some watches arrive ahead of their time. Introduced at the dawn of the 21st century, the Cartier Roadster broke from the maison's traditional playbook, pairing Cartier's unmistakable elegance with the muscular stance of a modern sports watch. Inspired by the streamlined curves of 1950s European sports cars, its tonneau-shaped case, flowing bracelet, and distinctive magnified date window made it one of the brand's boldest contemporary designs.

Long appreciated by collectors, the Roadster enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in 2026, when Cartier reintroduced the collection to widespread acclaim. The revival underscored what enthusiasts had known all along: the Roadster's sculptural design had aged exceptionally well, feeling every bit as fresh today as when it first debuted.

This Ref. W62016V3 features the collection's versatile 36mm x 30mm stainless steel case, topped by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with the Roadster's signature integrated Cyclops magnifier over the date display. The silver sunray dial showcases bold, radial black Roman numerals surrounding an inner railroad minute track, while luminescent blued sword-shaped hands provide excellent legibility in classic Cartier fashion. A reliable quartz movement ensures effortless daily wear.

Fitted to its original stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp, the Roadster also incorporates Cartier's ingenious quick-change system, allowing the bracelet or strap to be swapped in seconds without tools—a feature that was years ahead of its time and remains one of the collection's defining innovations.

The Roadster occupies a unique place within Cartier's storied catalog. Sportier than a Tank, more unconventional than a Santos, yet unmistakably Cartier in every detail, it represents one of the maison's most distinctive modern designs. With the renewed enthusiasm surrounding the collection, there has rarely been a better moment to rediscover one of Cartier's most charismatic creations.

Cartier's story began in 1904, when Louis Cartier created one of the world's first purpose-built wristwatches for his friend, pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The resulting Santos challenged the era's reliance on pocket watches and helped establish the wristwatch as a practical—and elegant—alternative.

In 1917, Cartier introduced what would become its defining creation: the Tank. Inspired by the aerial geometry of the Renault FT tanks used during the First World War, Louis Cartier transformed their parallel tracks into the watch's signature brancards, creating a silhouette whose clean proportions have remained virtually unchanged for more than a century. From the elongated Tank Cintrée and refined Tank Louis Cartier to the architectural Tank Chinoise, the collection has evolved into one of the most influential watch families ever made.

Cartier's appeal has always extended far beyond traditional watch collectors. Worn by cultural icons including Rudolph Valentino, Clark Gable, Andy Warhol, Princess Diana, Muhammad Ali, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, its watches have become symbols of timeless style as much as exceptional design.

Beyond the Tank, collections such as the Santos, Panthère, Pasha, Ballon Bleu, and Crash have each become icons in their own right. Today, Cartier occupies a unique place in horology—one of the few maisons equally revered for its jewelry craftsmanship and its extraordinary contribution to the history of watch design.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.