What Is the Retail Price of the Cartier Roadster? A Guide to Current Market Prices
Cartier is a historic brand renowned for its fine jewelry and luxury timepieces. Loved around the world, the brand has even been favored by members of the British royal family. King Edward VII famously praised Cartier as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers.”
Among Cartier’s many watch collections—most of which lean toward elegant, dress-oriented designs—you might already be familiar with the Cartier Roadster. The Roadster watch stands out for its distinctive character.
In this article, we explore the appeal of the watch and why the collection continues to enjoy strong popularity even after production ended.
What Is the Cartier Roadster?
The Cartier Roadster was developed as a men’s wristwatch and is a sporty collection inspired by vintage sports cars.
Despite its sporty character, the watch retains Cartier’s signature elegance and refined design heritage. The result is a design that is both distinctive and simple, making it suitable not only for formal occasions but also for private, everyday wear.
The Roadster was first released in 2002. Considering Cartier’s long history, it is a relatively recent collection, and production ended in 2012. Drawing inspiration from the design lineage of the Cartier Tortue, a luxury watch shaped like a tortoise shell, the Roadster features a distinctive case form of its own.
Several elements set the Roadster and the Tortue apart. The Roadster features a date display with a magnifying dome lens and pencil-style hands. While the Tortue has a more feminine silhouette, the Roadster’s design conveys a stronger, more masculine presence.
Originally, the word “Roadster” referred to a horse used in equestrian competitions, though many people today associate the name with sports cars. True to its name, the Roadster incorporates masculine nuances and is, quite literally, a sports-style men’s watch.
What Is the Retail Price of the Cartier Roadster? A Look at Three Popular Models
One of the appealing aspects of the Cartier Roadster is its wide variety of models. Below are three particularly popular models.
1. Cartier Roadster Chronograph W62020X6
Estimated Price: $3,170 USD
The W62020X6, equipped with a chronograph function, is one of the sportiest models in the Roadster collection, characterized by a powerful, impactful design.
The classic, dressy oversized Roman numeral indices evoke Cartier’s long history and tradition, giving the watch a distinctly luxurious atmosphere. At the same time, it is highly practical: the white Roman numerals on the black dial offer excellent legibility, making the watch easy to use in a wide range of situations.
Its smooth, flowing form resembles the emblem of a high-end sports car, giving the watch a striking presence. With a design that strongly appeals to masculine tastes, the model reflects both Cartier’s confidence and its playful spirit.
2. Cartier Roadster Chronograph W62019X6
Estimated Price: $3,190 USD
The W62019X6 has a modern character while also conveying a somewhat classical and substantial presence. Its large case makes a bold impression and is particularly well-suited to a strong, masculine wrist. The refined design balances power with elegance—something Cartier is well known for.
The watch is equipped with the Cal. 8510 movement and offers water resistance up to 100 meters, making it a genuine sports watch. It features a small seconds subdial at the 3 o’clock position, a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, and a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock, resulting in a model that achieves an excellent balance between design and practicality.
It is a men’s watch well-suited to someone who excels at work while also enjoying a refined, luxurious lifestyle during their time off—an ideal match for a man with a celebrity-like sense of style.
3. Cartier Roadster SM Quartz W62016V3
Estimated Price: $1,580 USD
Within the Roadster collection, the W62016V3 stands out for its slightly smaller, more elegant form. Interestingly, although it was introduced later in the collection, the W62016V3 remains a highly popular women’s model even after the Roadster line was discontinued.
While preserving the sporty character of the Roadster—originally developed as a men’s watch—the design also expresses feminine elegance and delicacy. It looks perfectly appropriate when worn with formal attire, but it can also be styled casually for everyday use, adding a touch of effortless sophistication.
What Makes the Cartier Roadster So Appealing? Reasons Behind Its Popularity
The Roadster became popular soon after its release, and there are clear reasons why so many people were drawn to it. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Roadster so appealing.
1. A Simple Yet Distinctive Design
One of the Roadster’s defining features is its beautiful case shape, which flows outward smoothly toward the crown. The result is a design that feels simple at first glance, yet highly refined and sophisticated.
While the watch conveys the strength and durability expected of a watch meant for men, it also incorporates subtle elegance and refinement that shine through. The balance of toughness and sophistication is one of the Roadster’s most distinctive qualities.
Another appealing aspect is its inspiration: vintage sports cars. Its background resonates strongly with those who appreciate mechanical engineering and the beauty of functional design.
Cartier’s playful creativity in creating such a watch explains why the Roadster appealed to ambitious individuals who dislike rigid conventions, as well as to celebrities and business professionals who never lose their sense of adventure and curiosity.
2. A Wide Variety of Models
Another major attraction of the Roadster is its wide range of variations. The lineup includes simple men’s models, sporty chronograph models, GMT models that display multiple time zones, and even women’s models.
Each model is further offered in numerous variations, including different case materials such as stainless steel, gold, and two-tone combinations, as well as various dial colors and decorative styles. It allows buyers to enjoy choosing a design that suits their preferences while paying attention to even the smallest details. Some of the women’s models also feature diamond embellishments.
When you finally come across the model that perfectly matches your taste, the excitement of that discovery can feel especially rewarding.
3. An Easily Interchangeable Bracelet
Another major feature of the Roadster is its bracelet, which features a quick-release system that allows it to be swapped with a single touch, without the need for tools. Owners can quickly change to the included leather strap whenever they like, allowing one watch to be worn in two different styles.
At the time of its release, the innovative bracelet system attracted considerable attention, as virtually no luxury watches offered such functionality. With the ability to switch between a dressy look and a more casual style, the Roadster offers versatility that is particularly appealing to people who want to separate their professional and personal lives clearly.
Is It True That the Cartier Roadster Has Been Discontinued?
Production of the Roadster ended in 2012. Since then, there have been no signs of the collection being reintroduced, so it is unfortunately true that the Roadster has been discontinued. However, even after its discontinuation, the Roadster’s popularity shows little sign of fading. One of the main reasons is undoubtedly its distinctive and beautiful design.
More than twenty years have passed since the Roadster was first released in 2002. During that time, shifts in trends and values may have led people to reassess and rediscover the watch’s appeal. The Roadster’s unique presence—inspired by vintage sports cars—may have become even more compelling over time. As a result, many people still seek out the Roadster today, and it continues to receive high praise from sports-watch enthusiasts and Cartier fans alike.
As mentioned earlier, production of the Roadster has already ended, and the pieces currently circulating in the market are all pre-owned. On the other hand, because it remains a popular collection, it can actually be relatively accessible on the pre-owned market.
What Is the Pre-Owned Price of the Cartier Roadster?
Items from Cartier, a prestigious brand favored by the British royal family, generally command relatively high market prices, and the Roadster is no exception.
Because the Roadster is now a discontinued collection, some models are traded at particularly high prices. Luxury watches are also considered tangible assets whose value tends to remain relatively stable, which is why many people purchase Cartier items partly as an investment.
In the pre-owned market, Roadster prices vary widely by model, but they generally range from $1,910 USD to $3,810 USD. Higher-end versions—such as models made with gold—can sometimes exceed $6,340 USD. On average, however, a price of around $3,170 USD is considered a typical benchmark for the Roadster’s market value.
Recommended Ways to Purchase a Cartier Roadster
Because the Roadster is no longer in production, the options for purchasing one are somewhat limited. Most buyers acquire one through auction websites, pawn shops that specialize in luxury goods, pre-owned watch retailers, or boutiques specializing in branded items.
In today’s luxury market, the circulation of counterfeit products—including so-called “N-grade super copies”—has become a serious issue. For that reason, it is important to choose a trustworthy retailer when purchasing branded items.
As a specialty pre-owned luxury retailer, Gallery Rare offers a warranty on every watch, regardless of its condition ranking. If a natural malfunction—such as a defect in the movement—occurs after purchase, repairs will be provided free of charge within the applicable warranty period. In addition, consultations regarding maintenance and regular inspections are fully supported even after the warranty period has expired.
At Gallery Rare, we offer a wide selection of Cartier items, including the Roadster. If you are looking for a luxury watch from a high-end brand, we encourage you to explore our official online store's lineup. You may even come across a rare item that does not appear on the market very often.
Can Women Wear the Cartier Roadster?
Although the Roadster was originally introduced as a men’s watch collection, women’s models were added in the middle and late stages of the series. The series, known as the Mini Roadster, retains the strength and solid presence of the Roadster while featuring a slightly smaller and more elegant design.
Since these models were specifically designed for women, female Cartier enthusiasts are encouraged to explore them at Gallery Rare as well. You may also want to take a look at other Cartier collections and items from other prestigious brands.
Conclusion: What Is the Price of a Cartier Roadster?
- The Roadster is a sports watch with a uniquely distinctive presence in Cartier’s history.
- The Roadster was discontinued in 2012 and is no longer in production.
- If you are looking to purchase a Roadster, Gallery Rare is a recommended option.
The Roadster stands out as a truly unique sports watch in Cartier's history. Although production has ended and the watch has been discontinued, it remains highly popular and is actively traded in the pre-owned market.
Thanks to the enduring reputation and name recognition of Cartier, a prestigious brand favored by the British royal family, the Roadster also performs well as a tangible asset. However, precisely because of its popularity, when you find the right one, that may be the best time to buy. If you come across a Roadster model that truly appeals to you, consider purchasing it sooner rather than later.
At Gallery Rare, our specialists are happy to discuss your needs and provide advice to help you make the best possible choice. Whether you are ready to purchase or still deciding, please feel free to contact us at any time.
*Please note that the prices listed in our blog are for reference only and are converted from Japanese Yen (JPY) to US Dollars (USD) using the exchange rate of June 2025. Prices on the sales site include customs duties and shipping fees. Actual exchange rates may vary.