Cartier Roadster de Cartier W62005V1 Review: A Forgotten Gem?

The Cartier Roadster de Cartier (ref. W62005V1) is a watch that polarizes collectors. Launched in 2002 and discontinued around 2012, it was Cartier’s attempt to inject a dose of automotive-inspired sportiness into its classic lineup. For the young, style-conscious buyer who wants something less ubiquitous than a Santos or a Tank, the Roadster offers a unique silhouette and a surprisingly wearable package. But does it hold its value? And is it worth hunting down on the secondary market?

In this review, we’ll dissect the Roadster’s market position, its movement, build quality, and how it performs as a daily wearer. We’ll also look at the investment angle — because if you’re dropping trust-fund money on a discontinued Cartier, you want to know if it’s a hold or a flip. Spoiler: it’s a hold, but a stylish one.

Manufacture History

Cartier, founded in 1847 in Paris, France, is synonymous with luxury jewelry and watchmaking. The Roadster line, introduced in 2002, was a bold move away from the brand’s traditional rectangular and round cases. Inspired by the dashboard instruments of vintage sports cars, the tonneau shape was meant to evoke speed and modernity. It targeted a younger demographic — the trust-fund kids who wanted a Cartier that didn’t look like their father’s Tank. Production ran for about a decade before Cartier quietly retired the line, making it a relatively short-lived but memorable chapter.

Movement

Inside the W62005V1 beats the Cartier Caliber 049, a modified ETA 2892-A2. This is a workhorse automatic movement with 21 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 28,800 vph. It’s not in-house, but that’s not a bad thing — the ETA 2892 is one of the most reliable and serviceable movements ever made. The date complication is quick-set via the crown. While the movement isn’t heavily decorated, the custom Cartier rotor with its C-shaped cutout adds a touch of brand identity. Accuracy is solid, typically within +5 to +10 seconds per day. Service costs are reasonable, and any competent watchmaker can handle it.

Specifications

  • Case Diameter: 40mm
  • Case Thickness: 12.5mm
  • Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 100m
  • Lume: None
  • Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp

Wrist Feel

The Roadster wears surprisingly well for a 40mm tonneau case. The curved lugs and integrated bracelet hug the wrist, making it feel smaller than its dimensions suggest. At 12.5mm thick, it slides under a dress shirt cuff without issue. The weight is substantial but not heavy — about 140g on the bracelet. The polished center links catch light nicely, but the brushed outer links keep it from being too blingy. For a sporty Cartier, it’s one of the most comfortable models in the lineup.

Accuracy

The ETA 2892-A2 inside the Roadster is known for solid performance. Expect +5 to +10 seconds per day in normal wear. It’s not COSC-certified, but most examples run within acceptable tolerances. If you get a well-serviced piece, you can rely on it as a daily beater without worrying about timekeeping.

Occasions

The Roadster is versatile enough for daily wear, casual sport, and even dressier settings thanks to its polished accents. It’s not a dive watch, but 100m water resistance means you can swim with it. It’s also a great travel companion — the date function and robust movement make it a practical choice.

Wrist Presence

3.5/5 — The tonneau shape and Cartier branding give it a distinct look, but it’s not a showstopper. It flies under the radar compared to a Santos or a Rolex, which is exactly what some buyers want.

Reference Variants

The W62005V1 is the black-dial, steel-bracelet version. Other variants include silver dial (W62005V2), blue dial (W62005V3), and leather strap options. The blue dial is rarer and often commands a slight premium on the secondary market.

Family References

The Roadster family includes the larger Roadster S (42mm), chronograph, and GMT models. All share the same tonneau case design but with different complications and sizes.

Other Notable Cartier Models

If you’re considering a Cartier, the Santos de Cartier, Tank Française, Ballon Bleu, and Pasha are all iconic. The Roadster is the black sheep — less popular but more unique.

Similar Watches

Competitors include the Rolex Datejust 36, Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 38, and IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40. All offer similar size, date complications, and integrated bracelet aesthetics.

Homages

Budget alternatives include the Seiko SNXS79 (round case, but similar date window) and Orient Bambino Small Seconds (dressy, curved profile). Neither captures the tonneau shape, but they offer automatic movements at a fraction of the price.

Investment Value

The Roadster is not a flipper’s dream. MSRP was around $4,500; today, pre-owned examples range from $2,800 to $3,800. The trend is stable — values have plateaued and may slowly appreciate as the model becomes rarer. Buy it to wear, not to flip. Auction history is minimal, with most sales on Chrono24 and eBay.

Service Interval

Cartier recommends service every 5 years. Cost is approximately $700 at an independent watchmaker, or more at a Cartier boutique. The movement is easy to service, so authorized service is not strictly necessary.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Unique tonneau case, comfortable integrated bracelet, reliable ETA movement, 100m water resistance.
Cons: No lume, not a strong investment, discontinued parts may become scarce, bracelet lacks micro-adjustment.

Final Verdict

The Cartier Roadster de Cartier W62005V1 is a stylish, underappreciated sports watch that offers a refreshing alternative to the usual suspects. It’s not a grail, but it’s a solid daily driver with enough Cartier DNA to satisfy the brand loyalist. If you find one in good condition at the right price, pull the trigger — just don’t expect to flip it for a profit.