Is your Roadster
the real deal?
The Cartier Roadster combines automotive-inspired design with classic Cartier elegance through its distinctive tonneau case and sporty aesthetic. Its luxury status makes it a prime target for sophisticated counterfeiters. Here's how to verify authenticity.
How to authenticate a Roadster
Tonneau Case Shape
The Roadster's distinctive barrel-shaped (tonneau) case has flowing curves and proportions specific to Cartier's design. The case should transition smoothly into integrated curved lugs. Finishing combines brushed and polished surfaces with crisp edges. Case dimensions should match specifications (typically 38x43mm for men's automatic). Counterfeits have incorrect proportions, poor finishing, or simplified case shapes without proper curves.
Sapphire Cabochon Crown
The crown features Cartier's signature blue synthetic sapphire cabochon that should be perfectly dome-shaped, evenly colored deep blue, and flawlessly smooth. The cabochon must be securely set with no wobble. Crown operation should be smooth with precise threading. The Cartier name may be engraved on the crown flank. Counterfeits use cheap glass or plastic, have flat or poorly shaped cabochons, uneven color, or loose settings.
Guilloché Dial & Roman Numerals
Genuine Roadster dials feature silver guilloché (engine-turned) pattern radiating from the center with exquisite depth and precision. Black Roman numerals should be perfectly printed with consistent weight. Look for the hidden 'Cartier' signature micro-engraved on the VII numeral (requires magnification). Date window at 3 o'clock should be crisply cut with white background. Counterfeits have flat dials without guilloché texture, poorly printed numerals, or missing secret signature.
Blued Steel Hands
Cartier uses heat-blued steel hands with distinctive sword shapes and perfectly even blue coloration achieved through controlled heating. Hands should be precisely balanced, properly aligned, and not touch the dial or each other. The blue should have depth and richness, not appear painted. Counterfeits have painted blue hands, incorrect shapes, misalignment, or hands that drag on the dial.
Swiss Movement
Automatic Roadsters use Cartier Caliber 3110 (based on ETA 2892-A2) with 21 jewels and proper finishing. The rotor should bear Cartier branding. Quartz models use Swiss quartz movements. All movements should show quality finishing, correct jewel counts, and proper Cartier markings. Case backs have serial numbers engraved deeply. Counterfeits use cheap Asian movements without Cartier branding, wrong jewel counts, or poor finishing.
Hallmarks & Engravings
Genuine Roadsters have deep, precise engravings on the case back including serial number, model reference, metal hallmarks (750 for 18K gold, stainless steel marks), and "Cartier" with Swiss Made designation. Bracelet clasps bear Cartier logo and proper hallmarks. All engravings should be consistent in depth and clarity. Counterfeits have shallow or poorly executed engravings, incorrect hallmarks, or missing serial numbers.
Roadster counterfeit warning signs
Flat Dial Without Guilloché Pattern
Genuine Roadster dials have intricate guilloché engine-turning with visible texture and depth. A completely flat silver dial without this pattern is a counterfeit.
Painted Blue Hands
Cartier uses heat-blued steel hands with rich, even coloration. If the blue appears painted, uneven, or can chip off, it's a fake.
Cheap Glass Cabochon
The sapphire cabochon should be perfectly smooth, evenly colored, and securely set. Glass or plastic cabochons with bubbles, scratches, or loose settings indicate counterfeits.
Missing Secret Signature
Genuine Roadsters have a micro-engraved 'Cartier' on the VII Roman numeral. Missing this detail (check with magnification) is a strong indicator of a fake.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes the Cartier Roadster unique?
The Roadster (2001-2012) featured a distinctive tonneau-shaped case inspired by automotive design, with curved lugs, a sapphire cabochon-set crown, silver guilloché dial with Roman numerals, and date aperture at 3 o'clock. Its sporty-elegant design bridged Cartier's dress watch heritage with modern aesthetics. The Roadster came in various sizes and materials, including steel, gold, and two-tone versions with automatic or quartz movements.
How can I verify the Roadster's sapphire cabochon?
The Roadster crown features a blue synthetic sapphire cabochon that should be perfectly smooth, evenly colored, and securely set. It should have depth and translucency with no bubbles or imperfections. The cabochon should be properly dome-shaped and centered on the crown. Counterfeits use glass or plastic with visible imperfections, flat surfaces, uneven color, or cabochons that are poorly set or fall out.
What movements power the Cartier Roadster?
Roadster models use either Cartier Caliber 3110 (ETA 2892-A2 base) automatic movement with 21 jewels for the standard version, or quartz movements for smaller models. The automatic version has a decorated rotor visible through some case backs. All genuine Cartier movements are Swiss-made with proper finishing, Cartier branding, and correct jewel counts. Counterfeits use cheap generic movements without Cartier markings.
What are Cartier's secret signatures?
Cartier incorporates hidden 'Cartier' signatures as anti-counterfeiting measures. On the Roadster, look for a tiny 'Cartier' engraved on one of the Roman numerals (typically VII). This requires magnification to see clearly. Additionally, serial numbers are engraved on the case back, and genuine Roadsters have proper hallmarks indicating metal purity (750 for 18K gold, stainless steel markings). Counterfeits lack these subtle engravings or have poorly executed versions.