A replica Cartier Roadster is a copy of a watch Cartier made from 2001 to about 2012. The real watch came in three case sizes and two movement types. Replicas differ from each other more than the originals did. Case thickness, crystal material, dial print, and movement all change by factory. No replica uses Cartier tooling, and Cartier will not service one.
The original Roadster
Cartier launched the Roadster in 2001. The case has a cushion outline, a wide bezel, and exposed screws. The lugs are bar-shaped and screw through the case. The bracelet uses a hidden folding clasp. Case widths ran from about 32 mm to 43 mm, with a chronograph at the top of the range.
Cartier used quartz movements in the small cases and automatic movements in the large three-hand and chronograph models. Water resistance was rated to 100 m. The crystal is sapphire. The date sits at 3 o'clock. A GMT version added a second time zone.
The line ended around 2012. Cartier does not list the Roadster in its current catalog.
Where replicas differ
- Case thickness. Copies run 1 mm to 2 mm thicker than the original in most cases. Ask for a caliper measurement.
- Crystal. Mineral glass on low tiers, sapphire on mid and top tiers.
- Dial print. Letter weight and spacing of the Cartier and Roadster text.
- Date wheel. Font, centering, and the gap around the window.
- Bracelet. Link screws vs pins, and the depth of the clasp engraving.
- Caseback. Serial number style, screw head shape, engraving depth.
- Movement. Chinese clones on low tiers. Some top tiers use ETA or Sellita base movements.
- Weight. Steel grade 316L vs 904L changes the total by a few grams.
Checks before you buy
- Ask for the case width and thickness in mm, measured with calipers.
- Ask for the movement name and a photo of the rotor.
- Request a macro photo of the dial print and the date window.
- Request a caseback photo. Compare the screw slots.
- Confirm the crystal material in writing.
- Confirm the return window and who pays return shipping.
Legal status in the US
Sale of a counterfeit watch is trademark infringement. Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 2320. The statute sets a maximum of 10 years for a first offense and fines up to $2 million for an individual. US Customs and Border Protection can seize and destroy shipments at import. A purchase for personal use is not charged under that section, but the goods stay subject to seizure.
Service and parts
Cartier service centers refuse counterfeits. An independent watchmaker can swap a movement or a crystal if the case dimensions are standard. Case, dial, and bracelet parts come from the replica maker only. A broken bracelet link can end the watch's life.
Value question
A replica Roadster sells for a fraction of a used original. The gap in price tracks the movement, the crystal, and the finish on the bracelet. None of those parts carry a Cartier warranty. Resale value for a replica is close to zero.