With over a seven-decade history, the Rolex Explorer has undergone some notable modifications and alterations while at the same time retaining its fundamental design traits. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into Rolex Explorer’s origin, including some of its top-tier watch models in the collection.

A Brief History of the Rolex Explorer

After several attempts to climb the summit and incoming snowstorms threatening the expedition, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay finally became the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 2, 1953, at exactly 10:30 AM. On their wrists – at an altitude of almost 9km, fighting extreme conditions, low pressure, wind gusts, and temperatures below -45°C – two identical Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches. 

Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, was known to be a marketing genius. His philosophy for the company was: “Only great marketing is needed to make a company successful”. He certainly knew the power of product placement, so he supported the 1953 British expedition to Mt. Everest by equipping the men with Oyster Perpetual watches.

“The Rolex watches, with which members of the British team were equipped, proved their dependability on Everest.” wrote one member of the expedition. “We were delighted that they kept such accurate time. They performed splendidly, and we have indeed come to look upon Rolex Oysters as an important part of high climbing equipment.” 

If ever there was a textbook example of perfect product placement – this is it!

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became renowned around the world, and their achievement would capture the imagination of generation upon generation of future explorers.

That same year, 1953, Rolex released the Explorer Ref. 6350 model. The design was simple, yet sophisticated, with an inverted triangle at the top of the dial, printed Rolex text, and painted 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals indices. Legible, robust, and reliable, the Rolex Explorer is a true definition of a tool watch!

The Evolution of Rolex Explorer 

Rolex Explorer Ref. 6610

In the 1950s, Rolex proudly introduced their new brainchild – the cutting-edge caliber movement 1030. This was Rolex’s first complete in-house movement, both designed and built by the Swiss brand. The newly launched caliber 1030 was a lot slimmer than its predecessors, and, more importantly – was chronometer rated. This new movement was first used with Rolex Explorer Ref. 6610 which saw, for the first time, the use of a flat caseback.

The Rolex Explorer Ref. 6610 features a sleek 36mm stainless steel case and bracelet. It comes with a handsome black dial, which is protected by plexiglass crystal. The dial is furnished with the famous 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals indices and an inverted triangle at 12 o’clock.

Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016

In 1963, Rolex released yet another iteration in the Explorer line. This one, the revered Explorer Ref. 1016, would become one of the longest-running sports watch references in the industry. But, not only that. It would also become one of the most sought-after and wanted references of all time. This reference, among other things, managed to survive all throughout the infamous Quartz crisis! 

Like the older watch models, the Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 has the same 36mm case size, which is made of well-polished stainless steel. It is paired with a nice black dial and a stainless steel bracelet. Driving this model is the high-caliber caliber 1570, which is an automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve. In addition, this timepiece is now equipped with an in-depth 100-meter water resistance rating.

Rolex Explorer Ref. 14270

Production continued until 1989, almost unchanged, except for a couple of small details: movement was upgraded, so Explorer received a hacking mechanism, and, more importantly, Rolex stopped using Radium and switched to Tritium instead. But, big changes were implemented in the late 1980s which saw the introduction of Ref. 14270.

The Rolex Explorer Ref. 14270 was one very different watch. Not so much because of its design features – those remained true to the core Explorer DNA. But a new era was slowly coming, and – Rolex was changing. The beautifully soft, distorting acrylic was replaced with cold, scratch-resistant flat sapphire crystal. A modernistic and cosmetic change, in line with the more and more luxurious nature of Rolex watches. 

The Ref. 14270 is presented in a 36mm stainless steel case and bracelet. These things are paired with a beautiful black dial with the same 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals indices. What powers now this watch is a high-end caliber 3000 movement that delivers a 42-hour power reserve. A whopping 100-meter water resistance is also integrated into the watch.

Rolex Explorer Ref. 214270

New generation of consumers had little use for the utilitarian design features of old Explorer references. The 36mm watch, designed originally to be practical, elegant, and inconspicuous on the wrist, saw the biggest change in 2010 when Rolex supersized it from 36mm to 39mm, in line with modern trends and demands of the market.

But, weirdly enough, the Rolex Explorer Ref. 214270 (or the 39mm Explorer, as many call it today) was arguably the most polarizing Rolex Explorer reference to date. Many purist Explorer enthusiasts were appalled by this new reference, and change in size, claiming that only the 36mm Explorer is the “true” Explorer. Powering this timepiece is a top-notch caliber 3132 movement, delivering a 48-hour power reserve.

After Baselworld 2010, and the release of the 39mm Explorer, I vividly remember having many heated arguments with watch enthusiasts on the matter. I personally liked the new size. I welcomed the change because almost every “vintage” watch that I liked had one fatal flaw, for me at least – the size. 36mm is just too small for my wrist and I always wished those watches were a couple of millimeters larger.

Over the last two decades, Rolex and many other companies went larger and larger with their sports watches, following the trend. At some point, I really thought Rolex would release the Explorer in 41mm. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on the camp you sit in – they didn’t.

Rolex Explorer Ref. 124270

In 2021, with the newest and latest Rolex Explorer Ref. 124270, the brand went back to the old 36mm size. I did not expect that! I don’t think anyone in the industry really did. In the era of everything getting bigger and bigger, Rolex downsized its watch! The meaning and message behind it? I don’t know. Rolex works in mysterious ways sometimes. Perhaps the voices of those Rolex purists were finally heard.

The Ref. 124270 is crafted using a stainless steel case and bracelet. It is adorned with a nice black dial, which is protected by a sapphire crystal. Movement-wise, the brand utilized the top-tier caliber 3230 to power the watch. It delivers a superior 70-hour power reserve, with a useful water resistance rating of 100 meters.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex Explorer is a great watch and a true testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to precision, reliability, and elegance. With its timeless design, exceptional performance, and unrivaled reliability, the Rolex Explorer is truly a masterpiece in the world of horology. It’s a watch that is equally at home on the summit of Everest or in the boardroom, making it the perfect choice for the modern adventurer who demands the best.

All images are courtesy of eBay unless otherwise stated.

Featured image courtesy of Omegaforums.net

Planning to buy another high-end Rolex watch? Make sure to read our article about the Best Entry-Level Rolex Watches.

Luminox Brand Overview

Founded in 1989 by Barry Cohen, Luminox is considered a relatively new watchmaker in the industry. However, it wasn’t until 2006 that the fledgling watchmaker gained world popularity when they were purchased by Mondaine. This acquisition allowed Luminox to tap into the market of over 30 countries, greatly expanding its reach. In terms of reputation, Luminox is primarily associated with military and tactical timepieces. The brand’s first foray into the watchmaking industry is by supplying timekeeping devices for the U.S. Navy Seals.
Luminox watches are worn by special forces and also a staple within law enforcement, coast guard, and other military forces.
As you would have guessed based on Luminox’s prior partnerships, the brand is well-versed in developing timepieces designed to handle rough terrains and environments. While Luminox won’t win any awards when it comes to a refined aesthetic, it is a timepiece you would want with you when taking on the great outdoors. This reputation is further reinforced by the brand’s signature Luminox Light Technology which claims to allow the dial to be “Always Visible”, and judging from our experience – this claim holds. This constant luminosity is achieved thanks to the use of tritium tubes built into the watch hands producing luminescence without any need for external light sources.
When it comes to tactical watches, Luminox has certainly proved itself in this field. If you are looking for a reliable timepiece to wear for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and even swimming – you can’t go wrong with a Luminox watch.
Learn more about the quality of Luminox watches here.

Hamilton Brand Overview

Hamilton is another well-respected watch brand that has built a reputation with its excellent collection of field watches. While now considered as a Swiss watch brand, Hamilton was originally based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company first manufactured pocket watches and was primarily used by railroad companies during the late 1800s. Since the focus of their pocket watches was for use with trains and railroads, Hamilton focused on delivering accurate and reliable timepieces, which is a mindset that they took to heart even to this day.
Hamilton landed a contract with the U.S. Armed Forces as the army’s official supplier. It wasn’t until 1917 when Hamilton officially entered the consumer watch market, they took a lot of the lessons they learned from their time developing watches for soldiers and implemented them into their commercial watches.
In regards to reputation, Hamilton has ingrained itself into the American pop culture as the brand has appeared in hundreds of high-profile movies. Some examples include the first electric watch in the market, the shield-shaped Hamilton Ventura, became a personal favorite of the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Another milestone for the brand came when Hamilton was approached by legendary filmmaker, Stanley Kubrick, to design timepieces for his now-classic science-fiction opus, 2001: A Space Odyssey.  
Hamilton is one of the most versatile watch brands in the market today as they provide a collection of excellent timepieces designed for several applications. From outdoor to pilot watches, you can expect Hamilton to deliver a veritable selection of accurate and stylish timepieces.
If you’d like to learn more about the brand, see our detailed review of Hamilton watches.

Luminox vs Hamilton

Tactical Watches

Luminox Recon SPC 8830 Series (XL.8831.KM.L)

Hamilton Khaki Field Day Date Auto (H70695735)

Pilot Watches

Luminox F-117 Nighthawk (XA.6422)

Hamilton Khaki Pilot Watch (H64715535)

Luminox vs Hamilton – Which is Better? 

Both Luminox and Hamilton come with a background in the military, making their timepieces somewhat similar. We feel that Hamilton does have the edge over Luminox based on several factors.
First, Hamilton has more heritage than Luminox and a much broader collection, this is a major factor for most watch enthusiasts. You will also get ETA movement with Hamilton as compared to the Swiss quartz movement that Luminox typically uses.
In terms of aesthetics, Luminox generally comes across as a tactical watch before anything else, like a very premium G-shock. That’s a generalization since they do have classic-looking field watches such as the Atacama series but overall the vibe is chunky and tactical. 
Hamilton, on the other hand, is a more traditional watchmaker. They have a long history of making classic and timeless designs but they do throw in some wild curveballs in there like the Ventura series. Hamilton also has a wide selection of ladies’ watches, so for our female readers, Hamilton is the clear winner.
Overall, we feel that Hamilton has more to offer for someone looking for everyday watches or something a bit more formal or classy. However, if you’re looking for a purely tactical watch and prioritize luminosity – then Luminox is hard to beat.  

History of G-Shock Watches

To properly introduce what G-Shock is all about, it is best to start from the beginning and go through all the relevant milestones from there. So, let’s begin.

Where it All Began – Birth of the Toughest Watch on the Planet

G-Shock first came into the picture when Casio’s head of watch design, Kikuo Ibe, formed a small team called “Team Tough.” The team started development with this idea of a genuinely tough-as-hell in 1981.
The core idea of the G-Shock was the “Triple 10” design criteria; Ibe and his team wanted to create a watch with s 10-ATM water resistance, battery life of up to 10 years and could withstand the impact from a 10-meter drop. 
However, the path to achieving their goal design was long and arduous. The team went through over 200 prototypes before perfecting the design. It wasn’t until Ibe saw a bouncing rubber ball in the local park that he got the idea for the G-Shock’s signature build. 
Ibe concluded that the center of the ball doesn’t suffer from any shocks as the exterior absorbs all the impact. Hence, they based their design on this specific notion for the G-Shock model’s casing. This is why it is relatively light despite the rather large size of G-Shock watches. This is because G-Shock watches are hollow, with the primary timekeeping mechanism encased within a soft gel cushion. 
With these three main goals in mind, Team Tough began developing the very first G-Shock. It took two years to complete and release the first model, the G-Shock DW-5000C. 

The First Generation G-Shock Watch

A Rough Start for the G-Shock Brand

Interestingly enough, initial sales of the first-generation G-Shock watch were quite slow. This weak sale statistic can be attributed to its primary appeal towards a relatively niche market. There were even talks about the G-Shock series being discontinued. Can you imagine that? However, a significant swing in momentum came in 1984 when Casio released the DW-5200 model, which incorporated a now-iconic commercial on Western shores. 
The commercial featured the DW-5200 as a hockey puck to highlight its toughness. The sales of the DW-5200 skyrocketed in America thanks in part to the commercial. That commercial was so iconic that a similarly-themed G-Shock ad was made in 2018 for the G-Shock GMW-B5000 model. 
While the G-Shock series began with the DW-5000C model, the watch line didn’t hit its stride until the DW-5200 model was released. Hence, the DW-5200 was dubbed the “Hero” model as it singlehandedly saved the G-Shock series. 

G-Shock’s Rise to the Top

While G-Shock debuted in the 80s, it wasn’t until the 90s that the brand gained worldwide recognition. The 90s was indeed the golden age of G-Shock as this was the decade that introduced a lot of the staple features that modern G-Shocks still use to this day. 
In addition to their highly practical and functional timepieces, G-Shock also burst through the mainstream with their limited edition models. These models were designed in collaboration with other famous artists, personalities, and brands. The most recent limited edition G-Shock was the GD-X6900MNM-1, a model developed in partnership with rap icon Eminem. Check out our list of the most sought-after limited edition G-Shock watches for further reference. 
G-Shock also broke away from being a niche timepiece with the high-end and metallic MR-G series. In addition, the MR-G watch line showed that G-Shock is not just a sports timepiece for casual wear but also a watch that you can wear during formal occasions. 

A More Feminine Touch – The Baby-G Watch Series

G-Shock always had the reputation of being a highly masculine timepiece due to its applications and large design. But, of course, Casio understood that there is a whole other market out there that they haven’t cracked yet with G-Shock. Enter the Baby-G watch line. 
The G-Shock Baby-G is a series designed for women with its sleeker and lighter design. The Baby-G series debuted in 1994 with the charming DW-420, a more compact version that is just as tough as the original. Here is a complete rundown on the main differences between the G-Shock and Baby-G series. Fortunately, G-Shock also has a watch line for kids which is smaller but just as scrappy. 

Here Comes the New Millennium

With G-Shock finally earning its spot in the market as a true powerhouse in the 90s, it is time to focus on revolutionizing the industry, which they did in the 2000s and beyond. During this era, Casio started developing G-Shock watches with outstanding features like the Twin Sensor, Triple Sensor, Bluetooth, Tough Solar, and Triple G Resist. 

Never Complacent and Constantly Evolving

One of the most impressive aspects of G-Shock watches is how the series constantly reinvents itself. Not satisfied with being known as the toughest, G-Shock continuously ups its game whenever possible. Here is a timeline rundown of all the notable features and innovations added throughout the years.

1989

1992

G-Shock released the DW-6100 model three years later, which featured a built-in thermometer. This year was also the debut of the DW-5900, which features the signature triple graph dial design. 

1993

This year saw one of the most popular G-Shock models introduced to the public, the Frogman DW-6300. This G-Shock model is the first to have a 200-meter ISO certification and is a highly reliable dive watch. Along with the first G-Shock dive watch was the unveiling of the first G-Shock model to incorporate EL backlight technology, the DW-6600.

2000

G-Shock eagerly met the start of the new millennium as they introduced the first of their Master of G series models, the GW-100, a key feature was that it incorporated radio control functionality. 

2008

This year introduced the public to the G-9200 Riseman, the first to feature the Twin Sensor design. The Twin Sensor feature includes a compass and thermometer sensor, making the G-9200 an excellent pick for outdoor enthusiasts. 

2009

2010

2012

Another notable milestone came in 2012 when Casio released the GW-4000 Gravitymaster and its revolutionary Triple G Resist design. The Triple G Resist build further enhanced the durable G-Shock design by making it impact-resistant, centrifugal force-resistant, and vibration-resistant. 
This year also saw the first G-Shock watch feature Bluetooth connectivity get its much-awaited debut. The GB-6900 Bluetooth is the first G-Shock to have smartphone connectivity and a definite game-changer for the series. 

2014

2016

Another first came for the watch series with the first G-Shock with a built-in depth gauge, the GWF-D1000 Frogman. Also, they released the premium-grade GWN-Q1000 Gulfmaster with up to four built-in sensors. 

2017

G-Shock once again innovated the industry with the GPW-2000 Gravitymaster, the first watch that comes with three-time correction systems. 

2018

Pushing the limits of what an outdoor watch can deliver, G-Shock unveiled the highly impressive GPR-B1000 Rangeman, the world’s first solar-powered GPS navigation watch. 

2020

Why Is It Called G-Shock?

The head designer of G-Shock, Kikuo Ibe, wanted a watch that could withstand impacts and won’t even bat an eye if dropped. As you would have guessed, the “G” stands for gravity. G-Shock stands for Gravity Shock.
It is a watch designed to survive the “shock” of the impact caused by gravity. It is a pretty straightforward and cool name for a watch line that excels in delivering functionality and reliability.

Fossil Brand Overview

Fossil is an American watchmaker founded in 1984, making it a relatively new watch brand compared to other long-standing names in the industry. Primarily known for its affordable quartz dress watches that originally were packaged in a fancy tin box, Fossil is now one of the bestselling fashion watch brands.  Fossil strategically positioned its brand in this niche market in the early 80s when quartz watches were just on the rise.  
Although the brand is known for inexpensive dress watches, it doesn’t mean that its watches lack in the timekeeping performance department. Far from it, Fossil has proven itself to be quite capable of delivering aesthetically pleasing and affordable watches that also tell accurate time and are relatively well built, especially considering the price range. 
Many of their watches use Japanese Miyota quartz movements known for their reliability and accuracy – they are also affordable which enables brands like Fossil to market watches at very affordable prices. . If you wonder how Fossil can maintain a fresh lineup of eye-catching watches annually, the answer is their openness to collaborate with other designers. Fossil watches have become a staple in the fashion industry with their bold and fantastic range of designs. You can always expect Fossil to deliver a wide variety of timepieces designed to cater to different individuals of different fashion tastes.

Michael Kors Brand Overview

 
Michael Kors watches are well-known within the fashion industry due to their name recognition among fashion designers. Michael Kors is first and foremost a designer of other fashion items such as handbags, shoes, and clothes so this brand is not exclusively in watchmaking. MK is certainly one brand designed to add flair to one’s attire with its luxurious style and attention-grabbing aesthetics. Michael Kors’ popularity can be attributed to their marketing strategy, which tapped into a more social media-focused approach. This leads to some thinking how MK would have faired a couple of decades ago without access to the internet, but that question is neither here nor there, and the MK watch brand has proven itself to be one of the more successful designer timepieces today.
While the company was founded in 1981, it wasn’t until the 2000s that Michael Kors finally tapped into the watch market. This leaves the MK brand lacking in horological heritage on par with other long-standing watchmakers. This lack of focus on watches is a common complaint by watch enthusiasts about the Michael Kors brand.
In terms of watch performance, it’s essential to mention that in 2004, the Michael Kors brand partnered up with the Fossil Group and licenses its watch production to Fossil. So whether you buy Fossil or MK, you’re getting a very similar build quality – typically Japanese Miyota quartz movements. MK watches differ in design and – logo – since many MK shoppers are buying fashion accessories based on the designer’s name recognition. 

Fossil vs Michael Kors Watch Comparisons

Fossil Neutra Chronograph Watch (FS538)

Michael Kors GAGE Chronograph Watch (MK8362)

The GAGE Chrono Watch features a silver-tone case with a blue sunray dial tied quite nicely by the brown leather straps. The dial features white-toned hands as well as bold Arabic numeral markers. There is also a date display and three sub-dials to further improve the overall functionality of this timepiece. As for the size of the GAGE Chrono, this timepiece features a 44mm x 12.5mm stainless-steel case – perfect for formal long-sleeved business attires. There is also a stationary bezel that adds to this traditional timepiece’s overall ‘professional’ look. The watch also comes with 100-meter water resistance, making it a viable wristwear when taking a stroll down the beach.
As you can see these two watches have similar build quality, case size and dimensions. However, although MK is known as a fashion designer, we actually like the aesthetic of the Fossil much more. The MK dial seems busy and crowded with too many details competing for attention. The Fossil on the other hand has a sleeker and cleaner dial layout and we like the minimalistic hour markers and indices. The subdials are easier to read and the finishing on the crown and pushers looks more polished and elegant than the MK. Both brands make their logo a focal point of the dial but at least Fossil’s is somewhat more discrete.
In the end, this is just one comparison but it is a clear example where a brand known for design (MK) doesn’t necessarily execute as well.

Are Fossil and Michael Kors Watches the Same?

While Michael Kors started as an independent watchmaker, the company partnered up with Fossil in 2004. This partnership meant that all Michael Kors watches would be designed, manufactured, and distributed by the Fossil Watch Group. Technically, Michael Kors is under the Fossil umbrella and is manufactured in the same factory. However, there are notable differences between the two in terms of aesthetics to give each a unique distinction. Additionally, Michael Kors already signed another 10-year partnership contract with Fossil back in 2014.

Conclusion: Fossil vs Michael Kors – Which is Better?

Based on the overall quality of their timepieces, it’s a tie since Fossil manufactures both. For the overall design, we will give the nod towards Fossil.  This may seem counter-intuitive with MK being a designer but we think the watches look busy and overstated with too much importance on the logo and MK branding. Also, when comparing similar watches side-by-side from both brands, the MK are usually priced slightly higher – it seems you may be paying a premium for the name recognition. 
We didn’t delve into smartwatches in this article, but that’s one area where both brands compete and Fossil is the overall winner with its Gen 5 (and newer Gen 6). Both brands have a line of smartwatches and are considered some of the best hybrid smartwatches on the market. 

What movement is in the Cartier Ballon Bleu?

Celebrities That Wear The Cartier Ballon Bleu

Does The Cartier Ballon Bleu Retain Value?

Where To Buy Cartier Ballon Bleu Watches

If you’re not able to go to an actual Cartier store or Cartier dealer, there are plenty of places online to purchase Ballon Bleu models. The brand’s official website, Cartier.com, has nearly a hundred Ballon Bleu models to choose from.
If you would like to purchase pre-owned models, an excellent place to start is Bob’s Watches, a popular reselling website known for the resale and trade of watches. While the site is known to focus on pre-owned Rolexes (they are known as the “World’s First and only Pre-Owned Rolex Exchange),” they also sell other big names like Cartier. According to an article by Insider, this is a trusted website. Every watch sold here is certified authentic (both model and its parts), with specialists inspecting the watch before a transaction is completed.
Another website that sells pre-owned Cartier Ballon Bleu models is Jomashop, a grey market watch seller (meaning they don’t sell fakes or counterfeits) that sells luxury watches at a lower price. They can sell the watches for a lower price than the dealership because they purchase them at a lower price from manufacturer-authorized dealers and then mark the watches with a relatively affordable price tag. Check out Ballon Bleu models on Jomashop here.
Those looking for a pre-owned Cartier Ballon Bleu can also check out the models sold on eBay. This page has a wide range of models, including this unused 28mm stainless steel model and this pre-owned XL chronograph.
If you would like to visit a physical Cartier store, you can find branches on this site, which lists all of their locations worldwide.

When one mentions French brand Cartier, one of the oldest and most popular watchmakers and jewelers in the world, some of the first models that would come to mind are probably the Santos, the first modern wristwatch, and the Tank, one of the most iconic and successful watches of all time.

In this article, we’ll talk about a Cartier model that may not be as popular as the two, but is equally creative and revolutionary. The Cartier Roadster, though discontinued after a little over a decade, continues to enjoy popularity among watch collectors and aficionados.

Following the distinct styles of other Cartier models (such as the classic tank and the square-shaped Santos), the Cartier Roadster has an iconic look of a tonneau-shaped case (tonneau means “barrel” in French), a shape that was used by Cartier around 1906.

The Cartier Roadster watch was inspired by sports cars from the 1960s (think Mercedes Benz and Aston Martin), thus the name. It became a popular sports and dress watch, available in men’s (43mm x 38mm) and women’s (36mm x 30mm) sizes, as well as in automatic and quartz movements.

The watch has models with both Roman and Arabic numerals and both with chronograph and GMT functions. Throughout the years, when Cartier was still selling them, the Roadster also had releases with features that are more luxurious (dotted with diamonds, for instance).

One of the most famous features of a Cartier Roadster model is the dial that takes its inspiration from the Porsche 356 speedometer from the 1950s. This is the model with Arabic numeral markers, known to fans as the “Las Vegas” dial.

It is also likely that the crown was inspired by cars too—some agree that it looks like rally wheels of a Corvette, while others say that it looks like a car radiator. This is one of the brand’s first models to have the quick-release lug system, which allows easy strap or bracelet replacement.

When & Why Was The Cartier Roadster Discontinued?

The Cartier Roadster was released by Cartier in 2001. The French watchmaker discontinued production of the watch around 2012. Since then, the Cartier Roadster only became available in the pre-owned watch market.

Around the late 2000s, Cartier released the Roaster S model. This model had a relatively friendlier price tag, and the same classic tonneau case. It, however, got rid of some elements like the screws on the lugs.

The watch may have had a relatively short run, but it continues to be regarded as one of the most iconic sports watches ever produced. From the unique case and distinct design to the high-quality watchmaking, Roadster models continue to be popular, available in second-hand stores.

The Cartier has both automatic and quartz movements. The Cartier Roadster Automatic models are powered by the Cartier 2894 caliber which is based on the  ETA 2894 but assembled and finished to Cartier’s own standards.

Quartz Roadster models are powered by the Cartier Calibre 688 Quartz Movement with 7 Jewels.

Celebrities That Wear The Cartier Roadster

Luxurious and timeless, Cartier is one of the most popular watches worn by celebrities.

The Cartier Tank has been spotted on iconic like Yves Saint Laurent, Princess Diana, and Andy Warhol (who once said: “I don’t wear a Tank watch to tell the time. In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it’s the watch to wear”). Anne Hathaway has been seen wearing a Panthere de Cartier, and Meghan Markle reportedly owns a gold Cartier Tank Francaise that used to belong to Princess Diana.

One A-list celebrity who owns a Roadster is Jennifer Aniston. She has been spotted wearing a 30mm Roadster in stainless steel. The watch has Roman numeral markers and has a silver dial.

Aniston is a known collector of luxury watches—learn more about her collection.

Other celebrities that have been seen wearing the Cartier Roadster include DJ Paul Van Dyk, NBA basketball played Christ Paul and football superstar Christiano Ronaldo.

Comedian Kristen Wiig has reportedly mentioned in an interview that she owns a Roadster that means a lot to her.

Does The Cartier Roadster Retain Value?

Cartier watches have good resale value, but many experts say that they may not hold their value as well as other luxury watch brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe.

In a thread on Watchuseek, however, owners of Cartier watches, including the Roadster, vouched for the brand, saying that it remains excellent after years of use.

Another user also pointed out that when one buys a watch, it’s not just the movement or materials they’re buying, but its history. A Cartier may not have the top resale value, but its timeless design is reason enough to be a part of one’s luxury watch collection. The design is undoubtedly unique—the Tank is one of the most iconic watches ever made, and the Santos is the first modern wristwatch.

The resale value may not be the same as its luxury watch counterparts, but second-hand models are still pretty pricey. See the next section to know where to find them.

Where To Buy Cartier Roadster Watches

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Jen Stark x Armitron

Driven by the philosophy – time is personal – Armitron fuses high-quality watches with unique styles that bring to you a curation of unprecedented designs. The online store of Armitron offers exclusive deals in the spirit of accessibility for all. One such is the Jen Stark Collection.
Vibrant and colorful, the Jen Stark collaboration with Armitron takes inspiration from the artist’s geometrical patterns. Designed to express the individuality and depth of the wearer, this collection signifies the free spirit and function of the brand. This California-based artist, exploring intricate patterns and designs through her art using bright colors, brings together design and functionality with this watch collaboration. Her long-standing success, such as public art installations for Citizen Hotel M, MTV Awards 2015, Miami International Airport, and Hard Rock Stadium, amplifies Armitron’s reach and audience.
Available for both men and women, the Jen Stark X Armitron collection comes in three varieties – with a silicon strap, with a mesh strap, and bands for Apple watches. The timepieces come powered by a quartz movement and are designed in a 40 mm case. The silicon strap complements the design on the face of the dial, giving the watch a cohesive look.
On the other hand, the mesh strap edition uses either gold, silver, or black mesh, with a vibrant dial. The face of the dial takes a simple, clean design with just dash marks for numerals. The geometric patterns on the dial empower the wearer to freely express themselves, with a flair for unmatched style.
Both these editions, available at an affordable price point, make for a perfect daily companion with a promise of durability. The Apple watch band, on the other hand, comes in two unique designs – a vivid colorful one and a more subdued monochrome option.

Women’s Online Exclusive Collections

Besides the Jen Stark-inspired watches, the Armitron online store also hosts some classic watches for women.
The Prismatica is yet another innovative and colorful watch introduced by the brand. The Prismatica displays a dial that changes color with the change in time. Currently, the gold, rose gold, and silver shade watches are available for purchase. This edition also features an Iridescent shade, available to pre-order.
All four timepieces display different dial shades in a 33.5 mm case. The face of the dial showcases a clean analog movement, and the outer bezel of the watch indicates the minute markings. With a design and style unlike any other in the market, the Prismatica is sure to be a hit with the ladies!
In addition to these contemporary designs, it is worth mentioning the Grand and Griffy editions as well. The Grand watches take after a retro-classic design in an octagonal 37 mm case. The face also displays a date and day window. The Grand edition aims to bring back the vintage hits with a modern twist. On the other hand, we have the Griffy edition, a retake of the ’70s design with a LED display. An extremely affordable digital watch with contemporary styling, the Griffy offers a smart look for the urban woman.

Men’s Online Exclusive Collections

Much like for the women, the men’s collection on the online exclusive store features the Armitron Horizon collection, Armitron Tactical Chrono collection, the Grand collection, the Skeleton Collection, and more.
If you are looking for a chunky, smart, and affordable watch, the Armitron Horizon offers attractive timepieces. A pro sports watch with 330 feet water resistance, a chronograph, a countdown timer, alarm, and a dual timezone, the Horizon comes fitted in a 55 mm case. The Resin band offers the utmost durability for activities without easy damage.
In a similar vein to the Horizon, Armitron also introduced the Tactical Chrono collection. Taking a more military-like design, this edition comes with similar functionality as the Horizon, but in a slightly smaller dial made to fit in a 53 mm case. Both these editions personify a rugged, sporty design for the adventurous soul.
The Skeleton is another marvelous timepiece by Armitron worth highlighting. Currently available to pre-order,  this edition comes in black or silver bracelet. The face of the watch proudly presents the 21 jewels automatic movement, offering a peek into the stunning working of the brand’s craftsmanship.
One thing is for certain – Armitron harmonizes the art of watchmaking with highly functional design and quality. With different editions taking different styles, the brand’s ethos forms the underlying keystone of their success. Above all, affordability without a compromise on quality makes the brand an undefeated competition in the world of horology. Bringing back vintage designs with a modern reinvention takes a certain fineness. And, Armitron has mastered what it takes to make stylish watches affordable to all!

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