A replica Cartier Roadster is a copy of the Cartier Roadster watch. Cartier produced the Roadster from 2001 to 2012. The watch has a tonneau case, a bezel with eight screws, and a crown guard. Replica makers sell versions in three common grades: low, mid, and high.

Original Cartier Roadster Specs

The large Roadster measures 44 mm by 38 mm. The mid size measures 36 mm by 30 mm. The small size measures 32 mm by 27 mm. The case is stainless steel, gold, or two-tone. The crystal is sapphire. The movement is quartz or automatic. The automatic uses a Cartier caliber based on an ETA 2892. The bracelet has a hidden clasp. The dial has Roman numerals. The date window sits at 3 o'clock. Some models have a chronograph.

Replica Cartier Roadster Materials

Low-grade replicas use 304 stainless steel or brass. They use mineral glass. They use a Chinese quartz movement. Mid-grade replicas use 316L stainless steel. They use sapphire crystal. They use an Asian automatic movement, often a copy of the ETA 2824. High-grade replicas use 316L stainless steel. They use sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. They use a Swiss ETA 2824 or a Sellita SW200. The caseback may have correct engravings. The bracelet may have solid links.

Replica Cartier Roadster Movements

Quartz replicas run on a battery. They tick once per second. Automatic replicas run on a rotor. They beat at 21,600 or 28,800 vibrations per hour. The high-beat movement has a smoother sweep. The low-beat movement has a choppy sweep. The original Roadster automatic beats at 28,800 vph.

Replica Cartier Roadster Price Ranges

Low-grade replicas cost $20 to $60. Mid-grade replicas cost $80 to $200. High-grade replicas cost $250 to $600. Prices depend on the movement, the materials, and the seller. A Swiss movement adds $100 to $200.

How to Identify a High-Grade Replica Cartier Roadster

• Check the crystal. Sapphire does not scratch with a knife. Mineral glass does.
• Check the movement. A high-beat sweep indicates an automatic. A ticking second hand indicates quartz.
• Check the caseback. Engravings are deep and crisp on high-grade replicas.
• Check the bracelet. Solid links feel heavier. Hollow links feel lighter.
• Check the date window. The font matches the original on high-grade replicas.
• Check the crown. The crown has a blue spinel or a synthetic stone.

Availability and Version Numbers

The original Cartier Roadster is no longer in production. Replica availability depends on the factory. Factories update versions. A version number, like V3 or V4, indicates an update. Ask the seller for the version. Ask for photos of the actual watch. No replica is identical to the original.