Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2008 Reference No: 2848 Case No: 96118MX Model Name: Roadster Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 8510, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Cartier folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm Width x 58mm Length Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The Cartier Roadster is a tribute to the 1950’s golden era of the sports car. Reflecting the model name, is the aesthetics of the case and the design of the dial layout, which reminisces the aura of 1950’s racing machines. Debuted in the early 2000’s, this present example is presented in pink gold with and attractive chocolate dial to match the case.
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.