What movement is in a Cartier Roadster Automatic (Non Chrono)?

[Stratton]

Is it a standard or modified ETA or Cartier's own? If ETA, do Cartier do much to it? What are your views on this watch regarding its build quality, accuracy, dependability and ruggedness? Thanks in advance.

[Teofilo]

A picture would be really nice Stratton.....

[Mort]

Cartier uses an ETA movement in their non chronograph movements. I am sure they do some modifying especailly for the see through back models.

As far as build quality and fit and finish. They are top tier. I sell there writing instruments and they have very good QC standards. I ended up with the Santos, but I did consider the Roadster. It is a great watch. I love the easy interchangable bracelet to strap feature.

[haakon59]

Originally Posted by Stratton

Is it a standard or modified ETA or Cartier's own? If ETA, do Cartier do much to it? What are your views on this watch regarding its build quality, accuracy, dependability and ruggedness? Thanks in advance.

Cartier's lower end watches use ETA movements and they do nice work. They have been making watches for a long time, just as long as many other well known brands. Another good quality is that their lines are generally known for their reasonable maintenance costs, and this means you can expect to pay something roughly in line with Rolex and Omega, say around $400.00 currently (in the US).

Build quality is excellent for the money. Accuracy? Mechanical watches are generally less accurate than quartz of course. I met a man who complained bitterly to me recently that he was disappointed in his Vacheron Constantin Chronometer Royale because his watch gained 1 second per day. This of course is recognized by anyone in the watchmaking industry as an excellent level of performance, still this man felt because he paid more for his watch, it should be more accurate. I would guess that most of the Roadster line could be expected to perform within Chronometer specs of between -4 to + 6 seconds per day, and certainly it can be adjusted to perform within this range. ETA movements are known for dependability and ruggedness--especially for the money.

If you like the design of the Cartier, I would recommend it as a likely solid performer for the money. Cartier is also one of the most recognized names in the world, similar to Rolex. Personally, I also like the Roadster and have tried it on. I like the ease of their strap change mechanism as well as their design. If you like it, I can't think of a serious reason to hesitate. In fact, I wish I had that watch myself. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[vegasvince]

I have the Roadster XL GMT, and I love it...it has a very striking look to it, and you know from far away its a Roadster. With the bracelet on, its also very eyecatching...but I think the Roadster is a bigger scratch magnet than Breitlings. I also love the ease of changing between straps and the bracelet. My Roadster runs -2 seconds a day. I do wish there were some aftermarket vendors making straps, because the straps cost an arm and a leg at the Cartier boutiques!

[Teofilo]

Nice looking Cartier that...

[haakon59]

Those are nice photos VegasVince, thanks for posting them.

[dr_rolex]

What A Beauty!