Cover The Cartier Santos-Dumont in yellow gold with an obsidan dial and a new metal bracelet
The Cartier Santos-Dumont in yellow gold with an obsidan dial and a new metal bracelet
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From the revival of the cult-favourite Roadster to Tortues in new proportions, Cartier continues to assert its status as the Watchmaker of Shapes at Watches and Wonders 2026
This year, Cartier is setting out to prove that it does not merely make watches; it creates icons of shape. At Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, the maison has unveiled a sprawling repertoire of novelties—as it often does at the annual fair. Particularly exciting is the grand return of the Roadster and a reimagined Tortue collection, which now features new proportions and smaller sizes designed to appeal to more feminine wrists. While seasoned collectors will find much to admire in the technical prowess of the Crash Squelette, jewellery enthusiasts will be captivated by the sculptural allure of the Myst de Cartier. Below, we highlight six of the novelties to know.
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1. Roadster
Above From left to right: Cartier Roadsters in yellow gold and steel, steel, and yellow gold
From left to right: Cartier Roadsters in yellow gold and steel, steel, and yellow gold
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First launched in 2002, the Roadster makes a return—refined by over a hundred artisans to sharpen its aerodynamic allure and rethink its ergonomics without altering its distinctive shape. Borrowing bold codes from mechanical bodywork such as speedometer-inspired dials and headlight-shaped date magnifiers, the new models are available in steel, yellow gold, and gold-and-steel versions.
The watches are powered by signature self-winding mechanical movements: the 1847 MC for large models and the 1899 MC for medium models. For more functionality, the patented QuickSwitch system allows for easy interchangeability between integrated metal bracelets and alligator or rubber straps.
2. Crash Squelette
Above Cartier Crash Squelette watch in platinum
Cartier Crash Squelette watch in platinum
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The Cartier Privé collection—where the maison introduces a contemporary interpretation of an emblematic creation from its archives—marks its tenth anniversary this year with a triptych dedicated to platinum. The undisputed star is the reimagined Crash, featuring a patented skeleton movement. The Manufacture 1967 MC movement has been developed to harmonise with the watch's singular, distorted lines, with bridges hand-hammered into the shape of Roman numerals. This technical feat is limited to just 150 numbered pieces.
3. Santos-Dumont
Above Cartier Santos-Dumont in yellow gold with an obsidan dial
Cartier Santos-Dumont in yellow gold with an obsidan dial
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The new version of the Santos-Dumont watch channels the dandyism of Brazilian sportsman and inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont, who was known for his style and attention to detail. Inspired by the flexibility of made-to-measure metal bracelets from the 1920s, the new interchangeble mesh-like metal bracelets unfold with suppleness and delicacy against the skin. This silky-smooth feel is achieved through 394 links, each just 1.15 mm thick, forming a 15-row mesh that is entirely machined and finished at the Cartier Manufacture. For an added touch of dandyism, this version in yellow gold features a stunning dial in gilded obsidian, an iridescent volcanic stone from Mexico.
4. Baignoire
Above Cartier Baignoire in yellow gold set with diamonds, and Baignore in yellow gold
Cartier Baignoire in yellow gold set with diamonds, and Baignore in yellow gold
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This year, Cartier is reinterpreting the popular Baignoire watch by adorning it with the Clou de Paris motif, a signature of the maison’s stylistic repertoire since the early 1920s. Crafted in monochrome gold, this motif runs throughout the piece, ensuring a seamless continuity between the bangle bracelet and the dial. For those seeking extra bling, a dazzling ultra-precious edition features a snow-set dial with 100 brilliant-cut diamonds and inverted-setting diamonds on the case.
5. Tortue
Above Cartier Tortue in yellow gold
Cartier Tortue in yellow gold
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The Tortue collection dates back to 1912 and is one of Cartier’s most is recognisable shaped watches. It was recently brought back by the maison in 2024 with Cartier Privé, with a version that had been reworked but still stayed true to the original. This year though, the Tortue has been reimagined with rounder, more generous proportions that enhance its tactility and smoothness. The new mini (26.1 x 20.9 mm) and small (33.4 x 26.7 mm) models are elegant everyday companions in combinations of yellow, rose, and white gold, while the ultra-precious evening version in platinum set with diamonds is made for special occasions. This LM-size model features a bezel paved with 46 baguette-cut diamonds—totaling 2.7 carats—and beats to the rhythm of the 430 MC mechanical manufacture movement.
The highlight of this reimagined line is the chic polished yellow gold version, which features a champagne-coloured dial adorned with a new embossed motif that adds relief, replacing the classic guilloché. The 33.4 x 26.7 mm case is completed with a winding crown set with a sapphire cabochon and a shiny black alligator strap. The new Tortue is also available in rose gold and white gold versions set with diamonds, as well as a high-jewellery edition in platinum paved with baguette-cut diamonds.
6. Myst de Cartier
Above Cartier Myst De Cartier in yellow gold (left) and white gold
Cartier Myst De Cartier in yellow gold (left) and white gold
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A treasure for jewellery fiends, the Myst de Cartier embodies the foundational link between Cartier's jewellery and watchmaking expertise. Drawing inspiration from the flamboyant 1930s designs of designer Jeanne Toussaint, this bracelet watch has no clasp and relies on a sophisticated articulated construction and elastic strap to slip onto the wrist. Its singular design features alternating curves of hand-painted black lacquer and a geometric pavé dial surrounded by a delicate onyx frame. The architectural volume is achieved through a meticulous bead setting requiring 30 hours of work, totaling 112 hours of gem-setting for the entire unique architecture. The Myst de Cartier is also available in a monochrome white gold edition completely covered in 986 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Credits
Images: Cartier
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Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
