This $11,100 Cartier watch is out of my budget, so I bought a near-identical dupe for under $250 instead
If you're cheap but have expensive taste, this watch is for you.
At any given moment, I have about 10 things on my mental "I want to buy this" wish list. And, like any good wish list, I cannot afford most of them. I have wanted a Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag for years but, unfortunately, need to pay rent. Similarly, a Loewe Puzzle bag would be a beautiful addition to my wardrobe, but at $5,140, it's not exactly a spur-of-the-moment purchase.
However, there is one wishlist item I have come extremely close to buying: The Panthère de Cartier watch. I believe a good watch can elevate any outfit, and, as collectors will attest, many high-end watches tend to hold their value over time — an important consideration for any investment. While I love (love, love!) the Panthère de Cartier watch, even a second-hand one will run you a few thousand dollars. As I would love to buy a home in the not-so-distant future, a $11,000+ watch is not in the cards for me.
Luckily, there are a handful of dupes floating around on the internet, including the very watch I ended up buying: The Raquel Three-Hand Date Two-Tone Stainless Steel Watch from Fossil.
Shop the Raquel watch in four colourways.
- It's engravable
- Beautiful quality
- Spot-on dupe
- Tricky to size
The details
This 23mm Raquel watch features a silver satin dial, three-hand date movement and a two-tone stainless steel bracelet. In addition to the two-tone option, the watch comes in rose gold, silver and yellow gold.
Like many Fossil watches, engraving is free, which is a nice personal touch, especially if you want to buy it as a gift.
Is it worth it?
I've owned the watch for a few months now (I bought it as a post-Camino de Santiago gift to myself), and I have zero regrets about purchasing it. It goes with everything, is beautifully crafted and has earned me several compliments from both casual watch lovers and those who are also too cheap to splurge on the Panthère de Cartier.
Shop my stack:
Raquel Three-Hand Date Two-Tone Stainless Steel Watch
Puffy Charlotte Ring
Amy Powney Keshi Pearl Bracelet
Lab Grown Sapphire Tennis Bracelet
Reebok Club C Grounds UK Sneakers
That said, sizing can be tricky
The only real thing to note about the Raquel Three-Hand Date Two-Tone Stainless Steel Watch is that sizing can be a bit tricky. The watch comes in one size and is not adjustable unless you happen to own a watch link removal kit. I live by a Fossil store, so I went to the store for a free adjustment, but if you don't live near one, you may end up spending money at a jeweller to adjust its size.
JOREST Watch Link Removal Tool
Should you buy it?
If you have Cartier dreams without a Cartier budget, this two-tone Fossil watch is a great dupe for the Panthère de Cartier. It's classy, timeless and amazing quality for the price. With the holiday season around the corner, it's also a great gift idea, especially for those with equally as high-end wish lists. The only thing to note is that sizing can be tricky. The watch comes in one size, so if you need to add or remove links to fit your wrist, you might have to head to a Fossil store near you or a jeweller for adjustments.
I can't afford them, but you might be able to. Shop my "when I win the lottery" wish list below
Shop the Small Lee Radziwill Double Bag in eight colours and multiple sizes.
Shop this classic calfskin bag in eight colours.
Save (a bit) on this second-hand Panthère de Cartier Watch.
Shop Canada Goose's Cypress Vest in eight colours.
Shop this one-of-a-kind ring in 14K white or yellow gold.
Shop this gorgeous leather shoulder bag in six colours.
Fun fact: Barbour is a favourite outerwear brand of the royal family.
These ballerina flats would be a chic addition to any wardrobe.
Shop this fun beaded bag in 15 unique designs.
This heavyweight RWS-certified wool-blend melton jacket has a built-in scarf.
I have had my eye on this unisex varsity jacket for ages.
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