In the world of luxury accessories, few items carry the prestige and price tag of a Cartier timepiece. The iconic French jeweller's Baignoire watch, with its elegant oval face and bracelet-style strap, commands a staggering £18,000. For most fashion-conscious individuals, this represents an unattainable dream purchase. However, a remarkable discovery has emerged that offers the same sophisticated aesthetic for a mere fraction of the cost.
The Affordable Alternative That's Turning Heads
British jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created what many are calling the perfect Cartier dupe. Their Polka Dot Crystal Watch bears a striking resemblance to the luxury original while carrying a price tag of just £159. This represents a saving of £17,841 for those who appreciate the Baignoire's distinctive design but cannot justify its extraordinary cost.
Premium Materials at an Accessible Price Point
Despite its affordable positioning, the Abbott Lyon timepiece doesn't compromise on quality or appearance. The watch features 18k gold-plated brass construction with flush-set crystals adorning both the strap and the face surround. For those who prefer cooler tones, a platinum-plated stainless steel version in silver is also available.
The design cleverly mimics the solid bangle appearance of the Cartier original when viewed from the front, while incorporating flexible links at the back for enhanced comfort and adjustability. This practical feature allows wearers to achieve the perfect fit by simply removing one or two links as needed.
Versatile Styling for Multiple Occasions
What makes this watch particularly appealing is its remarkable versatility. The timeless cream face, complemented by gold Roman numerals and matching hands, creates an understated elegance that works equally well as a standalone statement piece or as part of a layered jewellery look. Its dainty profile allows for seamless stacking with other bangles and bracelets, offering multiple styling possibilities for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Exploring Other Alternatives in the Market
For those seeking similar oval-faced timepieces with different strap configurations, several other options exist at various price points. The Coach Sammy 22mm Yellow Gold Tone Ladies Watch offers a linked bracelet design for £150, while Tory Burch's £320 Oval Watch presents another elegant alternative with a simple linked strap.
If the solid bangle style of the Cartier Baignoire particularly appeals, the Rosefield Watches Gold-Plated Studio Bangle Watch provides this look for £149 at Anthropologie. Meanwhile, the Michael Kors 28mm Gold Tone Ladies Watch represents a hybrid approach at £199, though it features a more circular face shape.
Additional Options for Different Tastes
For those who appreciate extra sparkle, the Swarovski Imber Bangle Watch offers crystal-covered dial surrounds at £380. However, for shoppers preferring the understated elegance of the Abbott Lyon design, the Polka Dot Crystal Watch represents exceptional value. The brand even offers personalisation through engraving on the back, making it an ideal choice for special occasions like Valentine's Day.
This discovery demonstrates that achieving luxury aesthetics no longer requires luxury expenditure. With careful shopping and an eye for quality alternatives, fashion enthusiasts can enjoy sophisticated accessories that look substantially more expensive than their actual price tags suggest.
