Outside of the (very cool) plastic Casio I wore for a few weeks once, I’ve never been a big watch person – If I need the time, I check my phone. But on a recent pub outing, I glanced at my friend Lauren’s wrist and had to do a double take – she looked like she was wearing a Panthére de Cartier watch, which I only knew because I’ve spotted it on numerous celebs, from Madonna to Jennifer Aniston.
At £8,000 a pop, I thought, good on you, Laur, and asked, slightly incredulously, “Is that a Cartier?”. “Is it heck! It’s my sexy Sekonda,” she replied.
I hadn’t heard of Sekonda in years, but after further (okay, detailed) research, I realised she meant ‘Seksy’, the brand’s range of crystalised watches. Good news, I managed to source the same watch, and I had to share it with the chat immediately.
Sekonda Monica Women's Two Tone Bracelet Watch
Sekonda Monica Women's Two Tone Bracelet Watch
If I wasn’t convinced by the Cartier-inspired looks, the price tag made it even more appealing. At £60, it’s significantly less of an investment than its designer counterpart, and greatly reduces the risk of armed robbery, (assuming they can tell the difference between the real deal and a Seksy Sekonda.
With my birthday on the horizon, I subtly hinted it would make a good gift (yes, I sent a link to my mum). Message received, ta mum.
From the dual-toned metal to the roman numerals, it looks luxe – and the crown (the small knob on the side) is in the same chic black colourway as the Panthére. If we’re really getting into it, it also features the same ‘quartz movement’ (that’s essentially what keeps the watch ticking).
Cartier vs. Sekonda
Of course, as the price tag suggests, the Sekonda isn’t made from solid silver or gold, but instead alloy, which is actually much lighter. It may not carry the same air of exclusivity or clout as the real deal, but to the untrained eye, it’s a very convincing homage.
And if you don’t like mixing your metals, there are also gold tone or silver tone versions. If you’re in need of some extra Seksy Sekonda swag, then there’s a crystalised version, too.
I haven’t been wearing mine long, so I can’t speak to the durability, but I would imagine the Cartier wins on that front. That said, I do know that I could buy 143 Sekondas for the same amount as one Cartier.
You can imagine my delight when, on one of my first wears, GH’s fashion editor, Emma, posed the question I’d been waiting for. Instant smugness. “No, it’s a Seksy Sekonda,” I told her.
Naturally, I’d never say no to the real deal because class is eternal, but for now, I love my Sekonda. It layers beautifully with my other mixed metal bracelets and is a key part of my jewellery wardrobe. For someone who’s never really worn a watch, I now feel bare without it.
I even use it to check the time, occasionally.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
