The traditional engagement ring has been a symbol of the love and commitment between two people for centuries. However, as with everything, fashions change and styles come and go. Although engagement rings are a timeless staple, they do not always suit everyones taste. For this reason, there has been a high demand for alternatives in recent years. The alternative ought to be just as valuable, significant and treasured as a diamond ring. These considerations have caused many to turn to watches. The engagement watch is increasing in popularity due to its unusual nature and wearability. If you are interested in an alternative to an engagement ring, keep reading to discover whether engagement watches are the new engagement ring.
What is an Engagement Watch?
An engagement watch is essentially just a watch that is given instead of an engagement ring. This may be for a multitude of reasons. Some women choose to propose rather than waiting for their partner to. In this instance, they may choose to propose with a luxury watch rather than a ring. A watch is an accessory that is far more likely to be worn by a man as timepieces are a practical everyday accessory. Other people may wish to gift a watch after receiving a ring in a proposal. Traditional gender related stereotypes are beginning to fade away with more equal, modern concepts taking their place. Many people question why women should receive an engagement gift and not men. Many choose to overcome this by gifting a watch to their partners after the initial proposal.
Watches also make a great alternative for people who use their hands a lot in their work. Some may find that a traditional engagement ring will get in their way. These people may find that an engagement watch would suit them and their lifestyle far more. However, you do not need a reason to choose an engagement watch over a traditional ring. This new trend is a fun and practical alternative to a ring that can be worn everyday for decades to come.
How to Choose an Engagement Watch?
Most people know what to look out for when choosing an engagement ring. They are traditionally set with diamonds and made from a high quality precious metal that will be able to withstand years of daily wear. However, as engagement watches are a relatively new concept, there are fewer guidelines and expectations when it comes to selecting one. This lack of expectation means that the buyer has absolute freedom in their choice. When selecting a watch, it is important to consider the style of the person who will receive it.
An engagement watch will be worn incredibly often, as an engagement ring would, so it needs to be absolutely to their taste. The general consensus is that an engagement watch ought to be a dress watch that would pair well with the groom’s wedding suit. However, if this is not their style then other kinds of watches would be just as well suited to the occasion. It is generally recommended that a reasonable budget is set aside for an engagement watch. It is advised to spend around the same that would otherwise be spent on a ring to ensure that the watch will become a treasured heirloom item. To summarise, there is no specific way to select an engagement watch. It is entirely dependant on the style of the wearer.
Engagement Watch Recommendations
RADO Captain Cook High Tech Ceramic 43mm R32127162
This watch may not be what one imagines when considering engagement watches. However, this stunning timepiece is certainly built to last. Both the case and bracelet of this watch are made from black high-tech ceramic. RADO is famed for this material as it is incredibly strong and long lasting. This makes this watch a great choice for an engagement watch as it will be able to withstand everyday wear. The watch exhibits a skeleton dial that is protected by black tinted sapphire glass. The movement is visible through both the skeleton dial and the exhibition case back. This allows the wearer to view and enjoy the automatic movement from all angles. This watch features rose gold coloured details, including rose gold baton indices, rose gold hour, minute and second hands, and a rose gold bezel. This watch would pair perfectly with any outfit for any occasion.
Baume & Mercier Women’s Hampton Diamond Set Watch M0A10631
Diamonds are a staple in modern engagements, so we had to include a diamond set watch in this list of recommendations. This model exhibits a rectangular white dial. The dial is decorated with silver Arabic and baton indices and silver hour and minute hands. Curved sapphire crystal protects the dial and a rectangular stainless steel case frames it. Two sides of the bezel are set with diamonds to provide this timepiece with an incredibly elegant and sparkly finish. This watch is secured on the wrist using a classic stainless steel bracelet. This timepiece is powered by a quartz movement and is water resistant up to 5 bar.
Longines | Record | Men’s | Swiss Automatic | L28205117
This Longines model exhibits a two tone colour scheme. This provides the watch with a modern edge. The watch has a white dial with black Roman numeral indices and blue hour, minute and second hands. A date aperture is positioned at 3 o’clock on the dial. An 18 carat rose gold bezel frames the dial. The COSC chronometer certified automatic movement is housed within a stainless steel case. This movement is equipped with a non-magnetic silicon spiral to reduce the effects of magnetism, shock and temperature on the watch. The movement can be viewed through the exhibition case back. The watch is secured on the wrist using a stainless steel bracelet that is detailed with 18 carat rose gold details.
EBEL Women’s Diamond Wave Mother Of Pearl Dial Two Tone Bracelet 1216325
This EBEL women’s watch makes a beautiful choice for an engagement watch. The timepiece is set with diamonds, features a mother of pearl dial and is finished with 18 carat rose gold details. The watch exhibits a mother of pearl dial that will catch the light beautifully on the wrist. The dial is adorned with eight diamond indices alongside rose gold baton indices. The dial is framed by an 18 carat rose gold bezel that is set with a perfect circle of sparkling diamonds. A stainless steel case surrounds the dial and houses the reliable Swiss quartz movement that powers the watch. This timepiece is secured on the wrist using a stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet exhibits a wave design with rose gold detailing.
Tissot Men’s Excellence Automatic 18K Gold T9264077626300
This watch has a very luxurious edge as the case is crafted from 18 carat gold. This case measures 39.8mm in diameter and exhibits an exhibition case back. The case surrounds a cream opaline dial that is decorated with painted black Roman numeral hour markers. The dial also features gold hour, minute and second hands which are protected by sapphire crystal. This watch is finished with a traditional black leather strap. The strap features alligator-like embossing and fastens using a butterfly clasp. This timepiece is powered by an automatic movement that provides the watch with up to 42 hours of power reserve. Additionally, this watch is splash resistant, making it suitable for daily wear.
Do you think engagement watches are the new engagement ring? Would you consider proposing with a watch? Let us know in the comments!