Seeking: An engagement watch for my BF

Hi esb! 

My bf of 9 years and I are planning to get engaged. We're not pre-engaged -- because what the hell does that even mean -- but we're looking at rings and talking about dates, etc. I'd really like to also give him something to commemorate the moment, but I'm stumped. Do you and/or your readers have any suggestions? 

He does like watches, so I was considering getting him a really nice one, but as a non-watch person I don't even know where to turn for a well-designed watch for a stylish gentleman. I'm also definitely open to any non-watch suggestions. My budget is around $1200. 

*****

I know shitall about watches, so I figured I'd ask Samuel Voerenbach (formerly of Martin Patrick 3, currently taking over NYC).

His answer was more vehement that I expected.... But also helpful. Vehement, and then helpful.

Here's Sam:

Wtf is pre-engaged? I keep seeing this get mentioned on your site and it drives me crazy. You've got a boyfriend -- hooray.

Anyway, I've got a pretty big disclaimer that is going to make me sound like a hater. Perhaps I'm just too traditional, but I don't think I like the idea of giving your boyfriend a gift when he proposes. Believe it or not most guys actually like giving things to their girlfriend/fiancée/whatever. It makes us feel responsible and makes us feel like providers and it makes us feel like we have a purpose and a person we're taking care of. To steal that thunder away from us by turning the whole situation around seems unnecessary given that he's about to do the most important symbolic thing in his entire life.

So all that said if you are looking at watches that can be somewhat wedding or engagement appropriate, for $1200 there are a couple different options. I'm going to make the assumption that because it's for a fairly important event you're looking at things that are maybe not quite formal but are still quite elegant overall. I would avoid anything with too many sporty functions like chronograph and stick with watches that are fairly simple-looking. 

The two that come to mind right away are really anything from Longines or the Max Bill watch, which in the US you can get from Amieco.

(Max Bill Stainless Steel Watch from Amieco, $830)

The other thing you could do is look for used watches that are of a little bit higher provenance. This might still stretch your budget a little bit but most nice jewelry stores carry a small selection. Nicer antique stores, auction houses and eBay are also good places to look. If that were the case I would look for something like a Cartier Tank (which would be perfect for what you're looking for since it's such a classic style), the slim group from Ralph Lauren or my personal favorite Hermes Cape Cod.

(Vintage Hermes Cape Cod, $1600 on ebay) 

Hope that helps!

At top: Jewelry designer Philip Crangi photographed by Ben Watts sporting his own Hermes Cape Cod via The Dandy Project via GQ