What Is an Engagement Watch? The Ultimate Guide to Engagement Watches: Prices, Styles, and Best Brands
Propose Present Prepare
“I want to give something other than a ring when proposing.”
“Is it okay to give a watch as a proposal gift?”
Some couples have reasons for not choosing a ring for the proposal. In such cases, many look for a meaningful alternative — and one popular choice is an engagement watch.
In this article, we’ll explain how to choose an engagement watch and introduce several recommended brands. We hope you find it helpful when selecting the perfect timepiece.
An engagement watch is a slightly higher-end watch given at the time of a proposal.
Compared to an engagement ring, it is often preferred because it can be worn casually and used every day.
Some people find an engagement ring too flashy for daily wear, or workplace rules may prevent them from wearing one. As a result, even when a ring is purchased, it may not be worn frequently before marriage.
In contrast, an engagement watch can be worn at work or during private time and will continue to be used even after marriage, alongside a wedding ring.
Another appealing point is that it’s easy to purchase matching pair watches, allowing couples to enjoy coordinating timepieces together.
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What Is the Typical Price Range for an Engagement Watch?
So, what is the typical price?
Watches vary widely, from affordable to luxury, but for engagement watches, ¥200,000 to ¥300,000 is considered the standard range.
It’s a helpful guideline when deciding what to choose.
If you want a piece that will last a lifetime, consider spending ¥600,000 to ¥900,000.
Tips for Choosing an Engagement Watch
There are countless brands and styles of engagement watches, so choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
When selecting a watch, it’s best to focus on three key points: design, functionality, and movement.
Design
Start by considering whether the design matches your partner’s taste.
Look at the accessories and items they normally wear to get a sense of their preferred style.
If you’re unsure, a simple design is recommended — it’s timeless, easy to coordinate, and more likely to be worn for many years.
A unisex design is also a great option if you want to choose matching watches as a pair.
Functionality
Next, consider the functions the watch offers.
Some watches go beyond telling time and include features like a date display, day-of-the-week indicator, or water resistance.
If you want the watch to last, choose a water-resistant model to avoid damage from accidental splashes in daily life.
If metal allergies are a concern, look for hypoallergenic materials, such as platinum or titanium bands that are gentle on the skin.
Movement
The movement refers to the mechanism that powers the watch.
There are two main categories: quartz and mechanical.
Mechanical watches are further divided into manual-winding and automatic-winding.
Below is a simple overview of each type:
・Quartz Movement
Quartz watches run on a battery and require little maintenance until the battery runs out.
Mechanical watches, especially manual-wind models, need to be wound regularly; otherwise, they stop.
The low maintenance is a major advantage of quartz watches.
A typical battery lasts 3–5 years before it needs replacing.
・Mechanical Watch – Manual Winding
Manual-wind watches require you to wind the mainspring yourself, similar to a traditional pocket watch.
Since they don’t use a battery, you don’t need battery replacements.
However, they must be wound daily, or they will stop.
・Mechanical Watch – Automatic Winding
Automatic mechanical watches wind themselves using the natural movement of your wrist.
They don’t require a battery and don’t need daily manual winding if worn regularly.
However, if left unworn for several days, they may stop and require manual winding to restart.
5 Recommended Brands for Engagement Watches
After covering how to choose a watch, here are five recommended brands to consider.
We’ve included general price ranges to help you find a watch that suits your style and budget.
Hermès
Hermès is a prestigious French luxury brand.
Among women’s watches, the iconic “H Watch”, featuring the brand’s signature H-shaped case, is especially popular.
Many designs incorporate gold or diamonds, making them excellent options for an engagement watch.
Price Range:
Non-jewelry models: ¥300,000–¥1,000,000
Gemstone models: ¥1,000,000–¥3,000,000
Rolex
Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch brand known for its elegant, timeless simplicity.
It offers many refined designs that suit both daily wear and special occasions.
Rolex does not officially offer matching pair sets, but you can create a pair by selecting similar models for both partners.
Price Range:
Standard models: ¥400,000–¥1,000,000
Gold models: ¥1,000,000+
Omega
Omega is another globally recognized Swiss brand.
It offers more feminine designs than Rolex and also has many unisex styles.
A major advantage is that the watches are relatively affordable while still offering excellent quality.
Price Range:
Approximately ¥100,000–¥800,000
Cartier
Cartier is a French jewelry brand known for its elegant, iconic designs.
Many of its watches feature silver or blue accents, and there are plenty of models suitable for both men and women.
Although Cartier has a luxurious image, some models fall within the ¥400,000–¥500,000 range, making them a worthy option for an engagement watch.
Bulgari
Bulgari is an Italian luxury jewelry brand.
Its watches often feature designs that work for both men and women, and Bulgari pair watches are increasingly popular among long-married couples.
Price Range:
Typically ¥300,000–¥800,000
Key Tips for Giving an Engagement Watch
When giving an engagement watch, it’s important to make sure your partner truly does not expect a ring.
Many women still imagine receiving a ring as the classic proposal gesture, so to avoid disappointment, be sure to understand their preferences beforehand.
If your proposal isn’t meant to be a surprise, discussing it in advance is also a good idea.
When presenting the watch, it’s thoughtful to explain why you chose a watch instead of a ring.
Key Points for a Successful Proposal
To make your proposal truly memorable, it’s helpful to prepare not only the engagement watch but also the setting and overall atmosphere.
Choose a special location, such as a hotel or restaurant you don’t usually visit, and think in advance about what you want to say when proposing.
Presenting the watch inside its box can make the moment feel more special.
Adding a bouquet of flowers can elevate the scene even further.
For helpful advice on selecting the perfect bouquet for your proposal, check out our detailed guide below:
Summary
Engagement watches are gaining popularity as a meaningful alternative to rings, offering a lifelong gift that can be worn every day.
If you want to give something that lasts forever, an engagement watch is an excellent choice.
If you’re unsure how to plan your proposal, consulting a professional can make the process smoother.
How to Propose draws on its experience supporting over 60,000 proposals to provide personalized planning, restaurant reservations, and more.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and get expert support for creating an unforgettable proposal.
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