The proposition of marriage must be the most traumatic yet magical moment of ones life. the tension in waiting for the answer is tantamount to agony, yet the overwhelming flood of warmth, passion, excitement…and relief! upon hearing the answer, is so intense one could explode!
Historically the tradition of the diamond ring was thought to have started in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring as a gift of engagement, thus beginning a tradition that has spanned centuries. It was the Greeks who created the tradition of placing the betrothal ring on the fourth finger of the left hand in belief that a certain vein in that finger, the Vena Amoris, (literally ‘vein of love’) runs directly to the heart.
In contemporary culture it is becoming increasingly customary for the male to opt for an engagement gift other than the traditional ring. The watch, whether it be of the wrist or pocket variety, is a stylish, timeless and practical gift.
So enjoy browsing a select few horlogerie exquise!
Mens Accurist Chronograph watch £58 at watches1st.co.uk
for the talented mr.ripley in you, worn by matt damon in said film. £198 from worldoffinewatches.com
Tissot Pocket Watch, £335, see watchshop.com
Raymond Weil Traditional, £775 see goldsmiths.co.uk
Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph Tachymetre, £2195, see ernestjones.co.uk
Omega De Ville Prestige, £3,600, see omegawatches.com
Patek Philippe, Men's Lepine Pocketwatch, approx £25,000 www.patek.com
so there we have it, a small guide to the world of watches, not even scratching the surface, but hopefully some indication of whats available. my ticker had a stall at the price of the last entry, but, from hundreds to thousands, theres a watch for you.
happy watch hunting