According to tradition, when it comes to popping the question, it’s usually done by the man on one knee, with a glimmering engagement ring in hand to offer to the woman he dreams of marrying.

However, with the change in gender roles today and based on the 2021 Wedding Report by Lyst, untraditional practices are making its way to matrimony, with one of them being the woman doing the proposal using engagement watches.

Now, one can safely say that men may not exactly jump for joy when presented with a sparkling diamond ring from Cartier or Tiffany’s. Men usually prefer more practical gifts – something that they can wear, use, and admire everyday. And what better engagement gift to splurge on to commemorate the moment than with a fine watch?

Yes, it’s a thing. Whether it’s a timeless Rolex or a more contemporary number from Breitling, with luxury timepieces being some of the most beautiful things a man can get their hands on, here are some options for engagement watches for you to choose from to surprise your future spouse.

For the Classic man: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41

Made for the man who appreciates the classics, as well as timeless form and function, the aesthetics of the Oyster Perpetual 41 is firmly rooted in the pioneering origins of Rolex. Even with its rich heritage, this watch stands out in the contemporary world for its clean and minimal design.

The highlight of the watch is its silver dial, which features a beautiful sunray finish that produces the delicate light reflections found in the Oyster Perpetual collection. It’s achieved through masterful brushing techniques that create grooves running outwards from the centre of the dial, with light diffused along each engraving to create its characteristic subtle glow. W rolex.com

For the nostalgic adventurer: Breitling Super Chronomat

Perfect for outdoor weddings and the adventurous gentleman, Breitling takes inspiration from the original 1980s Chronomat made for the hotshots of aerobatic squadrons and gave the Super Chronomat the boldest look of the collection. It features several ceramic inserts: on the bezel, on the chronograph pushers, and on the crown – a first for the Chronomat collection. This all-purpose sports watch can be fitted with the iconic Rouleaux bracelet or a rubber Rouleaux-inspired strap.

While two out of the three Super Chronomat watches come in classic stainless steel styles, it’s the B01 44 model in rich brown dial-and-bezel combination that stands out, with a gorgeous 18K red hold case contrasting the silver chronograph counters. W breitling.com

For the punctual “One”: Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar

Being on time is an underrated trait that doesn’t even receive the appreciation the deserves, and it’s that much more important during special occasions – such as your wedding day. If your man is someone who’s never late for your dates, this Vacheron Constantin watch will keep track of the day, date, month, and even moon phases.

Housed in an 18K pink gold case and complemented with a lush, dark brown Mississippiensis alligator strap, this heir to the 1956 model boasts classically beautiful elements and a slim profile – making it a stylish timepiece that can even be worn on the big day. W vacheron-constantin.com

For the affectionate lover: Longines DolceVita

What could make the better symbol of the sweet life that you’ll spend together than this elegant timepiece from Longines? This sleek and contemporary design pays homage to 1920s model, as well as the Italian way of savouring the sweetest moments in life, housing that spirit in a rectangular stainless steel case.

A delightfully lightweight yet graceful model, the DolceVita features a silvered flinqué dial which plays with light to evoke gentle movement – while serving as the perfect backdrop for the rich blue steel hands and painted Roman numerals. W longines.com

For the sporty bloke: TAG Heuer Connected

The man who likes to take their sports to the extreme can look no further than the TAG Heuer Connected which takes everything you want and need from a high-performance watch, and integrate it into his active lifestyle. The watch’s high-definition screen ensures maximum visibility at all times to allow your man to monitor his performance, while its modular design allows the case to be paired with multiple straps – whether for style or sport.

The TAG Heuer Connected also allows him to analyse his speed, pace, heart rate, and distance via integrated sensors, which can be accessed via TAG Heuer’s dedicated application or via the screen of the watch. W tagheuer.com