Easy...a new or slightly used American Standard Strat. I may be biased but a) it's a fender b) fender's quality has been pretty darn good lately c) it's a classic look and style and isn't out of place in any band....check Nirvana, Eric Clapton and Iron Maiden. d) you will always easily be able to sell it on if you want something else because someone is always looking for a good 2nd hand Strat!
Get a Fat Strat with a humbucker in the bridge...then you got everything covered tone-wise, from metal to blues to rock.
If you're looking for advice as to what to get, and you have that budget, try it phrase it so. Otherwise all you'll get is replies with what people want for themselves, not what they think is suitable for you.
But if what you really want to find out is what others would buy if they had a hypothetical $1200, then ignore this post.