Time Will Tell: New Breil Milano Watches with Bling

The watch-word on watches is more is more. The new men's Manta watches from the venerable Italian company Breil Milano have the heft of your grandfather's pocket watch, but the look is vintage with contemporary accents. "We are known for designing watches that have a strong, bold personality," says Breil's owner, Marcello Binda who oversees the watch and jewelry creative team. For a sporty look, the Manta 1970 diver ($995) has a stainless steel case, a "turntable" rim and specific easy-to-read dials that measure seconds, minutes, and hourly intervals. The final touches are the addition of color and a heavy black rubber bracelet that adjusts easily to fit your wrist. If you like the look of this new chronograph, but prefer a stainless steel band, consider the Manta Time ($695), also Swiss-made and Italian-styled, but slightly more formal looking.

Women who desire star-attraction watches should consider one of Breil Milano's best and newest creations, a conspicuously large watch with a rim of diamonds and aquamarine stones plus all the bells and whistles of the men's chronograph. Manta Lady ($3,100) also has a feminine, cloud-blue croc strap and mother-of-pearl dials. If you are thinking of upsizing from your Rolex or Patek, this is the watch that announces a strong ego and a personal, confident, audacious style.