New Breil Mediterraneo Watch Adds Dash Of Deck Wood Style, Really

Breil Milano is one of the few "fashion watch" brands that I take a keen interest in. The Italian watch designer has been slowly creeping their way upmarket with some really appealing designs. The newest model to watch my attention is the Mediterraneo watch with the inset strips of wood. Note that not all Mediterraneo watches have the wood insets. The purpose of this is to recall the style of yachts and boats, in the Mediterranean that is. I have to say the nautical suggestion is well done. This watch evokes a boating feel, not simply a diving feel. And that really makes it different. Most other boating watches are too much like diving watches to me, and while diving watches are a passion I have, I'd like more variety.

With the Mediterraneo, Breil has succeeded in creating a nice looking, but unimposing watch that suggests luxury. As I mentioned before, this is not a diving watch, but the dial does suggest that fact to a degree. The hands and number indicators are similar to what one would find on a diving watch, and the hash marks are those used on rotating diver's bezels. Here the hash marks don't move, so they are purely for show. I don't necessarily like that fact, but one can live with it. It is a bit like having non-functioning air vents on a car's hood or along the wheel wells.

The horizontally striped rubber strap also adds to the boating theme and helps add substance to the strap with the texture. The Breil Mediterraneo is a sporty watch, but as I said, has a significant air of Italian style to it. The vertical wooden stripes flank the round face with the thick bezel looking like a porthole. Also kudos to the dark colored seconds hand that is obviously there, but does not distract from the overall nice looks of the watch. Certainly a nice watch with lots of "deck" appeal. Retail is $650, but expect a street price of about $400.

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