Vestal Watches

There should be a watch for each of a man's many moods, but most companies offer either a smallish collection, or hundreds of gimmicky models distinguished only by exposed gears, fluorescent bits, or flagrant product placement in Parker Lewis Can't Lose. For a carnival of chronography, try Vestal.Based in Costa Mesa, CA, Vestal peddles surprisingly affordable, obsessively designed models inspired by everything from Winthorp-ish classics to campy-but-awesome models that would've seemed futuristic during Battlestar Galactica's maiden voyage. The line's singularity's amplified by the use of exotic materials, like steel mesh and actual wood, from a tree. Some of the sweeter options:The Metal Monte Carlo: Classy, sleek, and silver, Vestal's signature model offers readouts in both analog and digital, the perfect watch for the man who claims he's happy with his VCR but deep down covets a Laserdisc.The Saint: A wide leather band'll shackle this appealingly chunky, 50s-TV-looking beauty to your wrist; staring at the wood inlay should prove slightly more entertaining than actual 50s television programming.The Night Ranger: This square, stainless steel chronograph (choose black or silver) attaches itself to you with a parachute-harness-esque, rugged canvas band. As a bonus, it provides the perfect excuse to sing "Sister Christian" in public. More than you do already.Vestal's creation machine does sometimes veer towards the dangerously kitschy, i.e., the "Grenade", a scaled-down hand-bomb you can flip open to peep the time -- harkening back to the day when your many moods swung between "Happy Meal" and "Spiderman."