AMERICA: Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil is suing actress Charlize Theron for breach of contract after spotting her wearing a rival brand.

In US court papers, Weil said Theron signed an endorsement deal saying that from October 2005 to December 2006 she would wear only Weil's watches.

That deal allowed Weil to use Theron's photos in its adverts in exchange for "substantial funds".

But the 31-year-old actress was photographed wearing a Christian Dior watch in March 2006 at a film festival in Texas.

The lawsuit does not say how much Weil is seeking in damages.