Watchlords

Cuervo y Sobrinos was founded in 1882. Initially, the company was a prestigious retailer of jewellery and watches, located at Calle del Teniente Rey 13, in the Cuban capital of Havana. Shortly after World War I, the esteemed retailer was distributing and selling some of the most prestigious watch brands of the time. In some instances, these illustrious watch brands engraved the Cuervo y Sobrinos name on the dials of their timepieces.

In 1928, Cuervo y Sobrinos opened its own watch factory in the famous Swiss watchmaking city of La Chaux de Fonds. Today, the brand’s watches are still made in Switzerland, albeit now they are crafted in the small village of Capolago, overlooking Lake Lugano.

Over the years, the ownership of Cuervo y Sobrinos has changed and the political climate of Cuba has altered. However, the firm still has a boutique in Havana and it continues to produce watches inspired by Cuba’s vibrant culture.

Most of the firm’s models possess a ‘retro’ mien, referencing the past when Cuba attracted numerous American tourists, eager to escape prohibition. Likewise, stars of the silver screen and gangsters would also flock to Havana, attracted by the island’s liberal gambling laws.

Recently, I was granted the opportunity to wear the new Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron over an extended period. Unusually, this watch is equipped with a restored vintage Landeron 248 movement. The watchmaking know-how is Swiss but the Cuban passion is clear to see.

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