| The history of Cuervo y Sobrinos watches begins in | | | | steel. In the true ethos of the original founders, |
| the heat, humidity and bustle of downtown Havana in | | | | traditional manufacturing methods were retained such |
| the late 1800's. Watchmaker Don Ramon Rio Cuervo | | | | as the remarkable extraction of the case from a |
| founded a niche jewellery and watch boutique in | | | | single block of either steel or gold, undergoing several |
| Avenida Quinta selling initially imported watches, | | | | steps in the hands of the Cuervo y Sobrinos |
| progressing under the direction of his nephews - | | | | craftsmen before being signed off and numbered and |
| hence the name "sobrinos" - to manufacturing | | | | fitted with its movement. |
| distinctively styled Cuban watchcases powered by | | | | The current portfolio of Cuervo y Sobrinos watches |
| movements sourced from La Chaux-de-Fonds | | | | termed "new period watches" has styles which |
| Switzerland. These original designs were quite unlike | | | | although taking strong inspiration from the original |
| anything produced in the heartland of watchmaking | | | | designs also have the contemporary features one |
| Europe and found favour with a succession of | | | | expects from the modern mechanical watch. With |
| famous clients as detailed in the original records of | | | | the release of the remarkable Esplendidos |
| the brand including Hemmingway, Churchill, Einstein | | | | Monopulsante single pusher chronograph which is |
| and Caruso. | | | | powered by the brands first in-house "manufacture" |
| Cuervo y Sobrinos remained in the hands of its | | | | movement, the CYS Caliber 2450, Cuervo y Sobrinos |
| founding family for three generations until the | | | | achieved a company milestone and heralded their |
| revolution in 1959 when the watchmaking trade, like | | | | intentions of being a serious watchmaker to the |
| many other luxury businesses in Cuba ceased | | | | industry. |
| production. Salvation came in the form of Luca | | | | The collection of uniquely styled watches available |
| Musumeci, an Italian antique watch specialist, who | | | | from Cuervo y Sobrinos are the Esplendido with its |
| purchased the brand name and its assets in 1997. | | | | timelessly elegant rectangle case, the stunning |
| Along with Mario Villa who was an experienced | | | | overlong rectangle Prominente and the round cased |
| distributor of luxury timepieces their intervention | | | | Torpedo and Robusto models. Each piece comes |
| ensured that the Cuervo y Sobrinos name would not | | | | presented in a unique exquisitely crafted wooden |
| be a forgotten treasure resigned to the history | | | | humidor in deference to its Cuban heritage. |
| books of iconic watch brands. | | | | The appeal of a Cuervo y Sobrinos watch is not only |
| Production began in 2001 in Switzerland and the | | | | in the colourful history of the brand, the use of |
| rebirth of the Cuervo y Sobrinos brand was | | | | construction materials such as copper, bronze and |
| complete. The new models released under the new | | | | hand made enamelled porcelain dials are truly |
| patron were well received by a small but dedicated | | | | reminiscent of the indefinable flavour of life and living |
| following of new clients appreciative of these | | | | which was Havana in its wonderful exotic heyday. |
| stunning and unusual pieces crafted in pink gold and | | | | |