Tom Austin’s historic Cuban company, Cuervo y Sobrinos, has unveiled the heritage of Esplendidos, the latest collection, which celebrates Havana’s vibrant heritage, named after the iconic Cuban cigars. Returning to 1930s design, this new model, featuring an unmistakable curved rectangular case shape, combines the charm of vintage with the unique features of the brand. This collection comes in two unique variations. One regular production model with one regular production model and a version with a light cream dial and rose gold accents is limited to just 82 pieces.
One thing you don’t often notice about classic and historical watch designs is that it is usually possible to recognize at a glance where a brand comes from based on some unique characteristics and features. For example, Japanese watches tend to stand out in certain techniques and finishes. Classic British watches can have this air of robustness about them, as they have their own built-in hard upper lips. If you had to imagine what a watch with Cuban roots would look like, it’s very likely that it would look exactly like what Cuervo y Sobrinos has to offer. The brand has a rich Cuban history dating back to 1882, and today it produces unique watches that ooze out with character and style, combining the luxurious Swiss watches with the exciting and vibrant atmosphere of old Havana.
To celebrate the long-standing Cuban heritage of smoky cigar lounges and a vibrant Latin word forth, Cuervo y Sobrinos rethinks the rectangular clock design of the 1930s and introduces a new collection called the Esplendidos Heritage.
Consisting of two luxurious dial variations, Espléndidos Heritage is a unique take on classic style rectangular watches that not only display the brand’s Swiss watchmaking capabilities, but also include elegantly completed details that embody Cuban roots. Modern rectangular clocks tend to be on a smaller, more elegant side, but this is not necessarily the case, as the Cuervo Y Sobrinos demonstrates with Espléndidos. The four-sided case, made of stainless steel, is also used in the brand Vitola models, with a slightly longer percentage of the case, with the longest side of 47mm. Would you call it the machismo of the water?
However, it is balanced at a width of 35mm and the sides are soft and curved inward, giving it a more presence and a slightly larger footprint on the wrist. This is further accentuated by a more curved front and finished with curved reflectively coated sapphire crystal, almost filling the entire front area. The crystal, along with the screwed case, is not the kind of piece you want to swim anyway, so it provides a fair 30m water resistance to the watch. Finally, the surfaces of all cases are finely polished to the finish of the mirror, bringing a classy, traditional foundation for the remaining watches to accumulate.
The Espléndidos comes in two dial variations, the first being a deep black lacquer-shaped version, and the second being a more limited light cream model. These colors are set on the background of the dial, with the middle section separated by a black version of a silver screw-in ring, and the cream dial has rose gold. The center is divided by two overlapping dials. This is the primary dial that contains hours and minutes, with a small second track, a second hand with a red tip, and a small dial that includes a large black date window. These inner dials are finely textured, with silvery, radially brushed areas and a central Crows de Paris style finish. Dark Arabian time markers are very readable against Dauphin’s hands, which are rose gold in the lighter version and are highly refined silver in black dial variations.
At the top of the dial is Cuervo y Sobrinos text and features a red accented logo to finish things off. It is a classic look dial, very balanced and symmetrical. It makes good use of the space, and even with its circular inner dial, it combines with the historic watch of Cuervo Y Sobrinos of the 1930s, giving the watch the subtle look of a watch like Prince Celini of the early 2000s. The light dial variation is limited to 82 units as a tribute to the brand’s founding year in 1882 (and notes for those new to the brand: it was founded in Havana in 1882, but later revived in Switzerland).
Speaking of that Swiss connection, the watch is turned over and the oval display caseback reveals the Swiss-made La-Joux-Perret G120 automatic movement. It is a well-made caliber well known for its reliability and performance, giving Esplendide some Swiss admiration under the hood. It has been subtly refinished for use with this new watch by adding a bespoke weight that offers a healthy 68-hour power reserve during beating at 28,800 VPH and adding a bespoke weight featuring the 3N gold applied cuervo Y sobrino coat of arms.
This movement has been used by several respected microbrands and has a strong reputation, but given the watch’s attractive and classic styling, it must be said that the movement is somewhat industrial. I can’t help but look quite visible, mechanically scratch movements were more attractive and I think it helped me reduce the overall thickness by 1-2 times.
Finally, both watches are finished with hand-sewn Louisiana crocodile leather straps. The first is a high gloss rich brown version for the cream dial watch and a matte black for the black dial secured with an open work stainless steel clasp with an engraved CYS emblem. It also features a quick release spring bar. The straps finish off the traditional look and follow the brand’s rich and luxurious look.
Prices and availability of Cuervo y Sobrinos Espléndidos Heritage
Cuervo y Sobrinos Espléndidos Heritage is available on the Cuervo Y Sobrinos website and directly from certified retailers around the world. Cream dial versions are limited to 82. Price: CHF 3,300 (black dial), CHF 3,500 (cream dial)
Brand Cuervo Y Sobrinos Model Espléndidos Heritage Reference 2452.1le – Cream Dial
2452.1HB – Black Dial Case Dimensions 35mm(W) x 47mm(L) x 10mm(T) Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance 30m Crystal Crystal Crystal Black or Light Cream Lacquer Cruce Style Finish Strap Louisiana Alligator Leather Dating Dynamic Leather, Pinyauz Paulette Movement, Automatic G120, Pinpaulet Available Currently Available, Cream Dial Model Limited to 82 Pieces Price 3,300 (Black Dial)
CHF 3,500 (cream dial)
