BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
The understated Cuban watch manufacturer Cuervo y Sobrinos is probably most notable for having design influences from their Latin heritage. The drive to portray elements of the rich Latin heritage in their watches is evident in their timepieces, as well as the choice of brand ambassadors. The brand has recently introduced a new limited edition model from the Buceador collection in collaboration with world record-holding Cuban freediver Pipin Ferreras.
The unique octagonal cushion-shaped case is another recognizable element of the brand. The Buceador Caribe line features an innovative design combining a circular, polished, beveled bezel with a central case with an octagonal contour and lugs that are masterfully incorporated into this form. Some of the characteristics of the case at a glance are a 43mm x 15.8mm size profile in stainless steel and a dual crown configuration where the crown at 9 o’clock tends to the watch’s movement whereas the one at 2 o’clock is used to manipulate the internal rotating bezel. The secondary crown’s locking mechanism is actuated by the rectangular pusher at the fourth hour, which also prevents the timing bezel from being mistakenly moved while diving. A sapphire crystal protects the dial from the front which has an anti-reflective coating, while the closed caseback helps maintain a 200 meters water-resistance.
The brilliant, eye-catching green dial gets slightly darker as we approach the outer periphery. Other dial features include large printed Arabic numerals, tapered batons for its hour markers, a trio of extra-wide hands in the center, where the minute hand in its entirety and the tip of the second hand are given a bright orange outline and all of them are treated with Super-LumiNova.
Powering the watch is 28 jewel CYS 5104 automatic movement (Swiss Peseux 224 base), a self-winding caliber beating at 28,800vph (4 Hz) and offering 38 hours of power reserve. The oscillating weight is decorated with Geneva stripes and a transferred Cuervo y Sobrinos logo.
Cuervo y Sobrinos Buceador Caribe “Pipin” Edition is limited to 100 examples and comes on two strap options, green leather and matte orange rubber with a green lining, both with stainless steel pin buckles signed with the Cuervo y Sobrinos logo. It has an MSRP of $3,750 USD.
