BY ERIK SLAVEN
Founded in 1882, Cuervo y Sobrinos stands out as the only major watchmaker with Latin roots. The brand started in Cuba on Havana’s San Rafael Avenue and by the mid-20th century, became a magnet for the rich and famous. Clark Gable and Albert Einstein were among those who visited the Havana boutique, along with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill. Churchill was a cigar connoisseur and favored Cuban brands, and Robusto describes a short and “robust” cigar. It’s the perfect reference for a Winston Churchill inspired watch, particularly one with Cuban ties.
The Robusto Churchill ‘Sir Winston” comes on the heels of the successful Robusto Churchill ‘Yalta Edition’ and should prove to be another hit. Everything about this piece is unique, starting with the three-part modular case that’s stainless steel with titanium sides. Dimensions are 43mm in diameter and 12.45mm in height, which is a fairly bold yet contemporary size and I’m sure a man like Churchill would’ve approved. There are sapphire crystals on both sides, providing an always appreciated exhibition window on the case back. Cuervo y Sobrinos is known to include print on its transparent backs and a Churchill quote is included here, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” A standout feature is the flat crown at 3 o’clock, which is neatly folded inward and flips out via an integrated hinge to wind the movement and set the time/date. Water-resistance is rated at 100 meters.
The petrol blue dial basically steals the show with an eye-catching “Clou de Paris” guilloché pattern. The brand is revered for intricate dials (such as the Historiador Flameante) and this piece is no exception. Large, silver applied Arabic numerals appear every two hours, flanked by faceted indices and the brand’s logo is applied at 12 o’clock. The sword-style hour and minute hands are steel with narrow Super-LumiNova inserts, and the seconds hand sports a red tip. A day/date complication sits at 6 o’clock in a cool inverted T aperture with the date over the day of the week. Every detail of this watch has been well thought out.
A Swiss automatic keeps the lights on, based on the STP 4-13 from Swiss Technology Production. This CYS 5105 caliber has 26 jewels and beats at 4Hz (28,800vph) with a power reserve of 44 hours. Seen from the exhibition case back, decorations include perlage, blued screws and a custom rotor with the CyS logo.
There are two strap options, starting with a matching steel and titanium bracelet that’s edgy and really complements the piece. A blue cayman strap is also included in the wooden humidor watch box – it is based on Churchill’s love of cigars after all. Limited to just 100 pieces, the watch will certainly delight both collectors and discriminating watch enthusiasts, and it’s well priced at CHF 4,390 or USD 4,750.
Visit Cuervo Y Sobrinos here.
