When we think about Cuba, what typically comes to mind are images of vintage cars, cigars and Cuban rum.
But there is so much more to this country than that.
Cuba is a place with a rich history and culture, and its people are some of the most welcoming and friendly you will ever meet.
While we could go on and on about all the reasons why Cuba is such a unique place to visit or live in, one thing it’s not really known for are watches.
Is this because of the poor standard of watchmaking or just the simple fact that there are no Cuban watch brands available?
Let’s find out.
Are There Any Cuban Watch Brands?
The answer to this question is both yes and no.
How?
Well, you might have heard about the communist revolution that took place on the island in 1959. One of the first actions that Fidel Castro, the leader of the revolution, took was to nationalize all businesses on the island. Naturally, Cuban watch companies and individual watchmakers weren’t spared.
All watchmaking businesses became state-owned, which meant that there were now no private Cuban watch brands. Hence, Cuban-made watches are pretty hard to find to this day.
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Prior to the industry-killing revolution, one Cuban brand that was making outstanding progress was Cuervo y Sobrinos. Like others, it disappeared from the map.
However, the watchmaker was revived in 2002.
Cuervo y Sobrinos – the Great Revival
As you can probably guess, however, it was impossible for the brand to continue making watches in Cuba.
It now operates out of Switzerland but still takes inspiration from Cuban culture for its collections – hence, we could safely refer to CyS as a Cuban brand.
One that is pretty excellent, too.
Because of their 20-year-old Swiss connection, the brand’s watches combine the exotic Latin style with the excellent craftsmanship characteristic of the Swiss watch industry.
All watches come with a Swiss-made label, meaning they are subject to the same quality control that any other Swiss watch is.
The build quality is excellent, and the movements are top-notch as well, often offering accuracy and reliability that are on par with some of the most trusted Swiss watch companies, such as Rado or Tissot.
Nowadays, it is based in Geneva but is still managed by the original family. The revived brand has managed to perfectly recreate the vintage appeal of its forefathers while still feeling fresh and relevant.
Their collections are heavily inspired by Cuban culture and the golden era of the 1950s.
All of their watches have a distinct vintage look that is reminiscent of classic cars and cigars – two symbols of Cuban culture.
Even though the watches are Swiss-made, they are still very much Cuban in spirit.
One of the most interesting aspects of the brand is that they don’t just make watches – they also restore vintage watches.
This is a service that not many brands offer, and it’s something that really sets Cuervo y Sobrinos apart.
If you’re ever in the market for a vintage Cuban watch, Cuervo y Sobrinos should definitely be your go-to brand.
At the same time, bear in mind that the uniqueness of the brand comes at a price. Their watches can be considered high-end, therefore you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to as much as $20,000 for some of their more exclusive models.
More About Cuervo y Sobrinos
If what you’ve read about the Cuban-Swiss brand so far has piqued your interest, then you’ll be glad to know that there’s a lot more to discover about Cuervo y Sobrinos.
Below find answers to some common questions about the brand.
When was Cuervo y Sobrinos founded?
The original Cuervo y Sobrinos was founded in 1882 by Ramón Fernández Cuervo and his “nephews” – Don Baldomero, Don Teodomiro, Don Jose Maria, Don Armando, Don Placido and Don Lisardo. It was located on Calle del Teniente Rey 13 in the city of Havana.
The brand enjoyed great success until the Cuban Revolution in 1959, after which it disappeared. It was revived in 2002 by Marzio Villa, the great-grandson of one of the original founders.
Where are Cuervo y Sobrinos watches made?
All Cuervo y Sobrinos watches are made in Switzerland. The brand has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
How much do Cuervo y Sobrinos watches cost?
The price of a Cuervo y Sobrinos watch depends on the model and the collection it belongs to. Prices start at around $1,000 and can go up to as much as $20,000 for some of the more exclusive models.
What is the warranty policy for Cuervo y Sobrinos watches?
Cuervo y Sobrinos offers a two-year warranty on all of its watches.
Is Cuervo y Sobrinos a luxury brand?
Yes, Cuervo y Sobrinos is considered a luxury brand. This is due to the high quality of their watches as well as the fact that they are Swiss-made. Also, the relatively high prices suggest the luxury status is absolutely deserved.
Where can I find Cuervo y Sobrinos watches for sale?
The watches are available on the brand’s official website which offers international shipping. Additionally, there are quite a few Cuervo y Sabrino’s authorized dealers, such as Chrono24.
Final Thoughts
Even though Cuba might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about watches, it actually has a pretty interesting watchmaking history.
The Cuban Revolution of 1959 dealt a devastating blow to the country’s watch industry, but Cuervo y Sobrinos managed to persevere and even make a comeback.
Nowadays, it is once again considered one of the premier watch brands in the world – one that offers an extremely unique style.
If you’re ever in the market for a vintage Cuban watch or just a high-quality timepiece with a unique story, Cuervo y Sobrinos should definitely be at the top of your list.