Watches Cuervo y Sobrinos Havana

Cuervo y Sobrinos celebrates
its 140th anniversary

Founded in 1882, Cuervo y Sobrinos is a wonderful story of ambition and success. This year, the brand celebrates its 140th anniversary. Based in Switzerland, it is the only luxury watch brand in the World dedicated to the celebration of Latin culture and the love of life – a legacy it is duly proud of.

Born in Cuba, made in Switzerland and rich in Latin style
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In 1862, Don Ramón Fernández Cuervo, having migrated from northern Spain (Asturias), established his first jewellery store in Havana, on Calle de la Amistad.

 

At that time, Havana was internationally recognised for its many qualities, particularly its diverse culture. Cuba’s inhabitants were known for their love of life. Meanwhile, the vibrant culture was set against an elegant backdrop of colonial architecture, mansions, grand avenues and manicured gardens. Havana’s splendour led to it being named the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean’.

 

Later, in 1882, Don Ramón Fernández Cuervo, along with his nephews (sobrinos), established a new company, the aptly named firm ‘Cuervo y Sobrinos’. The nephews: Baldomero, Teodomiro, Jose Maria, Armando, Placido and Lisardo played an active role in the business, contributing to its extraordinary success.

The inaugural boutique, ‘La Casa’ opened on the prestigious retail enclave of Calle San Rafael, a location sharing comparable status to Fifth Avenue in New York. At the time, Havana was a byword for sophistication and glamour. Indeed, during this era, its very name would elicit thoughts of hedonism, luxury, Havana cigars, smoked filled casinos and elegance. The family’s talents were not limited to goldsmithery, the nephews also shared a prowess for business and demonstrated a capacity to plan for the medium and long term.

 

The extraordinary cachet of the Cuervo y Sobrinos name led to several watch brands applying the retailer’s name to their products. Such companies included Longines, Patek Philippe and Rolex. Ultimately, the company began making its own Swiss made watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds and became the ‘must-have’ timepieces of the day. During the 20th century, the Cuervo y Sobrinos boutique attracted the great and the good, including Caruso, Churchill, Einstein, Gable, Piaf, Hemingway and Stravinsky.

International recognition

Cuervo y Sobrinos prospered and ‘La Casa’ soon became as the most prestigious jewellery and watch retailer, not only in Havana, but throughout Central and South America. Indeed, its reputation did not respect borders, spreading throughout Europe and North America. In order to satisfy growing demand while upholding the firm’s reputation for consistent quality, Cuervo y Sobrinos opened three sites in Europe.

 

-        Pforzheim, Germany: The facility was responsible for selecting precious stones.

-        Rue Melzy, Paris: This site, was responsible for cutting and polishing precious stones

-        La Chaux-de-Fonds: This workshop made the company’s own brand of watches.

 

Cuervo y Sobrinos enjoyed its greatest commercial success during the 1950s when its sales reached unprecedented levels. However, with the changing political situation, some of the Cuervo family left Cuba and the brand lay dormant for a number of years. Ultimately, in the early 2000s, the brand was acquired by European buyers.

The renaissance

Shortly after the brand was acquired in the early 2000s, the historic name of Cuervo y Sobrinos was revived. Immediately, collectors and watch aficionados showed interest in the Swiss made brand, a name synonymous with Latin passion. Indeed, the reinvigorated brand attracted many favourable headlines. An old friend was back.

 

Today, Cuervo y Sobrinos creates vintage-inspired Swiss luxury watches. Each model references Cuba’s past and celebrates the company’s heritage, but is distilled for a modern-day audience. A Cuervo y Sobrinos watch always evokes thoughts of a Latin lifestyle. The company’s timepieces are products of passion.

 

Moving forward, Cuervo y Sobrinos wishes to be recognised as a Latin luxury watch brand, known throughout the world.

Swiss manufacture, Latin heritage

Cuervo y Sobrinos produces its timepieces in Switzerland. Its headquarters in Capolago overlook Lake Lugano. Here, the highly skilled designers and watchmakers take inspiration from a variety of sources, including former models. Some designs are influenced by art deco, a movement in decorative arts and architecture that was popular in the 1920s and 30s. Ultimately, the brand’s considered approach to design has led to the release of watches endowed with refined details and understated elegance.

 

Furthermore, the company’s workshop plays host to an array of experts. These individuals, all work under the same roof and assume responsibility for a variety of tasks from design to final assembly. Cuervo y Sobrinos employs a combination of modern and traditional techniques in order to create fine timepieces. 

 

The company’s timepieces are subjected to a raft of tests, ensuring they meet the brand’s stringent quality controls. This process of scrutiny starts with the receipt of raw materials and components and concludes when the watches are boxed and ready for dispatch.

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