Cuervo y Sobrinos has introduced the Chronograph Heritage, a new collection that channels the brand's distinct Swiss-Cuban identity. The release features two models: a white-dial version produced in a limited run and a black-dial counterpart that will join the brand's ongoing collection. These timepieces are designed to reflect a specific period in the company’s history, drawing inspiration from the vibrant culture of mid-20th century Havana while incorporating modern Swiss mechanical engineering. The collection serves as a bridge between the company's historical roots and its contemporary watchmaking capabilities.
The identity of
Cuervo Y Sobrinos is deeply intertwined with the history of Havana, particularly the decades of the 1940s and 1950s. During this era, the city was a hub of cosmopolitan activity, known for its lively music scene, rich cultural life, and sophisticated atmosphere. It was in this environment that the brand originally flourished as a premier jeweler and watch retailer, developing a reputation that blended European quality with a distinctly Latin character. The Chronograph Heritage is a direct reference to this golden age, seeking to capture the spirit of that time. The design elements, from the case proportions to the dial accents, are intended to evoke the feeling of that period.
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The case of the Chronograph Heritage is constructed from stainless steel and measures a contemporary 41 mm in diameter, with a thickness of 15.25 mm. These dimensions provide a substantial presence on the wrist while remaining balanced for comfortable wear. The case architecture features prominent, sculpted lugs that curve downwards to follow the contour of the wrist, a design choice that adds a strong visual character. The surfaces of the case feature a mix of polished and brushed finishes, creating a dynamic interplay of light. Framing the dial is a double-curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, which not only protects the dial but also minimizes glare for improved legibility and adds a slight distortion at the edges, reminiscent of vintage acrylic crystals.
Functionality is a key aspect of the case design. On the right side, vintage-style pump pushers control the chronograph's start, stop, and reset functions. These pushers provide a tactile and satisfying click upon actuation, a characteristic feature of well-made chronographs. Positioned between them is a substantial, fluted crown, which is signed with the CyS brand emblem, ensuring a secure grip for winding and setting the time. The watch is equipped with a screw-down see-through case back, fitted with a sapphire crystal that offers a view of the intricate movement within. This feature allows the owner to appreciate the mechanical heart of the timepiece. The case is rated for water resistance up to 5 ATM, or 50 meters, making it suitable for daily wear and resistant to splashes.
The collection is offered in two distinct dial variations, each presenting a different personality. The first is a limited-edition model with a white lacquered dial, reference 3145.1HLE. This version presents a clean and refined aesthetic. The main dial surface is a crisp white, serving as a high-contrast background for the applied indices and hands, which are all plated in warm rose gold. This combination of white and rose gold gives the watch a classic, sophisticated appearance.
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The chronograph layout on the white dial is thoughtfully executed. It features a tricompax arrangement with subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. The counters at 3 o'clock (30-minute totalizer) and 6 o'clock (12-hour totalizer) are rendered in a contrasting silver finish, creating a bi-compax look within the three-register layout. The subdial at 9 o'clock displays the running small seconds and is integrated into the main white dial. A trapezoidal date window is neatly positioned within the 6 o'clock subdial, maintaining the overall symmetry. A tachymeter scale is printed along the outer flange of the dial, with the word "TAQUIMETRO" highlighted in red for a subtle touch of color.
The second model, reference 3145.1HB, features a deep black dial and is a permanent addition to the Cuervo y Sobrinos catalog. This version offers a more modern and versatile look while retaining the vintage-inspired design cues of the collection. The black background provides a dramatic canvas for the rose gold-plated applied indices and hands, which stand out with exceptional clarity. The warm metallic tone of the rose gold against the black dial creates a striking visual contrast that is both assertive and refined.
Similar to its white-dialed counterpart, the black version features silver contrasting subdials for the chronograph minute and hour counters at 3 and 6 o'clock, respectively. This "panda" style configuration is a classic chronograph design that enhances legibility by clearly separating the time-telling and chronograph functions. The running seconds subdial at 9 o'clock remains black, blending into the main dial. The date window is also located at 6 o'clock, and the dial is encircled by the same tachymeter scale. The red accents, including the tip of the central chronograph seconds hand, provide a sporty highlight against the dark backdrop.
The hands and indices on both models are carefully considered design elements. The hour markers are applied, faceted, and plated in rose gold, lending a sense of depth and quality to the dial. The hour and minute hands are leaf-shaped, also plated in rose gold, and filled with a luminescent material to ensure readability in low-light conditions. The hands for all three subdials and the central chronograph seconds hand are also finished in rose gold, creating a cohesive and harmonious look across the entire dial.
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Powering the Chronograph Heritage is the CYS 3145, which is based on the automatic La Joux-Perret L110 calibre. This is a high-grade Swiss movement known for its robust construction and reliable performance. Measuring 30 mm in diameter and 7.9 mm in height, it is a sophisticated engine that underscores the watch's commitment to quality watchmaking. The choice of this particular calibre reflects the brand's focus on providing timepieces with both historical character and modern mechanical integrity.
A key feature of the La Joux-Perret L110 is its column-wheel chronograph architecture. This mechanism is considered a more premium and complex solution compared to the more common cam-actuated systems. It provides a smoother and more precise feel when operating the chronograph pushers, with a crisp start, stop, and reset action. This detail is often sought after by watch enthusiasts as a sign of a higher-end chronograph movement.
The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), which allows the central chronograph seconds hand to move in smooth, 1/8th-of-a-second increments. It is equipped with 26 jewels to reduce friction on critical components, enhancing its longevity and accuracy. When fully wound, the calibre offers a substantial power reserve of 60 hours, a practical feature that means the watch can be set down for a weekend and will still be running on Monday morning.
The finishing of the movement is executed to a Premium (or Top) grade standard, which is visible through the sapphire case back. The bridges are adorned with traditional decorative patterns such as Côtes de Genève, and the screw heads are polished. The most prominent feature is the customized oscillating weight, or rotor, which is responsible for automatically winding the mainspring. It is decorated with an intricate fan motif and features an applied CyS emblem in a 3N gold color, adding a signature touch that is unique to the brand.
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The Chronograph Heritage is paired with a high-quality Louisiana alligator strap that complements the character of each model. The limited-edition white-dial version comes fitted with a high-gloss brown alligator strap, enhancing its dressier feel. The black-dial model is equipped with a matte black alligator strap, which contributes to its sleek, versatile look. Both straps are crafted to be durable and supple, ensuring comfort on the wrist from the first wear.
Securing the strap is a stainless steel folding buckle. This is not a standard pin buckle but a more elaborate deployant clasp that offers a more secure fit and reduces wear and tear on the strap over time. The buckle is thoughtfully designed with an open-worked section and is engraved with the Cuervo y Sobrinos emblem, demonstrating an attention to detail that extends to every component of the watch.
A significant part of the ownership experience with a Cuervo y Sobrinos watch is the presentation. Each Chronograph Heritage timepiece is delivered in a humidor-style wooden box. This unique packaging is a direct homage to the brand’s Cuban origins and the island's celebrated cigar tradition. It reinforces the narrative of the golden age of Havana and provides a distinctive and memorable unboxing experience, setting the brand apart from many of its Swiss contemporaries.
The brand's positioning in the watch industry is unique. Founded in Havana in 1882, Cuervo y Sobrinos is the only Swiss fine watchmaking company that can claim an authentic Latin heritage. This dual identity is at the core of every timepiece it produces. The watches are designed with a Latin flair and a rich backstory, but they are manufactured in Switzerland to the highest standards of horological craftsmanship. The Chronograph Heritage is a clear expression of this philosophy, merging Swiss precision with a Cuban soul.
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The white-dial Chronograph Heritage is a limited edition, with production capped at just 82 individually numbered pieces. This specific number is a tribute to the company’s founding year, 1882, making it a particularly meaningful model for collectors of the brand. Its scarcity is expected to make it a coveted piece. The black-dial version, in contrast, joins the permanent collection, ensuring that the design will be accessible to a wider audience of watch enthusiasts for years to come.
The Cuervo y Sobrinos Chronograph Heritage collection is available for purchase through authorized dealers. The pricing reflects the quality of the movement and the overall execution of the timepieces. The black-dial model (Ref. 3145.1HB) is priced at $6,700. The white-dial Limited Edition model (Ref. 3145.1HLE), with its added exclusivity, is priced slightly higher at $6,900. These prices position the watches in a competitive segment of the luxury chronograph market, offering a unique story and aesthetic that is distinct from its peers.
Case: Stainless steel, 41 mm diameter, 15.25 mm height. Double curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. See-through sapphire case back. Water resistant to 5 ATM.
Movement: La Joux-Perret L110 automatic calibre. Column-wheel chronograph. 60-hour power reserve, 28,800 A/h frequency, 26 jewels. Custom rotor with fan decoration and CyS emblem.
Dial: White lacquered or black dial with silver contrast counters at 3h and 6h. Rose gold applied indices and hands. Date display at 6h.
Strap: High-gloss brown Louisiana alligator (white dial) or matte black Louisiana alligator (black dial). Stainless steel folding buckle.
Price: $6,900 (White Dial LE), $6,700 (Black Dial)
Reference Number: 3145.1HLE (White Dial), 3145.1HB (Black Dial)
Notes: The white dial version is a Limited Edition of 82 individually numbered pieces. Both watches are delivered in a humidor-style wooden box.