Cuervo y Sobrinos Esplendidos Heritage

Cuervo y Sobrinos has reintroduced a significant piece of its history with the new Esplendidos Heritage collection. This line draws directly from the brand's most prosperous period, channeling the vibrant atmosphere of 1930s Havana, a city that served as the cosmopolitan heart of the Caribbean. The collection is not merely a historical nod but a direct revival of a design language that defined the company, blending its unique Cuban origins with the established rigors of Swiss mechanical watchmaking. The name "Esplendidos" itself is a reference to a specific format of premium cigar, anchoring the watch's identity in the leisurely and refined culture of Havana's famous cigar lounges.

The brand's story begins in 1882 on Havana's Calle de la Muralla, where it established itself as a premier jeweler and watch distributor. Cuervo Y Sobrinos became the sole purveyor of many prestigious Swiss watch brands in Cuba, eventually creating its own timepieces that combined Swiss movements with cases and dials designed in-house. This unique fusion created a distinct "Latin soul," a character that attracted a clientele of luminaries like Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, and Clark Gable. The Esplendidos Heritage collection is a direct descendant of this legacy, designed to capture the specific glamour and sophisticated spirit of that golden era.



At the core of the Esplendidos Heritage is its distinctive case. The form is a curved rectangle, a shape that was a hallmark of the Art Deco period and a signature for Cuervo y Sobrinos during the 1930s. Measuring 35 mm in width by 47 mm in length, the case possesses a substantial presence without being overwhelming. Its defining feature is the pronounced curvature that allows the case to follow the natural contour of the wrist. This ergonomic consideration ensures a comfortable fit and gives the watch a sleek, integrated profile when worn. The polished stainless steel surfaces are smooth and flowing, with lugs that extend directly from the case body, creating a unified and fluid silhouette.

The construction of the case is robust, with a height of 10 mm that gives it a solid feel. It features a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the front, which provides superior scratch resistance and ensures the dial remains legible under various lighting conditions. The case back is also fitted with a sapphire crystal, secured by screws, offering an unobstructed view of the mechanical movement inside. This see-through back is a modern touch that allows owners to appreciate the intricate mechanics at work, a feature highly valued by watch enthusiasts. The case is rated for a water resistance of 3 ATM, making it suitable for everyday wear and protecting it against accidental splashes.

The dial is where the watch’s character is most vividly expressed. It is a complex, multi-level construction that creates a sense of depth and intricate detail. The outer portion of the dial features a smooth lacquered finish, providing a clean canvas for the applied hour markers. This lacquered section is physically separated from the central part of the dial by a prominent, screwed-in ring. This applied metallic ring serves as a bold frame, drawing the eye inward and highlighting the different textures at play. It’s a deliberate design choice that adds a mechanical and architectural dimension to the dial's appearance.



The center of the dial is adorned with a classic Clou de Paris, or hobnail, guilloché pattern. This intricate texture consists of small, pyramidal shapes that catch and reflect light in a dynamic way, creating a visual contrast with the smooth lacquer of the outer dial. This traditional decorative technique demonstrates a commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. The applied indices are sharp and metallic, standing out clearly against their respective backgrounds for easy readability. Every element on the dial is carefully considered to contribute to a cohesive and richly detailed aesthetic.

The collection is available in two distinct variations. The first is a limited edition model, reference 2452.1HLE, restricted to just 82 pieces to commemorate the company’s founding year of 1882. This version features a warm, light cream-colored lacquered dial. The framing ring, hands, and applied indices are finished in rose gold, lending the watch a soft and vintage-inspired warmth. The combination of the cream dial, the silvery shimmer of the central Clou de Paris, and the rose gold accents creates a rich and inviting look.

The second version, reference 2452.1HB, is part of the regular production line and presents a more stark and modern interpretation. It features a deep black lacquered dial, which provides a dramatic backdrop for the contrasting silver-colored details. The framing ring, hands, and indices are all rendered in a bright, polished silver tone, creating a sharp and legible display. This black and silver combination gives the watch a powerful and assertive character while retaining the same underlying vintage design cues of the case and dial structure.



Both models feature a small seconds subdial located at the 6 o'clock position, a classic complication that adds to the watch's mechanical charm. This subdial is neatly integrated into the design, housed within the central Clou de Paris section. It is framed by its own subtle ring, or "bague," which subtly changes the texture and separates it from the main hour track. A discreet date window is also incorporated within this subdial, providing practical functionality without disrupting the overall symmetry of the dial. A key detail on both models is the small seconds hand, which is tipped in a vibrant red, adding a small but effective pop of color.

Reinforcing the brand's identity, several key elements are inscribed on the dial. Just below the 12 o'clock position, the Cuervo y Sobrinos emblem is prominently displayed, featuring red accents that connect visually with the red-tipped seconds hand. Below the emblem, the brand name and the founding year, "1882," are clearly printed. Near the 6 o'clock position, the word "Habana" is inscribed, serving as a constant reminder of the brand's unique geographical and cultural origins. These markings are not just branding; they are integral parts of the watch's story.

Powering the Esplendidos Heritage is the CYS 5120, which is based on the La Joux-Perret G120 automatic movement. This Swiss-made caliber is known for its reliability and robust performance. Choosing a premium movement from a respected manufacturer like La Joux-Perret underscores Cuervo y Sobrinos' commitment to blending its distinct design language with high-quality Swiss engineering. The movement provides the essential functions of hours, minutes, small seconds, and a date display.



From a technical standpoint, the La Joux-Perret G120 is a modern and capable engine. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), which is the modern standard for good accuracy. The movement is built with 29 jewels to reduce friction on critical components, enhancing its longevity and performance over time. One of its most notable features is its impressive power reserve of 68 hours, well above the typical 40-42 hours of many standard automatic movements. This extended power reserve means the watch can be taken off for a weekend and will still be running on Monday morning.

The view through the see-through case back reveals the thoughtful decoration of the movement. While the La Joux-Perret G120 is a workhorse, Cuervo y Sobrinos has ensured it is visually appealing. The most prominent feature is the customized, open-worked oscillating weight, or rotor. It features a decorative fan pattern and is adorned with the Cuervo y Sobrinos "CyS" emblem, finished in a 3N gold color. This custom rotor, which spins with the motion of the wearer's wrist to wind the mainspring, adds a significant touch of refinement and brand-specific character to the mechanics.

The finishing touches extend to the strap and clasp, which are carefully selected to complement each version of the watch. The limited edition cream dial model is paired with a hand-stitched Louisiana alligator strap that has a high-gloss gold-brown finish. This luxurious strap enhances the warm, vintage feel of the watch and matches the rose gold accents on the dial perfectly. It is a classic and sophisticated choice that completes the watch's upscale presentation.

For the black dial model, the brand has chosen a matte black Louisiana alligator strap, also hand-stitched. The matte finish gives the strap a more modern and understated texture, which pairs exceptionally well with the stark black and silver color scheme of the dial. This choice reinforces the watch's bold and contemporary-classic character, making it a versatile option that can easily transition from formal to more casual settings.



Both straps are secured with a custom-designed stainless steel clasp. Rather than a standard pin buckle, Cuervo y Sobrinos has opted for a deployant clasp that features an open-worked design. This intricate metalwork incorporates the CyS emblem directly into its structure, creating a cohesive design element that connects the strap to the watch case. This type of clasp is not only more secure but also adds a final touch of detailed craftsmanship to the wearing experience.

The Cuervo y Sobrinos Esplendidos Heritage is available through authorized dealers. The pricing reflects its position as a premium Swiss watch with a unique design story and a high-quality automatic movement. The regular production model with the black dial, reference 2452.1HB, is priced at $3,900. The limited edition model with the cream dial, reference 2452.1HLE, is priced at $4,100, a slight premium that accounts for its exclusivity and the use of rose gold-toned accents. This collection offers a compelling option for those seeking a watch with a distinct character and a rich history.

Case: Stainless steel, 35mm x 47mm, 10mm height. Curved rectangular shape. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Screwed see-through sapphire crystal case back. Water resistance of 3 ATM.

Movement: Automatic La Joux-Perret G120. 68-hour power reserve. 28,800 A/h frequency. 29 jewels. Functions include hours, minutes, small seconds, and date at 6 o’clock. Open-worked oscillating weight with CyS emblem.

Dial: Multi-level with a lacquered outer section and a central Clou de Paris pattern, separated by a screwed-in ring. Applied indices. Available in cream with rose gold details or black with silver details. Red-tipped small seconds hand.

Strap: Hand-stitched Louisiana alligator. Gold high-gloss for the cream dial, black matte for the black dial. Stainless steel open-worked deployant clasp with CyS emblem.

Price: $4,100 for the limited edition cream dial (Ref. 2452.1HLE); $3,900 for the black dial (Ref. 2452.1HB).

Notes: The cream dial model is a limited edition of 82 pieces in honor of the brand's 1882 founding. The case design revives an iconic shape from the 1930s.