Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Gran Reserva

Cuervo y Sobrinos has unveiled a new chapter in its narrative with the introduction of the Historiador Gran Reserva collection. This series of timepieces represents a potent fusion of the brand's dual identity, weaving together the meticulous standards of Swiss horology with the distinctive, warm character of its Havana origins. The collection is a direct and colorful expression of a heritage that sets the brand apart, offering a mechanical watch that is as rich in story as it is in technical execution. The name itself, "Gran Reserva," evokes notions of carefully aged quality, a concept skillfully translated into a modern wristwatch.



The "Historiador" name is not a recent marketing invention; it is deeply rooted in the brand’s modern history and its foundational philosophy. A historian’s purpose is to delve into the past, to analyze the elements that defined an era, and, in doing so, to sometimes unearth a beauty or a truth that had been forgotten. This mission is mirrored in the ethos of Cuervo y Sobrinos, which has consistently looked to its own late 19th and early 20th-century golden age for design cues and inspiration, breathing new life into historical forms with contemporary watchmaking techniques.



This connection to history was solidified in 2009 with the reopening of the original Cuervo Y Sobrinos boutique in Havana. The ambitious restoration project was championed and made possible through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler, who held the official title of Historian of the city of Havana. Dr. Leal was a pivotal figure in the preservation of Cuba’s cultural and architectural legacy, spearheading numerous projects to restore the city’s historic buildings to their former magnificence. As a tribute to his profound impact on the revival of Havana, Cuervo y Sobrinos named its most classical collection "Historiador," forever linking the watches to the spirit of preservation and renaissance.



The new Historiador Gran Reserva collection carries this dedication forward, presenting a quartet of watches that are both a nod to the past and a confident step into the present. These timepieces are not mere reproductions of vintage models but are instead contemporary interpretations of a distinctly Latin aesthetic. They capture the spirit of a bygone era—the vibrancy, the passion, and the unique cultural blend of Havana—while being powered by a thoroughly modern and capable Swiss mechanical movement, creating a compelling package for the discerning enthusiast.



At first glance, the watch establishes a powerful visual identity. The polished stainless steel case presents a classic, round silhouette, but it is the signature elongated, downward-curving lugs that immediately distinguish it as a member of the Historiador family. This design element is a direct link to the brand's mid-century models, creating a unique profile on the wrist that is both comfortable and architecturally interesting. The case is a study in graceful curves, flowing seamlessly from the bezel to the lugs, giving the watch a fluid and organic presence.



The true centerpiece of the Historiador Gran Reserva is its captivating dial. The surface is decorated with a fine sunray guilloché pattern, a traditional engraving technique that creates radiating lines emanating from the center. This intricate base provides a canvas for a rich, colored lacquer that is applied with a smoked or fumé effect. This technique results in a beautiful gradient, with the color at its most saturated and brilliant in the center, gradually darkening to a near-black at the periphery. This creates an extraordinary sense of visual depth, drawing the wearer's eye toward the heart of the watch.



This dynamic dial is offered in four distinct and evocative colorways. The first, a vibrant red (Ref. 3101.1GRR), is perhaps the most audacious of the collection. The smoked red hue is deep and passionate, reminiscent of the fiery spirit and energy that defines Cuban culture. It is a color of confidence and celebration, making for a watch that is expressive and bold, refusing to go unnoticed on the wrist. It captures a sense of drama and flair that is central to the brand's Latin soul.



For a more serene and classic presentation, the collection includes a blue variant (Ref. 3101.1GRB). The deep, smoked blue dial mirrors the calm and depth of the Caribbean Sea. It is a color of sophistication and composure, offering a versatile yet compelling option that pairs well with a wide range of attire. The sunray pattern beneath the blue lacquer catches the light beautifully, shifting from a bright royal blue at its center to a dark navy at its edges, reflecting a quiet confidence.



The green model (Ref. 3101.1GRG) taps into the lush, tropical environment of Cuba. The rich, verdant hue is fresh and lively, bringing a touch of natural vibrancy to the collection. Green has become an immensely popular color in modern watchmaking, and this version offers a unique take with its smoked finish. It feels both contemporary and deeply connected to the tropical allure of Havana, suggesting verdant landscapes and warm, humid air.



Finally, the anthracite version (Ref. 3101.1GRA) provides the most understated and monochromatic choice in the lineup. The smoky grey dial is subtle and powerful, its character defined more by texture and light than by bold color. This model highlights the purity of the watch's design—the form of the case, the intricacy of the guilloché, and the sharpness of the hands and markers. It is a choice that speaks with quiet authority and technical elegance.



Beyond the color, the dial is furnished with carefully considered details that reinforce the brand's heritage. The hour markers are applied, faceted batons that catch the light and add a three-dimensional quality. At the 12 o’clock position sits an applied CyS emblem, the brand’s coat of arms, which features a subtle but significant red accent. This small touch of color creates a visual link to another key detail on the dial.



That corresponding detail is the central seconds hand. While the hour and minute hands are executed in a classic, faceted losangé or diamond shape, the slender central seconds hand sweeps smoothly around the dial, distinguished by a bright red tip. This element not only adds a sporty, functional feel but also harmonizes perfectly with the red detail in the CyS emblem above it, demonstrating a cohesive and thoughtful design language where small details create a unified whole.



Further grounding the watch in its identity are the inscriptions on the dial. Below the 12 o’'clock marker, the historical "Cuervo y Sobrinos" logo is printed in clean, capital letters, a style that recalls the brand's earlier signage. Just above the 6 o'clock position, the word "Habana" is proudly displayed, an unambiguous declaration of the brand's origins and its enduring spiritual home.



At the 6 o’clock position, a neatly framed date window is integrated into the design. The date is displayed with white numerals on a black disc, a practical choice that offers excellent legibility and blends seamlessly with the dark outer edge of the smoked dials across all four color variants. This placement maintains the vertical symmetry of the dial, balancing the logo and emblem at the top.



The case itself is crafted from stainless steel and measures a contemporary 40mm in diameter, a versatile size that offers substantial presence without being overwhelming on most wrists. With a height of 10.85mm, the watch is relatively slim for an automatic piece, allowing it to be worn comfortably and slide easily beneath a shirt cuff. The case surfaces are polished to a high sheen, accentuating their elegant curves and creating a brilliant play of light.



Protecting the intricate dial is a double-curved sapphire crystal. This shape is more complex to produce than a simple flat crystal and serves to reduce visual distortion when viewing the dial from an angle. Furthermore, it is treated with an anti-reflective coating, which minimizes glare and ensures a crystal-clear view of the dial’s details under various lighting conditions. The watch is also rated for water resistance to 5 ATM, providing protection from everyday splashes and brief submersion.



Turning the watch over reveals a screwed see-through case back, fitted with its own sapphire crystal. This exhibition window offers an unobstructed view of the mechanical heart of the Historiador Gran Reserva: the La Joux-Perret G100 automatic movement. The choice of this caliber from a well-respected Swiss movement specialist underscores the brand's commitment to providing reliable and high-performance mechanics within its uniquely designed timepieces.



The La Joux-Perret G100 is a robust and modern engine, notable for its impressive performance specifications. It offers a substantial 68-hour power reserve, meaning the watch will continue to run for nearly three full days after being fully wound. This is a significant practical advantage, as it allows the owner to set the watch aside for a weekend and find it still accurately keeping time on Monday morning. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), which ensures a smooth, sweeping motion for the central seconds hand.



Cuervo y Sobrinos has ensured that the movement is not just technically proficient but also aesthetically pleasing. The visible oscillating weight, which winds the mainspring through the motion of the wearer’s wrist, is adorned with a decorative fan pattern. It also features an applied CyS emblem finished in a warm 3N gold tone, adding a touch of color and refinement to the otherwise industrial beauty of the caliber. The surrounding bridges and plates are also neatly finished, making the view through the case back a rewarding experience for those who appreciate mechanical craftsmanship.



Completing the cohesive design of the Historiador Gran Reserva is a high-quality calf leather strap that is color-matched to each of the four dial options. The red model comes with a red strap, the blue with a blue strap, and so on, creating a unified and harmonious look from case to clasp. For those who prefer a different aesthetic, the watch is also available on a stainless steel bracelet. The leather strap is secured to the wrist with a custom stainless steel clasp that features an open-worked design incorporating the CyS emblem, a final, detailed touch that speaks to the brand’s attention to every aspect of the wearer’s experience.



The Historiador Gran Reserva collection is offered at a retail price of $2,800, representing a strong value proposition in the Swiss watch market. For this price, the owner acquires a timepiece with a unique and authentic brand story, a vibrant and meticulously executed dial, and a high-performance Swiss automatic movement. The four references are designated as 3101.1GRR for the red dial, 3101.1GRB for the blue, 3101.1GRG for the green, and 3101.1GRA for the anthracite. Each model is a compelling blend of Swiss precision and Latin character, a tribute to a rich heritage and the enduring beauty of rediscovery.



Case: Stainless steel, 40 mm diameter, 10.85 mm height. Double curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Screwed see-through case back with sapphire crystal. Water resistant to 5 ATM.

Movement: Automatic La Joux-Perret G100. 68-hour power reserve, 24 jewels, 28,800 A/h frequency. Functions include hours, minutes, central seconds, and date. Features an oscillating weight with fan decoration and an applied CyS emblem in 3N gold finish.

Dial: Guilloché sunray smoked lacquered dial in red, blue, green, or anthracite. Features applied CyS emblem with red accents, historical logo, and red-tipped central second hand. Date display at 6h.

Strap: Color-matching high-quality calf leather strap or an optional stainless steel bracelet. Features a stainless steel open-worked CyS-branded clasp.

Price: $2,800

Reference Number: 3101.1GRR (Red), 3101.1GRB (Blue), 3101.1GRG (Green), 3101.1GRA (Anthracite)

Notes: The collection pays tribute to Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler, the official Historian of Havana. The movement is a high-performance La Joux-Perret caliber with an extended 68-hour power reserve.