Cuervo y Sobrinos Primera Dama Stone Dial

Havana in the early twentieth century was not merely a city; it was a sensory experience, a pulsating epicenter of the Caribbean where the humid air carried the scent of unlit tobacco and the syncopated rhythms of son cubano. It was a playground for the world’s elite, a place where the architecture was as vibrant as the cocktails and the nights were long, filled with the murmur of conversations between intellectuals, artists, and wayfaring hedonists. This specific era, defined by a distinct brand of glamour that merged Old World European sensibilities with New World tropical exuberance, serves as the spiritual bedrock for Cuervo y Sobrinos. The brand does not simply manufacture timepieces; it attempts to bottle the atmosphere of a bygone era, preserving the aesthetic codes of 1930s Cuba in a modern Swiss package. The latest expression of this heritage arrives in the form of the Historiador Primera Dama Stone Dial collection, a quartet of watches that turns the dial into a canvas for geological artistry.



The narrative of Cuervo y Sobrinos is one of the most idiosyncratic in the watch industry, deviating from the standard valley-to-valley Swiss history. Established in 1882 on the island of Cuba, the firm grew to become a jeweler of international renown, boasting a client list that reads like a roll call of history’s most influential figures. While the modern iteration of the brand operates out of Switzerland, ensuring the mechanical integrity expected of luxury horology, the design language remains steadfastly Latin. The Historiador line, in particular, is the vessel for this identity, characterized by lug structures and case profiles that recall the Art Deco flourish of Havana’s golden age. With the new Primera Dama models, the focus shifts from purely architectural inspiration to the natural world, employing semi-precious stones to create dials that are physically unique to each individual unit.



The decision to utilize stone dials is a significant one in watchmaking, often reserved for higher price points due to the inherent fragility and difficulty of working with the materials. Unlike brass or enamel, stone cannot be stamped; it must be sliced into incredibly thin wafers, often less than a millimeter thick, and polished to perfection without cracking. The resulting product offers a visual depth and interaction with light that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. In this new release, the brand has chosen four distinct mineral expressions—Green Turquoise, Red Jade, Light Blue Sandstone, and Tiger Eye—each imparting a radically different personality to the underlying 36mm platform. The variation is not merely in color, but in texture, grain, and the way the surface absorbs or reflects the ambient environment.



The Green Turquoise reference offers perhaps the most organic aesthetic of the four. Visually, the dial presents a chaotic, mesmerizing landscape of mineral deposits, with darker veins meandering through the verdant base like river systems seen from high altitude. This is not a uniform, flat green; it is a living surface that changes character depending on the angle of inspection. The color is vibrant yet earthy, recalling the lush vegetation of the Caribbean interior rather than a synthetic emerald hue. The natural inclusions within the turquoise guarantee that no two watches will ever look exactly the same, providing the owner with a sense of exclusivity that transcends limited edition numbering. It pairs with a matching green alligator strap that extends the color narrative around the wrist, creating a cohesive, jewel-like object.



In stark contrast to the variegated complexity of the turquoise, the Red Jade model projects a powerful, singular intensity. Jade has long been associated with nobility and strength in various cultures, and here it is rendered in a deep, coral-like red that commands attention. The surface of the stone appears smoother, with a creamy opacity that absorbs light rather than scattering it, creating a rich, saturated backdrop for the polished hands. The red is bold, evoking the passion and heat often associated with Latin culture, yet the stone medium keeps it grounded, preventing it from appearing gaudy. It is a confident choice, paired with a strap that matches its sanguine tone, resulting in a timepiece that feels less like a timekeeper and more like a statement piece of jewelry designed to punctuate an evening ensemble.



The Tiger Eye variant introduces a completely different optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy. This stone is famed for its fibrous structure, which reflects light in silky, shifting bands that move across the surface as the wrist rotates. The dial is a study in warm tones, mixing amber, gold, and deep browns in a linear pattern that feels almost architectural. There is a magnetic quality to Tiger Eye; the way it plays with illumination gives the dial a sense of motion even when the hands are stationary. It evokes the golden hour sunlight hitting the stucco facades of colonial Havana, warm and inviting. This model, perhaps more than the others, bridges the gap between a dress watch and a piece of lapidary art, offering a dynamic visual experience that rewards close observation.



Completing the quartet is the Light Blue Sandstone model, which leans into a more ethereal, celestial aesthetic. The stone here presents a soft, aquatic hue that the brand likens to Caribbean waters. The texture appears to have a subtle shimmer, a granular quality that catches the light in a way that mimics sunshine dancing on the surface of the sea. It is a cooler, more serene presentation compared to the warmth of the Tiger Eye or the heat of the Red Jade. The light blue tone is refreshing and sophisticated, offering a versatility that works as well with denim as it does with formal wear. The coordination with the light blue alligator strap emphasizes this breezy, open-air vibe, making it a compelling option for those seeking a watch that feels light and optimistic.



Housing these mineral dials is the 36mm stainless steel case of the Historiador Primera Dama. The dimensions are carefully calibrated to offer presence without bulk, with a slender height of just 7.8mm. This slim profile allows the watch to slip effortlessly under a cuff, maintaining a silhouette that is sleek and unobtrusive. The case polishing is high-grade, maximizing the luster of the steel to frame the stone dials effectively. A double-curved sapphire crystal protects the dial, treated with an anti-reflective coating to ensure that the natural beauty of the stone is not obscured by glare. This creates a clear, distortion-free window onto the mineral surface, allowing the wearer to appreciate the intricacies of the stone's grain without interference.



The lugs of the Historiador collection are its most defining physical trait, and they are executed here with typical flair. Unlike the standard integrated lugs found on many round watches, these are prominent, independent structures that step away from the case body. They have an ergonomic curvature that hugs the wrist, ensuring that the 36mm diameter wears comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. This lug design is a direct nod to the Art Deco sketches found in the brand’s archives, a piece of industrial design that roots the watch firmly in the 1930s. They add a sculptural element to the case, transforming it from a simple round container into a designed object with specific historical references.



On the dial itself, branding and furniture are kept to a minimum to allow the stone to take center stage. The Cuervo y Sobrinos logo is applied at the 12 o'clock position in a stylized, cursive font that reinforces the vintage aesthetic. At the 6 o'clock position, the word "HABANA" is printed, a proud declaration of the brand's spiritual home. The only other interruption to the stone surface is a set of three diamonds set at the 8 o'clock position. These stones, weighing a total of 0.018 carats and graded VVS, add a subtle sparkle that complements the natural luster of the mineral dial. The choice of the 8 o'clock position is asymmetrical and playful, breaking the standard cardinal-point layout often seen in dial design.



Time is indicated by a pair of leaf-shaped hands finished with rhodium treatment. The silver tone of the hands offers excellent contrast against the saturated colors of the stone dials, ensuring legibility remains high. Notably, the watch lacks a seconds hand. This omission is a design choice that enhances the dressy nature of the timepiece. A ticking seconds hand can sometimes disrupt the serenity of a stone dial; by removing it, the brand emphasizes the static beauty of the material and the slow, graceful passage of time. It reinforces the idea that this is a watch for occasions where precise second-tracking is less important than the overall aesthetic impression.



Turning the watch over reveals a solid caseback, a canvas for further storytelling. Engraved into the steel is the silhouette of a woman wearing a cloche hat, a quintessential fashion item of the 1930s. This engraving serves as a tribute to the "Primera Dama" (First Lady) moniker, evoking the image of the stylish, independent women who would have frequented the casinos and theaters of pre-revolutionary Havana. It is a private detail, known only to the owner, but one that adds a layer of narrative depth to the product. The caseback is secured to ensure a water resistance of 5 ATM, which is sufficient for daily wear and protection against splashes, though this is certainly not a timepiece intended for aquatic sports.



Inside the case beats the Ronda 772 caliber. This is a Swiss quartz movement, a choice that prioritizes reliability and ease of use. While mechanical purists often demand springs and gears, the quartz movement allows for the incredibly slim 7.8mm profile that defines the elegance of this model. Furthermore, for a watch that may be worn as part of a rotation or for specific events, the "pick up and go" nature of quartz is a practical benefit. There is no need to wind or reset the time after a period of dormancy. The movement offers precision and a long battery life, allowing the owner to focus on the visual appeal of the watch rather than its maintenance. It is a pragmatic engine for a poetic vehicle.



The strap proposition for the Primera Dama Stone Dial collection is generous. Each watch comes mounted on a high-gloss Louisiana alligator strap that is color-matched to the dial stone—green for Turquoise, red for Jade, blue for Sandstone, and gold/brown for Tiger Eye. The high-gloss finish of the leather complements the polished steel case and the gleam of the stone, creating a uniform look of luxury. However, the package also includes a stainless steel metal bracelet. This addition significantly increases the versatility of the watch. On the strap, it is a formal dress watch; on the bracelet, it transitions into a more casual, everyday piece of jewelry. The lug width is 19mm tapering to 16mm, a classic proportion that balances the watch head effectively.



The market for ladies' watches is often saturated with designs that simply shrink men's models and add gemstones indiscriminately. Cuervo y Sobrinos avoids this trap by leaning into a distinct design language that is historically feminine yet substantial. The 36mm size is a modern sweet spot—large enough to appreciate the natural grain of the stone dial, yet small enough to remain elegant. The use of natural stone ensures that the watch is not just a mass-produced item, but a unique object; the owner of a Green Turquoise model can be certain that the specific matrix of veins on her wrist exists nowhere else in the world.



The synthesis of Swiss manufacturing and Latin soul is often a marketing tagline, but here it feels tangible. The Swiss contribution is evident in the precise case finishing, the sapphire crystal, and the reliable Ronda movement. The Latin influence is found in the warmth of the design, the boldness of the color choices, and the romantic nostalgia of the caseback engraving. It is a watch that looks backward to a time of glamour and social grace, but constructs that vision with modern materials and manufacturing techniques. It invites the wearer to partake in a lineage of style that values expression and individuality over stark utilitarianism.



Pricing and availability place the Cuervo y Sobrinos Primera Dama Stone Dial collection in a competitive segment of the luxury market. Each of the four references—Green Turquoise, Red Jade, Light Blue Sandstone, and Tiger Eye—is priced at $2,450.00. This price point includes both the color-coordinated Louisiana alligator strap and the stainless steel bracelet, offering a complete package for the consumer. The watches are available through authorized retailers and the brand’s distribution network, providing a new option for those seeking a timepiece that balances Swiss reliability with the vibrant soul of the Caribbean.



Case: Stainless steel construction, diameter 36 mm, height 7.8 mm. Double-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Water resistant to 5 ATM. Solid caseback features engraving of a lady wearing a 1930s cloche hat.



Movement: Ronda 772 quartz long-life caliber. Diameter 17.2 mm, height 2.5 mm. Functions limited to hours and minutes.



Dial: Natural stone variants including Green Turquoise, Red Jade, Blue Sandstone, and Tiger Eye. Features 3 VVS diamonds totaling 0.018 carats positioned at 8 o'clock. Applied CyS logo with rhodium-treated hour and minute hands.



Strap: High-gloss Louisiana alligator leather in coordinating colors (green, coral red, light blue, gold). Includes additional stainless steel metal bracelet. Dimensions 19mm at lugs tapering to 16mm.



Price: $2,450.00



Reference Number: 3113.1SG, 3113.1SR, 3113.1SLB, 3113.1SYB



Notes: Part of the Historiador Primera Dama collection inspired by 1930s Havana. Natural stone dials mean no two watches are exactly alike.