Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Retrograde

Cuervo y Sobrinos present the Historiador Retrograde which will be formally unveiled at BaselWorld 2011.  

There are some in the industry who are a little scornful about the Cuban connection with the Cuervo y Sobrinos name of today.  The brand name and assets were purchased back in 1997 by Luca Musumeci, and when production began in 2001 it did so in Switzerland not Havana.  Perhaps if Cuba had not experienced such a political shake-up, the Cuervo family store would still be welcoming clients from around the world but alas nothing pours cold water on the luxury goods industry quite like a revolution.  The Cuervo y Sobrinos business like so many others in downtown Havana in the 1950's and 60's fell into decline quickly followed by disappearance.  Since its re-birth the portfolio of timepieces released under the original name have taken design inspiration from their historical pieces.  This one is no exception.

The stainless steel case is a modest 40mm and features those much admired big distinctive polished lugs.  On the dial are three retrograde displays: date at 3 o'clock, power reserve at 6 and day of the week at 9.  These are set on a quite beautiful "Clous de Paris" guilloché centre section.  Blue hands contrast with the silver.  Inside is the automatic CYS 240 movement with 42 hours power reserve.

Regardless of their origins, Cuervo y Sobrinos watches are uniquely styled and meticulously crafted and we at the WatchPress think that they haven't produced a dud yet.  The Historiador Retrograde comes presented on a black Louisiana crocodile strap.