I was attending the Concour d” Elegance at Pebble Beach a few years ago and browsing the shops on Pacific Avenue in Carmel when I came upon a special hosted event at a cigar store.

 Normally a cigar seller would have absolutely no appeal to me, as I have always been a little confused about the fascination for cigars and the joy of their smoking. 

In this case I was drawn in to the store by a window display and a presentation of a watch brand I had never heard of before.

This was Cuervo Y Sobrinos. It was not so unusual that I had never heard of them. 

Cuervo Y Sobrinos was a watchmaker that disappeared with the Cuban Revolution. Fortunately, when the company shut down there was still a great supply of original watchcases and other sundries associated with their manufacture left in their old premises. This cache was unearthed by family members and was serving to act as a pillar in the relaunch of the brand.

Years later, the company now has a charming production facility in Switzerland. Despite their decidedly un-Latin location they have managed to keep their Latin identity which really separates their designs from other Swiss based watch houses.

I have not seen many of these watches come on the market and on the odd occasion that they do they are snapped up. I have been frustrated in getting one a few times and I have often regretted not buying one, or more on that stroll through.

This watch is different from the run of the mill and a great compliment to any collection and subject of much notice on the wrist. Even better, it comes with its own beautifully crafted humidor in Birds Eye Maple, a book about the company that also contains its original papers. 

A great acquisition for any watch enthusiast, or cigar aficionado for that matter.

Cheers,
David Charles Grainger