Swiss luxury watch brand Cuervo y Sobrinos presents Historiador Tradición ‘San Rafael’, a modern interpretation of a 1950s timepiece named ‘Tradition’.

Following its inception in 1882, Cuervo y Sobrinos enjoyed years of continuous growth. On several occasions it moved to ever-larger premises in order to meet the growing demand for its jewellery and watches. Ultimately, the company moved to a new boutique on Calle San Rafael, a prestigious boulevard in Havana. Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Tradición ‘San Rafael’ series honours this exceptional retail establishment.

During the 1950s, Cuervo y Sobrinos produced a watch named ‘Tradition’. The dial of the Tradition was enlivened with a grid-shaped motif termed ‘frappage’.

Dauphine-style hour and minute hands conversed with circular indexes, save for 3 and 9 o’clock which featured trapezoidal indexes and 12 o’clock which was denoted with Arabic numerals. The central seconds hand was equipped with a bold, red arrow-shaped tip, while two apertures revealed the prevailing day and date.

Examples of the original Tradition watch are highly-prized by collectors who often appreciate the fusion of Latin style and Swiss watchmaking expertise.

Recently, Cuervo y Sobrinos revisited the ‘Tradition’ of the 1950s, eager to capture some of its period charm. The modern-day Historiador Tradición ‘San Rafael’ is offered in two variants, Champagne or silver.

Each dial is adorned with a ‘frappage’ motif and features dauphine-style hands which emulate those found on the original Tradition of the 1950s. Likewise, the prominent central sweep seconds hand, with its ebullient red tip, references the hand found on the original. The watch features circular and trapezoidal indexes to denote the hours.

Unlike the vintage Tradition, this new model eschews Arabic numerals at 12 o’clock in favour of an applied CyS emblem. The company’s name and the word ‘Tradición’ are presented on two prominent cartouches, imbuing the dial with a three-dimensional allure.

Measuring 40mm in diameter, the stainless steel case is optimally sized for a modern-day audience. Consistent with other Historiador models, the lugs feature an ergonomic design, optimising wearer comfort.

The case back is engraved with a depiction of the brand’s former boutique on Calle San Rafael in Havana and the company’s nomenclature in cursive text. In the past, this portrayal of the boutique was used as a seal applied to the brand’s documents.

The CyS 5203 calibre sits at the heart of the Historiador Tradición ‘San Rafael’. Based on the Sellita SW 240-1, this automatic Swiss movement features an engraved oscillating weight and has a power-reserve of 38 hours.

Technical details

Collection: Historiador
Model Name: Tradición ‘San Rafael’
References: 3195.1SR.A and 3195.1SR.CH

Movement
CYS 5203, base SW 240-1
Automatic
Diameter: 29mm
Height: 5.05mm
Power reserve: 38 hours
26 jewels
Frequency: 28800 A/h
Oscillating weight with engraving

Functions
Hours, minutes, central seconds, day and date

Case
Stainless steel
Diameter: 40mm
Height: 10.7mm
Double curved sapphire crystal vintage inspired glass
Water resistant to 5 ATM
Screwed case back with engraving of San Rafael boutique

Dial
3195.1SR.CH: Champagne. Rose gold plated, applied trapezoidal and circular indexes. A finely decorated dial with grid-shaped ‘frappage’, inspired by the original dial motif employed on the former 1950s model’. ‘Cuervo y Sobrinos’ and ‘Tradicion’ vintage style ‘cartouche, day/date indication. Applied CyS emblem.

3195.1SR.A: Silver-toned. Rose gold plated, applied trapezoidal and circular indexes. A finely decorated dial with grid-shaped ‘frappage’, inspired by the original dial motif employed on the former 1950s model’. ‘Cuervo y Sobrinos’ and ‘Tradicion’ vintage style ‘cartouche, day/date indication. Applied CyS emblem.

Hands
Hours and minutes ‘dauphine’ style, red arrow-shaped seconds hand

Strap
3195.1SR.A – Honey matte Louisiana alligator
3195.1SR.CH – Dark blue high-gloss Louisiana alligator
Buckle: Stainless steel open worked CyS-branded clasp

Limited edition
3195.1SR.A – 188 pieces
3195.1SR.CH – 188 pieces

• CUERVO Y SOBRINOS WATCHES NEW MODELS.

• CUERVO Y SOBRINOS WATCHES ARCHIVES (2006 – 2022)

• CUERVO Y SOBRINOS WATCHES HISTORY.