The Cuervo y Sobrinos Buceador Caribe

The Cuervo y Sobrinos Buceador Caribe

The Cuervo y Sobrinos Buceador Caribe comprises three models, each referencing the colours of the sea, the pastel sands or Cuba’s rich corals. Measuring 43mm x 43mm, the model has a highly complex case featuring a container-type construction. This contemporary watch is water-resistant to 200m and fuses practicality with a notable dose of style. US-based journalist, Meehna Goldsmith, provides an interesting perspective on this latest timepiece from the Cuban-Swiss brand.

Cuervos y Sobrinos has hit the ocean again with the new Buceador Caribe, a dive watch inspired by the Caribbean seas and marine world surrounding Cuba.  Why Cuba, you may ask? That’s where Don Ramón and his sobrinos (Spanish for nephews) first set up shop in 1882. The company now resides in Switzerland. 

The brand released its first dive watch, the Robusto Buceador, in 2004. More than an update, the Cuervo y Sobrinos Buceador Caribe is a fantastic new model, featuring fascinating dial hues and an ingenious case construction. 

A lot of brands offer a divers’ watch, and it’s no wonder. The category appeals to both desk and ocean divers alike. Even Audemars Piguet got in on the game with its own 25K version. What makes the Cuervo y Sobrinos Buceador Caribe stand out is its striking and bold looks that don’t immediately scream dive watch. This one has flair that shows personality beyond providing the service of underwater timing.  

Let’s first take a closer peek at the cyan dial of the Ref. 2860.1AZ. Doesn’t it just grab your eyes with that clear, gorgeous cyan colour? Cuervos y Sobrinos wasn’t kidding when it says the dial is inspired by the sea surrounding Cuba. I am tempted myself to travel there to plunge into the depths and field test the watch. 

Then there’s the layout of the dial. Big, bold Arabic numerals at 2, 4, 8 and 10 o’clock, with batons filling in for the rest of the numbers, snap the dial into focus for a quick check of the time. Of course, those indications are lumed up for low light conditions in murky water, or, conversely on a street without lights. Be assured the watch is functioning with the illuminated central sweep seconds hand. 

Tracking dive duration, the interior rotating bezel features numbers in a very legible yellow that doesn’t require you to squint when reading. A handy date tucked in at 6 o’clock provides another useful tool as well. 

To ensure the internal bezel doesn’t move, there’s a failsafe mechanism. A pusher at 4 o’clock unlocks the crown at 2 o’clock allowing the wearer to adjust the position of the timing bezel, while the winding crown takes up residence at 9 o’clock. 

Some brands label their timepieces as divers’ watches when in fact they aren’t. Their faces are stylistically laid out to capture the feeling of a dive watch, but without the function. The Buceador Caribe means what it says. In fact, “buceador” means diver in Spanish. And, this stunner meets and exceeds the requirements of the ISO 6425 standard for diving, which is a minimum of 100m. The watch kicks in another 100m for a depth rating of 200m. 

The 43mm stainless steel case incorporates interesting architecture, skilfully employing both straight and curved lines. The brand says the pushers and crown are meant to reference diving tanks and snorkels, but I’m not sure I see the similarities. On the flip side, you’ll find an engraving of a diver swimming underwater with tropical fish on the solid caseback. 

Pictured here is the blue dial, but there are two other versions of the Cuervo y Sobrinos Buceador Caribe to choose from. There’s the coffee-coloured option, and another in black with a DLC coating for a stealthier presentation, both drawing upon colour schemes found in the Caribbean waters.  Each watch comes with two straps: calf leather and rubber. You’ll receive your Buceador Caribe in a special edition humidor, cigars being another speciality from Cuba. 

Now you’re ready to pack your bags and experience the beautiful underwater depths surrounding Cuba. When you return to the surface, you can unwind with a Havana cigar considered to be the best in the world. Sadly, the cigar and airfare are not included with the watch, unfortunately. 

Further reading

https://www.cuervoysobrinos.com/

Technical specification

• Model: Cuervo y Sobrinos Buceador Caribe
• Reference: 2860.1AZ
• Case: stainless steel, dimensions 43 x 43 mm, height 15.8 mm; water resistance 20ATM (200 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid case back. 
• Functions: hours; minutes; central sweep seconds; date
• Movement: CYS 5104, base Peseux 224; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz); 28 jewels; power reserve 38 hours
• Strap: turquoise strap with yellow lining in matte rubber. Supplied with an additional dark blue high gloss leather. Comes with 2 stainless steel pin buckles for the rubber and leather straps.
• Price: £2700 (RRP as at 15.12.2021)