Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron
The Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron features a hand-wound vintage movement from the 1960s. The white enamel dial, bicompax layout and 41mm steel case prove a handsome combination. Angus Davies spent a few days with this Cuban-themed watch and discovered a highly original composition, rich in period charm.
Cuervo y Sobrinos was founded in 1882. Initially, the company was a prestigious retailer of jewellery and watches, located at Calle del Teniente Rey 13, in the Cuban capital of Havana. Shortly after World War I, the esteemed retailer was distributing and selling some of the most prestigious watch brands of the time. In some instances, these illustrious watch brands engraved the Cuervo y Sobrinos name on the dials of their timepieces.
In 1928, Cuervo y Sobrinos opened its own watch factory in the famous Swiss watchmaking city of La Chaux de Fonds. Today, the brand’s watches are still made in Switzerland, albeit now they are crafted in the small village of Capolago, overlooking Lake Lugano.
Over the years, the ownership of Cuervo y Sobrinos has changed and the political climate of Cuba has altered. However, the firm still has a boutique in Havana and it continues to produce watches inspired by Cuba’s vibrant culture.
Most of the firm’s models possess a ‘retro’ mien, referencing the past when Cuba attracted numerous American tourists, eager to escape prohibition. Likewise, stars of the silver screen and gangsters would also flock to Havana, attracted by the island’s liberal gambling laws.
Recently, I was granted the opportunity to wear the new Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron over an extended period. Unusually, this watch is equipped with a restored vintage Landeron 248 movement. The watchmaking know-how is Swiss but the Cuban passion is clear to see.
The dial
The Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron is offered in three variants, one in 18-carat rose gold and two in stainless steel. These latter references are available with a white or black dial. My sample featured the white enamel dial which with its pure and unsullied appearance assumes a deferential role to the various dial indications. Personally the watch evokes nostalgic thoughts of a time before mobile phones and bland smart watches.
The bi-compax dial layout proffers symmetry and balance. Immediately all feels well with the world thanks to the harmonious dial topography. A 45-minute chronograph register is positioned at 3 o’clock, while a small seconds display is located opposite. Both counters are slightly recessed.
Cuervo y Sobrinos repeatedly indulges the wearer with a high quotient of period charm. Leaf-shaped hour and minute hands are presented in blue and quietly converse with Breguet numerals. Everything is softly spoken, restrained and eminently legible.
A black minute track frames the central dial area with a blue tachymeter scale positioned beyond, hugging the internal edge of the case. The central chronograph seconds hand is presented in blue and shuns any additional tones or bulky counterweight. Understatement is the order of the day.
The case
Housed in a 41mm stainless steel case, the Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron does not overwhelm the wrist with unnecessary bulk. Indeed, its modest size reinforces the model’s understated character. Its scale should suit most prospective purchasers.
Surprisingly, despite the Landeron’s unassuming character, it features a highly polished case. There is a notable absence of satin-brushed surfaces instead gleaming facets abound. Sometimes widespread polished surfaces can appear excessive and even a tad ostentatious. However, I am pleased to report the Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron remains a paragon of propriety.
The lugs arc downwards, enveloping the wrist comfortably. Furthermore, in common with other Historiador models, the lugs look as if they are affixed to the case with screws. I don’t know whether this is merely my perception or matter of fact, but either way they exude a notable degree of style. Both the crown and pushpieces deliver an agreeable tactile encounter. Quite simply, this watch feels well built.
My press loan was supplied on a dark blue, slightly glossy alligator strap paired with a steel folding buckle. Despite its comparatively modest price, every element of this composition feels luxurious.
The movement
At the heart of the Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron is a restored vintage Landeron 248 movement. As stated earlier, the hand-wound movement dates back to the 1960s.
I freely admit that I have a fondness for vintage chronograph movements that shun oversized bridges and openly show numerous components within. The sight of wheels, a coupling clutch or a hammer always engenders a smile on my face. Cuervo y Sobrinos has avoided embellishing parts with Côtes de Genève motif, preferring to suffuse surfaces with discreet graining.
An exhibition caseback allows the wearer to become immersed in a world of minuscule parts where cogs are in conversation with each other as the balance rotates to and fro. With a frequency of 18,000 vph (2.5Hz), the movement incorporates 14 jewels and will run autonomously for 38 hours.
Closing remarks
The Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron has many attributes. Despite the dial being designed to measure elapsed times and the frenetic activities this implies, its symmetrical bicompax layout exudes a calm and relaxed persona. The white enamel dial, leaf-shaped hour and minute hands and Breguet numerals coalesce wonderfully. When it counts, the dial of this watch conveys meaning in a clear and simple to interpret form.
Ultimately, all roads lead me to the movement. While many modern-day movements hide their thought processes beneath huge bridges, the Landeron 248 invites the wearer to enter the psyche of the calibre and witness the cognitive processes at work. No psychiatrist is needed, just a basic understanding of horology with springs, wheels, levers and hammers all disclosing their intentions. This period movement will sate the requirements of ardent horological voyeurs.
Cuervo y Sobrinos has cleverly tapped into a universal love of vintage movements and a widespread fondness for the design codes of yesteryear. This watch could never be described as mainstream, however, that only serves to heighten its appeal. Although the Landeron 248 dates back to the 1960s, the Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron invites the wearer to revisit an earlier era, Havana in the 1920s and 1930s, when glamour was ubiquitous and style was omnipresent. Two prominent traits also found on this interesting chronograph.
Further reading
https://www.cuervoysobrinos.com/
Technical specification
- Model: Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Landeron
- Reference: 3146.1W
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter 41 mm; height 12.5 mm; sapphire crystal to front and exhibition case back
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; chronograph
- Movement: CYS 4008 calibre; hand-wound movement; frequency 18,000 VpH (2.5Hz); 14 jewels; power reserve 38 hours
- Bracelet: Dark blue high gloss alligator strap & stainless steel folding clasp
- Price: CHF 4,300 + VAT (RRP as at 15.10.2020)