LONGINES | by CUERVO Y SOBRINOS - double signed
"Extra-BIG"
Habana
1940s
Founded in 1882, Cuervo y Sobrinos has an amazing history marked by many significant milestones. Ramón Fernández Cuervo, an immigrant from northern Spain (Asturias), opened his first jewelry store on Calle de la Amistad in Havana in 1862. This store was a precursor to Cuervo y Sobrinos which was founded in 1882. Baldomero, Don Teodomiro, Don Jose Maria, Don Armando, Don Placido and Don Lisardo, the so-called " newphews", joined Ramón Fernández Cuervo in the new business. At that time, the company's store was located at Calle del Teniente Rey 13. The business flourished and the growing business required more space, so in 1897 the store moved to Calle de la Muralla 37. In 1907 Ramón Fernández y Cuervo died. His nephew, D. Armando Fernández y Río, took over the management of the store. In 1917, Cuervo y Sobrinos opened a new store on Calle San Rafael y Aguila. In 1920, Cuervo y Sobrinos decided to expand its business and opened European branches, in Pforzheim (Germany) for the purchase and selection of exclusive gems and in Paris on Rue Mezlay (France) for the manufacture and trade of jewelry. In the heart of Switzerland at La Chaux-de-Fonds, the company established its own manufactory and set up its headquarters. In the 1940s, the company's esteemed reputation spread and its brand name became one of the most recognized in the Americas.
Then, the wild 50's - Havana was the most luxurious city in the Caribbean and one of the most modern and dynamic places in the American continent. The boutique became a must-see for some of Havana's most famous visitors. Caruso, Churchill, Einstein, Gable, Hemingway and Neruda were just some of the distinguished visitors to the Cuervo y Sobrinos boutique. In Havana, at the beginning of the last century, time had another rhythm, the called "slow time" which, instead of saying, represented a way of life, a real philosophy.
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Cuervo y Sobrinos, the "unicos importadores" for watches to Cuba at the time, produced this eye-catching, extra-BIG timemachine with 45mm (!) case diameter.
The original, double-signed dial, manufactured for “Longines,” is in excellent condition and 100% original, just like the case, crown & movement of this treasure.
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The Compagnie des Montres Longines Francillon SA, better known as “LONGINES”, is the oldest registered brand in the world! Longines is a company based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, that manufactures high-end watches in the premium segment of the market and was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz (1809-1877) in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Over the years, Longines has been present in the aviation industry and in the timing of sporting events. Longines, for example, introduced the first timing mechanism in the world of sports that was automatically triggered by an electric cable. Since then, the brand has been an official partner and timekeeper for international federations and prestigious sporting events around the world. In addition, Longines has made its mark in the past through timekeeping in aviation and navigation, for example with Charles Lindbergh's first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic. Famous individuals who have worn Longines watches include Albert Einstein, Humphrey Bogart, Billy Zane, and Audrey Hepburn, to name but a few.
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We completely overhauled this extra big Cuervo in year 2025 and deliver this timemachine fully protected for you by our 1-year guarantee.
Can't travel to Havana "spontaneously" to drink a Cuba Libre? Why not bring the Cuban lifestyle to your wrist and have it with you in your everyday life?
This piece of jewelry comes with: a) its original wooden box from “Longines,” b) a unique handmade wristband made from a rare combination of high-quality leather/fabric (unworn, but with vintage storage marks), and c) with an original banknote 3 Pesos of the Banca Central De Cuba.
"Viva la Cuba libre!"
Manual winding
Diameter 45 mm without crown
Technical indications | Keeping time +14 sec/day
Serviced 2025
Differential taxation according to § 25a UStG. No taxes included. | Differenzbesteuerung nach § 25a UStG. Kunstgegenstände und Sammlungsstücke, Sonderregelung.
* From 1965 to 1996, Boutique Cuervo y Sobrinos was nationalized by the government. This caused the company to suffer a period of decline. It continued to produce military watches for the Cuban army. The brand became dormant shortly after and did not produce watches during this period. Nevertheless, the company's earlier models attracted a lot of interest from watch collectors. In 1997, Luca Musumeci & Marzio Villa revived the Cuervo y Sobrinos name and the beginning of a new era began.
