Cuervo y Sobrinos

Overview

Cuervo y Sobrinos is a luxury watch brand with dual heritage rooted in Havana's watchmaking tradition and contemporary Swiss manufacturing. Originally established in Cuba in 1882, the brand became a prestigious jeweler and watchmaker by the early 20th century, serving notable clientele including Albert Einstein, Ernest Hemingway, and Winston Churchill. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the brand ceased operations until its revival in the early 2000s by Italian watch expert Marzio Villa, who relocated production to Switzerland. Today, Cuervo y Sobrinos positions itself as the only luxury watch brand with authentic Latin heritage, combining Swiss precision with Havana-inspired design aesthetics and craftsmanship.

History

Cuervo y Sobrinos was founded in Havana in 1882 and became a prestigious watchmaker and jewelry store by the early twentieth century. During the 1930s, the brand experienced a golden age and developed co-branded watches with Rolex, Longines, and Patek Philippe. The brand closed following the Cuban Revolution in 1959. In the early 2000s, Italian watch expert Marzio Villa revived the brand and transferred production to Lugano, Switzerland. In 2008, the company established its headquarters and atelier on the shore of Capolago lake in the canton of Ticino, and in 2009 opened a boutique-museum in Old Havana.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Cuervo y Sobrinos manufactures its watches in-house at its headquarters and atelier in Capolago, Ticino, Switzerland. The facility houses design, production, and distribution operations. Production remains true to the vintage aesthetic of original collections while utilizing contemporary Swiss watchmaking techniques.

Notable Products

• Havana Collection - Contemporary timepieces inspired by the brand's Cuban heritage and original 1882 designs
• Rolex Co-Branded Vintage Watches - Historic double-branded watches from the 1930s golden age, now highly collectible
• Limited Edition Swiss-Made Pieces - Numbered exclusive releases combining Latin design elements with Swiss precision

Reputation

Cuervo y Sobrinos is recognized among watch enthusiasts for its authentic historical narrative and unique positioning as a Latin-heritage luxury brand with Swiss manufacturing credentials. The brand benefits from strong provenance, including its association with notable historical figures and its 1930s collaborations with prestigious watchmakers. However, as a smaller independent manufacturer with limited production, the brand has lower mainstream recognition compared to established Swiss houses. The revival under Marzio Villa is generally viewed positively by collectors seeking heritage-driven alternatives to mainstream luxury watches.