Cuervo Y Sobrinos US

Our History

Milestones

Cuervo y Sobrinos produces its timepieces in Switzerland. Its headquarters in Capolago overlook Lake Lugano. Here, the highly skilled designers and watchmakers take inspiration from a variety of sources, including former models.

Some designs are influenced by art deco, a movement in decorative arts and architecture that was popular in the 1920s and 30s. Ultimately, the brand’s considered approach to design has led to the release of watches endowed with refined details and understated elegance.

1862
Ramón Fernández Cuervo, an immigrant from northern Spain (Asturias) established his first jewellery store on Calle de la Amistad in Havana. This business was a precursor of Cuervo y Sobrinos.
1882
Cuervo y Sobrinos was established this year.

Don 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 this time,the firm’s shop was located at Calle del Teniente Rey 13.

1897
The shop was prospering and the growing business required more space, the business moved to Calle de la Muralla 37.
1907
In 1907, Mr. Ramón Fernández y Cuervo passed away. His nephew, D. Armando Fernández y Río, assumed responsibility for running the company.
1917
Cuervo y Sobrinos opened a new store at Calle San Rafael y Aguila.
1920
Having decided to expand its operations, Cuervo y Sobrinos opened two European facilities, a site in Pforzheim, Germany for the purchase of exclusive stones and an office in Paris, France for trading jewellery.
1932
As the business continued to grow, the legal status of the firm changed from a limited liability company to a public limited company. This change helped perpetuate growth and attract new talent from outside the Cuervo family.
1940
During the 1940s, the firm’s esteemed reputation spread and the company’s brand name became one of the best known in the American continent.
1950
The Roaring 50s. Havana was the most luxurious city in the Caribbean and one of the most modern and energetic places within the American continent. The Boutique became a must-see destination for some of the most illustrious visitors to Havana. Caruso, Churchill, Einstein, Gable, Hemingway and Neruda were just some of the distinguished visitors to the Cuervo y Sobrinos boutique.
1965-1996
The Cuervo y Sobrinos boutique was nationalised by the government. This caused the firm to suffer a period of decline. It continued to produce military watches for the Cuban army which were used during the country’s intervention in Angola.

The brand became dormant shortly after and made no watches during this period. Nevertheless, the company’s former models still attracted much interest among watch collectors.

1997
Luca Musumeci and Marzio Villa revived the Cuervo y Sobrinos name and the dawn of a new era began.
2001
Initially, Cuervo y Sobrinos opened authorised retailers in Italy and Spain. Thereafter, the company expanded into Germany, Russia and the USA.
2002
Cuervo y Sobrinos exhibited at Baselworld for the first time. The brand unveiled its Espléndidos, Prominente and Torpedo collections.
2003
The company created the ‘Latino Award’, recognising the achievements of leading Latin figures. The inaugural prize was awarded to Spanish filmmaker, Pedro Almodovar.
2005
The luxury marque unveiled its first in-house chronograph calibre, the CYS 2450.
2008
The brand established its headquarters and atelier on the shore of the Capolago lake in the canton of Ticino.
2009
Cuervo y Sobrinos opened its Havana museum and boutique in the central historic district of Havana.
2012
Cuervo y Sobrinos marked its 130th anniversary with the release of a limited edition version of the Historiador.
2017
Keen to recognise its 135th anniversary, the brand unveiled a special, limited edition Prominente.
2018
The company was acquired by a team of investors from the watchmaking industry.
2019
The Historiador 1519 was unveiled.This limited edition watch, restricted to 500 pieces, was designed to mark 2008 Havana’s 500th anniversary.
2022
Cuervo y Sobrinos marked its 140th anniversary.
2025
Marco Longhi and Mario Girardi became Owners & Partners.