The echoes of laughter, the clinking of glasses, the sultry rhythms of live music—these are the ephemeral sensations that once filled the hallowed halls of the Sans Souci, a legendary cabaret nestled just outside the vibrant heart of 1950s Havana. A beacon of hedonistic revelry, the Sans Souci was a haven for those seeking escape from the mundane, a place where the boundaries of reality blurred and the intoxicating spirit of Cuba reigned supreme. It is from this rich tapestry of history and revelry that Cuervo y Sobrinos, the renowned Swiss watchmaker with Cuban roots, draws inspiration for its latest horological masterpiece: the Robusto Sans Souci.
Courtesy of Cuervo y Sobrinos
Cuervo y Sobrinos, a name synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance, has a captivating history that intertwines with the cultural heritage of Cuba. Founded in 1882 in Havana, the brand quickly gained recognition for its meticulously crafted timepieces, favored by the island's elite and international clientele alike. However, the political turmoil that engulfed Cuba in the mid-20th century forced the company to relocate to Switzerland, where it continued to uphold its legacy of excellence, blending Swiss precision with Cuban flair.
The Robusto Sans Souci pays homage to the golden age of Cuba, a time when the island was a playground for the rich and famous. The watch's design is a harmonious fusion of vintage aesthetics and contemporary sensibilities, capturing the essence of an era defined by elegance, exuberance, and a zest for life.
The watch's case, crafted from stainless steel, boasts a diameter of 38.5mm, a size that strikes the perfect balance between boldness and wearability. Its polished surface gleams with a captivating luster, reflecting the light with every subtle movement of the wrist. The case's intricate shape is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that
Cuervo Y Sobrinos is renowned for.
Courtesy of Cuervo y Sobrinos
The crown, nestled within a recessed section of the caseband, adds a touch of understated sophistication, while a similar recess on the opposite side, adjacent to the 9 o'clock marker, creates a pleasing sense of symmetry. This design element not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also serves a functional purpose, protecting the crown from accidental impacts.
Turning the watch over, one is greeted by a sight that evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder. The caseback, meticulously engraved with a depiction of the Sans Souci's iconic entrance, serves as a portal to a bygone era. It invites the wearer to embark on a journey back in time, to a place where music filled the air, laughter echoed through the night, and the spirit of Cuba flowed freely.
The dial of the Robusto Sans Souci is a captivating canvas that invites the wearer to lose themselves in its intricate details. The sunray brushed black dial, with its subtle shimmering effect, exudes an air of understated sophistication. The hours are marked by color-coordinated indices, each meticulously applied and filled with Super-LumiNova, a luminescent material that ensures optimal legibility in low-light conditions.
Courtesy of Cuervo y Sobrinos
The dial is framed by a chemin-de-fer, a railway-track style chapter ring that adds a touch of vintage charm. The generously proportioned hour and minute hands, rendered in a warm bronze hue, glide effortlessly across the dial, their polished surfaces catching the light with every graceful sweep. A small seconds subdial, positioned at 6 o'clock, adds a touch of visual interest and functionality, allowing the wearer to track the passage of time with precision.
At the heart of the Robusto Sans Souci beats the CYS 5159 automatic caliber, a reliable and robust movement based on the Sellita SW261. This self-winding mechanism, visible through the exhibition caseback, is a testament to Cuervo y Sobrinos' commitment to horological excellence. The oscillating weight, adorned with a delicate engraving, adds a touch of visual flair to the movement, while its smooth operation ensures accurate timekeeping.
Courtesy of Cuervo y Sobrinos
The Robusto Sans Souci is available with two distinct strap options, each designed to complement the watch's vintage aesthetic. The first option is a supple leather strap in a rich, dark brown hue, its surface adorned with tone-on-tone stitching that adds a subtle touch of texture. The second option is a three-row stainless steel bracelet, its polished links echoing the case's gleaming finish. Both options are secured with a stainless steel pin buckle, engraved with the Cuervo y Sobrinos emblem, a symbol of the brand's unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The Robusto Sans Souci is more than just a watch; it is a tangible connection to a bygone era, a wearable reminder of a time when life was simpler, yet no less vibrant. It is a watch that speaks to the heart and soul, evoking emotions of nostalgia, joy, and a deep appreciation for the finer things in life.
Courtesy of Cuervo y Sobrinos
With its meticulously crafted case, captivating dial, and reliable movement, the Robusto Sans Souci is a timepiece that is sure to appeal to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of horology alike. Its timeless design, inspired by the golden age of Cuba, transcends fleeting trends, ensuring that it will remain a cherished possession for years to come.
The Robusto Sans Souci is available at a retail price of $2,750.00, a reasonable price for a watch of this caliber. Whether you are a connoisseur of fine watches or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of a well-made timepiece, the Robusto Sans Souci is a watch that is sure to leave a lasting impression.