As any parent will attest, you should never have favourites when it comes to affection. However, despite liking several watches made by Cuervo y Sobrinos, the Cuban-Swiss watch brand, I have always favoured its Robusto Churchill models over and above its other creations. This is a bold statement when discussing a brand that is synonymous with style, but, like a groom stood by the altar, I feel compelled to declare my love.
My romance with the Robusto Churchill began in 2017 when the prestigious brand kindly loaned me a Day-Date model with a ‘craquelé’ pattern dial. The appearance of the white lacquered dial’s surface reminded me of an old vase where the glazed membrane had become suffused with tiny cracks. While I am usually averse to the appearance of distressed items, in this instance, one glance at the ‘craquelé’ pattern dial and I was smitten.
The watch also featured another distinctive and charming characteristic, namely the near-flush crown. I use the term ‘crown’ in a loose sense as it is best described as a hinged lever, allowing the wearer to wind the mainspring and adjust the model’s various indications. By adopting such an approach, with the lever barely projecting from the caseband, Cuervo y Sobrinos has endowed the watch with a near-symmetrical profile.
Finally, as a proud Englishman, the name of the model was yet another endearing feature and is a fitting tribute to the esteemed statesman.
In the last couple of years, Cuervo y Sobrinos has released two additional versions of the Robusto Churchill, the ‘Yalta Edition’ and the ‘Sir Winston’, equipped with silver and blue dials, respectively. Both models have vied for my affections and, to be honest, I have been tempted to raid my savings and make a purchase on several occasions, an ever-present hazard for anyone in my profession.
Now, those naughty people at Cuervo y Sobrinos HQ have released a new model, clearly intent on separating me from my collection of amassed pound coins. The Robusto Churchill is back and this time it is blessed with a dial tinged with tasteful salmon hues. The brand has, once again, provided a press sample and, once again, I am in the midst of temptation.
The dial
The Cuervo y Sobrinos Robusto Churchill Salmon Dial is blessed with a prepossessing appearance. Salmon has become a popular hue of late, however, I don’t think its allure will fade with the passage of time. Indeed, as I cradle this Swiss watch I cannot help thinking that salmon may eventually enjoy the same widespread popularity as the ubiquitous blue dial.
The epidermis of the dial is enriched with a guilloché pattern. This has not been produced using a traditional rose engine lathe, the model’s accessible pricing precludes such a labour intensive approach. Nevertheless, the dial motif is beautifully defined and notably refined. The salmon-hued surface is populated with a plethora of intersecting curved lines that playfully toy with light to splendid effect.
Silver-toned sword-shaped hour and minute hands enunciate the prevailing time wonderfully. They are facetted and lined with a tasteful slither of Super-LumiNova. The central sweep seconds hand is superfine, features a red tip and is endowed with a V-shaped counterweight.
Cuervo y Sobrinos has masterfully played with depths. Beyond the subtle variations of height conferred by the guilloché pattern, the applied hour markers and brand emblem sit on a higher plane than the rest of the dial, further augmenting visual interest.
The date and day are revealed via two apertures, one above the other. The Maison has adhered to horological etiquette, presenting both indications on salmon-coloured discs, matching the hue of the main dial surface.
A neat track encircles the dial, marked with strokes at ⅕-second intervals.
The case
Measuring 43mm in diameter, the Cuervo y Sobrinos Robusto Churchill Salmon Dial is sufficiently large to facilitate ease of read-off, but without feeling unduly large. The lugs sharply arc downwards, guiding the strap to ergonomically envelop the wrist.
The case is an elaborate design, combining steel and titanium to glorious effect. The flanks of the case are made of the lightweight metal and hug the central case body which is made of stainless steel. By blending the two metals, Cuervo y Sobrinos has, once again, heightened the visual appearance of the watch.
The aforementioned crown is neat, nestling within the righthand flank of the case. It is slightly more fiddly to manipulate than a conventional crown, however, as this is a comparatively rare event, it’s a price worth paying for the tidy appearance of the case.
Consistent with many watches in this price segment, the watch is equipped with an exhibition caseback. The pane of sapphire is adorned with a quote from Sir Winston Churchill, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference”.
Throughout this horological composition, there is a welcome sense of quality. This attribute is manifest with the black alligator strap affixed to the watch. A brief assessment with a forefinger and thumb reveals a sumptuous tactility.
The movement
The self-winding Calibre CYS 5105 sits at the heart of the Cuervo y Sobrinos Robusto Churchill Salmon Dial. Measuring 29mm in diameter, the movement is based on the STP4-13 made by movement specialist, Swiss Technology Production.
The oscillating weight is decorated with a fan pattern and the brand’s emblem, while blue screws abound. The balance has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and the movement contains 26 jewels. Assuming the watch is fully wound, it will run autonomously for 44 hours.
