Sol y Estrellas

Señora Sol y Estrellas

When Cuervo y Sobrinos decided to create a new lady's watch, it looked to its spiritual home for inspiration. The Señora Sol y Estrellas refers to the sun and stars which look down on Havana's inhabitants. The model was designed by female watch designer, Annick Woungly, who was born in Havana, close to Cuervo y Sobrinos's inaugural boutique. With the advent of the Señora Sol y Estrellas, Annick has sought to reference the clear skies of Cuba and capture the vibrant hues synonymous with life on this idyllic Caribbean island where sleep is not a priority. The Señora Sol y Estrellas is available in a selection of dial colours and is offered with a coordinating Palmelatto strap or a refined steel bracelet.

As the sun descends and seemingly melts into the horizon, daylight begins to disappear. In most parts of the world, this period signifies the end of the day, a time to retire and enjoy some rest. However, in Cuba, the arrival of darkness indicates the party is about to begin. When the sun vacates the clear skies, the stars come out to play, illuminating Havana's streets with a warm glow. The humid night air, the smell of home-cooked food and the sound of latin beats provide the backdrop for this enchanting tapestry of colour, dance, vitality and, most of all, life. Havana never sleeps, merely the tempo changes ever so slightly.

Annick Woungly, a female watch designer, was born in Havana, close to San Rafael Avenue where Cuervo y Sobrinos opened its first boutique in 1882. Today, she lives in the Jura, close to the Swiss Manufacture. One day a friend told her about a Swiss watch firm with Cuban heritage and she wanted to know more, culminating in her making contact with Massimo Rossi, the CEO of Cuervo y Sobrinos.

The meeting of both parties was fortuitous as Massimo wanted to create a new lady's watch designed by a female designer. Moreover, like Cuervo y Sobrinos, Annick has a deep understanding of both Cuban culture and Swiss watchmaking. The synergies were clear to see.

The Señora Sol y Estrellas is offered in four dial variants, some more vibrant than others. Each version features a depiction of the sun at the centre of the dial, a reference to the orange orbe in the sky that influences life on the Caribbean island. A series of shimmering stars encircle the sun, representing the transition from day to night. The outer row of stars, formed of full cut diamonds,  serve as indices, denoting each hour. The curvaceous leaf-shaped hands impart information lucidly, making the watch a very practical ownership proposition.

Measuring 34mm in diameter, with a modest height of 7.1mm, the Señora Sol y Estrellas sits neatly upon the wrist while simultaneously granting an imposing presence on the wearer's arm. The stainless steel case is paired with an elegant double curved sapphire crystal, a successful combination employed on other Cuervo y Sobrinos models. A Swiss quartz movement delivers high-precision with minimal user-input, making it ideal for busy professional women.

The four dial options replicate different scenes, typical of life in Cuba. The midnight blue mother-of-pearl dial is inspired by the clear, night sky, whereas the white mother-of-pearl dial references the brilliant daylight that energises Havana's citizens. A red and yellow dial recreates the appearance of the burning sun, while the green and blue dial imitates the reflections of the Caribbean Sea, basking beneath the sun. The Señora Sol y Estrellas is available on a Palmelatto strap or a stainless steel bracelet.

Annick Woungly now resides in Switzerland but she has never forgotten her place of birth, a fact which resonates with Cuervo y Sobrinos. The Señora Sol y Estrellas invites ladies to experience the culture and passion of Cuban life, traits which are clearly evident day or night.