Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, May 10, 2020
LOT 347
Rolex for Cuervo Y Sobrinos - Ref. 3372, self-winding, centre-seconds, champagne dial; “Bubble back”; 18K pink gold
HKD 55,000 - 71,000
USD 7,000 - 9,000 / EUR 6,400 - 8,200 / CHF 7,000 - 9,000
18K pink gold, self-winding, tonneau-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, with screwed dome case-back, so-called “Bubble Back”, champagne dial with centre-seconds.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3 * |
|
Dial: 3-6-01 |
Good Slightly oxidized HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model “Osyter Perpetual” “Chronomètre”; retailed by Cuervo Y Sobrinos, Habana (Cuba)
Reference 3372
Year circa 1945
Movement No. N 16 975
Case No. 317 267 (by Genex, Geneva)
Bracelet black leather strap
Buckle gilded brass buckle
Caliber N 1411, 9’’’ ¾, Super-Balance
Height 39.1 mm.
Width 32.2 mm.
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
Rolex, Ref. 3372
Produced in the 1930’s and 1940’s, as follows: 18K yellow or pink gold, 14K yellow or pink gold, stainless steel and gold, stainless steel. This model was called “Luxury Model” according to an advertisement dated 1940.
Bibliography
Patrizzi, Osvaldo, Rolex, Collecting Modern and Vintage Wristwatches, Genova, Guido Mondani Editions, 2005, pp. 116, 119, 140, 279, and 280.
Biography
Cuervo Y Sobrinos, Habana (Cuba)
The name ‘Cuervo Y Sobrinos’ or ‘Cuervo and Nephews’ signifies a time in history that should be cherished for its significance in the world of vintage watches.
Founded in 1882 with Latin roots, Don Ramon Cuervo and his family established a jewellery and watchmaking business in the heart of Havana (Fifth Avenue). Leading into the beginning of the 20th century, the Cuervo name became synonymous with high-end luxury and Cuban laidback living. A simple mention of the Cuervo family’s brand was enough to impress during a time in Cuba which was a hub for style and fashion.
Soon enough, top tier watch manufacturers such asPatek Philippe, Rolex and Longineswere making watches just for Cuervo in the hopes that they would grace the watches with their signature and sell them in their store. The success of the business continued, expanding to other regions including North America and Europe, most notably La Chaux-de-Fonds (Canton of Neuchâtel), one of the capital of the Swiss watchmaking industry.
Einstein, Caruso, Churchill, Hemingway, Gable and Neruda were amongst the renowned firm’s faithful clients.
In the mid to late 1950’s an unfortunate turn of events occurred. The Cuban revolution forced the Cuervo family to flee their shop, to leave the business that they had spent so many years cultivating. The turbulence was shocking and most of the watch dials, cases and movements were left behind, suspended in time, clinging to a peaceful and profitable past.
Today, the ‘Cuervo Y Sobrinos’name continues, headed by Italian entrepreneur Marzio Villa. The timepieces honour the original designs and strive to connote that splendid vintage Cuban flair.