Winston Churchill visited Cuba for the first time in 1895, aged just 21, and as a young officer of the 4° Hussar regiment was eager to take part in military action. He therefore decided to join the Spanish army and fight against Cuban forces in what became known as the 'Cuban War of Independence' (1895-1898). After walking as far as Arroyo Blanco, about 400 km east of Havana, he faced enemy fire. His first taste of Cuba lasted only a few weeks. In early 1946, sorely tried by his important role in the Second World War, Churchill crossed the Atlantic Ocean, following President Truman's invitation. He lobbied America for a loan to rebuild his homeland, made a series of speeches and took this opportunity to visit Cuba a second time, but this time as an elder statesman. During his stay on the island, he also visited the Cuervo y Sobrinos boutique. It is also said that the former Prime Minister was thrilled to receive a gift of 500 Romeo y Julieta cigars, his favourite brand. The name Robusto is used to describe a cigar that is short and, indeed, "robust", which turned out to be the ideal choice for this new Cuervo y Sobrinos watch, produced in a limited edition of just 100 pieces and inspired by Winston Churchill himself. The 43 mm steel case embraces a handsome petrol blue dial finely guilloché-engraved with a clous de Paris motif and protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, on which facetted gladius hands are set with arrowhead hour markers and applied Arabic numerals. At 6 o'clock, there is a day-date window display. A hinged lever positioned at 3 o'clock serves as the crown: its particular design gives the watch an almost symmetrical profile while providing maximum comfort on the wrist. The movement used is the calibre CYS 5105 (diameter 29 mm, thickness 5.15 mm, 26 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour, 44-hour power reserve, personalised oscillating weight), mechanical with automatic winding and visible from the back side, on which is also engraved a quote from the great statesman: "Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference". The watch is combined with a steel bracelet. However, there is also a blue Louisiana alligator strap in the case. Finally, water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 10 atmospheres.
Price: 4,000 euro.
