Updated November 2022
Sometimes it’s tough to find good gift ideas for your favorite man. We say, give him the gift of time with a fine watch this Christmas.
We’re sharing options from both Hamilton watches and Cuervo y Sobrinos, giving you a nice range of prices. Because a watch subtly marks your man’s character and personality, we chose these as the best watches for men of taste.
These watches are for men who have a sense of style and appreciate fine engineering, craftsmanship, and quality.
Cuervo y Sobrinos Watches
Make a big impression by gifting him a Cuervo y Sobrinos watch. Each comes with a Spanish cedar cigar humidor or portable watch winder.
Today’s only luxury watch brand with a true Latin legacy. Historically significant, Cuervo y Sobrinos (CyS) watches mark an unparalleled time in history. Establishing their fine boutique in 1882 in Havana, Cuba.
But it was during Havana’s heyday of the 1930s-50s, when CyS was even more prestigious than Tiffany’s. In fact, the brand was so highly respected that the boutique’s guest register boasts signatures of Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Clark Gable and many more. Even Cartier envied Cuervo y Sobrinos during the years when Havana served as a playground for the rich and famous.
With CyS being so distinguished, leading watches of the era, like Rolex, Longines, and Patek Philippe produced double-branded watches with the “Cuervo y Sobrinos” name engraved on the dials.
The CyS Historiador Hemingway Watch
Limited Edition of 140 Watches each
Developing this luxury watch in partnership with Hemingway Limited, the group founded by Hemingway’s three sons, Cuervo y Sobrinos is the first watch brand to be officially licensed by them. For those who appreciate Limited Editions with style, character, and a connection to history.
Ernest Miller Hemingway (1899 – 1961), the iconic, legendary man who lived a rich and adventurous life. Known for his powerful literary works and his own larger-than-life character.
He clearly loved his Caribbean retreat. Living in Cuba at ‘Finca Vigia’ for 20 years, from 1939 – 1960, frequently visiting the Cuervo y Sobrinos boutique. Today, with the blessing of the Hemingway family, CyS is honoring the American literary genius and former CyS client with a new series of watches. Definitely a watch Hemingway himself would be passionate about wearing.
Available in a choice of cream or brown dial, both versions are limited to 140 pieces each.
Brown dial watches have an 18K yellow gold Limited Edition plate with its number.
Cream dial watches have a stainless steel Limited Edition plate with their number.
The CyS Historiador Tradición San Rafael
Limited Edition of 188 Watches each
Revisiting the ‘Tradition’ of 1950s Havana and eager to capture some of its period charm is the Tradición San Rafael. However, this modern-day watch is not a replica, but a contemporary reinterpretation of one of Cuervo’s most-loved classics.
Being offered in two variants, this luxury watch comes in a Champagne or silver dial. Limited Edition of 188 pieces of each dial.
Being the most prestigious boulevard in 1950s Havana, CyS moved their famous company to a new upscale boutique on Calle San Rafael. Ultimately, becoming a must-see destination for its distinguished clientele. Therefore, this latest addition to the Historiador collection honors this exclusive retail sensation.
Each dial exhibits an exceptional ‘frappage’ motif. Featuring dauphine-style hands emulating those found on the original Tradición of the 1950s. Likewise, as with the original, you’ll notice a red-tipped arrow standing out boldly as its central sweep seconds hand.
Engraving on the case back depicts the brand’s former seal with the boutique on Calle San Rafael in Havana. Historically, this seal was applied to all CyS documents.
The CyS Pirata Chronograph
Inspired by Cuba’s rich maritime history, harking back to a time when pirates navigated the seas. From the swashbuckling Pirata collection is the Chronograph, mirroring the spirit of daring and adventure. With a strong identity inspired by the audacious and romantic spirit of history’s buccaneers. Therefore, this large watch’s inside bezel is engraved, “Pirata de el Tiempo de la Vida”.
The Cuervo y Sobrinos Pirata Chronograph has a wealth of details. Details that create instant eye-appeal with a genuine sense of quality include:
- Uniquely tailored rings of metals, like stainless steel and blackened titanium, are an important feature of the large 45mm modular case design.
- Consistent with the ‘Pirata’ theme, the chronograph pushers are reminiscent of a harquebus. An early portable gun once used by pirates in the 17th century.
- The watch’s ample crown replicates the appearance of a navigator’s globe. Undoubtedly, its grand scale enriches the look of the watch and proves very practical, making it easy to handle.
- The exhibition case back has a sapphire crystal revealing the details of the automatic movement.
A review by Total Design states:
“Aesthetically the Pirata Chrono is designed to make a bold statement and has many notable characteristics. I love the matte black dial with contrasting laser-etched silver bold numerals and decorative crest. Other fine details include skeletonised satin-finished hour/minute hands, sapphire crystal lens, dome-shaped crown and chronograph pushers. At the heart of the watch is a modified Swiss made Valjoux 7750 self-winding movement, which is visible through the exhibition case back.” And, “one of their largest timepieces with a modular 316L stainless case measuring 45mm x 15.5mm and that’s why it personally appealed to me. Certainly, I would be happy to sport this magnificent timepiece at a dinner dance or private formal function.” Above all, being a limited edition, not everyone at the party will have this watch on their wrist.”
The CyS Pirata GMT
The Cuervo y Sobrinos Pirata GMT has the same distinctive modular case design. With its elaborate shape echoing the profile of a 17th-century cannon. Also, the watch includes the standout large “Globe” crown. It’s bold 45mm stainless steel case allows for an expansive dial area. As a result, this large watch displays every indication with notable clarity and style.
The Pirata GMT features:
- Hours, minutes, seconds, a second time zone, and a date display in window
- Automatic 25-jewel movement with a 40 hour power reserve
- Screwed see-through case back with 2 swords surrounds the classic CyS crest engraving
- Luminous SLNC3 hands for hours, minutes, central second, and GMT hands with rhodium finish
- Black dial with index applied, 24 hours display on center, CyS emblem applied
- Black matte ostrich strap with a stainless steel pin buckle and engraved CyS emblem
CyS Robusto Churchill Sir Winston
Limited Edition of 100 Watches each
Revered as one of World War II’s most highly respected figures, Churchill visited Cuba more than once. He was part of Cuervo y Sobrinos’ influential clientele. His signature appearing on their guest register along with many others, like Einstein and Hemingway. In tribute to this lion-hearted man, a special Limited Edition of only 100 watches.
Visiting Cuba in 1895 at 21 years old as a young officer, his first taste of Cuba lasted only a few weeks. But it would not be the last time that he would visit the sun-kissed Caribbean island. Clearly exhausted, Churchill visited Cuba at the invitation of President Truman in 1946. Together with his wife Clementine, they enjoyed a well-earned rest at the Hotel Nacional after his arduous role in World War II.
Many Cubans enjoyed Churchill’s time on the island as much as he did. Appearing to be especially happy when smoking his favorite Havana cigars. Indeed, the former Prime Minister was reportedly delighted when he was gifted 500 Romeo y Julieta cigars, his favorite brand.
The Churchill collection of watches pays tribute to Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill. Undoubtedly, one of the most important figures of the 20th century. A remarkable man who appreciated the finer things in life and who fell in love with Cuba and its friendly citizens.
The watch is provided with two straps: a dark blue high-gloss Louisiana alligator and a stainless steel and titanium bracelet.
The Watch Details
The Robusto Churchill ‘Yalta Edition’ timepiece proved to be resoundingly popular. Therefore, we are pleased to unveil the Robusto Churchill ‘Sir Winston’. A very handsome limited-edition model endowed with an eye-catching petrol blue guilloché dial.
- Featuring a Clous de Paris motif, the striking blue guilloché dial resembles a series of woven arc-shaped lines.
- Day and date display succinctly, positioned one above the other, over 6 o’clock.
- A central sweep seconds hand integrates with a neat track that frames the dial, enhancing readability.
- Silver-toned, faceted hour and minute hands collaborate with prominent hour markers, making the prevailing time highly readable.
- Housed in a 43mm stainless steel and titanium case. Employing a 3-part modular construction technique that includes a central body, lateral sides and case back.
- The famous quote attributed to Winston Churchill, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference” appears on the case back.
Features
MOVEMENT:
- CYS 5105, base STP 4-13, 13 ”’
- automatic
- 29mm diameter, 5.15 mm height
- 44 hours, 26 jewels, 28800 A/h
- finished oscillating weight with engraving
FUNCTIONS:
- Hours, minutes, centre seconds and date
CASE:
- Stainless steel and titanium sides
- diameter 43 mm, height 12.45 mm
- sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- water resistant to 10 ATM
- screwed see-through case back with sapphire crystal
HANDS:
- Stainless steel hands, hours and minutes with Superluminova
Hamilton Watches
Hamilton Watch is one of the oldest and most respected American watch lines. A very affordable watch line with incredible style and history. From timeless classics to diving and aviation watches to retro styles reviving some of their most historical pieces. In fact, because of their impressive styling, Hamilton watches have been in over 500 movies since the 1930s.
Innovators in timekeeping, Hamilton is recognized for many firsts in watch making history. For example, the world’s first electrical, battery powered watch and the first wristwatch with a drift angle calculator for pilots. In addition, they’re military-style Khaki watch line is a very popular everyday watch.
The watches from the Khaki collection are Hamilton’s most popular watches. This is one of the favorites, the Khaki Field King Auto with a 40mm stainless steel case and a dark brown leather strap.
One of the oldest American watch companies, Hamilton is known for their historical timepieces. Military time features prominently on the dial of this watch. Underlining the military heritage of this handsome retro Hamilton.
Specially designed protectors ensure the safety of the crown at all times.Its extended power reserve lasts up to 80 hours, almost double the industry standard. Therefore, when you take your watch off on Friday it’ll still be ticking on Monday.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Auto is a very handsome watch. And, it’s a movie celebrity! Appearing in over 500 major movies, Hamilton’s most significant role would likely be in Interstellar, starring Jessica Chastain and Matthew McConaughey. Hamilton custom created ‘The Murph’, especially for the movie and it is essential to the plot. Indeed, in the movie, the watch is instrumental in saving humanity.
Hamilton’s most anticipated release of a watch, the Khaki Field Murph is now available to the public and its ardent fans. Sporting a large 42 mm stainless steel case. With its black dial & beige SuperLuminova inlaid hands protected by a sapphire crystal. Its automatic movement boasts an unusually long power reserve of up to 80 hours.
Impressive and large scale with vintage good looks that create a bold, yet understated authenticity. This watch is an exact reproduction of the movie watch with one very tiny addition. Barely visible to the naked eye, the word ‘Eureka’ is printed in Morse code in lacquer on the seconds hand. A nod to the most defining moment in the movie.
An incredibly handsome Aviation automatic chronograph watch that makes the perfect everyday co-pilot. Glorious in its technical look and automatic movement, loved by pilots and grounded urbanites alike.
Along with Hamilton’s many historical, ground-breaking timepieces, the Khaki X-Wind features the first ever drift angle calculator to appear in a watch. It helps pilots accurately calculate how crosswinds will affect their journey.
Perfect for the demands of the sportiest lifestyles. Featuring:
- H-21 movement, a powerful automatic chronograph with an extended 60-hour power reserve
- a commanding 44mm stainless steel case and an open case back
- screw down crown and 10 bar water resistance (100m)
- highly impressive black dial
- genuine brown leather strap with a pin buckle
Hamilton watches are celebrities and have been in over 500 movies since the 1930s. This Aviation X-wind was worn by Liam Hemsworth in Independence Day: Resurgence in 2016.
Ventura is one of our most popular watches. Originally designed in 1957, making history as the world’s first electrical, battery-powered watch. An extraordinary style for an extraordinary man.
Elvis Presley is seen here wearing one of his Ventura watches in the movie, Blue Hawaii.
Noted Hamilton historian, Jarett Harkness was quoted as saying, “I’m not sure how Elvis Presley’s White Gold Ventura got onto Blue Hawaii, but I imagine it was just because Elvis was fascinated with the watch and owned one, and it looked good for the movie,”. As a matter of fact, Presley owned many Venturas and was known to give them as gifts.
In addition, the Ventura is the official timepiece of Men in Black agents all over the world. The watch appears in all four episodes of the MIB series and is as much a part of their uniform as the black suit and wraparound sunglasses. Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, and Tessa Thompson all wear the Hamilton Ventura.
An American classic, Hamilton’s Intra-Matic Auto with date. A 38mm stainless steel case with 20mm lugs and water resistance. A comfortable goat leather band with an 18mm pin buckle.
The Intra-Matic is a good example of how classic design never goes out of style. Verifying the magic of simplicity, well suited to everyone who appreciates classic American style.
Also includes a sapphire crystal with anti-reflection and a 50-hour power reserve.