Cuervo y Sobrinos, a relatively obscure brand that was established on Cuba and is now owned by a Swiss-based company, has presented a new version of their deliciously retro-styled Pirata model. Now called Pirata Complete Calendar Limited Edition (ref. 3051.5NF), it packs the usual functionality of an ETA 7751 caliber into a not-so-common combination of steel, titanium, and bronze.
Although I find CyS’s current experiments with design language somewhat disgusting, there is a certain beauty to this timepiece, especially if you are into pirate movies and steam-punk culture.
Also, there is something resolutely, um, un-Swiss about this watch, which also makes it unique when compared to other Swiss Made and German devices that tend to look either, um, technocratic like a miniature Mercedes-Benz on your hand or, um, stately like a miniaturized pocket watch from the XVIII century.
As the rest of the family, the Pirata Complete Calendar is offered in a seven-piece case, where any of the pieces may be crafted in titanium, steel or bronze and combined to your liking.
As far as I can see, the model on the promo image has its bezel made of bronze, while the lugs, crown and chronograph push-pieces are made of titanium.
Being 45 mm in diameter, the case is rather large, but the crown is so oversized that it actually resembles a cannonball.
The matte-black dial provides a good background for the dagger-shaped hour and minute hands also made of bronze and supplied with tiny amounts of lume on their tips.
Its layout is rather standard because the Pirata Complete Calendar is equipped with a mass-produced ETA Valjoux 7751 automatic chronograph movement, but the decoration also makes the dial look, um, different.
Being a version of the ETA Valjoux 7750 caliber, the movement comes with a so-called “full calendar” module, so that the dial can display date, day of the week, and month. Of course, there is also a moon-phase display with day/night indicator.
The only thing that puzzles me here a little is the water resistance rating of just 50 meters. I mean, it is a pirate-themed watch, isn’t it supposed to be more durable and all?
Cuervo y Sobrinos plans to issue only 200 pieces. The retail price of $8250 seems a bit over the top here and even the quality of the mechanism that powers it probably wouldn’t save the piece if the Swiss-based brand won’t start to discount it aggressively soon after the piece comes to a boutique near you. Well, anyway, good luck with selling them.
See also: Bad Moon Rising: Limes Pharo Full Calendar Chronograph with Moonphase indicator
WWR Verdict
Originality 5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 3/5
Value for Money: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Cuervo y Sobrinos
Cuervo y Sobrinos Pirata Complete Calendar (ref. 3051.5NF) specification
Price: $8250 (MSRP)
Movement: Caliber ETA Valjoux 7751, automatic, diameter: 31.00 mm, height: 5.05 mm, Swiss Made
Jewels: 25
Cadence of balance: 28,800 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day of week, month, chronograph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Steel, titanium, bronze
Shape: Round
Size: 45.00 mm
Case height: 15.50 mm
Dial: Black with gold accents
Hands: Steel, titanium, bronze (open-worked and luminous)
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Dark rubber strap, embellished with a light brown stitching
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire