The Lonsdale Watch, CronotempVs x Watchonista x Cuervo y Sobrinos Answer To Cigar Lovers

The Lonsdale Watch is a watch with a story… The story of two members of the watch industry, who also happen to be seasoned cigar smokers; Francisco Scaramanga, co-founder of CronotempVs Collectors, and our friend Marco Gabella from Watchonista. And at a certain point, these brothers of the leaf were savouring a couple of Cuban vitolas… And the idea to merge the two worlds that brought them together came up, with the concept of a truly cigar-inspired watch. This required a watch brand, and what’s best than Cuban-rooted manufacturer Cuervo y Sobrinos for the job… The result is now alive. And it will speak to the cigar lovers of this world. 

There are few good things to know about the Lonsdale Watch. There’s the design and inspiration, of course, but also the whole package delivered with the watch. And first and foremost, the fact that this is an entirely new design that Cuervo y Sobrinos created for CronotempVs and Watchonista. Not just a variation around an existing model, but yes an unprecedented watch.

The case of the Lonsdale Watch is rather compact – in fact, much more than many CyS watches – with a 40mm diameter, a restrained 10.5mm height and (importantly) an appreciated 44.6mm lug-to-lug measurement. Made of polished steel, it features prominent lugs, almost resulting in a tonneau shape, and a classic raised polished bezel. The crown is slightly recessed and the watch has a rather cool caseback, engraved with various mentions specific to this limited edition, and featuring a coin slot, a nod to the erstwhile system for opening up the back eight decades ago – even though the back is actually screwed down, but the screws are concealed.

The dials, available in 3 different variations, are again paying tribute to the world of cigars, each named after different shades of capa (cigar wrapper leaf). All are vertically brushed and feature warm colours, with a railroad minute track and Arabic numerals. There’s Candela, with a silvered dial, black hands and green numerals. Then comes Claro, with a champagne dial, blued hands and cream numerals. Finaly, there’s Oscuro, with a brown dial, silver hands and gilt numerals. And below the small seconds are the words “Unicos Importadores” in reference to Cuervo y Sobrinos’ former status as sole importers of luxury watches in Cuba.

Inside the Lonsdale Watch is a tried and tested movement, based on the Sellita SW261-1 (the small seconds version of the SW200). This automatic movement runs at 4Hz and stores 38 hours of power reserve. All three watches are worn on a hand-stitched brown calfskin strap with quick-release spring bars and polished stainless-steel pin buckle.

But there’s more… The presentation box, as often with watches from Cuervo y Sobrinos, has a few tricks too. And of course, it has to do with cigars. Crafted from Spanish cedar and covered in leatherette, it features a smoke swirl pattern conceived by designer Eric Giroud. In addition to the watch, three accessories are included; a cigar rest, a cigar case, and a NATO watch strap to fit the Lonsdale.

Availability & Price

The CronotempVs x Watchonista x Cuervo y Sobrinos Lonsdale Watch is limited to 246 examples in total – 82 pieces for each of the three dials. To pre-order, visit the CronotempVs Collectors shop and place a 50 percent deposit on the EUR 2,500 sale price, excluding taxes and shipping. Each edition has its own page link: The Candela, the Claro, and the Oscuro.