From Fidel, to Gina, to...

Wennenes auction house will be handling several items from the estate of Gina Lollobrigida on May 28 and 29. And one particular item caught my eye -

Courtesy of Wennenes

This is, as you can tell, not the infamous Rolex that Fidel Castro was frequently photographed wearing. No, this is a rather curious piece.

Per Wennenes -

SEIKO MEN'S TITANIUM WRIST WATCH FIDEL CASTRO WATCH

37x41 mm titanium case, 'to Gina with admiration' personalisation, 'Fidel Castro', LCD dial, quartz movement, titanium strap. 

So how did one of Italy's most famous film stars come to have a digital Seiko watch with a personalized engraving from "Miami's Most Wanted"?

A great article explaining their meeting and how the watch came to her wrist can be found courtesy of the Guardian -

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/12/gina-lollobrigida-fidel-castro-watch-auction

Long story short? When her acting days had come to an end, she embarked on a second act as a photojournalist. And it was in that capacity that they met (for a second time) when she was granted an exclusive interview. Apparently it went well, as Castro removed his watch and gave it to her. He later had it engraved.

The Prominente 135th

From Cuervo y Sobrinos -

Courtesy of Cuervo y Sobrinos

You don't turn 135 every year, and therefore something special was in order for the 135th anniversary of Cuervo y Sobrinos.


Reference 1025.1135, the watch is sold in a set that comes with either a roller ball or fountain pen.

The movement is Soprod's SW 300, the case is stainless steel measuring 32 mm wide and 43 mm in length.  

Hours, minutes and seconds, with a date window at 6 o'clock.


Just like back in the day ; )

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A Beautiful Watch for a Beautiful Human Being

Point of full disclosure - I am not what you would call a traditionally religious person.  Having said that, Jorge Mario Bergoglio (otherwise known as Pope Francis) is not only the best possible ambassador for the Catholic Church, but a man who truly embodies and lives the message that he is working to spread.  He has done something that no prior Pope has been able to do, and together with Tenzin Gyatso (otherwise known as the Dalai Lama) has shown what a powerful message peace, love and compassion can help deliver.  

The Pope is now a bit of a "folk hero" to just about EVERYONE in the US after he compassionately, but firmly let our nation's leaders know that they could be doing better.  Instead of going to formal, fancy, private meals?  He met with the homeless.  He transcends religion, he is so much bigger, so much more an important messenger than only religion.  Because what Pope Francis has demonstrated is the undeniable strength of "soft power".  Based on his words AND his actions - he is a singular ambassador for humanity.  Those who know me know that I am generally not one to "gush", but that is the powerful dignity that this man posses.

So it was really nice to see that Cuervo y Sobrinos has also been touched by this gentle man, and went to work to create something special to honor his visit to Cuba and the Americas -

Courtesy of Cuervo y Sobrinos

From the Historiador collection, presented with a white strap and an additional black strap.  

Courtesy of Cuervo y Sobrinos

The presentation of the watch (along with a personal letter from  Marzio Villa , the president of Cuervo y Sobrinos) was made possible through the gracious assistance and agreement of Eusebio Leal Spengler, the Official Havana Historiador and the Ecclesiastical Authority of Cuba.

Let love rule -