What do Cuban cigar producer Cohiba and Swiss watchmaker Zenith have in common, you may ask. For one, both have hundreds of years of expertise, collectively, in the delicate art of crafting beautiful objects by hand. Obviously, both brands have a long history of providing exclusive products for those seeking only the best. The timing of this release is indeed fortuitous given the historic recent reversal in the long-standing deep freeze in US-Cuba relations. Regardless, this might be just the ticker to celebrate this moment in time.

While Zenith has over 150 years under its belt, it is Cohiba that is celebrating a milestone. For half a century the cigar producer has been providing cigar connoisseurs with the finest that Cuba has to offer (well, not cigar aficionados in the USA, unless they were buying the Dominican variant, which is no relation to the real deal). To commemorate the occasion, Cohiba has teamed up with Zenith for a limited edition timepiece. The exclusive “anniversary” El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition is an ode to the ultimate cigar with its dial and motifs. Like the cigar, the timepiece is fitted with a Havana brown dial that also has two vertical lines running across the middle. One is a bright yellow and another with the distinctive Cohiba emblem.

The dial also features the logos of both Zenith and Cohiba while the profile of famous aboriginal Taino chief — Cohiba’s emblem and the original inhabitants of Cuba — sits between the two. The dial also boasts something inimitably Zenith, especially in the contemporary era of the brand. The heart of timepiece’s El Primero 4061 chronograph movement, is visible at the 11 o’clock position, thanks to the signature dial cut-out. At 36,000 vibrations per hour, it allows for a 1/10^th of a second display while also housing a COSC precision-certified chronometer and integrated column-wheel construction. The 282-part movement is completed by a silicon lever and escape wheel, which you can admire dial-side (look for the purple elements).

On the case is a fluted crown and two round push-pieces (for the chronograph function) while the time is indicated by luminescent hands. Only 50 pieces are available in rose gold while 500 pieces are available in steel. Each timepiece is presented in a wooden box, colored like the legendary Habanos cigar.

• Specs
• Dimensions: 42 mm
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
• Power Reserve: 50 hours
• Movement: Automatic El Primero 4061 movement; integrated chronograph with
• Material: Red Gold, Stainless Steel
• Water Resistance: 100 meters
• Strap: Alligator with pin buckle