Cuban Watchmaker Fills Void with Eco-Friendly 'Made in Cuba' Timepieces
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Cuban watchmaker Ernesto Barrios founded a company making watches from recycled materials after Cuba lifted its ban on private businesses.
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His company fills an empty niche, as Cuba lacks domestic watch production and imports declined after the fall of the Soviet Union.
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The company uses recycled and locally sourced materials like wood, leather, and natural fibers to assemble watches without imports.
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Barrios says his watches are unique "Made in Cuba" products now displayed in Havana hotels and stores.
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Despite trouble with funding, the 4-person company is making headway in the domestic market.