Lis Cuesta Peraza, the wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel, attended the International Workers' Day parade in Havana this past Friday, sporting a timepiece that social media users identified as a Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium 33 mm. The official retail price for this watch exceeds $6,700.
Journalist Mario J. Pentón shared images on Facebook, highlighting the irony of the situation: "Cuba's unofficial first lady attends the march with her usual simplicity, while many Cubans often don't have breakfast, including today, May 1st."
The watch was identified by user Rey Calderón in the comments of Pentón's post: "This is a Hublot watch, specifically the Classic Fusion Titanium model. It's known for being one of the Swiss brand's most iconic and minimalist designs, featuring a titanium case with the signature 'H' shape screws on the bezel and a black rubber strap."
According to Hublot's official site, the 33 mm model has a recommended retail price of $6,700 in the United States, excluding taxes. Authorized dealers like Prestige Time list it for $6,400, with a sale price of $5,248. On the second-hand market, platforms such as Chrono24 show prices ranging from $4,500 to $6,500.
Economic Disparity Highlighted
The contrast is stark: the average monthly salary in Cuba is about 6,830 Cuban pesos, roughly equivalent to $15 on the informal exchange market. This means Lis Cuesta's watch is worth more than 350 months of a Cuban worker's salary.
The event took place during a parade relocated from Revolution Square to the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Platform, opposite the United States Embassy on Havana's Malecón. The official reasons were "austerity" and the so-called "energy blockade." This year's May Day march in Cuba was dedicated to both Fidel Castro's 100th birthday and the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs victory.
Luxury Items Amid Economic Struggles
Lis Cuesta wasn't the only regime figure to garner attention for extravagant attire. Díaz-Canel walked in Adidas Retropy F2 sneakers priced at $1,449. Pentón remarked, "With just the cost of Díaz-Canel's sneakers and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez's outfit, a Cuban family could live for six months."
This isn't the first instance where the leader’s wife has been seen in public adorned with high-value luxury items. In December 2022, Lis Cuesta defended her doctoral thesis wearing a Cartier Ballon Bleu watch worth over $13,000. In September 2025, during an official trip to China, she was photographed with the same Cartier, a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip phone over $1,200, a Boss Delaurena dress costing $670, and Gianvito Rossi shoes priced at $2,630.
In October 2025, she was spotted with an Aigner watch valued at 549 euros at an educational congress, and in February 2026, she showcased another luxury accessory at a public event.
Cuba's Dire Economic Situation
Cuba is enduring its worst economic crisis in decades. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) forecasts a 6.5% GDP contraction for 2026, the steepest in Latin America, with a 10.3% cumulative decline between 2025 and 2026. Meanwhile, millions of Cubans face power outages lasting up to 25 hours a day and severe shortages of food and medicine.
Understanding the Economic Disparity in Cuba
What is the significance of Lis Cuesta's watch in the context of Cuba's economy?
Lis Cuesta's watch, valued at over $5,000, highlights the stark contrast between the luxury enjoyed by Cuba's elite and the dire economic conditions faced by ordinary Cubans, whose average monthly salary is equivalent to about $15.
How did the parade location change reflect economic conditions in Cuba?
The May Day parade was moved from Revolution Square to the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Platform due to reasons of "austerity" and an "energy blockade," indicating the government's acknowledgment of Cuba's challenging economic situation.
What other luxury items has Lis Cuesta been seen wearing?
Lis Cuesta has been seen wearing various luxury items, including a Cartier Ballon Bleu watch, a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip phone, a Boss Delaurena dress, and Gianvito Rossi shoes, as well as an Aigner watch.