Patek Philippe’s first new collection in 25 years is unapologetically bold and distinctive
First, the leaks. Then, the confirmation. Perhaps a buying frenzy next? After images of the new Patek Philippe Cubitus watch started appearing online last week, watch lovers could not stop dispensing hot takes on the brand’s latest creation.
As it is expected with an esteemed, centuries-old brand that attempts to try something new, views are bound to be polarising. Reactions to the brand-new Cubitus—Patek Philippe’s first new collection since 1999—spanned from delight to incredulity. But one thing is for sure, Patek Philippe knows exactly where it is headed with the bold new watch.
The Cubitus certainly does not look like anything that Patek Philippe has done in its 185-year history. One might describe it as a cousin to the iconic Nautilus, given that both collections occupy the sports-luxe space, but further comparisons will, quite frankly, be tenuous.
A collection in its own right, the Cubitus grabs your attention with its imposing 44.4mm by 44.9mm case with rounded corners. There is a touch of retro-tinged machismo to go with the case size, accompanied by Patek Philippe’s characteristic refinement and technical nuances.
For its debut, the Cubitus is offered in three variations. The most mechanically accomplished of which is the Ref. 5822P in platinum, a calendar watch with large twin-date date display, moon phase and day of the week, all of which switch instantaneously. Measuring just 4.76mm in height, the newly developed ultra-thin automatic movement powering the watch has six patents pending on it.
Besides the Ref. 5822P, collectors have a choice between two models with time-and-day display: the two-tone Ref. 5821/1AR in steel and rose gold case with blue sunburst dial, and the all-steel Ref. 5821/1A with olive-green dial. Both models are driven by an automatic movement with a stop-seconds feature that allows for more precise time adjustment, and offers up to 45 hours of power reserve.
There are suggestions that the Cubitus demonstrates Patek Philippe’s attempt to woo younger watch lovers. As far as the watch’s presence, style and debut offerings go, the whispers seem not too far off the mark.
