Patek Philippe has launched its first new collection of watches in 25 years with the Cubitus, which is also the Geneva watchmaker’s first square watch to enter the permanent collection. There are three new Patek Philippe Cubitus references for now, two time-only with date models (Ref. 5821/1A-001 and 5821/1AR-001) and one very impressive grand date watch with day of the week and moon phase indications (Ref. 5822P-001).
To dig into this a bit for those for whom the naming terms are arcane, Ref. 5821/1A is cased in steel, with a matching bracelet while Ref. 5821/1AR combines steel and rose gold, again with a bracelet that matches. In terms of movements, which is at the heart of any conversation about Patek Philippe watches, the simple models use existing calibres (26-330 S C) while the complicated model introduces a new one (240 PS CI J LU).
Real news is harder to find in watchmaking than evidence of water on Mars but this reveal by Patek Philippe certainly qualifies. Yes, it is that significant. We will have much more to say about Ref. 5822P but first, we must discuss the character of the collection, which means the look and feel. You will not be alone in thinking that the Cubitus looks like some kind of long lost Nautilus relative and Patek Philippe does reference the sports elegance concept, which is closely related to that legendary collection. Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern notes that what we see as Nautilus references are really key elements of the brand his family has led for three generations. He also noted that a true square watch was always in his mind.
“(Two reasons why the square shape is important), first because I never had it in (the brand’s permanent) collection, and I always enjoy seeing some of the square watches (from other brands),” said Stern. “And secondly, because I thought it would be good to surprise people with it. It’s a personal challenge for me also to say, well, nobody expected me to go there!”
As for the name, apparently, Cubitus just popped into Stern’s mind before anything else. At the press briefing for the launch, it was clear that many options were considered in the four years or so that the collection was in development. The use of the existing calibres, including the base 240 calibre, does indicate that the brand was flexible in its approach.
Those familiar with the Nautilus will note that the Cubitus looks to be a sort of second coming in particular for the now-discontinued Ref. 5711A. If this occurred to you, consider that there are no significant models in sports elegance from any brand that are square. Not to make comparisons but since Stern brought it up, even icons such as the Cartier Santos or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso are either not square or not sports elegance.
In short, this is new territory for Patek Philippe, even if it appears to be finding water in the Sahara rather than off-world. On that note, we do not expect the heat of Ref. 5711 transferring to Ref. 5821, although Stern anticipates that new collection will be oversubscribed, just as the Nautilus and Aquanaut references are. On that somewhat gnarly subject of scarcity, Stern confirms that production will not be scaling up; for reference, current production levels are approximately 72,000 pieces annually and we had it last at 66,000 last year.
Finally, we will leave off with the feel of the watches, which we were privileged to experience at the launch in Munich. The brand promised that the feel of the piece would drive off any doubts we might have. The proof is in the wearing, especially since all three watches are 45mm. Of course, this is a proper square and the integrated lugs mean that the size is actually comfortable. For the versions with bracelets, the Nautilus impression will be unmistakeable, right down to the pins and the alternating finishings (which are also mirrored on the case, just like the Nautilus).
In this example, the images do tell the story, although we are curious to try a Nautilus on for comparison. Sadly, while such comparisons are useful, they will be difficult to arrange, given the availability issues. For now though, those of you who recall the Ref. 5711 fondly and missed it will find plenty to like about the Cubitus. Only time will tell if the Ref. 5821 will merit the same desirability. As for technically compelling Ref. 5822, we will save that for another more detailed post because it deserves its own space.
And, to really finish, prices have been updated on the Patek Philippe website and the new watches shape up as follows: Ref. 5822P-001 – SGD 128,000; Ref. 5821/1A-001 – SGD 59,700; Ref. 5821/1AR-001 – SDG88,700.
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