Patek Philippe’s Cubitus collection is arguably this year’s most talked-about watch release, sparking adoration and debate. It marks the brand’s response to the popular luxury sports watch market, which it once dominated with the Ref 5711 in stainless steel.
At the height of its fame, the Ref 5711, particularly the blue dial variant, commanded waitlists for up to eight years—a testament to its enduring appeal and ultimately its demise. Thierry Stern, Patek Philippe’s President, discontinued the model in 2021 to avert an overheated market bubble.
Three years later, it presents the Cubitus, a reinterpretation of the “elegant sporty” aesthetic. The new collection features an original geometric approach centred around the square, a familiar shape for the brand.
At the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, visitors will see a lineage of quadrangular cases, including squares, rectangles, and cushions, particularly prevalent during the Art Deco period. The Cubitus continues this heritage with an original design featuring a square bezel with rounded corners—a bold proposition that harmonises the square, circle, and octagon.
Three models are offered: Cubitus Instantaneous Grand Date, Day and Moon Phases, Ref 5822P-001, the two-tone Cubitus model Ref 5821/1AR-001; and Cubitus Ref 5821/1A-001, with an olive green sunburst dial.
Ref 5822P-001
With the launch of its new collection, Patek Philippe introduced an exclusive, complex movement with a “grand date” function. In a double aperture, this large-format date combines aesthetic appeal with practical utility, seamlessly integrating into the Cubitus’ geometric design. In addition to moon phases and a day indicator, the brand debuted a new large-date mechanism that epitomises its commitment to sophisticated and user-friendly horology.
The new 240 PS CI J LU calibre combines the ultra-thin 240 with functions such as a large date, small seconds, and instantaneous moon phase and day indicators. Six patents covering energy distribution and synchronising all displays by 18 milliseconds have been filed. These innovations ensure accurate digit alignment and enable day-to-day adjustments at any time.
The platinum case houses a blue sunburst dial with horizontal relief embossing consistent throughout the collection. In keeping with Patek Philippe’s tradition, the platinum model also includes a signature diamond, this time in a baguette cut, at six o’clock.
Ref 5821/1AR-001
For the dandy gent, Patek Philippe offers a bi-metal design featuring a rose gold bezel and central bracelet links contrasted against a stainless steel caseband and lateral links. This refined interplay is accentuated by alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes. The blue sunburst dial contrasts against rose-gold baton-style hour markers and rounded hands coated in white luminescence.
A self-winding movement runs on the calibre 26-330 S C featuring a stop-seconds mechanism for precise synchronisation and enhanced winding efficiency. The steel and rose gold bracelet has a patented size-adjustment system and a fold-over clasp with four independent catches for optimal comfort and safety.
Ref 5821/1A-001
The standout of the trio, positioned as the successor to the iconic Ref 5711 in steel, is the highly anticipated “entry-priced” three-hand model with a date function. Also powered by the calibre 26-330 S C self-winding movement, it comes in a substantial 45-mm diameter, commanding wrist presence whilst maintaining a slender profile.
Its dial features a refined olive green hue accentuated by a sunburst motif and white gold baton-style hour markers. Small rounded hands also feature white luminescent coating for increased legibility. The accompanying steel bracelet includes a lockable size-adjustment mechanism and Patek Philippe’s patented fold-over clasp with four independent catches for comfort and security.
