Patek Philippe has launched its first new assortment of watches in 25 years with the Cubitus, which can also be the Geneva watchmaker’s first sq. watch to enter the everlasting assortment. There are three new Patek Philippe Cubitus references for now, two time-only with date fashions (Ref. 5821/1A-001 and 5821/1AR-001) and one very spectacular grand date watch with day of the week and moon part indications (Ref. 5822P-001).
To dig into this a bit for these for whom the naming phrases are arcane, Ref. 5821/1A is cased in metal, with an identical bracelet whereas Ref. 5821/1AR combines metal and rose gold, once more with a bracelet that matches. When it comes to actions, which is on the coronary heart of any dialog about Patek Philippe watches, the straightforward fashions use present calibres (26-330 S C) whereas the sophisticated mannequin introduces a brand new one (240 PS CI J LU).
Actual information is tougher to search out in watchmaking than proof of water on Mars however this reveal by Patek Philippe actually qualifies. Sure, it’s that important. We could have far more to say about Ref. 5822P however first, we should focus on the character of the gathering, which implies the appear and feel. You’ll not be alone in pondering that the Cubitus appears like some form of lengthy misplaced Nautilus relative and Patek Philippe does reference the sports activities class idea, which is intently associated to that legendary assortment. Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern notes that what we see as Nautilus references are actually key parts of the model his household has led for 3 generations. He additionally famous {that a} true sq. watch was at all times in his thoughts.
“(Two explanation why the sq. form is vital), first as a result of I by no means had it in (the model’s everlasting) assortment, and I at all times take pleasure in seeing a few of the sq. watches (from different manufacturers),” mentioned Stern. “And secondly, as a result of I believed it will be good to shock individuals with it. It’s a private problem for me additionally to say, properly, no person anticipated me to go there!”
As for the identify, apparently, Cubitus simply popped into Stern’s thoughts earlier than anything. On the press briefing for the launch, it was clear that many choices have been thought-about within the 4 years or in order that the gathering was in growth. Using the present calibres, together with the bottom 240 calibre, does point out that the model was versatile in its method.
These accustomed to the Nautilus will notice that the Cubitus appears to be a form of second coming specifically for the now-discontinued Ref. 5711A. If this occurred to you, take into account that there are not any important fashions in sports activities class from any model which can be sq.. To not make comparisons however since Stern introduced it up, even icons such because the Cartier Santos or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso are both not sq. or not sports activities class.
Briefly, that is new territory for Patek Philippe, even when it seems to be discovering water within the Sahara relatively than off-world. On that notice, we don’t count on the warmth of Ref. 5711 transferring to Ref. 5821, though Stern anticipates that new assortment might be oversubscribed, simply because the Nautilus and Aquanaut references are. On that considerably gnarly topic of shortage, Stern confirms that manufacturing won’t be scaling up; for reference, present manufacturing ranges are roughly 72,000 items yearly and we had it final at 70,000 final 12 months.
Lastly, we are going to depart off with the texture of the watches, which we have been privileged to expertise on the launch in Munich. The model promised that the texture of the piece would drive off any doubts we would have. The proof is within the carrying, particularly since all three watches are 45mm. After all, it is a correct sq. and the built-in lugs imply that the scale is definitely snug. For the variations with bracelets, the Nautilus impression might be unmistakeable, proper right down to the pins and the alternating finishings (that are additionally mirrored on the case, similar to the Nautilus).
On this instance, the photographs do inform the story, though we’re curious to strive a Nautilus on for comparability. Sadly, whereas such comparisons are helpful, they are going to be troublesome to rearrange, given the supply points. For now although, these of you who recall the Ref. 5711 fondly and missed it is going to discover a lot to love in regards to the Cubitus. Solely time will inform if the Ref. 5821 will advantage the identical desirability. As for the technically compelling Ref. 5822, we are going to save that for an additional extra detailed publish as a result of it deserves its personal house.
And, to essentially end, costs have been up to date on the Patek Philippe web site and the brand new watches form up as follows: Ref. 5822P-001 – SGD 128,000; Ref. 5821/1A-001 – SGD 59,700; Ref. 5821/1AR-001 – SDG 88,700.
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