It’s finally here—after 25 years, Patek Philippe has dropped a bombshell in the watchmaking world. On October 17, 2024, in Munich—the same city that hosted Patek Philippe's 2013 Grand Exhibition— the prestigious Swiss watchmaker unveiled its first entirely new lineup since 1999. After the release of the Twenty~4 collection, Patek Philippe has largely focused on refining its existing designs. But the Cubitus Collection represents a bold leap into new design territory, and it’s already turning heads.
Breaking away from tradition, the Cubitus introduces a daring square-shaped case with rounded corners—a bold move for a brand synonymous with timeless elegance. With its sleek 45 mm profile and expertly finished dial options, including sunburst blue and olive green, this collection signals a fresh era for Patek, where innovation meets classic craftsmanship.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the surface. Inside, Patek’s masterful engineering shines with the self-winding caliber 26-330 S C in the steel and rose gold models, and the platinum variant boasts the cutting-edge caliber 240 PS CI J LU with a Grand Date, Day, and Moon-phase display.
Curious to know what exactly makes this release so revolutionary? Stick around to dive into the design, innovation, and technical brilliance behind this collection.
The Cubitus Collection: A New Era in Design
Patek Philippe’s Cubitus Collection brings a fresh, modern look that redefines the brand’s traditional aesthetic. The first thing you’ll notice? The square-shaped case with rounded corners is a statement all on its own—sleek and bold which makes it a perfect blend of heritage and innovation.
Materials and Variants
The Cubitus Collection comes in three standout versions, each offering something unique:
Platinum (5822P-001): A timepiece for those who appreciate the technical complexity and prestige of platinum. This model features a baguette-cut diamond set at 6 o'clock on the bezel, adding to its luxurious allure. It also comes with a navy blue composite strap in a fabric pattern, giving it a casual-chic edge while maintaining an elevated sense of sophistication.
Two-tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel (5821/1AR-001): A stunning mix of polished and satin-brushed finishes, with an elegant sunburst blue dial that combines opulence and versatility. This model shines in its ability to transition between formal events and everyday elegance, with a 21K gold rotor that mirrors the horizontal pattern of the dial.
Stainless Steel (5821/1A-001): For those who prefer understated luxury, the sunburst olive green dial gives this model a sleek, minimalist appearance. The case and bracelet, with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes, are equipped with a lockable adjustment system and a patented fold-over clasp to ensure comfort and security.
Case and Dial Details
At 45 mm, the Cubitus case strikes the perfect balance between boldness and refinement. The rounded corners soften the angular design, giving each model a versatile and elegant appeal. While the case structure remains consistent across the collection, the dials of each model bring their own distinct character:
Platinum (5822P-001)
The dial is designed with Grand Date, Day, and Moon-phase displays, ensuring clear readability with a focus on functional elegance.
Two-tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel (5821/1AR-001)
The sunburst blue dial stands out with its dynamic texture, paired with luminescent markers and hands for enhanced visibility.
Stainless Steel (5821/1A-001)
The olive green dial offers a minimalist yet sophisticated look, perfect for collectors seeking understated elegance.
A Closer Look at the Models
In the discussion of the Cubitus collection, Thierry Stern revealed that his vision was driven by the desire to create a square watch that remains thin and elegant, diverging from Patek's tradition of round watches, which make up 85% of the industry. Initially, the collection was conceived as a dress watch, but it evolved to compete in the Aquanaut/Nautilus arena that offers a sportier, more contemporary option aimed at a younger audience. This fresh approach aligns with the bold design choices of the Cubitus collection, combining Patek Philippe’s heritage with a forward-looking mindset.
For more insights on Thierry Stern’s design philosophy you can read Hodinkee's full article here.
Each piece in the Cubitus Collection brings something distinctive to the table, catering to a wide range of collectors.
Let’s dive into the specifics:
Platinum (5822P-001)
This is where technical complexity meets elegance. The 5822P-001 features a Grand Date, Day, and Moon-phase display, powered by the remarkable caliber 240 PS CI J LU. It’s Patek Philippe’s most intricate timepiece in this collection, balancing sophisticated complications with everyday functionality. The instantaneous Grand Date at 12 o'clock is a brand-new complication for Patek Philippe, ensuring that the date jumps in just 18 milliseconds, a feat of engineering that highlights the attention to detail in this watch.
What makes this model stand out is its patented innovations. With six patents filed for the movement alone, the 5822P-001 is a masterclass in pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. These patents focus on energy management and precision, allowing for the smooth, instantaneous date change and ensuring that the two-disc date display—though made up of separate discs—aligns perfectly within the white-gold apertures. The ultra-thin movement doesn’t just deliver precision—it’s engineered to handle multiple displays with the kind of smoothness Patek is known for. If you're looking for complexity wrapped in elegance, this is it.
Two-tone Stainless Steel and Rose Gold (5821/1AR-001)
The 5821/1AR-001 is a stunner. Its sunburst blue dial, combined with polished and satin-brushed finishes, gives this piece an undeniable presence. And it’s not just about looks—the self-winding caliber 26-330 S C, a derivation of the caliber introduced in the Nautilus collection in 2019 and also seen in the 5811G, powers this model. This updated version includes a 'stop-seconds' or 'hacking seconds' feature, that allows precise time-setting down to the second.
The movement comprises 212 components, including a 22k gold rotor with Cubitus-specific horizontal ribbing. Operating at 4 Hz (28,800 semi-oscillations per hour) and offering a power reserve of up to 45 hours, this caliber combines technical sophistication with practical functionality. It's a nod to Patek Philippe’s dedication to precision and craftsmanship.
Additionally, the central 21K gold rotor is adorned with the same horizontal motif as the dial. It’s not just a functional element but a design statement that ties the dial and movement together. This feature enhances the winding efficiency while adding a layer of visual sophistication, mirroring the dial’s elegant embossing.
Stainless Steel (5821/1A-001)
For those who lean toward minimalist designs, the 5821/1A-001 delivers subtle sophistication. Its olive green embossed dial is sleek, modern, and remarkably versatile. Powered by the same caliber 26-330 S C as the two-tone version, this model promises precision and durability.
The stainless steel version is ideal for collectors who prefer something classy. It's a timepiece that can transition effortlessly from day to night. This is the perfect choice for those who appreciate understated elegance.
