Patek Philippe has launched its first new assortment of watches in 25 years with the Cubitus, which can 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 easy fashions use current calibres (26-330 S C) whereas the difficult 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 vital. We can have rather more to say about Ref. 5822P however first, we should focus on the character of the gathering, which implies the feel and appear. You’ll not be alone in considering that the Cubitus appears like some type 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 components 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 necessary), 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),” stated Stern. “And secondly, as a result of I believed it might be good to shock individuals with it. It’s a private problem for me additionally to say, nicely, no one anticipated me to go there!”
As for the title, apparently, Cubitus simply popped into Stern’s thoughts earlier than anything. On the press briefing for the launch, it was clear that many choices had been thought of within the 4 years or in order that the gathering was in growth. The usage of the prevailing calibres, together with the bottom 240 calibre, does point out that the model was versatile in its method.
These aware of the Nautilus will be aware that the Cubitus appears to be a kind of second coming particularly for the now-discontinued Ref. 5711A. If this occurred to you, take into account that there aren’t any vital fashions in sports activities class from any model which are 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.
In brief, that is new territory for Patek Philippe, even when it seems to be discovering water within the Sahara reasonably than off-world. On that be aware, we don’t count on the warmth of Ref. 5711 transferring to Ref. 5821, though Stern anticipates that new assortment shall be oversubscribed, simply because the Nautilus and Aquanaut references are. On that considerably gnarly topic of shortage, Stern confirms that manufacturing is not going to 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’ll go away off with the texture of the watches, which we had 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. In fact, it is a correct sq. and the built-in lugs imply that the dimensions is definitely comfy. For the variations with bracelets, the Nautilus impression shall be unmistakeable, proper all the way 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 tough to rearrange, given the provision points. For now although, these of you who recall the Ref. 5711 fondly and missed it’ll discover a lot to love in regards to the Cubitus. Solely time will inform if the Ref. 5821 will benefit the identical desirability. As for the technically compelling Ref. 5822, we’ll save that for one more extra detailed put up 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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