The Patek Philippe Cubitus: A Square Peg In A Round Hole?

One week ago, Patek Philippe introduced its first new collection since the Aquanaut in 1997: the Cubitus. This square-shaped Nautilus descendent has launched with three initial models, but according to CEO Thierry Stern, the collection is mapped out until 2039 (per Hodinkee)—so we can expect more variations in the future.

The real story here is the Cubitus’s reception; people love to make fun of this thing. It’s easy to pass judgment on a new watch, especially one so closely related to an icon like the Nautilus. What’s harder, however, is considering which elements work, which don’t, and why. Today, let’s dissect the Cubitus—consider this a therapeutic walkthrough—to better understand the release and finally determine: is it a square peg in a round hole?

Each Patek Philippe Cubitus, Explained

The Cubitus collection currently includes three configurations. Starting with the least expensive, we have the 5821/1A. This model is fully stainless steel, designated by the ‘A’ suffix, which stands for "acier" (French for steel). The dial is a deep green with a horizontal embossed pattern reminiscent of the discontinued Nautilus 5711. The watch features a new caliber, the 26-330 S C—a time-and-date movement adapted from the 26-330 found inside the 5811 —pricing the 5821/1A at $41,243.

Next, the 5821/1AR introduces a two-tone mix of steel and rose gold, with a blue dial bearing the same horizontal pattern. It, too, uses the time-and-date caliber 26-330 S C, but the partially-precious construction places it in a different tier, priced at $61,276.

Finally, there’s the Grand Date, Day, and Moon Phase Cubitus 5822P, the collection's flagship model, crafted in platinum with a composite strap and retailing for $88,378. This piece debuts a new caliber, the 240 PS CI J LU, featuring a Grand Date readout that changes in just 18 milliseconds. The asymmetric dial, punctuated by irregular, cut-off hour markers between 8 and 4 o’clock, has stirred up plenty of discussion in enthusiast circles.

Size and Presence: A 45mm Power Statement

Image Source: Time and Watches

At 45mm in diameter, the Cubitus is a substantial watch. This size, though measured diagonally across its square shape, translates into considerable wrist presence. While I haven’t tried it on in person, seeing it on familiar wrists has cemented my impression that it’s a large watch by design, not just by dimension.

It does maintain a slim profile: 8.3mm for the time-and-date and 9.6mm for the Grand Date complication. However, with its minimally-curved lugs, it appears to lack the wrist-hugging curvature of watches like the Santos de Cartier. Instead, the Cubitus looks a bit more rigid, but again, I still need to try one on in person.

Reception and Backlash

The Cubitus Next To Its Handsome Father Image Source: Hodinkee

To put it bluntly, the Cubitus has faced an avalanche of criticism. Enthusiasts have created an endless stream of memes and quips, casting it as Patek’s worst design of all time. While some critiques are more harsh than others, the general sentiment is one of disapproval. At Watchtime New York’s Saturday panel discussion last week, Watchtime’s Editor-in-Chief Roger Ruegger poked fun at the Cubitus’ square shape, drawing an eruption of laughter from the crowd.

As funny as these memes are, the depth of the backlash highlights an interesting irony in the watch world: enthusiasts constantly demand that brands look forward instead of directly reissuing vintage designs, yet when Patek introduces something new (for all intents and purposes), the response is overwhelmingly negative. This speaks volumes about the expectations for a brand like Patek, where innovation is criticized as much as it is encouraged.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, my feelings are split. The 5822P is, in my opinion, the most compelling piece here; its Grand Date complication and dial layout, which is fundamentally similar to that of the 5712, effectively fills out the Cubitus’s dial real estate. By contrast, the time-only 5821 models feel a bit lost in translation to me—their clean dials feel almost barren, leaving too much negative space for my liking.

As for the pricing, it’s a secondary point for this release. Yes, it’s steep, particularly for the steel model and the $20,000 increase for two-tone, but those in the market for this watch aren’t particularly price-sensitive. Ultimately, the Cubitus is generating buzz, and, for some collectors, owning the newest Patek will always be enough.

What do you think about the Cubitus? Let us know in the comments below, and if you’re looking to upgrade your watch storage game, check out our wide selection of pouches, rolls, and boxes, perfect for all watches (Cubitus or otherwise).