It’s cool to be square, especially if it’s a Patek Philippe Cubitus watch

Understandably, the recent launch of Patek Philippe’s Cubitus collection made a huge splash in horology circles. After all, it’d better be fabulous for what’s probably the most esteemed watchmaker in the world to launch a new design. 

Although the house has not introduced a new collection in 25 years, this is the first time in its 185-year history that it has created a square watch. Well, almost, as the 45mm square-shaped case and dial are accentuated with rounded corners. 

Having seen them in the metal, it must be said that the photos of the three debut versions do not do justice to just how captivating they are up close to the naked eye. Patek Philippe calls the line “a unique alliance of haute horlogerie, technical daring and sporting elegance,” which we agree wholeheartedly.

5822P-001 

This all-new platinum model commemorates the birth of the Cubitus collection. It features novel displays combining instantaneous grand date, day, and moon-phase indications. 

To maintain legibility, precision, and slenderness, the new movement caliber 240 PS CI J LU was developed based on the famous ultra-thin self-winding 240 caliber and involved the filing of six specific patent applications, notably relating to energy management.

The slender case profile is accentuated by the contrast between polished and vertical satin-brushed finishes, with a baguette-cut diamond set on the bezel at 6 o’clock. White-lume-coated white gold hour markers and hands stand out against the sunburst blue, horizontally embossed dial. 

Fitted with a navy blue composite strap with a fabric pattern, it is smart, modern, and elegant — and it’s not hard to imagine the same for its owner.

5821/1A-001 

Casual-chic gets a new face in this new steel model, offering a slim fit on the wrist with a thickness of 8.3mm. No wonder watch collector Mark Wahlberg was quickly spotted with it post-launch.

Alternating polished and vertical satin-brushed finishes complement the horizontally embossed dial dressed in sunburst olive green. The dial flaunts highly legible, white-lume-coated white gold hour markers and hands. A white gold frame also enhances the 3 o’clock date aperture.

The steel bracelet has a lockable adjustment system and a patented Patek Philippe fold-over clasp bearing four independent catches, ensuring comfort and security. 

At the heart of this new model is the self-winding 26-330 S C caliber — derived from the 26-330 base caliber introduced in 2019 — boasting a stop-seconds device, other technical innovations mostly related to the winding system, and a central 21K gold rotor. 

5821/1AR-001 

This two-tone model is perfect for those who prioritise refinement. It evokes a vintage vibe and is especially mesmerising under daylight. It features a rose gold bezel, bracelet central links, and a steel case middle and bracelet side links — all bearing alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes. 

With a two-part construction and a screw-down crown, it is certified water-resistant to 30m. The horizontally embossed sunburst blue dial is decorated with white-lumed rose gold hour markers and hands, while a rose gold frame enhances the date aperture.

It is also equipped with the self-winding 26-330 S C caliber, whose central 21K gold rotor catches the eye through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, which has the same horizontal motif as the dial — a signature of Cubitus models. 

Like its full-steel sibling, this version’s steel and rose gold bracelet has a lockable adjustment system and a fold-over clasp.