The new Patek Philippe Cubitus took the internet by storm when the American magazine Fortune ran an advertisement featuring the new model before it was officially unveiled. Initially, many thought the ad was fake, but those who accessed an online version of Fortune could see the ad featuring the new model. It sparked a nasty online drama that unleashed a swarm of keyboard warriors, some comparing it to the controversy that erupted when Audemars Piguet introduced their Code 11:59 in 2019.
Obviously, this was not the best start for the renowned Swiss manufacturer, which usually enjoys nothing but praise. Patek Philippe needed a better introduction for its new model than the vivid drama it experienced on Instagram. Needless to say, it was also a bad move for the media outlet, which will likely never see a Patek Philippe advertisement in their publication again. But let’s move on to the actual matter of discussion!
Overview: The New Patek Philippe Cubitus Line

The early revelation sparked countless discussions about the watch’s design. But like many things in life, you shouldn’t judge a design until you’ve experienced it “live”. Featuring a square case design with rounded corners, the Patek Philippe Cubitus is not a Nautilus, Aquanaut, or Gondolo—it’s a mix of all three. As for the name, “Cubitus” is a Latin word meaning elbow or forearm, which, interestingly enough, is where a wristwatch sits.
The watch’s relief-embossed dial removes any doubt about the maker. This dial is familiar from the Nautilus collection, which launched in 1976, and it appears on the three new models presented to a very small group of international journalists in Munich.
The most spectacular of the three novelties is the Cubitus Instantaneous Grand Date, Day, and Moon Phases, ref. 5822P-001, in platinum with a Big Date—a first for Patek Philippe. It is also one of six patents connected to this model, with the date changing in just 18 milliseconds at midnight. This Cubitus Instantaneous Grand Date, Day, and Moon Phases is fitted with a strap made of beautiful navy-blue composite material and a fabric pattern. It is priced at 86,908 EUR.
There are also two time-only models. One is offered in a combination of red gold and steel for 60,257 EUR. It has a blue dial very similar to the Nautilus Chronograph ref. 5980/1AR-001 in the same material combination. The all-steel version of Cubitus is fitted with a very attractive olive-green sunburst dial (ref. 5821/1A-001) and is priced at 40,557 EUR. Both feature a bracelet we know well from the Nautilus collection.
A New Model Line for Patek Philippe: Why Now?
“I’ve wanted a square watch for a long time, a slim watch. More than 85% of all watches are round,” Thierry Stern said when we met in Munich. “We started working on this collection six years ago,” he continued. Mr. Stern wore the platinum ref. 5822P-001, which looked great with his very relaxed attire: an open white dress shirt with no tie. His laid-back style was most likely deliberate, as the Cubitus is more urban than formal. Slim it is. “The time-only models measure just 8.3 mm in height, and the platinum model with Grand Date and moon phase measures 9.6 mm. It’s big, too. But the 45 mm on paper doesn’t seem that big on the wrist. It wears more like a 42 mm watch.”
Thierry Stern has previously referred to the Cubitus as an “entry-level” collection from Patek Philippe. However, the most affordable model, the steel version with an olive-green dial priced at 40,557 EUR, is far from inexpensive. It raises the question of whether Mr. Stern introduced the Cubitus to address the overwhelming demand for the Nautilus and Aquanaut collections.
Around 1,000 pieces of the new models have already been produced over the past year or so and were available at several Patek Philippe retailers the day after the official unveiling. A few were spotted on the wrists of collectors attending the Singapore Watch Fair just one day after the presentation in Munich. This is, without a doubt, a remarkably swift launch, seldom seen in the industry.
What Does the Future Hold?
Personally, I have no doubt that the Cubitus will be a success. Right now, square and shaped watches are more celebrated than traditional round watches, so the timing of the launch is perfect. Just look at the success of the Cartier Santos and Tank, the Daniel Roth Tourbillon, and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.
Thierry Stern reveals that the collection is already planned through 2039. By then, his eldest son, Adrian Stern, will likely have assumed a significant role in managing one of the world’s most coveted watch companies. After all, Patek Philippe is all about caring for watches for the next generation, with Adrian representing the fifth generation of Stern ownership.