Patek Philippe Cubitus 5821/1A: The Square Shakeup That’s Got the Watch World Talking

The reaction has been… let’s call it polarised. While some appreciate Patek Philippe’s audacity to step outside traditional norms, others have expressed a mix of confusion and disappointment, particularly given Patek’s track record of enduring designs. The resemblance to Patek’s much-loved Nautilus lineup, with its integrated steel bracelet and horizontally embossed dial, has also fuelled comparisons. Collectors are divided – some love the homage, while others feel it misses the mark, sparking flashbacks to Audemars Piguet Code 11.59, which also faced criticism before gradually finding its footing in the market.

However, if we try to look at the newcomer without all this white noise, we’ll see something rather interesting in a quite traditional sense. In a departure from its classic round cases, Patek presents this timepiece in polished and satin-brushed steel, accentuating its geometric profile while maintaining the elegance for which the brand is known.

With gently rounded edges, the square case strikes a balance between the bold and the sophisticated. Measuring 45mm across and only 8.3mm thick, the time and date Cubitus achieves a sleek, understated presence on the wrist, exuding modernity without overshadowing the wearer’s style. The dial, in a sunburst olive green, is horizontally embossed, giving it an understated depth that plays with light and colour, adding a unique visual interest against the steel’s cool tones.

Inside beats the in-house self-winding caliber 26-330 S C featuring a 21K gold rotor, a reliable 35- to 45-hour reserve and a hacking-seconds function for precise time-setting. And, of course, you can admire its beauty through the transparent sapphire caseback.

The Cubitus 5821/1A comes with a steel bracelet designed for both elegance and everyday wearability, equipped with a patented fold-over clasp that includes an adjustable locking mechanism. This detail ensures a secure, comfortable fit, even with the watch’s broad, angular case.

Patek Philippe’s CEO, Thierry Stern, insists that Cubitus isn’t for everyone, and that’s precisely the point. This watch was meant to appeal to the next generation of collectors, breaking from the brand’s historically conservative aesthetic to create something striking and contemporary.