Hands-on and first impression of the Cubitus collection

[APhound]

Originally Posted by raclaims

Sooooo presume they offered you one...which one you picking??

That’s what I’d like to know.
I just got word from the owner of my AD and he said I’ll get the frost one- no kater than end of the year.. but I don’t know which one and didn’t sound like it would be a choice. But I like them all and would buy any, I guess I would pick the two tone because I don’t have anything like that right now.


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[Gebbeth]

Thanks for sharing. As others have said, the watch looks too big, and in some angles, way too big.

But I'm also struck at how the tonneau shape of the Nautilus gives it a more refined look than the brutalist looking Cubitus. There's something about the Cubitus dimensions and shape that doesn't seem to coexist well together.

A cube is just a weird/odd shape for a watch, and I think Cartier did a better job on the Santos to give it a more refined look than this Cubitus.

Finally, if Stern thinks this is going to be a more accessible or acquirable watch than the Nautilus....I truly don't know what he's smoking. The fanboys are going to snatch this up, and there is no way anyone who might want this thing is going to get one.

Also, at $40k and up, it's not quite an accessible price range either.

[edyu]

I'll reserve my judgement until they release a "women's" version like 35-38mm. :) my wrist size would only work with that

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Fitting an old round caliber into a square case is not very technical. Especially he specifically said on the website that it is with a new movement. Even the 5822P is not really a new movement but just another 240 based derivative.

I am still waiting for a proper 96 re-make.

Well, I don't think that because of that round vs square case issue, the technical aspects of this 5822 is of no interest. For some, it's not even an issue (like the caliber filling or not the whole case issue). By the way, the 240 is an excellent caliber, innovative when it was launched and still is and I would say the module they added on is the most important part. But I see your point as I would have preferred a new one instead too.

I understand and I might share your disappointment on that round caliber in a square case matter but:
- Are clients interested by such strong design interested in that "flaw" and;
- What is the cost of developping such movement, that wouldn't fit in another model considering the size, for a niche watch (square)? The 5200's caliber was developed for this watch only and I'm not sure they are happy with how it ended (my guess).

The technical aspect I was mentioning is about the 240's variation from the 5236QP and the 5207/5208 which is not a mere thing to me in comparision.

A 96 remake would be very nice indeed but I'm not sure we are numerous, outside forums, to beg for it... The 5196 and 5296 disappeared and when the 5170 was introduced (people were screaming for a classical chronograph again, in a smaller size, like the 130, etc...), it didn't meet the smashing success we expected (except the 5170P :p).

So it's hard to see where the sales make them going sadly...

Originally Posted by ts3

The side by side picture in this thread shows Cubitus vs 5811. The size difference would be larger if Hodinkee had used a 5711/12 for the comparison.

Thanks ts3, yes I noticed it, it should add maybe 1mm but from the first leaks I thought it was more 3 of them.

[SL BRABUS]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Yes buddy, all watches look big on my tiny wrist. Below is the new 5980G which looks better for my wrist in comparison.

Originally Posted by Ichiran

I totally agree with this. This design from the 70s stands the test of time and is still king of sport in my view (along with Royal Oak).

Though the Cubitus shares maybe 90% of Nautilus DNA, a slight tweak to the original design via the dimensions has caused such an uproar. When I first handled the Cubitus today, I immediately think of the Nautilus, which shows how similar they are. If I'm new to Patek or new to Nautilus, I would be more than happy to own a Cubitus because the best DNA are all shared like the bracelet, dial, bezel, hands, markers, adjustable deployant clasp, and movement.

Below pic is from Hodinkee. See how similar they are.

The Cubitus appears to be too wide & chunky compare to the Nautilus...

[sensui]

Thanks M. for your honest take and sharing your experience with these hands on. Keep up the great work as an unofficial ambassador from Singapore!

If nothing else this is a good wake up call for everyone to follow their own passion/tastes.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by sensui

Thanks M. for your honest take and sharing your experience with these hands on. Keep up the great work as an unofficial ambassador from Singapore!

If nothing else this is a good wake up call for everyone to follow their own passion/tastes.

Thanks my friend and I just hope to share my perspective here

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Well, I don't think that because of that round vs square case issue, the technical aspects of this 5822 is of no interest. For some, it's not even an issue (like the caliber filling or not the whole case issue). By the way, the 240 is an excellent caliber, innovative when it was launched and still is and I would say the module they added on is the most important part. But I see your point as I would have preferred a new one instead too.

I understand and I might share your disappointment on that round caliber in a square case matter but:
- Are clients interested by such strong design interested in that "flaw" and;
- What is the cost of developping such movement, that wouldn't fit in another model considering the size, for a niche watch (square)? The 5200's caliber was developed for this watch only and I'm not sure they are happy with how it ended (my guess).

The technical aspect I was mentioning is about the 240's variation from the 5236QP and the 5207/5208 which is not a mere thing to me in comparision.

A 96 remake would be very nice indeed but I'm not sure we are numerous, outside forums, to beg for it... The 5196 and 5296 disappeared and when the 5170 was introduced (people were screaming for a classical chronograph again, in a smaller size, like the 130, etc...), it didn't meet the smashing success we expected (except the 5170P :p).

So it's hard to see where the sales make them going sadly...

Thanks ts3, yes I noticed it, it should add maybe 1mm but from the first leaks I thought it was more 3 of them.

After watching the marketing/ad video. I can understand that this is really a watch aimed at casual buyer who wants a Patek as a first "real" watch to mark/show that he'd arrived. The entire AD was full of young urban investment bankers type who are there to celebrate someone's birthday or first promotion. And the watch was there to mark the occasion.

But then the question now is: Why not just promote Aquanaut or Nautilius? I think they already are in this category in the mind share of the targeted audience.

[macplee]

i do wonder if corp pp / ts really want this to goto newer/younger customers and if they can control or dictate this to ADs?

[sinkholeninja]

A bit of a bastard child imo, but I’m sure it will sell well, as all Patek do…

[EndlessEight]

Not that I'm in a position to obtain one, but the look doesn't work for me.

[Chiboy]

Forgetting about how lazy this effort at "the first new collection in 25 years" is, I have to say that the 5712 is very attractive in a non-symmetrical way. But the new platinum one with indices of every possible size going around the dial is something that I could never enjoy or look past. And I don't find "the chin" on some Pateks to be such a deal breaker. I just can't imagine a designer at Patek submitting this to their boss and having boss not ream designer out, let alone ok it. Unbelievable to me.

But very cool of Michael to a) get to see and try on these models on Day 1, and b) share them here.

[Gebbeth]

I wonder if the size was somewhat dictated by the use of a round, movement. The circle making up the movement has to fit within the square with enough room for the case itself. If you weren't going for the square shape, you could cut off the corners more, like they do in the Aquanauts and Nautilus.

But here, you have all that excess real estate you need to keep along the corners of the watch case.

Had they opted for a custom movement, they could have shaped and sized it to the dimensions of the watch case they wanted to make.

I think you have the same problem with the Gondolo. That's also huge, but it also has a round movement.

Is Patek penny pinching here?

[omar-rye]

The elephant ears stick out like a sore thumb

[dauster]

Originally Posted by scurfa

Unfortunately I don’t think your getting one, for me Patek died the day they discontinued the 5196, nothing they have done since can convince me otherwise.

that's a bit harsh no ? 5373P (lefty), 5316, 5326, 5326 or the cool new 5738 (pablo escobar ellipse). They clearly realeased an uninspred new model line here but that doesn't mean it's all bad.

[llngoc]

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[nachopc]

I find it way to big in comparison with 5711


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[Champagnepapi]

Originally Posted by edyu

I'll reserve my judgement until they release a "women's" version like 35-38mm. :) my wrist size would only work with that

Not sure. Rumor has it next year they’ll be releasing a Patek Crash (if you get it you get it) lol


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[kaiserphoenix]

Thank you Ichiran for your in person impressions.

How does it take decades to design this? Anyway, Im not a hater, I do like the 5822 but wish THAT one was the steel one in full bracelet...Otherwise the 3 hander, even compared to my 5811 looks massive and my wrists are equally if not even thinner than yours so sadly I think the Cubitus line will be too big for me...

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by nachopc

I find it way to big in comparison with 5711


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How does one look at this watch designed by Genta, probably perfect in every sense, and say hey - let's make it bigger and square, otherwise clone it identically for our first new model line release in 25 years

Amazing!

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Below pic is from Hodinkee. See how similar they are.

Great side by side! The new one is much fresher compared to the rather tired/stuffy Nautilus….. Just need it to be a bit smaller.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by llngoc

After watching the marketing/ad video. I can understand that this is really a watch aimed at casual buyer who wants a Patek as a first "real" watch to mark/show that he'd arrived. The entire AD was full of young urban investment bankers type who are there to celebrate someone's birthday or first promotion. And the watch was there to mark the occasion.

But then the question now is: Why not just promote Aquanaut or Nautilius? I think they already are in this category in the mind share of the targeted audience.

I indeed didn't like that add (at least I'm not the target). I understood and could appreciate the previous paper adds but here in video it's a little too jet-set for me. I think that the way the wealthiest part of the later generations has evolved explains the message. Hence the future targets. When I see the evolution of pricing of nice clothes, you have quality at a very expensive price (Brioni, Loro Piana, etc...). Under that you have usually bad quality (sometimes at a significant price still) and I don't think I can find easily a middle quality level at a normal price. Especially well known brands that have surfed on their image, using too much pricing power for clothes that are below average in terms of quality (at least where I live).

Things have evolved very significantly these last years. I accept it and, concerning watches, I will go grey much more than before imho.

Regarding your question, my guess would be that the Nautilus and Aquanaut aim at the same target indeed, so it's another reason that has pushed Patek to release the Cubitus. I think it's a question of widening the choice, giving a 3rd family in the sporty field. Square shape brings the unique character (as Gondolo did previously). As it looks like the Nautilus, it "secures" the fact it would be successful instead of creating something they might be wrong about. Just speculation from my part of course.

They have tried an alternate solution with the 5960G, the 5960/1A, the Pilot models but maybe they feel it's not the same thing. Maybe they also feel that had they made a 3rd totally new sporty family, if not successful (or why not more than the Nautilus), the clients would still have all gone for the best one (winner takes all), ruining the strategy to balance all 3 families?

[L_S_SHOE]

Case shape is hard on the eyes.

Platinum model is painfully asymmetric.

Makes me sad that they’ll be using some of their very limited production capacity to make these.


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[Sothy]

Thanks for the pictures and first-hand account.

Despite its size, perhaps it wears smaller than an Acquanaut then? I really wish Patek’s WR rating was more precise (as it’s now just 30m unless it’s a minute repeater). Is this more resistant than a manual wind Calatrava or a Nautilus for that matter? Is the 5226G (strap aside) just as capable in the pool? I agree with the comment above that the “women’s model” may be very much in demand in the future.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Damn, you beat H. Moser at the parody.

Well played, sir. Well played indeed.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Damn, you beat H. Moser at the parody.

Well played, sir. Well played indeed.

Do you mean Thierry Stern or me?

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Do you mean Thierry Stern or me?

LOL! Does anyone know if Kid Stern is a decent coder? Or is he more just a Pshop it kinda guy?

[AperolSpritz]

My opinion is that this release couldn't be worse. Not only because the design doesn't appeal to me but because of what it (for me) shows about Patek.

Despite owning 2 nautiluses, I am an AP guy. I just think that the RO is the ultimate watch design of all times. That being said, I hate AP's strategy consisting of milking the desing to the extreme and being fundamentaly a one-trick pony (ok - i give them the Code try which is essentailly average)

Patek for me had a much different, and probably more respectable strategy, even though I don't find most of their traditional designs too appealing. But I liked Stern's move that seemed to be to reduce the place of the Nautilus in the line-up. In what I thought was a move to avoid AP's pitfalls. I respected that and it made me want even more to add some PP in my box.

But next they did what? They essentially released a rectangular Nautilus (by the way you guys should check out the Rectangular RO released in the 80s)? Excuse me? Same dial? Same bracelet?

Honnestly I couldn't be more disappointed. Not so much about the watch (it is average and other brands have released average designs like the Lange Odysesus - not everyone can come up with the next RO or Nautilus) but because it is so lazy and what it says about Patek's hypocrite move to reduce the Nautilus line-up but release an ersatz the next day.

It is so uninspiring that it really reduced the brand's value and aura for me.

I used to put them as #1, above the rest of the pack but now they cannot be on a higher level than AP or VC again.

So lame.

And no am not overeacting. It is my honnest opinion, and yes I have seen the watches in person.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

To me the 8 looks too far left and the 1 looks too high, making for quite a wonky-looking 18.

My thoughts too


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[llngoc]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

LOL! Does anyone know if Kid Stern is a decent coder? Or is he more just a Pshop it kinda guy?

Oh. This is actually a real Apple Watch watch face which you can install on it.