BackIn the rarefied world of haute horlogerie – where innovation moves at a snail’s pace and tradition is sometimes (unfortunately) king – Patek Philippe has just flipped the script. After 25 years of playing it cool, the Geneva-based brand has finally unleashed its Cubitus collection – and the watch world is shocked.
This isn’t just another watch added to the Patek Philippe family. Cubitus is the first entirely new collection from the brand since the Twenty~4 in 1999 and is both a work of art and a strategic move in the game of luxury watchmaking. Here at LuxuryProperty.com, we know that our luxury property owners believe in investing in nothing but the best for their portfolio – and watches are no different.
A Primer on Patek Philippe
Before we get into the revolutionary Cubitus collection, let’s understand why a new Patek Philippe is such a big deal in the luxury world. Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacturer. Through five generations of the Stern family, the brand has remained the most prestigious name in watchmaking, creating timepieces that are not just instruments of precision but works of art to be passed down through generations.
“You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”
The brand’s motto is more than just marketing genius – it’s a philosophy of continuous excellence. Each Patek Philippe watch is hundreds of hours of handcrafted perfection, even the simplest of which takes months to produce. They produce less than 50,000 watches a yea, and their pieces have consistently broken auction records. The Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 sold for CHF 31 million in 2019.
Patek Philippe’s heritage is built on many horological innovations, from the perpetual calendar to the annual calendar complication. Their sports watches, particularly the Nautilus and Aquanaut collections, have become cultural icons, going beyond functionality to become symbols of success and refinement in the modern luxury world.
The Cubitus Collection: A Geometric Study
The Cubitus collection launches with three references, each making its own statement in the luxury sports watch space.
Reference 5821/1A
First up is the Reference 5821/1A in steel with an olive green dial that’s very current. The horizontal embossing on the dial creates a hypnotic play of light and the integrated bracelet – a hallmark of luxury sports watches – is a nod to the collection’s sporty sophistication.
Reference 5821/1AR
Next up is the Reference 5821/1AR in two-tone steel and rose gold with a deep blue dial that’s a backdrop for the play of precious metal and steel. As Thierry Stern, President of Patek Philippe, calls it “the dandy model” – a watch that bridges the gap between sporty and formal.
Reference 5822P
But it’s the Reference 5822P in platinum that’s the real showstopper. With a new movement featuring six patents, including an instantaneous grand date display that jumps in 18 milliseconds, this is the top of the collection. The platinum case with a discreet baguette-cut diamond at 6 o’clock – a Patek Philippe platinum signature – takes this reference from timepiece to haute horlogerie art.
A New Era in Luxury Watchmaking?
The launch of the Cubitus collection comes at a time when the lines between heritage and innovation are being constantly blurred. After deliberately discontinuing the steel Nautilus Reference 5711 – which sent after-market prices through the roof – Patek Philippe has once again proved it can control its own narrative and market position. With a price of $41,243 for the steel reference, the Cubitus is firmly in the ultra-luxury segment and commands a premium over Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak.
This is not just about the technical complexity of the watches but Patek Philippe’s confidence in its market leadership. The collection has been planned out until 2039 so this is a long-term vision that goes beyond current trends. This has already caught the attention of serious collectors and auction houses. Aurel Bacs, senior consultant for Phillips auction house, likened this to Porsche launching a new model range – a sign of the impact it will have on the luxury world.
The Collector’s Perspective: Beyond the Hype
The Cubitus collection is an interesting proposition for serious collectors. As with Patek Philippe’s previous innovations – the original Nautilus, the Aquanaut – initial reactions may not be the final verdict. Those who know the brand will remember that even the now-legendary Nautilus was met with skepticism before it became one of the most sought after watches in modern watchmaking. Distribution will follow Patek Philippe’s usual pace. Stern wants to see these watches in the hands of younger collectors but the initial allocations will likely go to existing clients – a dynamic that has always added to the mystique and desirability of new Patek Philippe watches.
Looking Ahead
As the Cubitus collection hits the market, it’s not just a new chapter in Patek Philippe’s history – it’s more of a statement of intent for how they view the future of luxury watchmaking. The design, technical innovations, and positioning of the the Cubitus collection puts this new line at the forefront of the market. For collectors and connoisseurs, the Cubitus collection is not just a chance to buy a piece of horological history but to be part of what may become the next chapter in luxury watchmaking.
It’s a statement about the future of luxury watchmaking, where tradition and innovation meet to create something truly unique. As these watches start to land on the wrists of serious collectors, time will tell if the Cubitus will join the ranks of the horological icons that have defined Patek Philippe for centuries. Want to learn more about the latest in luxury? At LuxuryProperty.com, we bring you the best in high-end real estate offerings and lifestyle news, from around the world. From exclusive properties to luxury travel destinations, we have you covered.
Read More:
