Patek Philippe Cubitus vs Nautilus: An In-Depth Comparison of Two Luxury Sports Icons
Patek Philippe Cubitus: A Square Take on the Nautilus DNA
The Patek Philippe Cubitus, launched in late 2024, represents the brand's first entirely new men's collection in 25 years. As the most anticipated and discussed release of the year, the Cubitus has sparked intense debate within the watch community. But how does this square-shaped newcomer compare to the legendary Nautilus it draws inspiration from?
According to Monochrome Watches, the Cubitus was designed to be the contemporary side of Patek Philippe, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining the brand's unmistakable DNA.
Design DNA: Nautilus Reimagined
The Cubitus is, at its core, a square evolution of the Nautilus. It retains the iconic two-part case construction (back/caseband and bezel) that was first introduced on the original 3700 Nautilus in 1976. The lateral modules, reminiscent of porthole hinges, have been straightened but remain recognizable.
Key design similarities with the Nautilus include:
- Case construction: Classic 2-part construction cased-up from the front
- Finishing: Vertical satin-brushed surfaces with polished bevels
- Dial: Horizontal embossed grooves with sunburst finish
- Bracelet: Integrated design with identical folding clasp system
- Movement: Calibre 26-330 S C (same as used in the Aquanaut 5167A)
Size and Proportions Comparison
| Measurement | Cubitus 5821A | Nautilus 5711A | Nautilus 5811G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 45mm | 40mm | 41mm |
| Thickness | 8.3mm | 8.3mm | 8.2mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 44.9mm | 44.5mm | 45mm |
| Width (incl. crown) | 44.5mm | 44.1mm | 44.5mm |
Despite the larger diagonal measurement (which Patek refers to as "diameter"), the Cubitus is remarkably similar to the Nautilus in all other dimensions. The square shape covers approximately 27% more surface area than a round watch of the same width, creating a larger wrist presence without being a bigger watch.
Wrist Comfort and Wearability
On the wrist, the Cubitus delivers excellent comfort. The integrated steel bracelet is thin, flexible, and soft to the touch, continuing the legacy of the Nautilus bracelet. A lockable size-adjustment system with 4-position micro-adjustment allows for easy fine-tuning.
The watch maintains a relatively light weight for a steel sports watch, and its compact lug-to-lug measurement ensures it wears well on wrists of various sizes. The brushed and polished finishing throughout the case is, as expected from Patek Philippe, superlative.
Criticism and Controversy
The Cubitus has not been without its critics. Common concerns include:
- Lack of quick-change system: The bracelet cannot be easily swapped for straps
- Round movement in square case: The Calibre 26-330 S C is not a shaped movement
- Nautilus resemblance: Some feel the design lacks sufficient differentiation
- 30m water resistance: A departure from the previous 120m rating
Pricing and Availability
The Patek Philippe Cubitus Reference 5821/1A-001 in stainless steel with olive green dial is priced at CHF 35,000 / EUR 40,900 / USD 41,243. The watch is part of the permanent collection and is available through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cubitus bigger than the Nautilus?
Despite having a larger diagonal measurement (45mm vs. 40mm for the Nautilus 5711A), the Cubitus is actually similar in thickness, width, and lug-to-lug dimensions. The square shape creates more wrist presence, but the watch is not significantly larger.
Why did Patek Philippe create the Cubitus?
According to Monochrome Watches, the Cubitus represents Patek Philippe's attempt to offer something new and contemporary after 25 years without a new men's collection. The square shape provides a fresh alternative while maintaining the brand's design DNA through familiar elements like the case construction and finishing.
Will the Cubitus replace the Nautilus?
No. The Cubitus is positioned as a complementary collection to the Nautilus, not a replacement. Both collections will coexist, offering different expressions of Patek Philippe's luxury sports watch philosophy.
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According to Monochrome Watches