Hands-On: Patek Philippe Cubitus 7128 40mm Watches

Who says you possibly can’t educate a brand new canine new methods? No one, because it seems. Regardless that it debuted the gathering barely six months in the past, Patek Philippe has already taken the chance to increase its controversial Cubitus line, including two new references in a lowered measurement. Introduced at Watches & Wonders 2025, the brand new Cubtius watches are — apart from a brand new diameter — largely the identical because the introductory fashions from final October, utilizing the identical dials, bracelets, actions, and even that includes the identical thickness. Encountered up shut, they’re spectacular watches regardless of their restricted selection (you possibly can have any coloration you want, so long as it’s blue or gold) and whereas they’re amongst Patek’s least imaginative releases of the 12 months, they maybe signify what the Cubitus must have initially been by way of measurement. Heralded as a “medium” sized mannequin, the 40mm Patek Philippe Cubitus 7128/1G-001 and 7128/1R-001 watches promise to be a good sight extra well-liked than their 45mm predecessors.

The signature side of the Cubitus is its case geometry. Squarish and angular, the unique fashions caught numerous flak from followers pissed off by Patek’s “substitute” of the Nautilus. One of the crucial iconic watch designs ever made, the Nautilus featured considerate angles dreamed up by watchmaking’s Mozart, Gérald Genta, and with its signature “ears,” was symmetrical with out being rote. Whereas the model has vehemently denied that the Cubitus is eclipsing the Nautilus, the discontinuance of a number of key references earlier than the Cubitus launch appears too coincidental. It’s much more telling that we didn’t see any new Nautilus fashions at Watches & Wonders, but had been handled to 2 new Cubitus items, albeit simply in a smaller measurement. The brand new Cubitus instances is likely to be extra wearable at 40mm, however they continue to be uninspired with too many planar surfaces across the crystal and a profile that appears overly blocky in comparison with the endearing “squircle” form of the Nautilus. Nevertheless it’s not all dangerous. The built-in bracelet is impeccably completed and cozy, closed with a butterfly clasp emblazoned with Patek’s brand, and the case’s thickness, measured at 8.5mm, helps it put on near the wrist. However as soon as once more, Patek has signaled it’s disinterested within the metal sports activities watch style, opting as a substitute to deal with treasured metals. The brand new Cubitus watches can be found in white gold or rose gold, which means metal purists might want to proceed their vigil if they need something apart from a 45mm inexperienced dial three-hander.

Topside, the brand new Cubitus fashions have up to date dials, however right here, Patek is stretching the definition of the phrase “up to date.” Functionally, they continue to be the identical time-only choices launched final 12 months, however now are available both blue or brown, relying on which taste of gold you decide. Every thing else from the three o’clock date window to the form of the arms and markers is similar, as is the horizontal sample, which is one other “smoking gun” clue that the Cubitus and Nautilus usually are not up to now faraway from each other as Thierry Stern would have us assume. Seen from the again, the manufacture Caliber 26-330 S C motion is kind of beautiful due to a highly-decorated counterweight and plated textual content engravings on the principle bridges. Regardless of a suspiciously weak energy reserve of simply 45 hours most, a watch like that is unlikely to be a each day put on for a lot of people anyway, rendering its endurance considerably irrelevant. Plus, for those who can afford the worth tag, you possibly can afford a winder to go along with it.

What’s most essential concerning the new Cubitus references from Patek Philippe is what they signify. First, they’re a step in the correct course by way of casing. When you squint actually arduous on the blue dial model, you possibly can type of see a 40mm metal Nautilus peeking via. Particularly in a time when watch shopping for — and with it, watch promoting — is turning into more and more unsure (at the very least stateside), Patek would do nicely to present the individuals what they need: metal sports activities watches. Secondly (and considerably contradictory) is that the Cubitus in any measurement is unlikely to be an end-goal watch for many patrons. Simply as Rolex’s Land-Dweller is prone to be a stepping-stone for patrons chasing “grail” fashions like metal Submariners and Daytonas, the Cubitus is a gateway to different items in Patek’s assortment. Understood in these phrases, a few of its derivation all of the sudden turns into a bit of extra forgivable. The Patek Philippe Cubitus 7128/1G in white gold and Cubitus 7128/1R in rose gold are each priced at $76,590 USD. For extra info please go to the Patek Philippe website.