Patek Philippe Caliber 28-28 Q SQU & Ref. 5840P-001

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Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, initiates a compelling discussion on Patek Philippe's new caliber 28-28 Q SQU, found in the reference 5840P-001. He challenges the community to look beyond personal aesthetic preferences and acknowledge the significant horological achievement of creating a new shaped, complicated movement. This post encourages a nuanced appreciation for watchmaking innovation, even when a design might not align with individual taste.

Respect.

As Aretha Franklin sang: R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

When a brand, whatever it may be, creates a new shaped caliber, especially if it includes a major complication, my first feeling is one of respect.

I'll be perfectly honest: aesthetically, the Cubitus isn't to my taste.

Furthermore,

I don't like openworked dials or movements.

I get annoyed seeing watches offered at very high prices without any inward angles.

And I prefer manual movements to automatic ones.

Yet, respect.

Patek Philippe has been criticized enough (and rightly so) for not equipping the Cubitus with a shaped movement.

Well, the caliber 28-28 Q SQU is square-shaped.

And it's not just square: it's also monochromatic (with a few touches of blue: blued screws & blue Calatrava cross).

All the synthetic jewels, except those on the pallet fork, which remain ruby-colored, are transparent, and the writings are rhodium-plated.

Again, aesthetically, this isn't my type of movement.

But how many square movements, and even more square perpetual calendar movements, do you know?

When a brand's work deserves praise, even if one is not fully enthusiastic, one must be fair.

This is the dial side of the movement.

Of course, such a missed opportunity for inward angles (and according to my taste, I would add: such an unattractive design, but I know it’s purely subjective)...

The openworked dial:

Placing the hands on the canon pinion:

A front view of ref. 5840P-001:

The rear view:

credit: Swisswatches Magazine (1-2), Patek Philippe (2-10) & @tiempoderelojes (11-12)

Please, feel free to share your impressions of this new caliber 28-28 Q SQU and ref. 5840P-001.

Do you – or don't you – share my respect for the work accomplished by Patek Philippe's watchmakers, despite any reservations one might have?

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

The high cost of hand decoration and the potential for AI in design might lead large companies like Patek Philippe towards more machine-style finishing, which could enhance reliability and water resistance.
Many square movements in older watches might have simply repackaged round movements without optimizing the additional surface area, raising questions about whether the criticism of the Cubitus's movement architecture is applied consistently.
It's inherently difficult to fill the corners of a shaped movement with components because essential elements like wheels, barrels, and balances are round. Therefore, shaping the bridges and plates to fit the case is the primary way to create a shaped movement, which Patek Philippe has done here.
Despite initial reservations from photos, handling and trying on the Cubitus can change one's perception, suggesting that the watch wears well and offers a unique aesthetic compared to competitors.
The movement's openworked design, despite being square, still appears to have a round movement architecture underneath, leading some to feel it's a 'square packaging' rather than a fully integrated shaped movement.
The Cubitus, particularly its movement, feels 'half-baked' to some, especially when compared to other shaped perpetual calendars like Gerald Charles, suggesting a missed opportunity for Patek Philippe.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

Apr 16, 2026

I never liked the aesthetic of the cubitus. It looks like a knock off of the nautilus to me 🤷‍♂️ Furthermore this horizontal blind slats looks the opposite of class and heirloom ownership. I’m more a VC guy

quattro

Apr 16, 2026

even if their's a lot to be desired still... Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Apr 16, 2026

But how many square movements and, even more so, square perpetual calendar movements do you know? Respect. Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Apr 16, 2026

And this modern aesthetic doesn't sing to me. Still, a new square perpetual calendar caliber: not a thing you see every day... Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Apr 16, 2026

Being fair is essential, imo. Best, Emmanuel

vitalsigns

Apr 16, 2026

Rather unlike PP, but the market likes sport watches. If steel, 38 mm and with a bracelet, I maybe could be convinced ....but not at post-retail prices!

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Patek Philippe Caliber 28-28 Q SQU & Ref. 5840P-001

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