Patek Philippe Cubitus 40mm: Hands-On Review

quattro · 2025-11-16T08:56:44Z

Explore the Patek Philippe 40mm rose gold Cubitus ref. 7128/1R-001. A collector's hands-on review, discussing its design, wearability, and the community's debate.

quattro

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

41 replies2795 views7 photos

Emmanuel, known as 'quattro' on WatchProSite, offers a compelling hands-on review of the Patek Philippe 40mm rose gold Cubitus, reference 7128/1R-001. His detailed impressions, particularly on its wearability and design nuances, provide invaluable insights for collectors considering this polarizing reference. This article delves into Emmanuel's personal experience and synthesizes the community's diverse reactions to Patek Philippe's modern take on a shaped watch.

Last August, I was able to try on the rose gold 40 mm Cubitus, ref. 7128/1R-001.

On a small 16 cm wrist like mine, the size feels good and the sunburst brown dial is really appealing.

The 8.5 mm thickness and the very refined construction and finishing of the case make for a very pleasing experience on the wrist.

I'm still not exactly sure why the Cubitus was introduced, but, as someone who likes shaped watches, I'm glad that the square shape is being rehabilitated in a fairly original way with this watch (by “original” I mean octagonal).

Before trying on the Golden Ellipse ref. 5738/1R-001 last February in Geneva, I would never have thought I could be attracted to a full gold bracelet watch.

So, I think that if the Cubitus had a less sporty-chic and nautilus-like design, I could be attracted to it.

That said, even if the Golden Ellipse speaks more to my taste and sensibility, the Cubitus is appealing as it is.

My only real dislike or disappointment concerns the movement, caliber 26-330 S C: not only is it not shaped (such a lost opportunity), but I don't respond at all to the horizontal motif decorating the rotor because it emphasises the sport-chic identity of the watch.

NB: the bracelet features a lockable adjustment system.

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

The Cubitus is often perceived as an unapologetic redesign or a 'lazy rip-off' of the Nautilus, making it challenging for some collectors to evaluate it independently.
To truly appreciate the Cubitus, one must attempt to disassociate it from the Nautilus, focusing instead on its unique octagonal-square shape and on-wrist feel.
Despite its appeal, some community members view the Cubitus as a 'low effort' attempt to introduce more shaped watches, citing the recycling of Nautilus design elements and the lack of a purpose-built shaped movement.
The Cubitus is a polarizing piece, but its hands-on experience can be surprisingly positive, even for those who acknowledge its design compromises.
Despite having small wrists, one collector found the 45mm Cubitus wearable due to its thinness, while surprisingly finding the 40mm version 'too small'.
The 'ears' on the Cubitus case are considered clumsy and illogical by some, especially when compared to the refined shape of the Nautilus.

The Discussion

KMII

Nov 16, 2025

Not exactly my style and as much as I appreciate the attempt of introducing more shaped watches that will likely sell, I cannot but feel that it’s a low effort and low cost attempt at doing so - recycle as many design elements of the Nautilus as possible, no investment in a shaped movement… Sure the fit and finish will have the usual PP care and attention but I feel it could have been more. In that sense I also feel the Golden Ellipse would suit your style better 👌🏻👍🏻 The spoof advert for the Cu

gary_g

Nov 16, 2025

I think it looks great on your wrist. And I love the patek RG/chocolate dial combo. A friend just recently purchased the larger SS reference with a green dial. It looks great. If offered I would def purchase.

ArmisT

Nov 16, 2025

because when I reflect on older pieces you have shared in previous write ups and the recent post by Nico yesterday showing the unique shaped case by Vacheron, the Cubitus on some level elicits an immediate (but brief) negative reaction. I don’t know why, and I don’t dwell on it because it doesn’t matter in any way. But i’m sure in part it’s because it it is an unapologetic redesign of the Nautilus. Ultimately I know that the reason it is accepted is because of the Patek name, which is a point ot

Mr.Gatsby

Nov 16, 2025

For me I have very mixed feelings on this one. Personally I can’t accept it. I don’t own any of the sports Patek. But for me I’d go for a Nautilus first and foremost. Best Gatsby

penfriend

Nov 16, 2025

and independently of my opinion on the design this 40mm is a woman's watch. My wife tried it as well, and it fit her perfectly and she has got very thin wrists.

Watchlover42

Nov 16, 2025

and perhaps not the worst, but certainly the most disappointing new release since I became interested in watches. The significantly more wearable 40mm version doesn't change that for me.

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Patek Philippe Cubitus 40mm: Hands-On Review

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