Patek Philippe 'Cubitus': A Collector's Candid Review of Fit and Design

Esharp · 2024-10-28T14:23:11Z

Esharp's candid review of the Patek Philippe 'Cubitus' highlights its fit, size, and design compared to the Aquanaut and Nautilus. Discover collector insights.

Esharp

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

21 replies6725 views6 photos

Esharp's hands-on review of the Patek Philippe 'Cubitus' offers invaluable insights into its wearability and design nuances. His detailed comparison with other Patek Philippe sports models and even a Bulgari Octo Finissimo provides a crucial perspective for collectors considering this polarizing reference. This article distills community reactions, highlighting why Esharp's candid assessment resonates with enthusiasts.

21 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

When the one and only GLau said “hey wanna try the Cubitus?”, well, I couldn’t not!…so found myself with him the next day in a local PP boutique with the two-tone version (plastic-wrapped, of course) on my wrist.

The boutique also had a 5167 on bracelet, a 5990 and a 5126. They were useful comparisons.

My impressions? Well - it’s gonna be unpopular here, but I actually quite like the two-tone colour scheme with the blue dial; however, this size is just really too large on the wrist; it didn’t lie flat the way some other larger watches do (eg my Octo Finissimo, large and very flat, but also perfectly fitting the wrist) and it doesn’t hug it as nicely as I was hoping it would (the Aquanaut is the champ here). Lastly, the ears are very long due to the straight sides, with the result that they don’t flow as well as the smaller ones on a Nautilus. In fact, I found myself wondering how it would look without them at all; but then of course it wouldn’t be constructed in the same way.

Naturally Patek will sell as many as they make. But I have to say this one isn’t yet on my list, especially given the not-inconsequential price tag. Maybe the next iteration, especially if there’s an intermediate size…

A few photos for comparison attached.

Best

E.

Watch by Patek Philippe, Octo Finissimo, Cubitus, Bulgari, nautilus, 5990, aquanaut, 5167

Watch by Patek Philippe, Octo Finissimo, Cubitus, Bulgari, nautilus, 5990, aquanaut, 5167

About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5167

The Reference 5167 represents the 40mm stainless steel iteration within Patek Philippe's Aquanaut model line. Introduced in 2007 and remaining in current production, this reference features a black dial and establishes the standard sizing for the steel Aquanaut offering.

The 40mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Caliber 324 S C movement, providing 45 hours of power reserve. The watch incorporates a sapphire crystal and smooth bezel configuration. Water resistance extends to 120 meters, while the distinctive composite rubber strap displays an embossed check pattern that complements the case design.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking contemporary Patek Philippe sports watch execution in stainless steel. The 5167 offers entry into the Aquanaut model range while maintaining the manufacturing standards associated with the Geneva manufacture. Its ongoing production status ensures availability through authorized channels for both new collectors and those expanding existing collections.

Specifications

Caliber: 324 S C

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'Cubitus' design, particularly its straight sides and long 'ears,' contributes to a fit that doesn't hug the wrist as effectively as other Patek Philippe sports watches like the Aquanaut or even the original Nautilus.
Many collectors agree that the primary issue with the 'Cubitus' is its size, suggesting that a smaller diameter, perhaps around 40mm, would significantly enhance its elegance and wearability.
The large date complication in some 'Cubitus' models might dictate the overall case size, prompting questions about why bracelet versions without this complication aren't offered in a more wearable, smaller dimension.
Achieving a smaller 'Cubitus' would likely necessitate either removing the date complication entirely or utilizing a smaller movement, given that the current three-hander's date window already sits at the dial's edge.
While not universally loved, the 'Cubitus' is not as problematic as some initial reactions suggested, with its size being the most consistent point of contention among collectors.
The community appreciates factual and descriptive reviews that clearly articulate the reasons behind an opinion, rather than just stating a preference, especially when comparing fit and design elements.

The Discussion

GLau

Oct 28, 2024

Hi E, Your opinion might be unpopular but you are an excellent forum member because

you tell it like it is in a cordial manner 👍 As a Patek moderator, I salute 🫡 you for your friendly behavior !

patrick_y

Oct 28, 2024

Thank you for sharing your perceptions!

Thank you for being factual here! A lot of people point out that "I like it" or "I don't like it." But don't clearly describe why. You mentioned some things (like the long sides) and you provided multiple angles that really gave us a better impression of how this watch would sit on the wrist. Thanks for pointing out these facts!

grandesonnerie

Oct 28, 2024

maybe they should have called it the pointilus

COUNT DE MONET

Oct 28, 2024

... or: pointilesslus?🤔

Again: I do like the blue one and do own a Patek ...

gary_g

Oct 28, 2024

I agree with your assessment.

When I tried on the platinum model I liked it a lot more than the pictures. My only issue was the size. If the watch was 40mm I think it would be very elegant.

Esharp

Oct 28, 2024

As I said: how about an intermediate size?