Comments:
I don’t have a strap-equipped Nautilus, but you can see how much of the case serves as the beginning of the bracelet.
The Cubitus more quickly tapers into the strap.
Much has been written about the Cubitus and how it could be changed or improved, but the only thing I really would reiterate is that I really wish there was a quick-change strap system. Like I mentioned above, I think the Cubitus looks good on a strap and if I had one of the bracelet models I would be disappointed that I couldn’t easily swap back-and-forth to a strap.
New 5822P & First Impressions
This weekend I was able to pick-up a 5822P. I’ve only owned the watch for about a day, so I am sure my thoughts will evolve, but I wanted to give my first impressions.
I bought the Cubitus with the expectation that it will have the vibe of a Patek sports watch but more wrist presence and a bolder style than a Nautilus. Additionally, I love collecting Patek Philippe and I love collecting platinum watches with blue dials. The 5822P-001 is both of those things! That may not be a sophisticated collecting philosophy, but it’s mine.
The first thing you notice wearing this watch is that it is heavy! When I first saw the pictures I was disappointed that it did not include a platinum bracelet. Now after wearing it for an entire day, I think the strap was the right idea. The 5822P weighs 193g on my scale, which surprisingly is exactly the same weight as my 5811/1G (sized for my wrist with several links removed). For comparison, I have a few other platinum Pateks on straps and they weigh around 150g.
Second, I find the Cubitus to be far more “flashy” than the Nautilus. Overall, the Cubitus has a much more faceted appearance and has long, straight polished edges that pick up light in a more noticeable way than the Nautilus does. A small detail with a big effect is that there is a more pronounced vertical step from the bezel to the “wings” on the sides of the case. This small difference really highlights the faceted appearance of the case and I feel gives the Cubitus its own personality.
Third, I like the way the Cubitus looks with a strap even though I really dislike the Nautilus on a strap. On the Cubitus, the bezel covers the majority of the case and the “lugs” are quite short and have a fairly straight taper. This shape of the case, to my eye, flows quite naturally into the strap. The Nautilus, on the other hand, has a rounded bezel and a longer more concave tapering of the “lugs”. This looks great on a bracelet, but I always found that it looked odd with a strap - almost as if part of the bracelet was there but the rest was swapped for leather. I saw this photo on Instagram where someone had both a 5980G and the 5822P right next to each other and it is easy to see what I am talking about.
I don’t have a strap-equipped Nautilus, but you can see how much of the case serves as the beginning of the bracelet.
The Cubitus more quickly tapers into the strap.
Much has been written about the Cubitus and how it could be changed or improved, but the only thing I really would reiterate is that I really wish there was a quick-change strap system. Like I mentioned above, I think the Cubitus looks good on a strap and if I had one of the bracelet models I would be disappointed that I couldn’t easily swap back-and-forth to a strap.
Looking forward, I think a big strength of the Cubitus compared to other models is the dial offers a large canvas for complications. In particular, I think an annual calendar chronograph would be a great fit for the Cubitus, and I hope we see such a model sooner than later.
Wish-list: In-line perpetual calendar paired with a 5208-based chronograph module for an automatic-winding, perpetual calendar chronograph sports watch. And throw in a 5316-esque sapphire dial with the horizontal line pattern etched in 🙃.
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How did the purchase go, you showed interest and the watch arrived very shortly or was the wait a bit longer and difficult?
I expressed interest right after the launch
However, I was surprised to receive it so quickly. During last year's Watches & Wonders I put in a request for one of the new Aquanauts. I got an OK for the allocation, but was told it _should_ arrive in 2025. I didn't expect the Cubitus to arrive while I am still waiting on that one.
Congratulations 🎉
Very helpful observations, thanks. If you also have a 5712 in your collection then I’d be curious to read how the dials compare in your eyes.
I’m also curious how you feel about the size and whether you’re inclined to wear more often than not because of size and weight.
I don't own a 5712
But having some familiarity with the dial, I think the big date on the Cubitus is what the eye focuses on rather than the subdials. However, the 5712 has some pops of red used on the power reserve and date that I think gives it a sportier look.
Regarding weight and size, it is very similar to my Grand Seiko 8-Day Spring Drive which is one of the watches I wear most frequently, so it feels right at home on my wrist. That being said, when my wrist becomes sweaty when it is hot and humid outside having that Grand Seiko sliding around becomes uncomfortable and I am sure the 5822 will be the same.
The Grand Seiko is 43mm compared to the Cubitus’ 45mm. But once you take the lugs into account the GS wears very similarly.
The Grand Seiko is 43mm compared to the Cubitus’ 45mm. But once you take the lugs into account the GS wears very similarly.
Thanks for these additional observations, and the GS comparison. It all makes sense👍🏽
Congratulations
The 5822 looks good on your wrist..
Have you tried the 5821? I am wondering if the strap would wear larger than the bracelet..
I did try on both 5821 models, but it was back in October so I can't offer much comparison
The bracelets on the 5821's weren't sized so I couldn't say for sure, but I had the impression the bracelet would fit very similarly to my 5811 (which fits me perfectly, I have never used the micro-adjusts except to demonstrate it to other people.)
The strap is pretty rigid and, at least when new, flexes less than the bracelet on the Nautilus. That may change with time as it gets broken-in.
I was surprised that the 5822 arrives in shipment packaging around a styrofoam "pillow" like a bracelet watch and not lying flat in a plastic wrapper like the typical leather-strapped Patek. Perhaps this is the same with Aquanaut and Nautlius models on straps? I am not sure.
The strap is pretty rigid and, at least when new, flexes less than the bracelet on the Nautilus. That may change with time as it gets broken-in.
I was surprised that the 5822 arrives in shipment packaging around a styrofoam "pillow" like a bracelet watch and not lying flat in a plastic wrapper like the typical leather-strapped Patek. Perhaps this is the same with Aquanaut and Nautlius models on straps? I am not sure.
Where love falls 😉
In my opinion this watch is too big for your wrist. But even larger wrists don't make the watch any nicer for me 🫣
But hey, it's your watch, so wear it in good health 🌝
But hey, it's your watch, so wear it in good health 🌝
Thank you for the very comprehensive review.
It’s thoughtfully written. For me, this watch reminds me of the Cartier Santos. From a design point of view, it’s my opinion that Patek could have made an improvement in the case itself. Perhaps a step bezel and a curved case. It just reads too much like a Nautilus derivative where it shouldn’t have to.
Congratulations!!
I was lucky enough to get to try the 5822 last Saturday afternoon and it was much much more wearable and aesthetically better in real life than some of the reviews I have seen and read. I also loved the strap, such a casual vibe.
Health to wear, its great.
Congrats it’s a beautiful watch, I’m really happy for you.
Getting it so early should have been a pleasant surprise. 193gr is really hefty, should be nice to feel that on the wrist. Hope you have a lot of fun with it.
congratulations 👏it looks great on you! I heard from my AD
that the waitlist is huge and they will receive a few pieces every year. I didn't put myself on the list as I did had other incomings/projects but it looks amazing on you 👏 wear it in good health!
It is a lovely piece many congratulations
I am considering this as my next piece and waiting to hear from my AD whether they can obtain one for me
Thank you for sharing your experience in this excellent post
Huge congratulations with your new watch. I have a good friend who is also very happy with his.
Hi Brandon, huge congratulations and thanks for the detailed review !
Since you got an allocation quickly, this result speaks volume about your relationship with your AD. Well done !
Do you know whether Patek straps with different colors are available, just in case you want to spice it up ?
There are other straps available, but I am not sure of the details
I did ask if other straps were available and the AD said there were, and with different materials. I didn't ask for any further details as I'm still thinking about what changes I would want to make. I like the "composite" strap that is included, so I am hopeful different colors are available.
I don't have a Nautilus strap to compare with, and I haven't asked to verify, but I think the strap measurements are the same so any Nautilus strap might work.
Congratulations. A fine addition to your collection. Wear and enjoy your new Cubitus in platinum. 😊
I saw this recently but didn't try it on (I should have)...
...may I ask your wrist size? It fits you well. I was not sold looking at photos, but it is much better looking in person : )
I tried it on today. Fits perfectly well, nice weight. If a was in for another sporty Patek and had quite some money to spare why not.
I think the size is not as problematic as many initially assume
You cannot take how a 39mm Calatrava wears on your wrist and extrapolate how it would wear if it were 45mm to determine how the Cubitus will wear. The best point of comparison for wearability is probably the Apple Watch which are 46mm or 42mm in length compared to the 45mm lug-to-lug of the Cubitus (ignoring the middle link, but the Apple Watch measurements aren't including the bands so I think it is a comparable measure).