Patek Philippe Cubitus 5821/1A: Controversial Design
Discussion

Patek Philippe Cubitus 5821/1A: Controversial Design

By patekova · Feb 18, 2026 · 58 replies
patekova
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
58 replies5678 views1 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 ✉ 🔗

Patekova's journey with the Patek Philippe Cubitus 5821/1A offers a compelling look into how a watch can defy initial perceptions and win over a collector. This article explores the nuances of Patek Philippe's controversial steel Cubitus, delving into its design, wearability, and market position through the lens of an enthusiast's evolving appreciation. Patekova's detailed account provides a valuable starting point for understanding this distinctive reference within the broader Patek Philippe catalog.


yet pleasantly familiar. But I was  turned off a bit by its reported 45mm size ( especially having a small 6.5”/16.5 cm wrist) and it generally seemed to fall  considerably short compared to the iconic 5711. I also felt  that perhaps  a bolder  and more colorful dial would work even better (eg like the blue dial on the 2 tone version). I was definitely feeling luke warm until I tried it on. 

I liked it including the dial color. I tried it on a second time and I liked it a lot. I tried it on a third time and I loved it. 

It did not wear that large at all. I found its wearing size similar to 5711. I loved that it is square ish. The relatively small and round movement didn’t bother me at all. Historically I noted Patek’s use of round movements in square watches . I found the watch including the bracelet super comfortable to wear.

Do I think it is as good or better, whatever that means, compared to 5711. I don’t think of it in those terms. For me Cubitus despite the obvious similarities to 5711 occupies its own lane. If I become an owner will I like it as much as 5711? Only time will tell. I hope to be able to put that to the test.

(When I tried on the later 40mm variants, they seemed relatively small and less appealing compared to both 5821/1A and 5711.)

So I am definitely smitten. I wonder how others feel about the steel Cubitus, particularly those fortunate members who are owners and/or have had the experience of wearing it.

How do you feel overall about the steel Cubitus? What do you like and what do you dislike?

Best, Patekova 

Credit: Patek Website

About the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711

The Patek Philippe reference 5711/1A-011, part of the Complications collection, is distinguished by its white dial, offering a different aesthetic compared to other dial variations within the 5711 series. This particular configuration provides a clean and legible presentation, appealing to collectors who prefer a more understated yet refined look. It represents a specific iteration of a well-known Patek Philippe model, recognized for its integrated design.

The watch features a 40mm stainless steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber 26-330 SC movement. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The case is fitted with a sapphire crystal, contributing to its water resistance of 120 meters. The fixed bezel and integrated bracelet are characteristic elements of its construction.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in the evolution of Patek Philippe's offerings, particularly those seeking specific dial colors within established model lines. Its production run from 2019 to 2021 marks it as a relatively recent, yet now discontinued, variant. The watch's specifications align with Patek Philippe's standards for mechanical timepieces.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.26-330 SC
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
White
Water Resist.
120m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
M2
m2
Feb 18, 2026

I tried it out in-person and disliked it a lot. I am not a huge Nautilus fan either though and strongly prefer the Royal Oak. I think the other big turn off here were the comments made by the CEO about the design being "all him" etc. That is not something any founder or high caliber CEO would say. You should ALWAYS praise your team and give them all the credit. Reeks of nepobaby... The only Patek I am interested in now is largely neovintage stuff like the 3970 and 3940. I hope the next generatio

PE
penfriend
Feb 18, 2026

and it sill misses any soul imo

PA
patrick_y
Feb 18, 2026

It may not look good on your wrist. So it has to be tried on in person. When I was a teenager, I was introduced to the 5711 Nautilus by my mother. She thought it looked quite nice. I said, "it looks strange and it looks like it has ears!" I thought it looked strange. The 5167A Aquanaut, looked inexpensive and playful in my eyes - with the rubber strap. Another watch I liked at the time that they no longer produce was the 6000G, very nearly went with that watch. I had already written off the Naut

1W
1WatchMan
Feb 18, 2026

I've tried it on several times, and it doesn't look good on my wrist. And the proportions look weird to me. Much better with the 40mm, but a hair to small and it didn't sign to me on the wrist either. I must confess that I'm a bit too picky with square watches, and there are very very few that I like. But all the above is very subjective, so if you love it after trying out three times, then I would definitely go for it!

TI
Tim_M
Feb 18, 2026

Check my video of it with a 41mm RO to get a sense of the real size, because it's nothing like the claimed 45mm. I couldn't wear it if it were a 45. That said, it's not original enough to anticipate it will become a classic just yet. This is a reasonable alternative to launching a 5811/1A if you don't want to have the distraction of a regular-offering steel three-hand/date Nautilus in the catalog. We all heard the rationale for discontinuing the steel 5711 a few years ago, so I get that. If this

QU
quattro
Feb 18, 2026

for sharing your thoughts and try on experiences concerning the steel Cubitus. I have only tried on the rose gold 40 mm variant. It wears well on my wrist and I find the watch globally refined and well done. But I don’t like the stripes decorating the rotor: they look too casual imo. Just my personal feeling of course. And, even if I like that the watch is square, I don’t care enough for this kind of watches to be interested. Anyway, it will be a pleasure to see your photos and read your owner’s

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 58 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →