The Patek Philippe Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton Ref. 5840P-001 is a stunning timepiece that showcases the brand's innovative approach to design and movement technology. With its unique square case and open-worked dial, this watch is a departure from the Nautilus, offering a fresh and modern take on the brand's iconic style. The Cubitus collection, introduced in 2024, aimed to create a new commercial golden boy that could draw attention away from the Nautilus. While it partially succeeded, the Nautilus remains a prominent feature in the watch world. However, the Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton Ref. 5840P-001 takes the collection in a new direction, showcasing a grand complication that is both technically impressive and aesthetically pleasing.
The watch measures 45mm across and is just 10mm thick, housing a complicated QP movement. The case is made of 950 platinum with a baguette-cut diamond at 6 o'clock, adding a touch of luxury to the design. The dial features a skeletonized, horizontally open-worked design with a blue PVD coating, creating a striking contrast to the largely monochromatic movement. The display includes hours, minutes, small seconds, date, day, month, leap-year indication, and moon phases, with a large single moon phase dominating the watch face.
The movement, caliber 28-28 Q SQU, is a special development for the Cubitus and is derived from the architecture of the caliber 240 Q. It is skeletonized and opens the mechanism, revealing its complicated 'secrets'. The movement is finished with a restrained approach, featuring rhodium-plated bridges, plates, and micro-rotor, with heat-blued screws and a blue Calatrava cross adding small flashes of color. This movement showcases Patek Philippe's exquisite movement finishing, yet it presents its beauty in a more contemporary, casual fashion.
The Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton Ref. 5840P-001 is a significant step forward for the collection, taking it in a design direction that foreshadows daring, novel designs. The symbiosis between the case and movement could be taken further, marking a new era for Patek Philippe. However, the brand's use of contrast stitching on the strap is a minor gripe, with the navy-blue Cordura strap with a textile pattern and contrasting cream stitching catching the eye.
In conclusion, the Patek Philippe Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton Ref. 5840P-001 is a remarkable watch that showcases the brand's innovative approach to design and movement technology. It is a significant step forward for the collection, offering a fresh and modern take on the brand's iconic style. The watch is a must-see for any watch enthusiast, offering a unique and impressive design that is sure to turn heads.
