www.blajournal.com

Patek Philippe Unveils the Cubitus Perpetual Calendar: A Fusion of Innovation and Heritage

April 14

Patek Philippe has unveiled a significant addition to its Cubitus collection at Watches and Wonders: the Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton 5840P-001. This timepiece represents a major milestone as the first Grand Complication within the Cubitus series, showcasing both technical prowess and refined aesthetics. It extends the Cubitus line's reputation for luxury and intricate design, incorporating elements that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Patek Philippe's horological heritage. The launch emphasizes the brand's ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries while maintaining its distinctive style.

The new Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton 5840P-001 maintains the platinum case introduced with the original Cubitus in 2024. Its dimensions remain consistent with other large models in the collection, featuring a 45mm diameter. Despite the integration of a more complex perpetual calendar caliber, the watch's thickness has only slightly increased from 9.6mm to a still remarkably slender 10mm, a testament to Patek Philippe's engineering finesse. In keeping with the tradition of platinum Patek watches, a baguette-cut diamond is subtly set into the bezel at the 6 o'clock position, adding an exclusive touch of luxury.

The most striking innovation lies in the dial and movement. The iconic ribbed pattern, a hallmark of the Nautilus and Cubitus collections, has been ingeniously laser-cut to reveal the intricate workings of the new shaped caliber. This marks the first skeletonized Cubitus model and, notably, the first in the line to house a shaped movement. The symmetrical dial features three subdials dedicated to the perpetual calendar: a day of the week and 24-hour indicator at 9 o'clock, a month and leap year display at 3 o'clock, and a date combined with an oversized moonphase at 6 o'clock. This larger moonphase display, drawing inspiration from the brand's 175th-anniversary limited editions, utilizes a single photorealistic moon that completes one rotation per lunar cycle, rendered with black metalization and laser engraving for remarkable detail.

The Caliber 28-28 Q SQU, while new to the Cubitus line, is an evolution of the classic Caliber 240 Q, famously found in the 5140G and 5740 Nautilus Perpetual Calendar. This automatic movement offers a 48-hour power reserve and operates at 21,600 VpH, equipped with a Gyromax balance and a Spiromax balance spring. Necessary adjustments were made to ensure a perfect fit within the Cubitus's distinct silhouette, including redesigned bridges that conform to the case's shape and adapted corrector mechanisms for the square case. The moonphase mechanism has also been specifically updated for this model. The caliber's monochrome rhodium-plated finish, accented by heat-blued screws and a hand-engraved microrotor featuring the Calatrava motif, further underscores its exquisite craftsmanship. Clear sapphires replace traditional rubies for pivots, enhancing the monochromatic aesthetic, while the bridge slats provide ample surface for detailed anglage.

The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Skeleton 5840P-001 is priced at CHF 150,000, reflecting its status as a Grand Complication and the innovative engineering it embodies. This introduction at Watches and Wonders underscores Patek Philippe’s enduring legacy in haute horlogerie, offering collectors and enthusiasts a timepiece that harmoniously blends complex mechanics with a bold, refreshed aesthetic. The watch is now available, inviting admirers to experience this unique fusion of tradition and avant-garde design.

latest news

Rolex Unveils Exquisite Oyster Perpetual Models with Stone Dials
April 14

Rolex Unveils Exquisite Oyster Perpetual Models with Stone Dials

Rolex introduces two new Oyster Perpetual models, the 28mm in yellow gold and the 34mm in Everose gold, featuring pioneering natural stone lacquer dials and hour markers. These luxurious timepieces, part of the Watches and Wonders 2026 collection, blend traditional elegance with novel material use, offering a sophisticated yet understated aesthetic.

Rolex Unveils Revolutionary Daytona Rolesium 126502 with Enamel Dial
April 14

Rolex Unveils Revolutionary Daytona Rolesium 126502 with Enamel Dial

Rolex has launched a groundbreaking new Daytona, the 126502, under its 'Exceptional Creations' initiative. This model combines Oystersteel and platinum in a unique Rolesium configuration, featuring an anthracite Cerachrom bezel and a pristine white enamel dial crafted with the grand feu technique. A sapphire caseback offers a glimpse into the sophisticated Caliber 4131 movement, showcasing Rolex's blend of tradition and innovation.

Patek Philippe Unveils New Annual Calendar in White Gold with Denim-Inspired Dial
April 13

Patek Philippe Unveils New Annual Calendar in White Gold with Denim-Inspired Dial

Patek Philippe introduces the new Annual Calendar reference 4946G-001, featuring a white gold case and a unique blue-grey “shantung” dial with a denim-inspired texture. This 38mm timepiece houses the advanced Calibre 26-330 S QA LU self-winding movement, offering an annual calendar complication, moon phase display, and a power reserve of up to 45 hours. The watch combines classical elegance with a modern, relaxed aesthetic.

Rolex Revitalizes the Yacht-Master II with Enhanced Functionality and New Movement
April 13

Rolex Revitalizes the Yacht-Master II with Enhanced Functionality and New Movement

Rolex introduces a redesigned Yacht-Master II, featuring a new movement and simplified regatta timing functions. Available in Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold, this 44mm timepiece with 100m water resistance now boasts a more intuitive push-button interface, replacing the complex Ring Command bezel of its predecessors. The new Caliber 4162 enhances legibility with a counter-clockwise central seconds hand during countdown, offering a more user-friendly experience for yacht racing enthusiasts.

IWC Debuts Pilot's Venturer Vertical Drive: A Watch Engineered for Space Travel
April 13

IWC Debuts Pilot's Venturer Vertical Drive: A Watch Engineered for Space Travel

IWC, a brand with a rich history in aviation timepieces, introduces its first watch specifically designed for astronauts: the Pilot's Venturer Vertical Drive. Developed in collaboration with aerospace company Vast for the Haven-1 space station, this innovative timepiece underwent rigorous testing to ensure its functionality in the extreme conditions of space. Its unique design eliminates the traditional crown, opting for a rotating bezel control system for ease of use with astronaut gloves, signaling IWC's leap from the skies to the cosmos.

Rolex Unveils Special Edition Datejust 41 with Green Ombré Lacquer Dial for Oyster Case Centennial
April 13

Rolex Unveils Special Edition Datejust 41 with Green Ombré Lacquer Dial for Oyster Case Centennial

Rolex introduces a distinctive Datejust 41 timepiece, featuring an alluring green ombré lacquer dial, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its innovative Oyster case. This 41mm model, crafted in white Rolesor with a fluted white gold bezel and Oyster bracelet, showcases a gradient dial transitioning from light green to a rich, dark hue. The new watch, powered by the Caliber 3235 movement, is priced at $11,650, offering a unique aesthetic without an added premium.