The Patek Philippe Cubitus Went From “A Bad Nautilus Clone” To A Bestseller

A Watch That Triggered the Internet

In the world of luxury watches, Patek Philippe is about as close to royalty as you can get. But even kings get their fair share of rebellion. You’ve probably heard about the Patek Philippe Cubitus, a steel sports watch that, upon its launch in October 2024, made the watch world lose its mind. Critics called it lazy, too big, too small, too much like the Nautilus, not enough like the Nautilus - basically, no one could agree on what exactly was wrong, just that it was wrong.

Social media exploded. It got so intense that some people were calling for Thierry Stern, Patek’s president, to step down - as if he had committed some kind of political scandal instead of, you know, releasing a wristwatch.

But as with many things in the watch world, time has a way of sorting things out. And today? The Cubitus is a bestseller.

Source: Time4Diamonds

The Watch Itself: A Closer Look

Let’s put the drama aside for a moment and talk about the actual watch. The Patek Philippe Cubitus comes in several variations, with the all-steel model (5821/1A-001) priced at around €41,000. There are also rose gold and steel (€61,000) and platinum big-date (€88,000) options for those wanting something even more premium.

Key Features:

• Case Size: 45mm (but wears smaller due to its thinness)

• Material: Stainless steel, two-tone, or platinum

• Dial Options: Green, blue, and classic silver

• Movement: Patek Philippe automatic, in-house caliber

• Water Resistance: 120m (this is a Patek watch after all)

Despite the online outrage, you have to admit - the finishing is everything you’d expect from Patek. Crisp edges, beautiful brushing, and that undeniable high-end feel. After all, who wouldn’t see themselves wearing the green-dial steel version. (Affording it? That’s another story.)

Source: Time4Diamonds

Hate It, Love It - But You Can’t Ignore It

Not everyone despised the Cubitus. While the internet was busy tearing it apart, some collectors saw the potential. 

And now, just months later, the narrative is shifting. Patek Philippe didn’t collapse under the backlash, Stern didn’t resign, and most importantly - you can’t find a Cubitus at retail anymore. Demand has outstripped supply, and those same people who mocked it are now trying to get their hands on one.

This got us thinking: Is the Cubitus just another misunderstood watch that will age into an icon? Because history tells us it wouldn’t be the first.

Source: Time4Diamonds

Other Watches That Went from Rejected to Beloved

Cartier Crash (1967)

Today, the Cartier Crash is one of the most sought-after watches in the world, but back in the late ’60s, even Jean-Jacques Cartier wasn’t a fan. He thought it looked too much like London’s swinging Carnaby Street culture - too trendy, too weird. One early buyer, the actor Stewart Granger, even returned it after a week. But now? An original London-made Crash is worth well into the millions.

Source: Time4Diamonds

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (1972)

Gérald Genta’s Royal Oak was so controversial at launch that rival brands were reportedly laughing behind AP’s back, expecting the company to go bankrupt. Why? Because the idea of a luxury sports watch in steel (instead of gold) was unheard of. Turns out, AP had the last laugh - the Royal Oak is now their flagship model, and good luck getting one at retail.

Source: Time4Diamonds

Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona (1960s)

Believe it or not, the now-legendary Paul Newman Daytona was a slow seller in its day. The quirky dial wasn’t popular, and for years these watches sat unsold or were discounted. Fast-forward to 2017, and one of these very same watches - owned by Paul Newman himself - sold for €16.4 million. That’s the kind of glow-up most watches can only dream of.

Source: Time4Diamonds

The Verdict: Future Classic?

So, where does the Patek Philippe Cubitus stand in all of this? Right now, it’s too early to say. It could remain a controversial Patek fumble, or it could become the next Royal Oak - a watch that was hated at first but an icon decades later.

If history has taught us anything, it’s that the watch world loves a good hero/villain story. And if the Cubitus follows the pattern of the Crash, Royal Oak, and Daytona? Then today’s critics might just become tomorrow’s collectors, willing to sell their house for the very watch they once mocked.