In the world of watchmaking, few names carry the prestige and storied legacy of Patek Philippe. Its most famous advertisement campaign features the line: “You never really own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation.” That next generation seems to be who the watchmaker is targeting with the Cubitus collection, its first new model range since the Aquanaut in 1997.
The Cubitus collection signals a bold departure from the rounded case designs that have been the hallmark of Patek Philippe’s most sought-after watches, such as the Nautilus and the Calatrava. It is defined by a striking octagonal case, offering a modern aesthetic.
But this launch is more than just a new case shape; it is a statement about the future direction of Patek Philippe, an acceptance that innovation is part of staying on top of the market.
The Cubitus Collection is a bold and angular design. The octagonal case is reminiscent of the sporty elegance popularised by Patek’s Nautilus, introduced in 1976, but with sharper lines and a more modern sensibility. The case comes in several materials, including two-tone steel and rose gold, stainless steel and platinum.
The brushed and polished surfaces on the Cubitus play with light in a way that emphasises the clean, architectural lines of the case. The design team at Patek clearly wanted to create something that would stand out on the wrist without feeling overly flashy, a delicate balance achieved with this collection.
The dials are another area where the Cubitus shines. The collection offers options in deep green and blue, each with a subtle texture that adds depth to the overall design. The green dial is a standout, tapping into the growing trend for coloured dials.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Patek Philippe without exceptional mechanical innovation. At the heart of these watches are some of Patek’s most advanced automatic movements. The simpler models feature the Caliber 26-330 S C, a highly accurate movement that powers the time and date functions. With a power reserve of up to 45 hours and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it’s a reliable workhorse designed to keep time with remarkable consistency.
For those who want something more complicated, the collection also includes a platinum model with moon phase and big date functions. The display manages to not feel too busy.
This launch is particularly significant because it comes at a time when Patek Philippe is facing increased competition in the luxury sports watch category. Brands such as Audemars Piguet, with its Royal Oak, and Rolex, with its steel sports models, have dominated this segment in recent years. The Cubitus is Patek’s answer to this challenge, a watch that combines the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship with a design that feels relevant to today’s collectors.
The choice to launch this collection in both stainless steel and two-tone rose gold speaks to Patek’s desire to appeal to a younger, more style-conscious audience. The stainless-steel models, in particular, are likely to attract collectors who appreciate the durability and versatility of steel, but who also want something that feels distinct.
This is a collection that has the potential to become a modern classic. Like the Aquanaut before it, the Cubitus could very well define the next era of Patek Philippe. It’s a watch that blends past and future, tradition and innovation, in a way that few brands can achieve. Whether you’re a long-time collector or someone looking to invest in their first luxury watch, the Cubitus offers an opportunity to own a piece of Patek Philippe’s next chapter.
The move to launch the collection is bold but feels right, even essential. In a market that’s becoming increasingly saturated with steel sports watches, Patek has managed to create something that feels fresh, exciting and future-facing.
The five pillars of Islam
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Results
2pm: Al Sahel Contracting Company – Maiden (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: AF Mutakafel, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
2.30pm: Dubai Real Estate Centre – Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: El Baareq, Antonio Fresu, Rashed Bouresly
3pm: Shadwell – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,950m; Winner: Lost Eden, Andrea Atzeni, Doug Watson
3.30pm: Keeneland – Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,000m; Winner: Alkaraama, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
4pm: Keeneland – Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,800m; Winner: Lady Snazz, Saif Al Balushi, Bhupat Seemar
4.30pm: Hive – Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
5pm: Dubai Real Estate Centre – (TB) Handicap Dh64,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Lahmoom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: Najem Al Rwasi, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
2.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Fandim, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Harbh, Pat Cosgrave, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
3.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham
4pm: Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jawaal, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The specs: 2019 BMW i8 Roadster
Price, base: Dh708,750
Engine: 1.5L three-cylinder petrol, plus 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 374hp (total)
Torque: 570Nm (total)
Fuel economy, combined: 2.0L / 100km
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
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