Patek Philippe, a brand renowned for its sophisticated horological creations, has once again captivated enthusiasts with the introduction of its latest Cubitus series timepiece: the Perpetual Calendar Skeleton Reference 5840P-001. This innovative watch, unveiled at Watches & Wonders, signifies the first Grand Complication within the Cubitus collection, blending a distinctive skeletonized aesthetic with Patek Philippe's mastery of calendar mechanisms. The design evokes a sense of modern nostalgia, featuring horizontal blue PVD-coated stripes that peek through the intricate perpetual calendar and moon phase registers, all housed within a refined 950 platinum case. This release underscores the brand's commitment to evolving its iconic lines while maintaining its esteemed heritage in high watchmaking.
The Perpetual Calendar Skeleton Reference 5840P-001 maintains the existing 45mm case dimensions of the Cubitus line, with a subtle increase in height to 10mm to accommodate the complex perpetual calendar mechanism. The choice of 950 platinum for the case not only exudes luxury but also provides a striking brushed-finish frame for the watch's open-worked dial. This dial is an intricate display where three meticulously balanced registers showcase the perpetual calendar's month, date, and day of the week. Patek Philippe's dedication to precision is evident in the calendar mechanism's ability to account for leap years and varying month lengths, ensuring seamless operation throughout the year. The periphery of the dial is adorned with angled baton indices crafted from 18ct white gold, enhanced with white Superluminova for optimal legibility.
A notable innovation in this timepiece is Patek Philippe's departure from the traditional moon phase display. Instead of presenting two successive moons on a single disc, the 5840P-001 features a single, highly detailed moon set against a backdrop of stars. This design choice necessitated a modification to the gear train, resulting in a slower rotating disc that completes a full rotation every 29.53 days, accurately reflecting the lunar cycle. This approach to the moon phase display marks a significant design evolution for Patek Philippe, with such a prominent large-moon mechanism last seen in their 175th-anniversary World Time Moon models.
Driving this horological marvel is an evolution of Patek Philippe's caliber 240 Q, specifically adapted for the Cubitus's square dimensions. The new Caliber 28-28 Q SQU, comprising 313 components, features a micro-rotor plated in 22ct gold. This movement offers a power reserve of 48 hours and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. While elements of the movement are subtly visible through the dial's blue bars, the true spectacle is revealed through the clear sapphire caseback. Here, the movement's bridges are intricately cut with parallel stripes, offering an expansive view of its internal workings, including the Gyromax balance. The movement's aesthetic is further enhanced by blued screws and a blue Calatrava Cross engraved on the micro-rotor, adding vibrant splashes of color against the platinum components.
The Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton Reference 5840P-001 represents a bold move for Patek Philippe, a brand often associated with conservative designs. The decision to incorporate an open-worked skeleton dial, particularly one as visually impactful as this, showcases the brand's willingness to embrace contemporary design elements while upholding its heritage of technical excellence. This timepiece confirms Patek Philippe's commitment to expanding the Cubitus line with complex complications, even adapting movements to suit the distinctive blocky case. This model, priced at 150,000 CHF, is available as a regular production piece, signifying its importance in the brand's ongoing collection. It beautifully marries traditional high watchmaking with a modern, distinctive aesthetic, appealing to both purists and those seeking innovative design.