## The Controversial Patek Philippe Cubitus Has Already Sold at an Online Auction for $112,500
Patek Philippe’s Cubitus watch, a futuristic wristwear concept that ignited heated discussions about design and innovation in the luxury watch industry, has found a buyer at an online auction. The winning bid landed at $112,500, solidifying the Cubitus’s position as a collectible and marking a successful gamble for Patek Philippe’s venture into experimental design.
The Cubitus, introduced at Watches & Wonders 2023, challenged conventional watchmaking by adopting an angular, skeletal structure, a radical departure from the traditional elegance often associated with the brand. Its 42 mm titanium case resembles a geometric cubist sculpture, with intricate angles and a fragmented display featuring multiple, seemingly random windows displaying various complications, including the hours, minutes, date, and power reserve.
Despite the Cubitus’s avant-garde design, it is powered by a time-tested caliber – the manually-wound Caliber 31-260 PS. This decision to marry a bold design with a proven movement adds another layer to the watch’s controversy, blurring the line between traditional watchmaking values and experimentation.
The auction itself mirrored the divisive reactions to the Cubitus. Bidding started at $10,000 and quickly surged, culminating in the $112,500 final price. This rapid climb speaks volumes about the Cubitus’s appeal to collectors who recognize the watch’s significance in the history of Patek Philippe’s innovation.
For some, the Cubitus represents the brand’s willingness to embrace a daring aesthetic, a potential departure from the polished classicism of their usual offerings. Others see the watch as a failed experiment, questioning its artistic merit and the functional implications of its unconventional design.
Yet, the success of the auction tells a compelling narrative. The Cubitus is more than a timepiece – it’s a statement piece. It symbolizes a brand pushing boundaries and challenging conventions in the pursuit of something fresh and provocative.
Patek Philippe has certainly pushed the envelope with the Cubitus, igniting debates about aesthetics, functionality, and the future of luxury watchmaking. While its ultimate success remains to be seen, one thing is clear: the Cubitus has already etched its place in watchmaking history as a catalyst for discussion and a compelling reminder of the brand’s daring spirit.
