TS's Take on the Cubitus Release

[eanzenberg]

������

I’m just glad there are brands like Journe, ALS, even AP continuing to push the envelope.

[nickorette]

Originally Posted by Champagnepapi

Interestingly, Thierry emphasized that he doesn’t work with external designers because it never works—yet, history shows that his father, Mr. Philippe Stern, did just that. For example, Gerald Genta, a renowned freelance designer, is the one who actually designed the NAUTILUS, not Patek Philippe themselves. Genta collaborated with Patek, though he was never directly employed by the company.

When the Aquanaut was released in 1997, Philippe Stern was in charge, and while Thierry was part of the team, he wasn’t leading the project. So basically it’s not his own accomplishment, legacy or design.

It makes me wonder if Thierry isn’t entirely comfortable with the fact that the Nautilus wasn’t designed in-house. This new release feels like an attempt to replicate the success of the Nautilus, perhaps to shift credit away from Genta by mimicking key elements like the bracelet and dial pattern, while subtly claiming it as his own original design. Instead of an evolution, it feels more like an effort to redefine the past by forcing a design onto collectors under the guise of innovation (maybe a round movement in a square 45mm L2L is innovative?).

These are just my thoughts, but this doesn’t seem like a genuine progression for Patek. Rather, it comes across as an attempt to discredit Genta’s original design. Honestly, I believe that if Thierry could cancel the Nautilus line from Patek’s catalog completely—he would. But of course, that’s not possible and would severely hurt the brand. Instead, I suspect he will phase out the remaining stainless steel models, leaving the Nautilus available only in precious metals, as they’re more profitable. This would also help boost sales of his new own designed CUBITUS lineup (because, really, who would currently choose a Cubitus over a Nautilus if given the choice?).

Or maybe I’m just overthinking it… anyways I just wanted to share my thoughts - it’s late already, gotta get some coffee and head out to see if I can buy one or two. P.S. I LOVE THE CUBITUS NO CAP.




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Genta was also responsible for Ellipse design as well..

[Champagnepapi]

Originally Posted by nickorette

Genta was also responsible for Ellipse design as well..

Interesting… I thought Ellipse was designed by Jean-Daniel Rubel (Head of the R&D department) at Patek Philippe at the time around 1966.
Nevertheless, Happy to learn new things here everyday! Cheers


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[nickorette]

Originally Posted by Champagnepapi

Interesting… I thought Ellipse was designed by Jean-Daniel Rubel (Head of the R&D department) at Patek Philippe at the time around 1966.
Nevertheless, Happy to learn new things here everyday! Cheers


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I stand corrected! It does appear to be a common misconception, I guess I must've heard it somewhere

[yoast]

Originally Posted by Champagnepapi

Interestingly, Thierry emphasized that he doesn’t work with external designers because it never works—yet, history shows that his father, Mr. Philippe Stern, did just that. For example, Gerald Genta, a renowned freelance designer, is the one who actually designed the NAUTILUS, not Patek Philippe themselves. Genta collaborated with Patek, though he was never directly employed by the company.

When the Aquanaut was released in 1997, Philippe Stern was in charge, and while Thierry was part of the team, he wasn’t leading the project. So basically it’s not his own accomplishment, legacy or design.

Interestingly the Aquanaut was designed by Laurent Ferrier when he was still employed at Patek

[pam66]

TS totally full of himself. inspite of the fact that the cubits shows that he didn't even attend university to study design. sort of a self-made home-taught design ignorant.

[enthusiast]

Originally Posted by pam66

TS totally full of himself. inspite of the fact that the cubits shows that he didn't even attend university to study design. sort of a self-made home-taught design ignorant.

What makes this disturbing interview so much worse is its implications.

It clearly demonstrates how this company is actually run.

[Partekular]

Originally Posted by pam66

TS totally full of himself. inspite of the fact that the cubits shows that he didn't even attend university to study design. sort of a self-made home-taught design ignorant.

There’s nothing wrong with being self-taught. It beats going to a design/art/ architecture school/uni and leaving like a sausage with a few added herbs.

On the other hand the Cubitus is a pastiche Nautilus BUT with the added technical brilliance of the horologists who designed and improved the mechanism. If my wrists fatten up and I ever get to buy one it will be primarily for its guts.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

It seems to me it’s exactly the opposite to what TS is quoted saying.

The haters are mostly people who have owned (and currently own) a Patek.

It is those who haven’t owned, but who have wanted to own, a Patek who seem to like it.

Go figure.

Agree, many of those who want one appear to be fairly new in their interest for the brand, like a few years in max. TS is probably just fine with that though.

[SpeedyTuomas]

Originally Posted by dauster

Nope I am German and it reads exactly the same for me :)

Really? Seems like a stupid and arrogant thing to say. And incorrect.

" The haters are mostly people who have never had a Patek and never will"

[codecow]

Originally Posted by ts3

Agree, many of those who want one appear to be fairly new in their interest for the brand, like a few years in max. TS is probably just fine with that though.

Clearly since they have been killing ADs we decades long relationships.

[Shadow Play]

I’m sorry but, to me at least, that is a completely classless statement for TS to say “the haters are mostly people who have never had a Patek and never will. So that doesn’t bother me”. I also find the statement somewhat arrogant. If he believed it was such a great and well thought out watch, may I humbly suggest he would have been better served explaining why he felt the new watch was so good.

Being classless and arrogant are not something I associate with owners of Patek. Quite the opposite actually. Confident and understated would be better descriptions. TS should surely be aware that such comments by a person in his position has the potential to damage brand perception.

[eanzenberg]

I'd much rather hang out with someone wearing a tudor than this schmuck.

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by Shadow Play

I’m sorry but, to me at least, that is a completely classless statement for TS to say “the haters are mostly people who have never had a Patek and never will. So that doesn’t bother me”. I also find the statement somewhat arrogant. If he believed it was such a great and well thought out watch, may I humbly suggest he would have been better served explaining why he felt the new watch was so good.

Being classless and arrogant are not something I associate with owners of Patek. Quite the opposite actually. Confident and understated would be better descriptions. TS should surely be aware that such comments by a person in his position has the potential to damage brand perception.

x2

Feels like he is going on the offensive, uncharacteristically, because of the backlash that he should have seen coming a mile away considering how this thing has been in development for years

[enjoythemusic]

Perhaps, just maybe, to save face Of The Company's Longstanding Prestige... just maybe someone has to 'go down for this'. One of the many Asian traditions i personally admire is when a leader admits fault and.....

Traditionally, he would.... yet this being 2024..... it gives him the opportunity to accept, and in a sense save the Honor of Patek Philippe. Truly do hope the very best for PP, and if they please, just pretty please, consider a Connoisseur Series.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Champagnepapi

Here’s a photo that goes well with the interview:





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Big Boss Honcho looks good like a billion bucks - yo probably don't own a PP and are just a hater :)

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Perhaps, just maybe, to save face Of The Company's Longstanding Prestige... just maybe someone has to 'go down for this'. One of the many Asian traditions i personally admire is when a leader admits fault and.....

Traditionally, he would.... yet this being 2024..... it gives him the opportunity to accept, and in a sense save the Honor of Patek Philippe. Truly do hope the very best for PP, and if they please, just pretty please, consider a Connoisseur Series.

I read the “creation team” for the Cubitus was four people, including TS.

Either these other three people were fully on board, which shows a flaw and creativity gap within PP, or, perhaps worse, they felt they couldn’t speak against it, which would be a sign of dysfunction and bad culture within the walls of PP, stemming from the top. I hope TS has some introspection and fixes this.

[Vince_76]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

I read the “creation team” for the Cubitus was four people, including TS.

Either these other three people were fully on board, which shows a flaw and creativity gap within PP, or, perhaps worse, they felt they couldn’t speak against it, which would be a sign of dysfunction and bad culture within the walls of PP, stemming from the top. I hope TS has some introspection and fixes this.

I recall he said he was responsible for 100% of the design and 60% of the movement.

Could still be the case if he’s surrounded by “yes men”. Bad look. And frankly his bitter statements are very cringey. Just take your L. The only reason this will sell is due to its brand name.

[ndirish2001]

Originally Posted by Shadow Play

I’m sorry but, to me at least, that is a completely classless statement for TS to say “the haters are mostly people who have never had a Patek and never will. So that doesn’t bother me”. I also find the statement somewhat arrogant. If he believed it was such a great and well thought out watch, may I humbly suggest he would have been better served explaining why he felt the new watch was so good.

Being classless and arrogant are not something I associate with owners of Patek. Quite the opposite actually. Confident and understated would be better descriptions. TS should surely be aware that such comments by a person in his position has the potential to damage brand perception.

That’s what happens when you’re always surrounded by only two kinds of people: (1) those who suck up to you because the work for you and (2) those who suck up to you because they want to be approved for an application piece.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

I read the “creation team” for the Cubitus was four people, including TS.

....I hope TS has some introspection and fixes this.

Over time this style will meld in like we see with Cartier. The good news is yes, human reaction reality sometimes delivers less than expected results at that moment in history. We also know how Kid Stern responds (big cringe, you're Swiss kind sir). Art and luxury have ways of not being well-received initially. And yes flops do happen (i.e. Pontiac Aztec).

Whatever the case, we know the new direction, as guided by the head of the brand. We know mechanical timepieces only guaranteed to a 30m waterproof rating. And yes, we know round movements in square cases. Lastly, their pricing for these products.

It's a competitive market, sure, my best advice, leave it triple-sealed and wait a few decades. Not the next bubble, the one after that (maybe one more, depends on the ebb and flow of the day's fashion ~21 years from this writing).

I do agree that as a true daily beater, Tudor makes some proven excellent and highly durable METAS-rated timepieces. Also, H. Moser Streamliner Purple Haze is nice, the new movement is a welcome step forward from the company. We could easily name many pieces, including the first-gen Bvlgari Octo FS 100m wp rated on my wrist as i type this. Love the first gen movement decoration on this and am the orig owner before all the rave hit. Super thin, 100m wp rating, cool style... sold :)

In the end, it's just luxury. Not necessary. Less useful, and less accurate, than an iWrist electronic device. But here we are, lovers of outdated technology with a deep passion for luxury, art, science, mathematics....

...or we're just a group of crazies.

So, which timepiece are you getting next? And after that? :)

PS: Patek Philippe... new Connoisseur Series.... ask for it from your local AD.

PPS: Arnold & Son has some nice new releases.

[enthusiast]

Speaking of interviews: TS also likes to claim that his ADs face questioning as soon as recently sold watches appear on the open market.

How on earth are such things or the whole portfolio of this gray dealer possible?

[Gandor]

Originally Posted by enthusiast

Speaking of interviews: TS also likes to claim that his ADs face questioning as soon as recently sold watches appear on the open market.

How on earth are such things or the whole portfolio of this gray dealer possible?

TS - "Hey this rare patek we sent you is on the gray market do you know anything about this?"

AD - "¯\_(ツ)_/¯"

TS - "Oh well, your order of a dozen twenty-4s are in"

[Gebbeth]

Stern has a very smackable face in that photo. It kinda exudes arrogance, not confidence. The statement he made makes just confirms the arrogance.

The problem with tightly controlled, family corporations is that their independence can be both a success story and the beginnings of a downfall of sorts. Being so insular, and with a series of past successes from decades ago, you can lose touch with reality.

As much as family businesses can be successful, there is a tendency to rest on your laurels. It's natural, and not something exclusive to Patek.

But I think a bit more humility and an openness to outside advice would be a good thing, and something not to be so summarily dismissed.

[byow]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Stern has a very smackable face in that photo. It kinda exudes arrogance, not confidence. The statement he made makes just confirms the arrogance.

The problem with tightly controlled, family corporations is that their independence can be both a success story and the beginnings of a downfall of sorts. Being so insular, and with a series of past successes from decades ago, you can lose touch with reality.

As much as family businesses can be successful, there is a tendency to rest on your laurels. It's natural, and not something exclusive to Patek.

But I think a bit more humility and an openness to outside advice would be a good thing, and something not to be so summarily dismissed.

Judging a company, the whole Cubitus lineup and TS based on « a picture » seems inappropriate.

PP launches the Cubitus when they could just make more 5711. How is that resting on their laurels?

TS mentioned part of the creative process and that he discussed with professionals: what openness would you need him to comply with? A poll on TRF?

Sometimes, I have the feeling that people forget that these are only luxury goods. TS is not deciding on the fate of the whole Universe. He is just running a company which happens to make watches that people are passionate about.

[Xelorpepsi]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Stern has a very smackable face in that photo. It kinda exudes arrogance, not confidence. The statement he made makes just confirms the arrogance.

The problem with tightly controlled, family corporations is that their independence can be both a success story and the beginnings of a downfall of sorts. Being so insular, and with a series of past successes from decades ago, you can lose touch with reality.

As much as family businesses can be successful, there is a tendency to rest on your laurels. It's natural, and not something exclusive to Patek.

But I think a bit more humility and an openness to outside advice would be a good thing, and something not to be so summarily dismissed.

As someone who deals with a lot of family-owned businesses, they all tend to suffer from the ABC Cancer at some point. Namely, Arrogance, Bureaucracy, and Complacency.

Signed, someone who owns a few PP…

[Roger Lococco]

I wonder how long before we see Marky Mark or Tom Brady sporting one of these.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by byow

Judging a company, the whole Cubitus lineup and TS based on « a picture » seems inappropriate.

PP launches the Cubitus when they could just make more 5711. How is that resting on their laurels?

TS mentioned part of the creative process and that he discussed with professionals: what openness would you need him to comply with? A poll on TRF?

Sometimes, I have the feeling that people forget that these are only luxury goods. TS is not deciding on the fate of the whole Universe. He is just running a company which happens to make watches that people are passionate about.

Excellent perspective, thanks.

[Ashj52]

I don’t agree with his statement, and not trying to make excuses but we all make mistakes and some of the online comments towards him are over the top. The cubitus has grown on me the past few days, if there are smaller iterations in the future I would for sure be interested.

[Gebbeth]

Okay, I admit. My comment wasn't appropriate.

However, I think it's fair game to highly criticize Stern's comments....from his very mouth.

He comes off as arrogant, elitist, and out-of-touch....and perhaps delusional.

To say the critics are not Patek owners and never will.....that statement is smackable.

[edyu]

Another perspective/interview of TS on Cubitus:
https://revolutionwatch.com/patek-philippe-cubitus/