Skip to main content

Patek Philippe downsizes Cubitus collection to 40 mm

Two new Patek Philippe Cubitus watches in rose gold and white gold

Cubitus Reference 71281R-001
Cubitus Reference 71281R-001 Patek Philippe / Patek Philippe

In 2024, the Cubitus collection made headlines as the first sporty collection from Patek Philippe in 25 years. Even though the collection was rolled out in late 2024, it has been downsized from 45 mm (large size) to 40 mm (medium size). Given that Patek Philippe is calling this the medium size, there’s also a high chance that they might unveil another Cubitus version later this year, a smaller size to complete the Cubitus collection.

While the 45 mm cubitus collection is available in three different options, the new size was rolled out in two options: Cubitus Reference 7128/1R-001 and Reference 7128/1G-001. The Cubitus Reference 7128/1R-001 features a rose gold casing, accentuated by a sunburst brown dial with gold hour markers covered by a white luminescent coating for enhanced visibility. The casing and bracelet are highlighted by a satin finish for that modern look.

Cubitus Reference 71281G-001
Cubitus Reference 71281G-001 Patek Philippe / Patek Philippe

The ref. 7128/1G-001 comes with a 40 mm white gold casing complemented by a sunburst blue dial to give the front face a contemporary aesthetic. To create contrast between different components, the brand filled the hour markers with a white luminescent coating.

Recommended Videos

Like the first option, the 40 mm white gold version also stands out due to the polished surfaces. Every version is equipped with a lockable adjustment system, designed to perfectly fit on the wrist—the system is quite unique and was patented by the brand.

Both versions are powered by the 26-330 S C caliber, a self-winding movement with 30 jewels, a 38 power-reserve, and a 21 K gold rotor that adds to the look thanks to the embossed pattern. The two new watches, the Cubitus ref. 7128/1R-001 and ref. 7128/1G-001, are both priced at $76,590.

Nathan S.R
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…
Topics
IWC expands top gun collection with mojave desert ceramic pilot watch
Desert inspiration: IWC's sand-colored ceramic pilot watch honors naval aviation heritage
IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert

IWC Schaffhausen is expanding its military aviation collection with the Pilot's Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert, the latest addition to the brand’s "Colors of TOP GUN" series. This watch features ceramic construction that pairs desert-inspired aesthetics with Swiss precision, drawing inspiration from navy flight suits and the rugged terrain surrounding the China Lake air base in California’s Western Mojave Desert.
The 41mm case showcases IWC’s forty years of ceramic expertise, rendered in their proprietary "Mojave Desert" color—a muted earth tone blending beige and khaki. This distinctive shade does more than look good; it directly references the flight suits worn by navy pilots and the arid landscape where US Navy aviators train at China Lake.
IWC’s ceramic process highlights how complex achieving this subtle color actually is. Artisans form ceramic from powdered raw materials into "green body" shapes, machine them closer to their final form, and then fire them in a kiln. This high-temperature process makes the ceramic exceptionally hard and scratch-resistant. The Mojave Desert color is achieved by carefully mixing zirconium oxide with metallic oxides.
The challenge increases because the color changes during firing, requiring extensive testing to achieve the exact tone. This meticulous approach reflects IWC’s long-standing dedication to advanced materials—a legacy dating back over 150 years, making them pioneers in both titanium and ceramic watchmaking.
The watch’s design maintains a unified color scheme. The brown dial features understated minute scales and numerals that glow with Super-LumiNova for legibility in low light, matching the ceramic case. A beige rubber strap with a fabric inlay and a titanium pin buckle completes the look, adding both durability and comfort.
Technical excellence is evident in the IWC-manufactured 32112 caliber. This automatic movement uses a pawl winding system to deliver a 120-hour power reserve. Its 4Hz frequency ensures precise timekeeping, and the bi-directional rotor efficiently stores energy from even the smallest wrist movements.
The titanium case back is engraved with the TOP GUN logo, underscoring the watch’s connection to naval aviation while also reducing weight. The choice of titanium further demonstrates IWC’s expertise in working with advanced metals, complementing their mastery of ceramics.
This watch joins a growing Mojave Desert collection, which includes the Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition, the Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41, and the Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN Edition. All feature the signature sand-colored ceramic, but offer different functionalities and case sizes.
IWC’s commitment to sustainable luxury is evident in their careful sourcing of materials and efforts to minimize environmental impact, ensuring these watches embody both technical mastery and responsible craftsmanship. The brand’s focus on transparency, reuse, and care results in timepieces built to last for generations.
The Pilot's Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert demonstrates how military inspiration can be transformed into civilian luxury, blending professional tool heritage with contemporary design through advanced materials and renowned Swiss watchmaking expertise.

Read more
Longines blends vintage charm and modern precision in this stunning 39mm watch
Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 Review: Vintage aviation luxury reimagined
The Longines 1925 timepiece worn by Henry Cavill

As one of the leading luxury watch brands in the industry, Longines is known for horological excellence, and with the recent release of the Spirit Zulu Time 1925 Edition, this homage to aviation combines elegance with state-of-the-art precision. 

A striking design and aesthetic

Read more
Patek Philippe vs. Vacheron Constantin: Who offers what you’re looking for?
Decoding the differences in prestige, craft, and value
Mecca Patek Phillipe yellow background

Sure, both are great watch brands, but which of these two titans makes the sort of watch that impresses you the most? Few rivalries are as intense and long-standing as the competition between Patek Philippe vs. Vacheron Constantin. Both are celebrated for Swiss watchmaking, both are revered throughout the industry, and both are considered top tier in construction, heritage, and the air of exclusivity associated with each timepiece. 

Yet, even with these similarities, choosing between the two brands makes the decision all the more difficult and a matter of personal philosophy. Which luxury watch brand speaks to your creativity and sense of style the most? In this evaluation, we'll cover each watch brand’s signature styles, what each is best known for, and investment potential to help you come to a decision: Which of these dynamic watchmakers do you find the most impressive, and which deserves to be seen on your wrist?

Read more