- Kennedy Watches has a reputation as the go-to destination for Patek Philippe in Australia.
- The Cubitus collection marks the Swiss luxury brand’s first new release in over 25 years
- The Cubitus has caused a stir among watch collectors in Australia.
When Patek Philippe and Kennedy Watches invited me to be among the first in Australia to experience their new collection – the brand’s first release in over 25 years – I couldn’t resist the chance to do a fly-in-fly-out trip from Sydney to Melbourne.
Founded in 1976, Kennedy Luxury Watches & Jewellery is a name synonymous with timeless elegance and unmatched craftsmanship; an Australian institution that has consistently identified the finest luxury watches, offering rare pieces for their discerning clientele in this region.
From its origins in Sydney, this luxury retailer has grown into a national presence with 10 stores across Australia. As one of Patek Philippe’s exclusive retailers, they were among the first to get their hands on the Swiss brand’s latest collection… and it was an experience I wouldn’t soon forget.
Patek Philippe: Timeless Elegance
It’s an incredible thing to maintain your presence in the horological market without releasing a single new collection for almost a quarter of a century. From elegant Calatrava dress watches to the legendary Nautilus collection, Patek Philippe pieces have long maintained a reputation for iconic design and meticulous craftsmanship.
The Swiss luxury brand has been a pioneer for some of the most seismic shifts in the horological space – perpetual calendars, minute repeaters and split-seconds chronographs. The brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in watchmaking, rarely feeling the need to reinvent itself in its near-200-year history.
Of course, these are not just luxury timekeepers but timeless heirlooms to be handed down – as the saying goes:
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“You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”
Patek Philippe Cubitus: The First Collection in 25 Years
The centrepiece of this particular event in Melbourne was the manufacture‘s first collection in 25 years, the Cubitus: a brand-new release available exclusively at Kennedy in three distinct models – stainless steel, rose gold, and platinum – with an elegantly slender profile which is accentuated by the brand’s first square dial and case.
The watch has only been out for a month but has already divided opinion amongst watch scholars. There are those who question whether it’s truly a departure from the Nautilus playbook, and there are some revelling in the first collection from Patek in decades.
I was informed that this particular release has been in the works at the Swiss brand’s Geneva headquarters for more than 20 years, only released at the opportune moment here in Australia.
At first glance, it’s impossible not to notice the resemblance to its legendary Nautilus: an integrated bracelet, green and blue dials and titanium touches, and of course the Nautilus’ legendary movement.
But seeing the watch up close, its details are what truly sets it apart – polished edges that catch the light just so, a dial that balances minimalism with depth, and a strap crafted for both style and comfort. The interplay between sharp modern lines and classic Patek elegance ensures the Cubitus is a striking statement piece without sacrificing versatility. It’s a stunning release in its own right.
A Hands-On with the Cubitus
On paper, the new Patek Philippe Cubitus is on the larger side – 45mm to be exact. But you wouldn’t think it with its enviable slimness sitting at just 8.3mm thick. It ensures that all three models sit neatly beneath the cuff of a dress shirt with ease and I was genuinely surprised by just how incredibly wearable it feels on the wrist.
Speaking with the Kennedy team, they mentioned that clients and potential buyers shared a common reaction: they were all surprised by how wearable this piece truly is. A colleague at the event was the first to point out the irony of a watch celebrated for its wearability, yet with 10 client expressions of interest for every piece available in Australia, few will ever have the chance to wear it.
But then exclusivity has always been part of Patek Philippe’s allure, and the Cubitus is no exception. Even here in Australia – home to some of the world’s most passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors – the demand far exceeds supply.
It’s a dynamic Kennedy understands intimately; the Cubitus has only been available for two weeks but there has been high demand for the next must-have Patek on Australia’s shelves. More expressions of interest per piece available Down Under means that boutiques must be considered when they sell their latest pieces.
Whether this release stands the test of time as one of the greats, or simply be remembered as a crucial moment in Patek’s evolution? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: it’s already making significant waves across Australia’s luxury watch market. I’m glad I could get my first hands-on.
