【F】 Rolex Land-Dweller Vs. Patek Philippe Cubitus

It’s Sunday once more, and for our showdown this week, we arrange a conflict between two polarizing watches that encourage no scarcity of fervid opinions. First, there’s the brand-new Rolex Land-Dweller that the model unveiled throughout Watches and Wonders a number of weeks again. It goes up towards the much-debated Patek Philippe Cubitus, which debuted in its 45mm type final fall. Nevertheless, Patek added a 40mm measurement to the lineup throughout Watches and Wonders. At the moment, Mike will again the 40mm model in white gold (ref. 7128/1G) and go up towards Jorg and the 40mm Rolex Land-Dweller in platinum (ref. 127336). Finally, you get to resolve which watch will emerge victorious.

This week’s matchup is exceptional. You in all probability all know the tales of each watches as a result of they’ve been probably the most extensively coated releases over the past couple of months. Patek Philippe unveiled the Cubitus final October, and fans greeted it with a raging storm of criticism. Throughout Watches and Wonders, we noticed how the divisive Cubitus holds up in a extra modest 40mm measurement. On the identical time that Patek displayed the smaller Cubitus, the opposite Genevan powerhouse launched the Land-Dweller within the sales space reverse Patek’s. This new Rolex line harks again to the times of the Oysterquartz and introduces a somewhat spectacular new motion. However individuals additionally had some robust opinions in regards to the appears to be like (and identify) of the Land-Dweller. It makes at present’s Sunday Morning Showdown between the white gold Cubitus and the platinum Land-Dweller greater than fascinating. And selecting “neither one” just isn’t an choice.

Final week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…

However earlier than we get into it, let’s rapidly take a look at final week’s showdown. In a double-Pelagos battle, the trusted 42mm Pelagos received over the brand new 43mm Pelagos Extremely. The common mannequin took 55% of the votes, whereas the Extremely took 45%. It was a reasonably shut contest, which is smart. Finally, the watches are carefully associated. Nevertheless, the choice for the basic Pelagos was additionally seen within the feedback. Granted, fairly a number of commenters personal the 42mm mannequin, in order that encourages a better sentiment and, subsequently, a vote. An fascinating take from one of many commenters was that you must put the watches subsequent to one another and check out them out to decide on the winner. We had the prospect to take action, which modified fairly a number of opinions on the Fratello staff. Both method, the basic Pelagos continues to be the Pelagos of alternative for now.

Jorg: Rolex Land-Dweller 127336 — 40mm in platinum

Let’s kick within the door with my primary level on this week’s showdown: it’s a lot simpler to love the Land-Dweller than the Cubitus. Sure, that’s proper, and it’s as a result of everyone knows {that a} completely different dial may make for an excellent sequence of Land-Dweller watches. Sadly for Mike, the issues with the Cubitus run loads deeper. The problems are rooted within the watch’s by-product and divisive design. The appears to be like are a debatable play on the aesthetic of the favored Nautilus. Realizing that Patek Philippe intentionally downsized the Nautilus assortment and adopted that up with the Cubitus understandably raised an entire lot of eyebrows. Moreover, the PR nightmare that adopted the introduction of the Cubitus additionally affected the courtroom of public opinion.

It makes the selection on this battle simple for me. Do I love the Land-Dweller? No, not in its present type. However there are numerous issues that I like about it, which may trigger it to show right into a love affair. First, I’m an enormous fan of the Oysterquartz aesthetic, so seeing that return is fantastic. Whether or not it’s the pre-Oysterquartz Date ref. 1530, the good Oysterquartz Datejust ref. 17000, or an Oysterquartz Day-Date ref. 19018 in full yellow gold (and even an understated white gold ref. 19019), there isn’t any going unsuitable. And to see Rolex breathe new life into that aesthetic is a win for watch followers everywhere in the globe. Weirdly sufficient, the model itself didn’t trace at that in its official presentation throughout Watches and Wonders, nevertheless it’s not possible to disclaim the Land-Dweller’s roots.

A platinum Land-Dweller versus a white gold Cubitus

The inaugural Land-Dweller fashions are available 36mm and 40mm sizes, that are spot-on related selections. Each can be found in Rolesor (a mixture of stainless-steel and white gold), Everose gold, or platinum. To make this matchup even remotely comparable, I picked the platinum model of the 40mm Land-Dweller. The watch is available in at €64,800 versus €76,000 for the white gold Cubitus. We may have additionally gone with the rose gold mannequin, however the worth distinction would have been considerably greater. On prime of that, we love a little bit of quiet luxurious right here at Fratello.

By now, individuals who know Rolex will know that an ice-blue dial equals a platinum watch. This instantly brings us to individuals’s primary gripe with the Land-Dweller. The trendy 40mm × 9.7mm case is paired with a dial that appears too erratic for Rolex requirements. The open numerals at 6 and 9 o’clock look awkward and too large. They aren’t the identical numerals that The Crown makes use of for its Explorer dial, though I don’t suppose these would have helped both. A full set of baton markers with out numerals could be the popular method for a lot of Rolex followers, together with yours actually.

The dial is the one challenge that wants fixing

On prime of that, I’m not a fan of the honeycomb sample. I do just like the hyperlink to the classic honeycomb dials, however the sample feels gimmicky. The form is way from ultimate, and it lacks any form of refinement. That just about sums up what the present dials are lacking — the refinement to make this a cultured integrated-bracelet watch that proudly reveals a hyperlink to the unique Oysterquartz fashions.

We are going to undoubtedly see new dials, and I believe Rolex will shock us with nice choices which might be a step away from the dials introduced throughout Watches and Wonders. If the model takes care of that, nothing will stop the Land-Dweller from being an absolute hit as a result of all the basics are there. It has an excellent case design and a flat Jubilee bracelet that appears, feels, and wears splendidly, particularly with its hidden butterfly clasp.

The Rolex Land-Dweller is powered by the spectacular caliber 7135

This brings me to a different large function that made headlines — the introduction of the Rolex caliber 7135. This motion won’t be as much as a Patek Philippe caliber’s conventional high-horology requirements. Nonetheless, it’s a horological tour de pressure in and of itself. This high-beat caliber operates at 36,000vph, has 66 hours of energy reserve, and features a silicon hairspring, a ceramic stability workers, and the brand new Dynapulse escapement. Lastly, the 7135 is an authorized chronometer rated to an accuracy of ±2 seconds per day.

With out entering into the broader dialogue of what makes this caliber so spectacular, it’s a huge technological step ahead in motion manufacturing for the model. With this new in-house motion, Rolex is redefining business requirements relating to high quality and scale. On prime of that, it additionally follows Rolex’s current steps in making actions seen by way of show case backs. Consequently, the calibers which might be on show are completed impressively and look good. General, the brand new 7135 is an enormous headline for the model that makes the story of the Land-Dweller much more spectacular.

Even in a battle of names, the Land-Dweller wins

All in all, selecting the Rolex Land-Dweller on this Genevan face-off is a no brainer for me. The watch ticks all of the bins however one. Okay, possibly two…as a result of that identify isn’t doing it any favors both. However even relating to the names, the Land-Dweller beats the Cubitus daily of the week and twice on Sunday. It makes me marvel why anybody would spend the additional €12K on the Cubitus. Is it due to the model identify or the Haute Horologie pretense? I received’t deny that there may very well be some reasoning in that. However does that make up for a by-product design that’s not pleasing to the attention, particularly if you happen to put a Nautilus subsequent to it? It merely can’t win, neither towards its peer nor the Rolex Land-Dweller. However I’d like to listen to your ideas, Mike.

Mike: Patek Philippe Cubitus 7128/1G — 40mm in white gold

I received’t child you, however Jorg and I made a decision to have some enjoyable with this week’s Sunday Morning Showdown. We determined to pit two of probably the most polarizing watches in current reminiscence towards one another. The most effective factor is that the Land-Dweller and Cubitus come from the 2 hottest manufacturers within the business. If we had been within the ’80s and speaking vehicles, it could be akin to putting the Ferrari Mondial towards the Lamborghini Jalpa. I like it!

Now, on the face of it, evidently I’ve drawn the quick straw with the 40mm Patek Philippe Cubitus in white gold. However have I actually? I used to be no fan of the unique 45mm (what the hell had been they considering?) Cubitus as a result of it appears to be like like a cuff. Or maybe it appears to be like just like the silver bangles worn by Linda Carter as Marvel Girl. Regardless, it’s a ridiculous watch and appears grotesquely out of proportion. The 40mm model modifications issues dramatically.

The Cubitus finds its candy spot at 40mm

I’m not a loon, and I received’t sit right here and let you know that the 40mm white gold Cubitus is the subsequent “it” watch. It’s nonetheless not drop-dead beautiful, and it definitely received’t make anybody neglect the Nautilus anytime quickly. But, and you may scream at me, I believe it’s a reasonably handsome watch now, and — get this — I’d truly put on it.

An okay motion with Patek ending

The 40mm Cubitus is supplied with the automated 26-330 S C/434. It has a frequency of 28,800vph and a paltry energy reserve of 35–45 hours. Sure, it’s adjusted, however let’s face it: this motion pales compared to the Rolex caliber in each method aside from ending. And truthfully, the 7135 caliber might beat it in that respect as properly. However hey, it’s a Patek motion, and that’s value one thing, I suppose. 

So, why think about the Patek?

I’ve not swooned over the 40mm Cubitus to this point, so why would anybody vote for it over the Rolex? Effectively, for a similar cause that I like this watch over its gargantuan 45mm sibling, I just like the smaller 36mm Land-Dweller as a substitute of the 40mm model. Jorg’s watch is simply too rattling large, and it loses any class that it as soon as had (okay, the preliminary dials try this on all fashions). The Cubitus is lastly an elegant-looking watch, and the dial is a lot cleaner. Fortunately, Patek gave us an applicable darkish blue dial, and it sings on this reference.

Additionally, the Cubitus is simply 8.5mm thick, a 1.2mm benefit over the Rolex. Sure, it solely has a 30m water resistance score, however who cares? The watch is snug, and the bracelet is implausible. In actual fact, we’re in all probability speaking about two of one of the best bracelets within the sport (throw the Parmigiani Tonda PF in as a 3rd gem). This watch begs to be worn, and it appears to be like nice in all conditions. Is there some other cause to think about this watch over the Land-Dweller? Effectively, and I don’t say this evenly, it’s a Patek Philippe! I wouldn’t take any Patek over a Rolex, however this watch feels such as you’re paying the value as a result of it’s the place the model competes. On the Rolex, it appears extra like a tarted-up model of a a lot cheaper watch. They’re each good, however just one belongs within the uppermost tier.

Time to vote!

For €11,200 extra, is it value paying for the white gold Cubitus as a substitute of the platinum Land-Dweller? It’s a troublesome alternative, and like Jorg, my cash would in all probability go towards one thing altogether completely different. Nonetheless, if I had to decide on, I’d choose the Patek. It appears extra particular, and I believe the 40mm mannequin will age moderately properly. Nevertheless, I’m just one particular person with one vote, and you’ll want to select on this difficult battle. It’s okay if you happen to don’t love both watch, however inform us why you selected the one you probably did within the feedback part under.