New Release: Audemars Piguet Code 11.59
It finally happened! Audemars Piguet has relaunched the Code 11.59 series with much-needed flair and a little attitude. The news is even more impressive when you consider the fact that the original release of Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 was only a year ago. When the Swiss watchmaker unveiled the collection at SIHH 2019, expectations were high. Watch lovers can’t wait to find out what’s being touted as the future of Audemars Piguet. The new launch aims to recreate that magic with a little “funk.”
Audemars Piguet launches Code 11.59
Audemars Piguet is determined to develop and repeat the same feat they once achieved at the Royal Oak. The brand recently released a new line of Code 11.59 watches featuring five new three-hand and five automatic chronographs. This time around, the brand has also tried to be different in its approach and be quite flexible. For the first time, Audemars Piguet has included some unique color combinations in any collection. This is a direct reference to the blue, purple and burgundy models.
new color dial
When it comes to colored dials, perhaps Audemars Piguet realized that offering something like this could help them make a new impression on buyers. Dial colors like burgundy, purple, and blue are sure to shock seasoned AP connoisseurs, but hopefully in a good way.
Even back in 2019, Code 11.59 watches had attractive case designs, and the 2020 version is no exception. The most prominent example is the middle part of the case, the octagon. The brand clearly wants to preserve the magic of Gerald Genta, which is totally understandable. Another striking thing is that, for a second, the case appears to hang over the lugs. This happens because the lugs are carefully designed to only make contact with the outer edge of the case.
The seamless transition between polished and brushed surfaces is sure to surprise you. The level of sophistication, both in detail and in the overall design, is perfect. The case is also extra thick. Thick, I mean thick. However, this appears to be intentional. The brand is not only able to make slim timepieces. For example, Royal Oak Treasures. The thickness of the reference in Code 11.59 seems to emphasize the level of skill and attention to detail. The brand wants buyers to acknowledge the work done on the case, and they certainly will.
It’s also a huge change from what fake Audemars Piguet is usually known for. If you’ve ever seen a Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore, you must have noticed that these cases are basically straight. This means they end up forming a straight line. This makes it easier for the brand to attach the straps. Code 11.59 watches do not follow this trend.
The movement is the focal point of these new watches. A closer look will tell you that, just like the case, the movement has a combination of polished and brushed surfaces. This works beautifully with the aesthetics of the case and complements the overall design language.
The in-house self-winding movement Calibre 4302 runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour with 32 jewels. It offers up to 70 hours of power reserve. Self-winding chronograph movement Calibre 4401 28,800 vibrations per hour, set with 40 jewels, power reserve of approximately 70 hours. So technically there is not much difference, as the two movements work similarly, only the latter has a chronograph module.
Judging Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 is a very tough task. However, it would also be unfair to judge a watch so quickly. Let’s not forget that Audemars Piguet is a magician when it comes to luxury watchmaking and anything is possible with the involvement of Swiss watchmakers.
Having said that, Code 11.59 does look promising. why is that? You can call it “Intuition,” Intuition, or whatever you like, but I really believe AP has done a better job of showing their vision for this particular series.
One thing we should be aware of is that in watchmaking, especially luxury watchmaking, probably the trickiest part of making a watch is the point between the lugs and the case. This area ultimately affects the overall vibe and feel of the watch. AP code 11.59 seems to have established this in terms of securing the lugs and case.
Honestly, it’s too early to make any judgments. Sometimes good things take time, and that’s what it is. In the case of Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59, we just need to sit back and relax and see where the collection goes. As of now, the brand has launched ten timepieces in the new Code 11.59 collection, and these are indeed some well-designed and well-made cheap watches for sale from the Swiss watchmaking royal family.