It has finally happened! Audemars Piguet has relaunched its Code 11.59 collection with a much-needed flair and a bit of attitude. This news gets even more impressive when you consider the fact that the original release of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 was only a year ago. When the Swiss master horologist released the collection back in SIHH 2019, the expectations were sky-high. Watch enthusiasts could hardly wait to get their hands on what was touted as the future of Audemars Piguet. The new launch aims at recreating that magic with a bit of ‘funk’.
Audemars Piguet Launches The Code 11.59
Audemars Piguet is determined to evolve and repeat the same feat that they once achieved with the Royal Oak. The brand recently released a fresh new array of Code 11.59 watches with five all-new three-hand references and five automatic chronographs. The brand has also tried to be different and rather flexible in its approach this time around. For the first time, Audemars Piguet has added some unique colour combinations in any collection. This is a direct reference to the blue, purple, and burgundy models.
New Colored Dials
When it comes to the coloured dials, perhaps Audemars Piguet realized that offering something like this would help them create a fresh impression on buyers. Dial colours such as burgundy, purple, and blue are surely going to be a shocker for seasoned AP connoisseurs, but hopefully in a good way.
The Case
Even back in 2019, the Code 11.59 watches had a fascinating case design and the 2020 renditions are no different. The most prominent example would be the middle portion of the case that is octagonal. The brand obviously wanted to retain the Gerald Genta magic and it is completely understandable. Another thing that strikes the eye is that for a second, the case would appear to be hanging suspended from the lugs. This happens because the lugs are carefully designed to only come in contact with the case on the outer edges.
A feature that is bound to knock your socks off is the seamless transition between polished and brushed surfaces. The degree of finesse, be it in detailing or the overall design, is simply flawless. The case is also exceptionally thick. By thick, I mean THICK. However, this seems like something that was intentional. The brand is more than capable of creating thin timepieces. Case in point, the Royal Oak Jumbo. The thickness of the Code 11.59 references seems to emphasise on the degree of finesse and attention to detail. The brand wants the buyers to acknowledge the work done on the case, and that they certainly will.
This is also a huge change from what Audemars Piguet is usually known for. If you have ever seen a Royal Oak or a Royal Oak Offshore, you must have noticed that the cases are essentially rectilinear. This means that they end up in 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
The movements are a key point of focus in these new watches. A closer look would tell you that just like the case, the movements too have a combination of polished and brushed surfaces. This combines well with the aesthetics of the case and complements the overall design language.
The in-house manufacture self-winding movement, Calibre 4302, runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour with 32 jewels. It offers a power reserve of up to 70 hours. The Self-winding chronograph movement, Calibre 4401, runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour with 40 jewels and musters up a power reserve of about 70 hours. So there isn’t much of a difference on the technical front as both the movements do a similar job except for the latter having a chronograph module.
Honest Opinion
It is a very tough task to judge the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59. However, it would be unfair to judge a watch so quickly as well. Let us not forget that Audemars Piguet is a magician when it comes to luxury watchmaking and that anything is possible when the Swiss horologist is involved.
That being said, the Code 11.59 looks really promising. Why is that? You can call it ‘gut feeling’, intuition, or whatever you feel like calling it, but I really believe that AP has done a better job in showcasing their vision for this particular collection.
One thing that we should take note of is that in watchmaking, particularly in luxury watchmaking, the trickiest part of making a watch is probably the point between the lugs and the case. This area eventually affects the overall vibe and feel of a watch. The AP Code 11.59 seems to have nailed it when it comes to securing the lugs and the case.
Honestly, it would be too early to pass any kind of judgement. Sometimes good things take time, it is what it is. In the case of Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59, we just need to sit back and relax and see where this 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-built watches from the Swiss watchmaking royalty.
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