When Audemars Piguet unveiled the Code 11.59 in 2019, the reaction was immediate and often without leniency. Expected as the manufacture’s major new release after decades dominated by the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore duo, the collection aroused curiosity and disappointment. For some, it embodied a poorly understood break, for others a watch that was too restrained compared with the bold icons. Rarely has a contemporary creation crystallised debate to such an extent.
The initial unpopularity stems first from the context. The Royal Oak, having become an absolute pillar of luxury sports watchmaking, shaped Audemars Piguet’s image to the point of making any alternative almost illegitimate in the eyes of part of the public. Faced with this immediately recognisable octagonal silhouette, the Code 11.59, with its round bezel and clean dial, appeared as a proposal that was too classic, even devoid of personality.
Yet behind this apparent simplicity lies a complexity that is rarely perceived at first glance. Numerous details shape its personality, far removed from the flat and fleeting images posted on social media, which in its early days largely shaped its reputation.
Three distinctive features
A signature case
The Code 11.59 case is a three part construction, combining an octagonal middle case as a nod to the Royal Oak, concealed beneath a circular bezel, welded lugs, and finishes alternating between satin brushing and mirror polishing. The initial references with a 41 mm diameter are now joined by more versatile 38 mm versions.
A double-curved sapphire crystal
Whatever the version of the Code 11.59, all references feature the same doubly curved sapphire crystal, domed on the dial side, and on the exterior side, creating subtle light effects that give the face an unprecedented depth.
Next-generation calibres
The collection marked the arrival of new Audemars Piguet movements, notably automatic and integrated chronographs, designed to offer performance, finesse, and modern architecture. Over time, the collection continues to evolve. Audemars Piguet enriches the line with new dials, unprecedented colors, exclusive complications, and also steel versions, more accessible, in line with market expectations.
A wide range of complications
Code 11.59 Chronographe Automatique
As the flagship complication, the flyback chronograph takes on a new dimension with the Code 11.59. Beyond the use of steel, the use of rose gold, white gold, or even ceramic offers the possibility of enhancing the subtle architecture by combining it with an attractive display of time information. The slender 4401 calibre, 6.8 mm thick, impresses with its performance, notably with a 70-hour power reserve.
Code 11.59 Ultra-Complication Universelle
A true concentration of the know-how of the manufacture’s watchmakers, this model incorporates the latest innovations from Audemars Piguet. It combines a grande sonnerie, a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, a flyback and split-seconds chronograph, and a flying tourbillon. Despite its 40 functions and the complexity of the Calibre 1000, its use remains simple thanks to optimized ergonomics.
Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie
Beyond the mechanical achievement, the manufacture demonstrates its ability to explore new aesthetic dimensions with the creation of truly original dials. One variation with a mineral personality features a fascinating face finished from opal with iridescent hues. Others benefit from the expertise of renowned Swiss enameller Anita Porchet to deliver an organic visual experience.
The Code 11.59 establishes itself as a high watchmaking timepiece that does not seek to imitate the icons of the past, but to create its own story composed of exclusive chapters dedicated to a modern reading of time.
