Insight: The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59
Audemars Piguet unveiled a new watch collection, the Code 11.59, at the SIHH in 2019. Historically, the Swiss luxury watchmaker is known for its Royal Oak. In fact, three Audemars Piguet collections, the Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Offshore, and the Royal Oak Concept, revolve around the Royal Oak. This shows that Audemars Piguet revolves around the Royal Oak.
However, over the years, we have seen the design of the Royal Oak being copied. Audemars Piguet realized this and bought a new watch collection, the Code 11.59. Although the Royal Oak still remains the face of Audemars Piguet and will remain so for many years, Code 11.59 sure has its influence. Now with that being said, let us discuss the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59.
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59:
There were several high-profile launches at the SIHH 2019, but Audemars Piguet caught all the media attention with the release of Code 11.59. It was revealed that the new watch collection took seven years to design as a concept. This means Audemars Piguet has been working on the Code 11.59 collection since 2012. This shows that there was an extensive conceptual approach to the watch and its design. The CEO of Audemars Piguet, François-Henry Bennahmias, said: “We wanted people to look at CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet from a watchmaking point of view and say: ‘respect’”.
The Code 11.59 combines the details of past creations with innovations. One remarkable fact about the Code 11.59 is what the name actually stands for, challenge – challenge the limits of craftsmanship, own – our roots and legacy , dare – to follow firm convictions, evolve – never stand still, and 11.59 – the last minute before a new day.
Why Launch The Code 11.59?
According to the AP CEO, François-Henry Bennahmias, the primary reason for launching the Code 11.59 was to bring ahead the history of Audemars Piguet. With the Code 11.59, Audemars Piguet has brought not only details from the historical timepieces but also innovations, something AP is quite familiar with. For example, as almost the whole luxury watchmaking industry crumbled during the quartz crisis, Audemars Piguet was busy producing the world’s thinnest self-winding perpetual calendar. This shows that Audemars Piguet could always be innovative even in difficult times. Another reason for the production of the Code 11.59 is to impress people. As aforementioned, the CEO said, “We wanted people to look at CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet from a watchmaking point of view and say: ‘respect’”.
How Is Code The 11.59 Unique?
People know Audemars Piguet for their Royal Oak. We have seen the Royal Oak design reinterpreted as the Royal Oak Offshore and the Royal Oak Concept. However, the Code 11.59 is different.
If one looks at a Code 11.59 watch from the front, it will look like it is round. But it is a different story when looked at by turning it to an angle. Its mid-case is octagonal, and the open lugs are attached to the slim bezel.
These watches are 41 mm in size and therefore are unisex. In the words of the Audemars Piguet CEO, François-Henry Bennahmias, “not a men’s watch, not a women’s watch, it’s a watch.”
The Best Code 11.59 Watches:
Audemars Piguet 11.59 Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26394OR.OO.D027KB.01
With its 18k pink gold case and gorgeous blue aventurine dial, this AP Code 11.59 watch is very pleasing to the eye. It comes with a blue rubber-coated strap. You can buy this watch for around $50,000 from here.
Audemars Piguet 11.59 Self-winding Ref. 15210OR.ZZ.D300VE.01
This watch is a piece of art. Its 18k pink gold case and dial set with diamonds look stunning together. And its beige satin-finished calfskin strap completes this watch. If you’re looking to purchase it, it will cost you about $90,000. You can buy it from here.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26600OR.OO.D002CR.01
Openworked watches are always exceptional. And so is the case for this AP watch which has an 18k pink gold case and an artistic Openworked dial added with a hand-stitched “large square scale” black alligator strap. If you are interested in buying the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26600OR.OO.D002CR.01, then it will cost you about $160,000.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked Ref. 26600NB.OO.D346KB.01
Limited to 50 pieces, this AP watch has a blue ceramic case and a beautiful openworked dial. It comes with a blue rubber-coated strap. If this limited edition AP watch interests you, you will have to pay up to $180,000.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Supersonnerie Ref. 26397BC.OO.D324VE.01
This excellently produced AP timepiece has an 18k white gold case with a blue “guilloché and flinqué” enamel dial. It comes with a blue strap. This watch will cost you around $700,000.
Conclusion:
The Code 11.59 of Audemars Piguet is a new generation of watches that bring innovations and details from past timepieces. The Code 11.59 is something unique that Audemars Piguet offers. Already quite popular, we will have to wait and see what the Code 11.59 grows into. If you are interested in buying a Code 11.59 watch, consider our picks.
