The New Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Self-Winding And Self-Winding Chronograph In Steel

Audemars Piguet is a luxury watch brand that has been at the forefront of watchmaking for over a century. Founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet, the brand has a long history of producing some of the world's most iconic and innovative watches. 

In 2019, the brand introduced a new collection of watches called the Code 11.59, which represented a departure from the brand's traditional design language. However, it was met with mixed reviews from watch enthusiasts and critics alike. Some praised the brand for its bold departure from its traditional design language, while others criticized the collection for being too generic and lacking in innovation.

One of the main criticisms of the Code 11.59 collection was that it lacked the distinctive and iconic design elements that are typically associated with Audemars Piguet watches, such as the octagonal bezel of the Royal Oak or the complex case of the Millenary. Some also felt that the design of the watches was too safe and did not push the boundaries of watchmaking in the way that Audemars Piguet is known for.

The Code 11.59 collection was intended to be disruptive, from its name to its font to its global advertising campaign featuring a pink forest. However, not everyone saw this as a positive thing. The collection launched with 13 versions featuring three new movements across six new watch types, including time/date, chronograph, perpetual calendar, automatic flying tourbillon, open-worked tourbillon, and a chiming Supersonnerie. The design of the watches was also unique, with a double-curved crystal that changed the appearance of the dial depending on the angle, a hefty case constructed of three parts with an octagonal section in the middle, a mix of Arabic numbers and simple batons on the dial, and an off-kilter date window at 4.30. The finishing on the case alternated between polished and brushed. The range received polarizing reactions, with some people loving it and others not.

The reason Audemars Piguet chose to make such a bold statement with the Code 11.59 collection was not much of a secret. In 1972, the brand had launched the Royal Oak, a groundbreaking design in steel that disrupted the market for expensive gold watches. The Royal Oak was a huge success and paved the way for modern watch design. Twenty-one years later, Audemars Piguet repeated this success with the Royal Oak Offshore, a sportier and more contemporary version of the Royal Oak that paved the way for oversized watches like the Hublot Big Bang.

Despite the mixed reviews, the Code 11.59 collection has proven to be a commercial success for Audemars Piguet. The brand has continued to expand the collection with new models and variations, such as the Self-Winding and Self-winding Chronograph watches in steel, which have been well-received by watch enthusiasts.

Now, the brand has expanded this collection with the addition of two new models: the Code 11.59 Self-Winding and the Code 11.59 Self-Winding Chronograph, both of which are now available in steel.

The Code 11.59 Self-Winding is a three-hand watch that is powered by Audemars Piguet's caliber 4302 movement. This automatic movement features a 22-carat gold oscillating weight and a power reserve of 70 hours. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, which is engraved with the Audemars Piguet logo.

The case of the Code 11.59 Self-Winding is made from stainless steel and measures 41mm in diameter. The case features a double-curved sapphire crystal that creates a unique visual effect and a water resistance of 30 meters. The dial of the watch comes in blue/green/smoked beige colors (depending on the variant) and features white gold applied hour-markers and hands. The date window is located at 3 o'clock.

One of the most interesting features of the Code 11.59 Self-Winding is the design of the lugs. The lugs are integrated into the case and are slightly curved, which makes the watch more comfortable to wear. The case also features a polished and satin-brushed finish, which gives it a unique texture.

The Code 11.59 Self-winding Chronograph is a more complex watch that is powered by Audemars Piguet's caliber 4401 movement. This automatic movement features a 22-carat gold oscillating weight and a power reserve of 70 hours. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, which is engraved with the Audemars Piguet logo.

The case of the Code 11.59 Self-winding Chronograph is also made from stainless steel and measures 41mm in diameter. The case features a double-curved sapphire crystal that creates a unique visual effect and a water resistance of 30 meters. The watch's dial comes in blue/green/smoked beige colors (depending on the watch variant) and features white gold applied hour-markers and hands. The chronograph counters are located at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, while the small seconds sub-dial is located at 6 o'clock.

The design of the lugs on the Code 11.59 Self-winding Chronograph is similar to that of the Code 11.59 Self-Winding, with integrated lugs that are slightly curved. The case also features a polished and satin-brushed finish, which gives it a unique texture.

Both the Code 11.59 Self-Winding and the Code 11.59 Self-Winding Chronograph feature blue/green/beige straps with a stainless steel folding clasp. The strap is comfortable to wear and complements the design of the watch.

The new steel versions of the Code 11.59 Self-Winding and Self-Winding Chronograph watches offer a more affordable entry point into the collection, making them accessible to a wider audience. While still maintaining the high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design that Audemars Piguet is known for. The use of steel also gives the watches a sleek and modern look that is sure to turn heads.