Audemars Piguet Code 11.59

Mar 09, 2019,13:50 PM
 

Friends,

 

there has been a lot of debate and negative comments about the new Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection, but frankly not that many posts with a detailed look at the watch.


 


I had the privilege to handle the 3-hander Code 11.59 in the 41mm white gold case and black lacquered dial.

 

What is very obvious to me is that AP tried to go a different route. The watch is not really a classic dress watch nor a sports watch. For a dress watch the case is quite bold and large but then still made of white gold.



The automatic movement is a true highlight of the watch. Perfectly finished and of great design and attention to detail.


 

It seems to be aimed for the business casual attire perhaps. The case is well finished and has a lot of different surfaces and shapes and with that provides a lot of interesting looks.

 

The dial and hands on the other hand are kept very simplistic, almost like a Nomos Bauhaus design.


 

With that the relatively large watch appears quite “empty” on the dial and the shiny black together with the thin hands make it quite hard to read time.

 

On the other hand, I do like simple watches and from the Code 11.59 my preference would actually go to this time-only version.

 

I’m still wondering a bit with what other watches this one is competing with or if it actually stands quite unique and created a new niche of “casual, but not sport nor dress” watches.


 

 

So in summary.

 

What I liked:

  • The movement is of top quality and excellent finishing
  • The new case shape is bold and fresh, perhaps a steel would be a better match

 

Where I see potential for improvements:

  • The thin hands are hard to read against the black shiny dial
  • We need to get used to recognising the Code 11.59 as an Audemars Piguet

 

 Many thanks to AP for giving me the opportunity to handle the Code 11.59

 

CC


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I totally agree

 
 By: radone : March 9th, 2019-14:05
I “played” with one today and kind of liked it. Besides, the sales lady in the Rome boutique received a really good trainning on presenting it. Really hard to capture in a pic, though. ...  

The problem is that most people haven’t had the opportunity to try one on the wrist. [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : March 9th, 2019-16:12
The case is very well made but in my opinion, the dial is totally uninspiring.

It's competing with fashion watches.

 
 By: jomni1 : March 10th, 2019-00:47
It’s the aesthetic that younger people, artists, famous people and non-purists go for.

I think you are raising an interesting point

 
 By: KMII : March 10th, 2019-04:59
Namely the change in styles. Many office environments, which 10 years ago would be suit and tie are turning a lot more casual and I suppose this results in lower sales of classical dress watches. So I recon AP tried to capture this demographic. And while ... 

Well expressed.

 
 By: Volcano : March 10th, 2019-05:40
My favourite is the one with the blue dial! If that was without date I had ordered it already ... Regards, Hans

Whatever change of direction this signals, I don’t like it.

 
 By: zabreg1 Mr White : March 10th, 2019-07:02
The case is interesting, but the dials leave a lot to be desired. I’m really not feeling this whole line. But, I guess we have to wait to see how it ages and how they will improve upon it.

I still think the Royal Oak and its siblings will remain the majority of AP sales

 
 By: crown comfort : March 11th, 2019-14:39
it is wise to expand the collection but of the Code 11.59 will be that next hit, only time will tell.

You're right.

 
 By: zabreg1 Mr White : March 12th, 2019-01:29
But, barring some changes to the design, I don't see this happenning.

For those who were around when the Royal Oak was released...

 
 By: jomni1 : March 10th, 2019-20:44
Did it get negative feed back? Or was it an instant hit?

Good point! :) [nt]

 
 By: crown comfort : March 11th, 2019-14:37

I'm a huge AP fan, visited manufacture and have ROs, Edward Piguet and Jules Audemars watches.

 
 By: Rock1 : March 11th, 2019-09:00
I don't see it...in my opinion I think AP "phoned it in". It has the AP name on the dial but in all other respects... dial and movement without high-end finishing, hands that you'd find on very modestly-priced watches and are a bit lost on the dial, unins... 

Terrific remarks, CC. Thank you for your impressions.

 
 By: MichaelC : March 11th, 2019-20:17
The tide is already turning on this one. Glad you wanted to see it live before formulating your thoughts. Me too, although I am not sure when I will get one in hand.

Thanks Michael. I think the Code 11.59 is not coming across in photos

 
 By: crown comfort : March 12th, 2019-00:57
in live there are some great sides to it, but also some things to improve. But it is a new line, so I'm sure AP will develop and evolve it further.

VC already have a player in this niche....

 
 By: Rapwatch : March 14th, 2019-11:45
... QDL'Ille already address the dress/sport conundrum well. The case has real promise and could be refined (currently too thick). The face created by the dial and hands; well, it's simply astonishing how it got signed off. So, for the moment, this piece ... 

In the metal

 
 By: Jurry : April 4th, 2019-13:37
I had the opportunity to view, hold and put it on my wrist, when I was visiting the AD in Hong Kong. Nothing wrong with it, except I couldn’t recognize any character, no identity, empty big dial (the one I viewed was Creme color), the lugs I thought are o... 

The Code 11:59 is

 
 By: GreatPilot@me.com : April 4th, 2019-21:26
A series of 13 watches and each has it’s +- for different people. I’m not sure about the basic time only watches but I’m impressed with the chrono and the perpetual, which I just purchased. Of course we don’t recognize the new line, it’s new and will take...  

Wow

 
 By: UA : April 5th, 2019-14:01
Perpetual looks amazing congrats!

Thanks UA, I’ve had the

 
 By: GreatPilot@me.com : April 6th, 2019-14:04
Perpetual on for 2 days now and am impressed. Looking at the dial is a treat, especially when you are diriving and you hand is on the wheel seeing the different 3D layers is awesome but dangerous ...Jim