Cracking the CODE...

Continuing my journey with CODE 11.59 and with a little inspiration from a combination of Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, and some fine Bordeaux...

Over some period of time, I've been looking at getting some kind of Red dial variant - and lo and behold there was always a special piece "in the family" of AP. As with other owners and feedback, CODE is best enjoyed in person to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship of the smoked dial, case, crystal, and hands - and compared to my other CODE Perpetual in RG this piece in WG feels more cosmopolitan and cool, and the Bordeaux dial has so much personality in different lighting conditions. In the dark, it's an uber rich black with some central dark purple accents, in the light it's an elegant ruby red, and in the middle, the Bordeaux shines in depth and luxury.

I know I still owe the Food and Wine a few late reviews of some wines (trust me, it will come in the future) but the dial really resonated with me and is an ideal "pairing" for future red wine tasting. Very excited to share some next week in future travels.

Separately, what I also found exciting is the selection of straps available for the CODE. I don't have all of the photos below, but it reminded me a bit of old Panerai days - where the change of a strap can change the personality of the outfit. I was able to get a red Kevlar, an ecru Kevlar, a khaki Kevlar, a black croc, and the attached grey croc - and there were probably more than double in other fabrics, materials, and cuts. I'm hoping in the future that AP does come up with a "quick change" system to make things easier, especially given that gold screws are probably easy to scratch and expensive to replace.

Anyway, many thanks to the team at AP for making this new CODE line an opportunity to expand my own collecting horizon beyond the traditional Royal Oak line - super excited for sure on the 50th anniversary but the satisfaction I have wearing this CODE is on par with my other RO models!

Cheers and have a good weekend all!

Peter

Very nice photos, my friend. As for the watch, it is not a secret I am a big fan of the case, less of the dial even if I must confess that this Bordeaux one is very nice looking. Without the date, it would be even nicer.

By: amanico : February 13th, 2022-10:38

Many thanks for your note...

By: pfang56 : February 13th, 2022-10:45

Good point on the date window - it would be extremely nice to have a model with a clean dial. There must be a lot more work and effort from the manufacture to add this feature. Now with a few watches with the same superlative feature it does become a litt...

It is not that complicated to make a version without date. With a bit of photoshop work, I will try to see if I can post something without date... For the fun.

By: amanico : February 13th, 2022-10:56

One more photo...

By: pfang56 : February 13th, 2022-10:57

...

Congratulations to this great addition! S lovely pice Indeed, but as I’m not a purist as most, my love on this reference goes to the chrono version with the same dial color.

By: ZSHSZ : February 13th, 2022-13:42

Enjoy yours in good health! ...

I think AP Chronographs are really special...

By: pfang56 : February 13th, 2022-14:53

And the CODE received the new in-house Chronograph movement. Just a beauty along multiple dimensions. Cheers Peter

The burgundy dial Code is such a great looking watch.

By: jlux : February 13th, 2022-11:18

I do enjoy mine a lot and it is amongst the most positively commented watches in my collection. Very nice strap btw. Here a picture of mine on the original red strap. ...

Awesome photo.

By: amanico : February 13th, 2022-11:23

I now remember your incredible photos!

By: pfang56 : February 13th, 2022-11:41

You have clearly done a much better job capturing the essence of the dial Mind sharing your photo setup? In any case, very very happy with this piece. Looking forward to sharing future experiences! Peter

For the photo setup I have the basics...

By: jlux : February 13th, 2022-13:40

...such as a light tent,tripod,macro lens and adjustable neutral light sources (6500 k temperature). The final touch is however in the manipulation of photo editing programs which admitedly are not always intuitive and need some time to learn.

Thanks for the expertise

By: pfang56 : February 13th, 2022-14:50

Will look to see how I can improve it on my end...for now it's just iPhone 13 Cheers Peter

Wow! Love this config

By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : February 13th, 2022-13:05

I really like the code

By: Cookies : February 13th, 2022-12:36

Been in love with it from day 1, even when people were saying it looked like a Daniel Wellington. They have not seen the sensuous lugs, the hidden octagonal shape, the domed crystal, and the heft of the gold piece. This is stealth wealth. I kept a budget ...

Thanks for the note - I like the phrase "stealth wealth"

By: pfang56 : February 13th, 2022-13:18

I admire your passion and curiosity - I requested it sight unseen from the AD and then holding it in person was another experience altogether. I hope you get a chance to see one and get one in person - perhaps when travel opens up in the near future. I su...

Thanks Peter

By: Cookies : February 13th, 2022-13:26

I hope so too. I’ve been holding back purchases for a few months now. After being in this hobby for a decade, I have an eye for the sleepers, and the Code is monumental. It is hidden from plain sight but gives immense satisfaction to the jaded hobbyists l...

One more photo for you..

By: pfang56 : February 13th, 2022-16:11

...

The gradient red dial you picked I find the most appealing within the code collection. It’s great addition and I am sure you will be able to have lots of fun with straps on this one!

By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : February 13th, 2022-13:06

Thank you much..

By: pfang56 : February 13th, 2022-13:21

I think they have done a wonderful job with the smoked dials - I had previously considered a blue one but perhaps with the preponderance of traditional black, blue, grey dial models in my collection - this was my first foray into more exotic dials. And as...

Amazing!

By: Eikþyrnir : February 13th, 2022-16:47

That is a beautiful dial! Im not that big of a fan of red dials but this is just a marvelous dial! Amazing piece mate, wear it in good health!

In the beginning I was the same...

By: pfang56 : February 14th, 2022-09:13

I also thought exotic coloured dials were left for fashion models, but I think if anything, with the increased popularity of green dials in the last year, as well as more recently turquoise dials on "standard cases", dial colours are becoming another way ...

Absolutely in agreement

By: Eikþyrnir : February 17th, 2022-07:54

I too believe that expanding the colour spectrum would be very much fitting. Though somewhat controversial, I do adore the Diver line with all its funky colours. Going bold is a great way to infuse more life and hype around the brand and its time pieces. ...

Congratulations!

By: radone : February 13th, 2022-17:10

I always liked The Code, in spite of many contrary opinions when it was first released. It is a well designed, contamporary and, why not, cool! Wear it that beauty in the best of healh! Radu

Thanks - while I didn't like the photos in the beginning..

By: pfang56 : February 14th, 2022-09:18

I was definitely impressed in person. I find that it takes a person with a higher level of creativity, interpretation, and imagination to be able to translate 2D to real-life - kudos to you for having this skill! I think I passed on multiple models in pic...

Very appropriate choice for the day!

By: MichaelC : February 14th, 2022-13:36

It is a striking dial. With you and M4 banging away, how long before I crack the CODE?? I suspect this year, for sure

Beware..the CODE has powers few can control...

By: pfang56 : February 14th, 2022-14:56

This is an old quote I recall from P.com days - with the Panerai Base - and the feeling I get wearing this CODE is reminiscent of those memorable and passionate days wearing the good ole tuna can. I look forward to your future CODE too Cheers Peter