Audemars Piguet

The Code 11.59 Starwheel had been on my mind for the past two years. I’d tried the white gold version twice in boutique without taking the plunge. I finally pulled the trigger, but on the rose gold version.

The aventurine dial is what drew me in first, and it lives up to every expectation in daily wear. The rose gold accents, central trefoil bridge, numerals, seconds hand, bring warmth to the composition and pair particularly well with the aventurine. The black ceramic mid-case adds that modern contrast unique to the Code 11.59.

On the mechanical side, calibre 4310 and its wandering hours display remain, in my view, one of the most poetic complications AP currently produces. A contemporary reinterpretation of a 17th-century complication, beautifully executed.

On the wrist, the 41mm case has real presence without feeling intrusive, and the textile strap is surprisingly comfortable.

I know the Code 11.59 still divides opinion, but to my mind the Starwheel is the collection’s most accomplished expression. Not an alternative to the Royal Oak, something else entirely.

Wrist shots to follow

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