Thanks for the review, Nico

Feb 11, 2019,12:50 PM
 

Even though my nickname is Langepedia, I have nothing to do with the company so my thoughts are mine only.

Starting the new line; it is not really, really a new line, is it? 
Still houses the Royal Oak cues with its case; which was outsourced back then. To me; AP never really had a so called DNA as Lange or Patek or so to speak Journe. However; I do agree case structure is eye pleasing, and Royal Oak is helluva design.

Of all watches; I find minute repeater, perpetual calendar and openworked tourbillon worthy by their looks. I do share your sentiments on minute repeater. I would easily move towards another brand at that price point. 

I have to disagree with the praise on chronograph caliber. To me; this movement just proves how hard it is to create a beautiful looking and technically advanced chronograph caliber from the ground. I'm aware of the fact that it is an automatic movement, not a hand-wound chronograph; however to me, judging by it looks it is just a regular chronograph caliber at its price and architecture. I do not see any special feats. 
I do not even want to talk about its look in order not to get a warning from the forum because of the language smile Same thing goes for the time-only line. Just, so, dull.

Perpetual calendar is a beautiful watch indeed. The moonphase's harmony with the aventurine is beautiful. I'd like to see a similar application to Saxonia thin aventurine.

Openworked tourbillon is as I'd expect from AP. They make amazing skeleton pieces, so this is not a surprise as well. Reminds me a bit Roger Dubuis, however it shines and loved it.

Selfwinding tourbillon; I do not see any special touch. I do not enjoy AP Royal Oak tourbillons anyway. Excluding this years black ceramic tourbillon...

All in all; as you mentioned, the case structure is pretty good however the dials and to me no special touch on chrono movement just do not attract me. There are many areas to play and get better with; so I'm sure AP will listen collectors and will step into right way. Again IMO they were so, so lazy for the last 5 decades and even though they screwed up with time only and chrono big time, it is better than keep chaging colors. (Exluding awesome concepts) Their launch strategy was terrible; where they put a lot of marketing fuss before the product and that even exaggerated the comments; which were IMO righttful. 

Thanks for the review.



More posts: 15305OpenworkedRoyal OakSaxoniaSaxonia Thin

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SIHH 2019. Audemars-Piguet Code 11.59 line. Some thoughts.

 
 By: amanico : February 11th, 2019-11:12
When Audemars-Piguet unveiled the 11.59 line, some weeks ago, the least we can say is that it received a cold welcome. I for one don't think it is justified. And I suggest we reconsider our feelings about it. First of all, the 11.59 is not one watch, or t...  
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You made some very good points about the dial and movements Nico...

 
 By: holdemchamp1225 : February 11th, 2019-11:31
which I completely agree with. I also am one who REALLY likes the case construction as well as the lugs. I think it is really a nice change from the RO line. As for the dials, not so much for me. If AP can make this correction and maybe incorporate other ... 
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+1 Completely agree about the Starwheel...

 
 By: holdemchamp1225 : February 11th, 2019-12:41
who knows, could still be a possibility in the future
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That would be great! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 11th, 2019-12:41
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+1 Starwheel on a Black super light Ceramic 11.59 case and a RM velcro inspired ?

 
 By: RTO (T8W8T8) : February 11th, 2019-20:26
Maybe a black ceramic case with a Starwheel complication dial ? A velcro comfy strap like RM inspired ? Francois please sign me up on that !
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That would be top! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 11th, 2019-22:17
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Correction: The lugs are not welded to the caseback!

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : February 11th, 2019-12:22
In my opinion the case is somewhat nice but uninspiring (lack of distance to the Royal Oak). The crystal has no real use, it's just a fancy gimmick. The marketing for this line was utter trash... "we wanted to show we're not just Royal Oak and Millenary";... 
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Thanks for the review, Nico

 
 By: Langepedia : February 11th, 2019-12:50
Even though my nickname is Langepedia, I have nothing to do with the company so my thoughts are mine only. Starting the new line; it is not really, really a new line, is it? Still houses the Royal Oak cues with its case; which was outsourced back then. To... 
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Thanks for your valuable and well advocated feedback, Langepedia. I agree with the terrific launch strategy. But I also think that not everything has to be put down in flame wit this line.

 
 By: amanico : February 11th, 2019-14:32
There are good, less good and not so exciting things, here. I do think that AP can do some top things with the 11.59. I just hope some more daring watches, in the future. All the best, Nicolas
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Agree with most of your points!

 
 By: jmpTT : February 11th, 2019-12:53
Remember how many years it took the Millenary line to achieve a dial that was both unique and wholly suited to the shape of the case. 15 years, with the debut of the 4101. The Star Wheel complication would look good with any case shape, such that it’s alm... 
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Just curious...Is there an metal bracelet option for 1159? [nt]

 
 By: kennygfunk : February 11th, 2019-12:59
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As for as I remember, no. I will check that, though. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 11th, 2019-14:34
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To be sen in the flesh, indeed. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 11th, 2019-22:18
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GREAT report !!

 
 By: Gatsby : February 12th, 2019-03:25
"something more daring, young, original, strong" Great report, my friend, and wise words ! Yes, some of these watches are better, some are boring, very, but for me, the most important thing is missing: sexiness ! Hopefully AP will create new dials for the... 
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Nice review.

 
 By: VMM : February 12th, 2019-07:43
Superb quality products, I like the cases and movements, sorry, not the watches themselves. They are not bad, I just think AP can do much better. Thanks for sharing, Nico. Vte
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I, too, LOVE the case...

 
 By: watchme : February 13th, 2019-07:39
but find the dial boring on the plain dial, especially. I love the dial on the rose QP, but the thing that bugs me on the time-only is the top flange. On the chrono, it has a tachymeter. That's fine. On the QP, it has the week of the year. That works, too... 
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I AGREE completely with your thoughts

 
 By: stabilizer : February 13th, 2019-15:37
I share your views, on the line as a whole and each piece in fact. I am delighted to see AP going after new designs and movement innovation, and have no doubt they will iterate to make these both commercially successful and infuse references which feature... 
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+1 And maybe a steel version. [nt]

 
 By: jomni1 : February 13th, 2019-16:26
No message body
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Yes! Agreed on that point. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 13th, 2019-23:38
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As the pioneers of steel as luxury, I do think steel should show up in this line

 
 By: stabilizer : February 13th, 2019-23:41
However the delicacy of the lines and facets of the case, really speak to me in white noble metals.
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This watch in Tantalum would be incredible. Titanium I am not so sure.

 
 By: stabilizer : February 14th, 2019-22:22
I am a big fan of the brand’s IP treatment though.... perhaps that would work? This is all just my preferences of course.
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A time only with a good dial... THAT would be top! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 13th, 2019-23:37
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Yes, without date and a more daring dial. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 13th, 2019-23:52
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Was lucky enough to see the collection today in-person at the Boutique...

 
 By: GreatCookie : February 14th, 2019-05:12
Was lucky enough to be invited to view the Collection today in-person at the Boutique in Singapore. Must admit that I didn’t know exactly what my impressions would be about the collection, given some of the widely publicised internet feedback but am happy...  
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Pleasure and thanks for the kind words. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 14th, 2019-06:44
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Thank you for sharing!

 
 By: stabilizer : February 14th, 2019-22:24
The black dial is v nice, my fav in this lineup. And the case features are really nuanced in a good way, IMO.
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Thanks for your detailed opinions on CODE 11.59

 
 By: MichaelC : February 17th, 2019-07:49
I can't find one I disagree with. You got it covered perfectly well. I will add the CODE 11.59 Minute Repeater looks so awesome, I think it is the star of these initial models.
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