Audemars Piguet Code 11.59: A Three-Generation Evolution Reviewed by GLau
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Audemars Piguet Code 11.59: A Three-Generation Evolution Reviewed by GLau

By GLau · Jul 14, 2021 · 60 replies
GLau
WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum
60 replies15591 views6 photos
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GLau's insightful comparison of three Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 generations offers a unique perspective for both new and seasoned collectors. His detailed observations, particularly on the evolution of design elements and movements, provide a valuable resource for understanding the brand's strategic direction with this contemporary line. This article distills community reactions to GLau's hands-on review, highlighting key aspects that resonate with enthusiasts.



Left: 3rd generation , Middle: 2nd generation, Right: 1st generation

Thanks to the helpfulness and patience of the same senior sales associate Vincent whom I met previously, I was fortunate enough to inspect and compare three generations of the 11.59.  The evolution of the three watches, as explained by Vincent, was interesting to me as someone new to AP.  


1st generation ☝️ 

1st generation: Curved Sapphire crystal with a magnifying effect to enlarge the size of the dial to the eyes.  This thoughtful function is welcoming for my aging eyes 😉.  The dial is well balanced and carries the lineage of the Royal Oak octagon design when the watch is viewed on its side.    This detail is quite smart because the code, as a new watch, has its own design and identity, while is bestowed with the heritage of its iconic RO/ROO siblings.  To me, the thickness is also a feature which is well liked by AP ROO fans.  It also carries a new movement.  



2nd generation☝️with a stunning blue dial 

2nd generation: A beautiful smoky blue dial which is mesmerizing.  The rose gold case matches well with the blue dial, providing an eye-catching opulent look with elegance. 



Octagon just like RO/ROO ☝️ 




3rd generation ☝️with brushed dial and fabric strap



Great contrast of the black ceramic with rose gold case ☝️

3rd generation: A smoky grey dial with a vertical brushed finish which adds another dimension to this new look.  The big change of course is the  ceramic middle ring that enhances the side-views of this watch.  The two-tone effect is prominent as the contrast between the rose gold and black ceramic is highly visible, especially given the sizable thickness of the watch.

IMO, AP has meticulously instilled certain elements of its DNA (i.e. RO and ROO), such as octagon shape and thickness/wrist, into the code.  This product extension apparently is gaining momentum and each generation has noticeable enhancements. The overall design is refreshing and the sizable hollow lugs add to the wrist presence.  If I could pick, I would combine the smoky blue dial of the second generation with the ceramic ring of the 3rd generation.  In terms of improvements, I would take out the minute markers to have a cleaner dial.  Currently all the sub-dials contain the dash markers, and when they are combined with the ones for the minute markers, the dial is a bit busy.  

What are your thoughts on the code ?

p.s. The AP poison ☠️ got deeper for me 🤪

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
SH
shafran
Jul 14, 2021

I like everything except the time only.

SS
sschew
Jul 14, 2021

Didn't know Daniel Wellington or Police watches cost so much. Sorry for me no bueno!!!

RG
rgabrielsoto
Jul 14, 2021

The build quality, technical nature of the watch, and the movement are all impeccable but IMHO the "less is more" design strategy here has missed the mark.

PI
piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1)
Jul 14, 2021

It's a sort of hybrid watch. It can't definitely be seen as a dress watch mostly because it's too thick, the chrono feature provides more unbalance to the dial, because of the counters and hands. And please, remove the date.

AL
AlexLau.ar
Jul 15, 2021

There are only a handful of RO collectors I know that has bought the Code and liked it, and not because they needed to get some credit. They are getting better, but I would like to see sword hands/ something with a bit more presence, and I am not a fan of the glass thing. Has potential, lets see the next phase. If I were to choose one, the rose gold and blue dial.

PF
pfang56
Jul 15, 2021

I may be biased but after seeing the blue dial and ceramic in the flesh, I must say that the dials, case, crystal, and new movement, the CODE Chronographs definitely hold a soft spot in my heart. If you see below - there seems to be a nice fit of the CODE models with existing RO models - as a slightly more dressy, yet "great with a t-shirt and jeans" type of watch. Less in your face with the offshore, less blingy than the RO Jumbo, less stealthy with the ceramic. Thanks for sharing your experien

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