quattro's deep dive into the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar offers a compelling look at a modern classic. His detailed appreciation of its design elements, from the aventurine dial to the innovative case, provides invaluable context for understanding AP's contemporary watchmaking philosophy. This article explores why this particular reference, launched in 2019, continues to captivate collectors and stands out in AP's recent production.
This is my personal favourite piece among AP's production of the "recent" past years (it was launched in 2019).
It has one of the most eye-catching aventurine dial I know, with everything done right, imo: the realistic moon phase, the red 31, the simplified, uncrowded sub dials, the thin gold hands, the week chapter ring and indicator (which I love and which very few perp. cal. have), etc.
And the case and cristal of the Code 11.59 are so nice (and under-estimated): they represent such a bold yet very refined attempt to mix modernity with tradition.
As for the 5134 caliber, suffice it to say that it derives from the "legendary" 2120.
To be honest, I find this watch a little too big for my smaller wrist and, on another level, I sometimes have (very) mixed feelings about what AP is doing, but when they deliver great watchmaking, they deserve full credit.
My (not very good) photos are from December 2021 and the photos of the more recent white gold version with rubber-coated strap come from the
Monochrome review (the rose gold version is no longer in the current catalogue and the leather strap, which I personally preferred, was unfortunately banished for the sake of "dressdownness" ☺️).
Best to you all.
