SIHH 2019. Audemars-Piguet Code 11.59 line. Some thoughts.
amanico
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 two, but a whole line of 6 watches: Time Only, Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar, manual winding Tourbillon Openworked, Flying Tourbillon Automatic and Minute Repeater.
Second point, the 11.59 case ( 41 mm for all of them ) is very interesting. Made with care, it is really pleasant, at least for me. The empty lugs, welded to the bezel ( ! ) and the case back ring ( !! ), the case which is a blend of octogonal and round shapes are original and eye catching. It gives to the watch a very modern, technical not to say conceptual look, which is an excellent point.
Third point, the movements. All are made nicely decorated. With a special mention for the Flyback Chronograph, I must say, but the epitome is the minute repeater movement, which is really spectacular.
The Cal 4401 new in house chronograph movement:
Last point, the sapphire glass, which makes me think of the Ulysse Nardin 160 Chronometer, which has a close shape.
Here the sapphire glass is double curved. Look at this press file picture, I didn't find a better way to describe the glass:
4 points which are to be put in perspective with the main issue... The dials. In fact, I would say that 2 dials are not convincing, while the others are more than ok.
I found, among these 6 models, three which are speaking loud to me:
The Perpetual Calendar, with its superb aventurine dial. A pity it doesn't come in white metal. It is a romantic piece.
The Openworked Tourbillon.A blend of art and horology. Impressive.
And the Minute Repeater, with its awesome enamel smoked blue black dial, a spectacular movement, and it is announced as a very good minute repeater so called " Supersonnerie ", which I couldn't verify by myself, sadly.
I would have put the Flying Tourbillon in this list, with its enamel dial. But I am not a fan of tourbillons which make a hole in the dial. Nonetheless, it is far from being ugly, and the white gold smoked blue black enamel dial is very nice.
Now the two dials which didn't convince me are the Time Only and the Chronograph.
In total honesty, I don't find them inspired nor inspiring. They lack character, while the rest of the watch is strong, original with refined movements.
I would have seen something more daring, young, original, strong.
A tapisserie, for example? For the time only, at least?
A young, fresh and dynamic dial for the Chronograph?
What is disturbing me with these two dials is that there is a mismatch between them and the spirit of the rest of the watch ( dynamic and daring case, too wise / classic dials, nor refined, nor original ).
And while we are at it, please, Audemars-Piguet, remove the date on these two!
I would also add some technical ( titanium, ceramic 
or original materials ( tantalum ) for the case.
or original materials ( tantalum ) for the case. So to sum my thoughts, I would say that it is not fair to criticize the whole 11.59 line and that even the time only and the chronograph have some good points, such as the case, sapphire and movements.
I rather see some very good members in this family, and a promise of a bright future, if Audemars-Piguet reconsiders the dials.
Go, Audemars, go!
One wish... Why not a 11.59 Starwheel? I say that, I say nothing...
Best,
Nicolas
Comments:
holdemchamp1225 February 11th, 2019-11:31
You made some very good points about the dial and movements Nico... 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 ...
amanico February 11th, 2019-11:33
This line needs some daring dials, indeed. It is good enough for the Minute Repeater, but some fresh design would be top! If AP had launched the 11.59 with a Strawheel, I can tell you that... The Welcome would have been hysterical! Best, my dear Bruce. Nicolas
holdemchamp1225 February 11th, 2019-12:41
+1 Completely agree about the Starwheel... who knows, could still be a possibility in the future
RTO (T8W8T8) February 11th, 2019-20:26
+1 Starwheel on a Black super light Ceramic 11.59 case and a RM velcro inspired ? Maybe a black ceramic case with a Starwheel complication dial ? A velcro comfy strap like RM inspired ? Francois please sign me up on that !
Pour le Mérite February 11th, 2019-12:22
Correction: The lugs are not welded to the caseback! 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";...
amanico February 11th, 2019-12:27
Not to the case back, but to the case back ring, indeed. Maybe I was not clear enough. As for the case, I see more than a Royal Oak line, here. I see something daring, but not totally achieved...
Pour le Mérite February 11th, 2019-12:32
There is a tiny gap at that particular point. It's only welded to the bezel.
Langepedia February 11th, 2019-12:50
Thanks for the review, Nico 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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