Audemars Piguet Code 11.59: A Collector's Candid Review of Case vs. Dial

APROchrono · 2020-04-08T02:50:59Z

Explore collector APROchrono's hands-on review of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59, detailing its compelling case and polarizing dial. Discover community insights on its design and future.

APROchrono

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

21 replies2598 views4 photos

APROchrono's hands-on impressions of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59, inspired by fellow collector Mohannad, offer a candid look at a polarizing reference. His detailed observations on the case architecture versus dial aesthetics provide valuable insights for collectors considering this contemporary AP line. This article delves into the community's nuanced reception, exploring whether the Code 11.59 successfully integrates into Audemars Piguet's storied legacy.

I dug up some pictures of trying on the code 11.59. I have to say the case is a lot more compelling in person, and I love the details on the case.

However, the thinner / lack of a bezel and loads of empty space on the dial didn't get me excited and makes the watch look too big for my wrist. I liked the chronos better than the "time onlys" but the line doesn't feel AP enough yet (maybe I am just conditioned).

Like a lot of people have said - with tweaked dials, I think CODE 12.00 may be better

The one watch I didn't dare try... and would have to sell both kidneys and a lung for... which I think looks amazing in this case is the Openworked Tourbillon. Ironic that an Openworked actually "fills up" the case. Just spectacular! (Photo from ABlogToWatch)

Key Points from the Discussion

The time-only Code 11.59 dials often appear too sparse, making the watch seem larger on the wrist, a challenge noted by dial designers who find balancing an empty dial particularly difficult.
While the Code 11.59 case design feels distinctly Audemars Piguet, the dials currently lack the brand's signature identity, leading to a generic initial impression despite the brilliant case work.
There's a debate on whether the Code 11.59 requires minor dial tweaks or more significant strategic fixes to gain broader acceptance and align with Audemars Piguet's brand identity.
The Code 11.59 might represent a strategic move by Audemars Piguet to establish a versatile design platform for future dial and movement evolutions, allowing for greater design freedom.
The Openworked Tourbillon variant of the Code 11.59, with its intricate dial, effectively 'fills up' the case, addressing the perceived emptiness of the time-only dials and showcasing the case's potential.

The Discussion

Gelato Monster

Apr 8, 2020

thus one generic design platform where they can freely built design/dial/movement evolutions in the future.

APROchrono

Apr 8, 2020

Please could you elaborate? Isn't that what most watch companies do with cases - e.g. Royal Oak with multiple dial/complications? Or the Nautilus case with multiple dial/complications? I probably am missing the direction you are thinking of.

Gelato Monster

Apr 8, 2020

It is just my feeling though, I might be wrong.

APROchrono

Apr 8, 2020

... Is starting by design versus rollout by evolution?

Jurry

Apr 8, 2020

The time only indeed has too much open space and looks indeed pretty big on your wrist. Take the AP time only and put it I.e. next to a Moser, or PP or a VC time only. There is a huge difference. I was met with a “dial designer” and he stated that getting the balance into an almost empty dial, is one of the hardest things to do. Which makes sense because the designer has virtually nothing to work with. Since the introduction I still can’t get rid of the idea that AP overcompensated the empty tim

MichaelC

Apr 8, 2020

And AP has made spectacular dials before... they will come...

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Audemars Piguet Code 11.59: A Collector's Candid Review of Case vs. Dial

Key Points from the Discussion

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