Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph: A Collector's Hands-On Review

ZSHSZ · 2020-08-12T16:31:16Z

Explore a collector's hands-on review of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph with a burgundy dial. Discover insights on its movement, design, and community reception.

ZSHSZ

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

32 replies7061 views5 photos

ZSHSZ offers a compelling hands-on perspective on the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph, specifically highlighting the burgundy dial variant. His initial skepticism, influenced by early press images and forum discussions, gives way to a nuanced appreciation after experiencing the watch in person. This article delves into ZSHSZ's detailed observations on the dial's legibility, the movement's exceptional solidity, and the overall mechanical precision, providing valuable insights for collectors considering this reference.

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Today I decided to do a “drive by” to the AP Boutique, since I broke under the forums presure😜 and decided to buy the Montoya Titanium that I had on loan for a week.
I needed to order a new strap, and also a rubber strap so I can make it a bit more wearable in the New York humidity.
As I chatted with the sales rep, I inquired about the 11:59 chrono, the burgundy dial that is.
Initially when introduced, I wasn’t at all impressed, I thought the legibility wasn’t all that good, but this new dial proved me wrong (or maybe AP changed something)😉
So my initial opinion is that the watches dial is truly impressive, different nuances of burgundy can be seen, and due to the crystal’s construction, I had no problem reading the time, which for me personally is very important!

But what impressed me the most was the solidity of the movement, something I haven’t experienced only in a handful of chronographs.
The Start/Stop Reset pushers are spot on, no jumping in the chrono hand or the small seconds hand, all accurate, precise regardless of how many times I activated the function, also the crown’s position selector is spot on, once pulled it has that precise firm jump right in the appropriate function.

The movement is mostly machine finished, but the chronograph mechanism is all arranged in on line which is something I haven’t seen before, and it’s a very nice visual effect.

As we know it’s a flyback mechanism with progressive minute hand (doesn’t jump at each minute) but what I didn’t know was, that it has a hacking seconds function, something I hugely appreciate in a modern watch.
The attention to precision in this movement is truly impressive!

The only fault I found, if I can call it that, is the chronograph pushers are a bit short, or to recessed in the mid case, but not a disqualifier at all!
As a closing thought I feel that with this movement, AP created a very impressive chronograph!
One day I would love to add this piece to my watchbox...
Apologies for the subpar pictures...

Key Points from the Discussion

The Code 11.59 collection faced significant initial backlash due to perceived over-the-top marketing and a failure to deliver on emotional expectations, leading to a 'horological grudge' for some collectors.
Many collectors, initially skeptical from press photos, found their opinions shifting positively after seeing the Code 11.59 in person, particularly appreciating the case and movement, though dial aesthetics remained a point of contention.
The date window at 4:30 and the 'fumé' dial design, which some perceive as an homage to Moser, were criticized by purists for not aligning with classical ideals, despite acknowledging the unassailable quality of the case and movement.
The author posits that the Code 11.59, particularly with its robust movement, functions as a 'luxury Daytona' or 'luxury Speedmaster' without the historical lineage, emphasizing its precision and solidity as comparable to the 'gold standard' of automatic chronographs.
While the case and movement are widely praised, the dial design, including font choices and the date window, is often seen as a weaker element that could be improved to fully realize the watch's potential.
The perceived lack of originality in modern watchmaking, with brands often drawing inspiration from others, might contribute to the controversial reception of watches like the Code 11.59, despite impressive mechanical achievements.

The Discussion

sschew

Aug 12, 2020

But that looks like a Daniel Wellington or Police watch my humble opinion of course

ZSHSZ

Aug 12, 2020

I totally disliked this watch myself when initially released, and maybe the dial color not for everyone but the movement’s precision and operation is quite impressive(and I handled a couple). Daniel Wellington wishes to have a movement as this!

FabR

Aug 12, 2020

...which I believe was the main concern many collectors had with these new references last year. Even though I'm honestly still far from an enthusiast, since I had a chance to see the Code in person, I'm also much more positive about what AP is trying to accomplish here (I had a chance to try on and discuss quite extensively some models with the AP boutique in Milano, last winter break, which was very helpful). I'm now looking forward to seeing the newer versions as well, since I haven't yet --

dnlmpg

Aug 12, 2020

I wasn't impressed at all at launch. But seeing it in person after has really started to make it grow on me. The blue and burgundy dials, in particular, are super pleasing to the eye.

Mostel

Aug 12, 2020

but this dial just does not work for me, as a Purist, if you will... the date at 4:30 is not in tune with our ideals... the dial is clearly more than an Homage to Moser, God Bless Moser, OK that's no problem, but it should be noted. As collectors.... we have to give credit where credit is due... and it's no new news that AP is 'copying' Moser in terms of dials... But let's look at this date at 4:30... it is not desirable... it is not classical or 'cool' ,this is not to be unkind to a collector o

jp884

Aug 12, 2020

Not my cup of tea at all, this was a big fail IMHO.

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Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph: A Collector's Hands-On Review

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