Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 SIHH 2019 Review

amanico · 2019-02-11T11:12:43Z

Amanico re-evaluates Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 at SIHH 2019, discussing its innovative case, new movements, and initial reception.

amanico

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

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Amanico offers a thoughtful re-evaluation of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 line, challenging its initially cold reception at SIHH 2019. He meticulously breaks down the collection's strengths, from its innovative case design to its impressive new movements. This article encourages a deeper appreciation for AP's bold venture beyond its iconic Royal Oak.

When Audemars-Piguet unveiled the 11.59 line, some weeks ago, the least we can say is that it received a cold welcome.

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.

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

Key Points from the Discussion

The Code 11.59 line's case, with its blend of octagonal and round shapes and unique lug construction, is praised for its modern, technical, and conceptual look.
While acknowledging the Royal Oak cues, one contributor argues that AP never had a singular 'DNA' like Lange or Patek, making the new line a valid evolution.
The minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and openworked tourbillon models within the Code 11.59 line are highlighted as particularly worthy in terms of aesthetics.
The Minute Repeater is considered the most successful dial in the Code 11.59 collection, establishing a beautiful and modern aesthetic that the time-only watch could have emulated.
In-person viewing of the Code 11.59 collection can significantly improve initial impressions, with the crystal's ability to interact with light being particularly mesmerizing.
The new in-house chronograph movement (Caliber 4401) is identified as a major winner for AP, with potential future integration into Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore lines.

The Discussion

holdemchamp1225

Feb 11, 2019

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 metals, as you mentioned, then I think the code 11.59 could work for most. The in-house chronograph movement is really the winner here as AP will eventually incorporate it into their RO line for the Kasparovs and maybe some ROOs. And as discusse

amanico

Feb 11, 2019

The Welcome would have been hysterical! Best, my dear Bruce. Nicolas

Pour le Mérite

Feb 11, 2019

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"; "we needed 12 months to find a way to apply the logo"; "pushing forward"; etc.. Then we have the name... Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet – wtf is this? The line will probably do fine as too many people want a Royal Oak and too many people can or

holdemchamp1225

Feb 11, 2019

who knows, could still be a possibility in the future

Langepedia

Feb 11, 2019

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 me; AP never really had a so called DNA as Lange or Patek or so to speak Journe. However; I do agree case structure is eye pleasing, and Royal Oak is helluva design. Of all watches; I find minute repeater, perpetual calendar and openworked tour

jmpTT

Feb 11, 2019

Remember how many years it took the Millenary line to achieve a dial that was both unique and wholly suited to the shape of the case. 15 years, with the debut of the 4101. The Star Wheel complication would look good with any case shape, such that it’s almost cheating. This kind of cheating is fine though. I believe the Minute Repeater is the most successful dial, as it establishes a beautiful and modern aesthetic. Pretty much exactly what the time-only watch could have been, if that watch wasn’t

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