Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar

quattro · 2024-09-22T12:35:19Z

Explore the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar with aventurine dial. Discover its Caliber 5134, case design, and collector insights.

quattro

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

21 replies4555 views8 photos

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.

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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.

Key Points from the Discussion

The aventurine dial of the Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar is particularly mesmerizing, with the crystal enhancing its 'evening sky' effect, making the perpetual calendar and hands appear to float mysteriously.
The Code 11.59 case and crystal are often underestimated, representing a bold yet refined blend of modernity and tradition in Audemars Piguet's design language.
The caliber 5134, which powers the Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar, is a direct descendant of the highly regarded and 'legendary' caliber 2120.
Despite its aesthetic appeal, the Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar can wear large on smaller wrists, with lugs extending to the wrist's edge, necessitating a straight-down strap fit.
The original rose gold version with a leather strap, preferred by some collectors, has been discontinued and replaced with a white gold version featuring a rubber-coated strap, reflecting a shift towards a 'dressdown' aesthetic.

The Discussion

jlux

Sep 22, 2024

Stunning watch!

For me it fits your wrist perfectly!

quattro

Sep 22, 2024

The photos look good,

but the lugs reach the edges of my wrist and the strap has to go straight down. I could pull it off, but I feel more comfortable with a smaller size.

aperna

Sep 22, 2024

It’s simply a beautiful timepiece! Congratulations