Audemars Piguet New Models: First Look

pfang56 · 2023-02-11T18:40:55Z

Explore Audemars Piguet's 2023 novelties: the Concept, Ceramic Offshore, and new steel CODE models. Expert review and community insights on wearability, movements, and design.

pfang56

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

22 replies3411 views6 photos

Peter, known as pfang56 on WatchProSite, offers an exclusive first look at Audemars Piguet's latest novelties, including the Concept, Ceramic Offshore, and new steel CODE models. His detailed impressions provide invaluable insights into the wearability, finishing, and horological advancements of these highly anticipated releases. This article synthesizes Peter's initial review with community discussion, offering a comprehensive perspective for collectors and enthusiasts.

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Incredibly fortunate to have an opportunity to see several of the new novelties - the Concept, the Ceramic Offshore, and the new steel CODEs.

Especially impressed with the Concept - loved the finishing and execution of the case, the movement, and the openworked dial! A bit shocked actually at the smoothness of the Chronograph action and especially the smoothness of the actuation of the split seconds feature - AP has gone a long way in developing a proper in house movement. And, thankfully, whilst it does run 43mm, there is an attention to form factor that make it much more wearable over previous Concepts. A stunning piece!

Also had a chance to try in the ceramic beast. Wow. I remember the feeling when I strapped on my first AP
beast (my first AP ever in my life) many decades ago and this one feels rather familiar yet elevated with ceramic materials and a new movement. There were two pet peeves of my original Beast - it was a scratch and ding magnet AND that old JLC module movement was a happy seconds-hand jumper. The new Ceramic Offshore takes care of both of those. There's a special feeling of nostalgia and modernity - and I could see myself really wearing this model everyday. It's bold, bestial, and a little outrageous, but understated, elegant, and a little sophisticated at the same time. Definitely a great Hommage to the original.

And finally, the steel CODE models. I was fortunate enough to get the CODE Perpetual and was a somewhat early adopter - and I can see that this newest model - with an olive / black textured dial, ceramic caseband and crown, and the exquisite case and movement - are a decent step up from the first generation of CODE. Great job to AP for developing a simple CODE with some rather elevated features. This makes a lot of sense!

Anyway, some poorly made photos below - certainly not capturing the details (and probably some misaligned parts due to the camera) but wanted to share regardless.

Already a super start to the year for AP!!

Cheers
Peter

Key Points from the Discussion

The all-ceramic Royal Oak Offshore 'Beast' offers a unique wrist feel, being heavier than other ceramic models but lighter than a stainless steel 16202, with a substantial form factor and thickness.
The CODE 11.59 with the olive/black textured dial features an ombré/smoked coloration from the minute markers to the outer dial, appearing as dark charcoal/black, with the center shifting between beige and dark olive depending on lighting.
The new CODE 11.59 models, especially those with a ceramic caseband and unique smoked/textured dials, generally present better in person than in photographs, offering elevated features compared to the first generation.
The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Universelle RD#4 is highlighted as one of the most spectacular timepieces ever created, with its robust design allowing for daily wear, including swimming.
The new Ceramic Offshore incorporates significantly more ceramic than previous Ceramic Perpetual models, enhancing durability and addressing the 'scratch and ding magnet' issue of older 'Beast' models.
The Chronograph action and split-seconds feature on the new Concept model are remarkably smooth, showcasing Audemars Piguet's advancements in in-house movement development.

The Discussion

patrick_y

Feb 11, 2023

Thank you for sharing your photos!

It's definitely obvious which one you liked the most!

pfang56

Feb 11, 2023

HA! Good catch...

Probably most surprised that I got to see the Concept But truthfully that ceramic offshore needed to go to some photo shoot so had more limited time. Ahh the life of a celebrity watch... Cheers Peter

Feb 11, 2023

Thanks for sharing.

That all black ceramic Offshore is kinda eye-catching! M4

pfang56

Feb 11, 2023

It is special!

The lettering is not as "white" as it may look on photos. And there is a LOT of ceramic. Certainly more than my Ceramic Perpetual models. If it was mine, I would definitely try to wear it formally (with a Tux) and informally (snorkeling) Cheers Peter

MichaelC

Feb 11, 2023

Outstanding Peter, thank you!

That all ceramic Beast must have quite a feeling on the wrist. How was the weight / heft compared to a steel model? The novelties are fantastic this year. We have not even delved into the CODE 11.59 Universelle RD#4. I mean, only one of the most spectacular timepieces ever created!

pfang56

Feb 11, 2023

My pleasure!

Ok - it definitely seemed heavier than other ceramic models, so you have a little heft - but still seems lighter than say, my stainless 16202. Perhaps what's more noticeable is the form factor and thickness of the case - which is much more substantial than my perpetual. It's an offshore after all! And I concur - the RD4 is truly special! One of my favorite notes from reviews is that Mr Papi would actually go swimming with it!!! It would be a shame if this fantastic watch was meant only for "spec