Comments:
When Audemars-Piguet unveiled the 11.59 line, some weeks ago, the least we can say is that it received a cold welcome.
Of all watches; I find minute repeater, perpetual calendar and openworked tourbillon worthy by their looks. I do share your sentiments on minute repeater. I would easily move towards another brand at that price point.
SIHH 2019. Audemars-Piguet Code 11.59 line. Some thoughts.
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.
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
You made some very good points about the dial and movements Nico...
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 discussed in another thread, I would be VERY interested in a reboot of the Starwheel into a code 11.59 case with some minor tweaks to modernize the look.
This line needs some daring dials, indeed. It is good enough for the Minute Repeater, but some fresh design would be top! If AP had launched the 11.59 with a Strawheel, I can tell you that...
The Welcome would have been hysterical!
Best, my dear Bruce.
Nicolas
Best, my dear Bruce.
Nicolas
+1 Completely agree about the Starwheel...
who knows, could still be a possibility in the future
+1 Starwheel on a Black super light Ceramic 11.59 case and a RM velcro inspired ?
Maybe a black ceramic case with a Starwheel complication dial ? A velcro comfy strap like RM inspired ?
Francois please sign me up on that !
Francois please sign me up on that !
Correction: The lugs are not welded to the caseback!
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 want to be fooled by such companies.
Not to the case back, but to the case back ring, indeed. Maybe I was not clear enough. As for the case, I see more than a Royal Oak line, here. I see something daring, but not totally achieved... [nt]
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Thanks for the review, Nico
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.
I have to disagree with the praise on chronograph caliber. To me; this movement just proves how hard it is to create a beautiful looking and technically advanced chronograph caliber from the ground. I'm aware of the fact that it is an automatic movement, not a hand-wound chronograph; however to me, judging by it looks it is just a regular chronograph caliber at its price and architecture. I do not see any special feats.
I do not even want to talk about its look in order not to get a warning from the forum because of the language 
Same thing goes for the time-only line. Just, so, dull.
Same thing goes for the time-only line. Just, so, dull.Perpetual calendar is a beautiful watch indeed. The moonphase's harmony with the aventurine is beautiful. I'd like to see a similar application to Saxonia thin aventurine.
Openworked tourbillon is as I'd expect from AP. They make amazing skeleton pieces, so this is not a surprise as well. Reminds me a bit Roger Dubuis, however it shines and loved it.
Selfwinding tourbillon; I do not see any special touch. I do not enjoy AP Royal Oak tourbillons anyway. Excluding this years black ceramic tourbillon...
All in all; as you mentioned, the case structure is pretty good however the dials and to me no special touch on chrono movement just do not attract me. There are many areas to play and get better with; so I'm sure AP will listen collectors and will step into right way. Again IMO they were so, so lazy for the last 5 decades and even though they screwed up with time only and chrono big time, it is better than keep chaging colors. (Exluding awesome concepts) Their launch strategy was terrible; where they put a lot of marketing fuss before the product and that even exaggerated the comments; which were IMO righttful.
Thanks for the review.
Thanks for your valuable and well advocated feedback, Langepedia. I agree with the terrific launch strategy. But I also think that not everything has to be put down in flame wit this line.
There are good, less good and not so exciting things, here. I do think that AP can do some top things with the 11.59. I just hope some more daring watches, in the future.
All the best,
Nicolas
All the best,
Nicolas
Agree with most of your points!
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 being engineered to cost and mass market appeal (large seconds and date window).
I like the openwork dial, but the marriage with the case isn’t quite as natural as the Supersonnerie.
This beautiful dial has no need for a tourbillon, but the cutout isn’t an eyesore, if tourbillons are your passion.
The aventurine dial is gorgeous, but this dial could be paired to a classic round case and we’d deem it successful.
The chronograph is a jumble of fonts. This is an example where removing a bunch of the numbers would decrease functionality, but significantly upgrade the aesthetics and overall quality of the watch. The Zenith Classic Elite chronograph is such an example.
When manufacturers put their best foot forward with their entry level pieces, it establishes good will amongst collectors. Here, we have the opposite. Feels like the best dials were saved for the halo pieces and the entry level pieces got by-committee, feature-checking dials. Between this and the perception that favourable press was bought, AP has an uphill battle.
I think this collection could blossom over the next five years, but sometimes groundbreaking lines just don’t make it. Like Vacheron’s Quai d’Ille. Got canned without experiencing real success, but those last steel pieces were worthy of the prestigious brand name.
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 being engineered to cost and mass market appeal (large seconds and date window).
I like the openwork dial, but the marriage with the case isn’t quite as natural as the Supersonnerie.
This beautiful dial has no need for a tourbillon, but the cutout isn’t an eyesore, if tourbillons are your passion.
The aventurine dial is gorgeous, but this dial could be paired to a classic round case and we’d deem it successful.
The chronograph is a jumble of fonts. This is an example where removing a bunch of the numbers would decrease functionality, but significantly upgrade the aesthetics and overall quality of the watch. The Zenith Classic Elite chronograph is such an example.
When manufacturers put their best foot forward with their entry level pieces, it establishes good will amongst collectors. Here, we have the opposite. Feels like the best dials were saved for the halo pieces and the entry level pieces got by-committee, feature-checking dials. Between this and the perception that favourable press was bought, AP has an uphill battle.
I think this collection could blossom over the next five years, but sometimes groundbreaking lines just don’t make it. Like Vacheron’s Quai d’Ille. Got canned without experiencing real success, but those last steel pieces were worthy of the prestigious brand name.
Agreed. Why not a time only, but something madder, younger, more inspiring? Thanks, jmp. [nt]
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I hold a different view of the code 11:59, I think it is bold in design and nicely executed. [nt]
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GREAT report !!
"something more daring, young, original, strong"
Great report, my friend, and wise words ! Yes, some of these watches are better, some are boring, very, but for me, the most important thing is missing: sexiness !
Hopefully AP will create new dials for the line soon, and hopefully this will be enough to make these watches a success.
The original RO design is forever young, many AP Offshore are even today living legends - long way for the 11.59 to go I fear !
BEST to you
Werner
Hi, Werner, good to read you, my friend. Yes, I agree, there is a long way to go for this new family, but... If AP plays it well, it might be a good alternative to the RO Cannibals. [nt]
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Nice review.
Superb quality products, I like the cases and movements, sorry, not the watches themselves. They are not bad, I just think AP can do much better.
Thanks for sharing, Nico.
Vte
Thanks for your feedback, Amigo. Yes, I think AP can do amazing things with that case. [nt]
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I, too, LOVE the case...
but find the dial boring on the plain dial, especially. I love the dial on the rose QP, but the thing that bugs me on the time-only is the top flange. On the chrono, it has a tachymeter. That's fine. On the QP, it has the week of the year. That works, too. But on the time-only, the 5-minute mark is just BORING.
HOWEVER, if the time-only would have had a pointer date on the flange, that might have made sense. Or, dare I say, a full calendar (like the one borrowed from JLC for the old RO) and the flange was useful, THEN it would work. I just don't like the 5-minute marks on it. It seems like an after-thought.
-Dean
Thanks, Dean, for your interesting input. Let's see what AP will do. [nt]
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I AGREE completely with your thoughts
I share your views, on the line as a whole and each piece in fact. I am delighted to see AP going after new designs and movement innovation, and have no doubt they will iterate to make these both commercially successful and infuse references which feature different materials as layers in the collection. In the meantime, I believe they have achieved stunning and compelling aspects as a foundation - the case to me is just phenomenal, the sapphire, and overall proportion (on the wrist it looks truly truly special, yet classy and refined at the same time, with a wide range of attire). I would love to own one of these watches, most probably a time only with refinements to the dial, sometime.
As the pioneers of steel as luxury, I do think steel should show up in this line
However the delicacy of the lines and facets of the case, really speak to me in white noble metals.
Nicely put. Thanks,. What about a technical material, such as Titanium? Or... Tantalum?
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This watch in Tantalum would be incredible. Titanium I am not so sure.
I am a big fan of the brand’s IP treatment though.... perhaps that would work? This is all just my preferences of course.