Introduced in 2019, Code 11.59 is Audemars Piguet’s newest watch collection and its most controversial one yet. Its ultra-modern identity wasn’t easy for many of its critics and even a few ardent AP fans to accept. But if you knew anything about the manufacture’s long history, you’ll see why it’s never one to shy away from controversy.
To begin, its iconic Royal Oak collection began as a controversial product, one that no one—not even its board members—believed would succeed. And we all know how that turned out. Following that, the Royal Oak Offshore, too, faced a difficult start but today it’s second only to the Royal Oak.
So going against the grain fits squarely into Audemars Piguet’s modus operandi and the company also envisions a bold future with Code 11.59, a collection it spent eight years conceptualising.
How do we know that? Easy. The manufacture didn’t test the market by launching with just one model. Rather, it unveiled a full line up that runs the gamut from a time-only piece and a chronograph to complicated ones like minute repeaters and tourbillons.
Yet Code 11.59 isn’t reserved for connoisseurs and collectors only, as evinced by these vibrant new additions to the family. Dropped just in time for fall, the collection sees a bold colour palette that includes burgundy, blue, purple and two different shades of grey. Two references have been created, a self-winding piece ($39,900) and a chronograph ($63,000).
These intense hues are further enhanced with a sensual smoky effect, moving from darkest around the edge to lightest at the centre. A state-of-the-art sunburst pattern them comes in, creating a unique and nuanced finish unlike typical lacquer dials.
Tone on tone elegance continues as the watches come in alligator leather straps that match the colour of the dial.
Conceived for men as well as women, Code 11.59 has a sophisticated and ergonomic curvature which adapts to all wrists despite the 41mm diameter. Which sounds a little on the hefty side but when you’re wearing such an exceptional timepiece, don’t you want everybody to be able to see it?
