Two weeks ago we brought you the news about the new lacquered dials on the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 and the new CODE 11.59 Two-Tone references. At the time of its launch, the CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet was a very controversial watch that got a lot of bad press. While we were not the biggest fans of it, we remained respectful and admitted that a few of the models were pretty good and others not so much. With the release of the new lacquered dial references and two new two-tone models, the CODE 11.59 takes on a second chance to change people’s opinions, and oh boy, Audemars Piguet hit an absolute home run with the new dials and new two-tone models. Even though we tend to wait to see watches in the metal before we fall in love or out of love with them, the silver dial two-tone models were already on our shortlist after seeing the stock images.
Finally, yesterday we were able to peruse the new watches in the metal and we were blown away by them. While we didn’t like the CODE 11.59 Chronographs at the time of their launch, these new lacquered dial models and particularly the silver dial one have changed our mind. With their extra-thin bezel and double-curved glare-proofed sapphire crystal, these new dials catch the light in a very special way. Composed of an octagonal middle case measuring 41 mm in 18K rose gold and a round extra-thin bezel with stylized lugs in 18K white gold, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 is simply gorgeous.
Things to Know About the Watch
With two models —chronograph and the Time/Date— featuring two-tone cases juxtaposing 18K white and 18K pink gold —a first in the watch industry as two-tone watches are typically stainless steel and gold—, this new metal combination is available with either light grey —silvery— and dark grey smoked dials. The sunburst dials match the case combination featuring rose gold markers, hands, and numerals.
The 18K white gold bezel, lugs, and case back are subtly enhanced by an 18K pink gold middle case. This exclusive combination highlights the case’s multiple geometries, hand-finished to the nine, and each watch comes with a hand-stitched large square scale alligator strap matching the dial’s color.
While we now appreciate the CODE 11.59 Chronograph more than we used to at the time of its launch, our absolute favorite is the time/date model. The silver dials are so intricate and its sunburst pattern is so well done, that the watch is a true chameleon depending on the angle at which light hits the dial.
Two-tone gold cases are extremely rare in the history of Audemars Piguet’s wristwatches. Out of the 550 wristwatches produced and sold between 1882 and 1969, only 8 examples combined two types of gold. The blend of white and pink gold was particularly rare, with only one wristwatch recorded in the Manufacture’s archives before 1978. In addition to the light grey —silvery— dial, the new CODE 11.59 Two-Tone is also available for both the chronograph and the time/date model in a dark grey smoked dial that is also stunning.
The Movements
Fitted with a display case back the two-tone models are further enhanced by a 22K pink gold oscillating weight matching the middle case’s color. The CODE 11.59 Chronograph is powered by the long-awaited in-house automatic chronograph movement calibre 4401 which features an instant-jump date indication and integrated column-wheel chronograph with flyback function.
Additionally, calibre 4401 is endowed with a patented zero resetting mechanism which ensures that each one of the counter hands is seamlessly reset to zero. It is also equipped with a vertical clutch system that prevents hands from jumping when the chronograph is started or stopped.
Meanwhile, the date/time model is powered by the calibre 4302 automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve, this is the same calibre powering the new Royal Oak reference 15500.
On the Wrist & Price
Overall, the new CODE 11.59 Two-Tone watches wear nicely on the wrist and true to their 41 mm case size. While all new dials are extremely nice, the silvery dial along with its 18K pink gold markers, hands, and numerals, makes his watch even more appealing. Even though they say that third time is a charm, for the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59, its second time was the perfect time to revindicate with a new direction that makes this relatively new line much more appealing. The last three pictures show the time/date model with silver dial turning into an absolute chameleon depending on the lighting conditions.
Sticker Price $26,800 USD for Time and Date and $42,400 USD for the Chronograph. For more info Audemars Piguet click here.
