Complete Guide To The Code 11.59 Audemars Piguet Collection
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection was launched in 2019 and sent a tidal wave through the watch industry. This collection was the newest from AP since the launch of the Offshore and Offshore Diver and was a completely new design from the brand when compared to the popularity of their flagship Royal Oak octagon design. The name of the model comes from the minute before midnight and anticipation for the new day and what the future holds.
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> Evolution of the Case Design
Code 11.59 Evolution Of A Round Case
In 2019, Audemars Piguet launched the brand new collection Code 11.59. The collection was AP’s answer to creating a watch with a fully in-house manufactured and integrated caliber while expanding out of the iconic Royal Oak collections. The watch had very mixed reviews when it was first launched, but just a few years later it is gaining in popularity among collectors.
While Audemars Piguet is known for producing its octagon bezel Royal Oak, with cushion case and integrated bezel, the brand also has the Millenary collection with oval design and the Jules Audemars with a slim profile and round case. The Code 11.59 blends the Royal Oak with classic round watchmaking. The case is technically round but features an internal octagon for the middle of the case shape. The lugs are also open-worked, adding another layer of complexity to the design.
The Code 11.59 collection was in research and development for over 5 years before the model family launched. CEO François-Henry Bennahmias wanted to launch a collection that looked to the future of the brand and what the next brand pillar could be.
Features
Design features of the Code 11.59 watches don’t end at just the unique case design. The crystal is a double-curved sapphire that enhances the dial details, making it easier to read. A very thin bezel surrounds the crystal to allow for the largest dial legibility.
Looking at the dial itself, there is a raised AP logo which is made from thin layers of gold. Many of the models also feature a lacquered dial that adds depth and complexity to the dial.
The Code 11.59 models all utilize the same 41mm case but vary in white or pink gold materials and either a matte or sunburst lacquered dial unless you are looking at the diamond variations.
Code 11.59 Models
When the collection first launched in 2019, there were 13 references across six different models. Today’s current collection features eight different models and 37 different references. Even for having a short production run since launching, there have been some models retired already, although typically, these have just evolved in design to different materials rather than discontinuing a model type as a whole.
1. Selfwinding Models
For a classic time and date only model, Audemars Piguet offers the Selfwinding Code 11.59 that features three hands and a date window hidden between the 4 and 5 index markers. This may be the most expansive collection of watches with 13 current production variations. This ranges from pink gold with a white lacquered dial to white gold with a sunburst blue lacquered dial. You can’t leave out the stunners of this collection, a white or pink gold time-only pave diamond dial version.
Selfwinding models start at around $28,000 on the secondary market.
2. Selfwinding Chronograph
The next model family with the most options is the Selfwinding Chronograph. In the current production, as of April 2022, there are 11 different models in white gold or Pink Gold. These models feature more classic dial colors in blue, gray, and blacks, although there is a stunning purple lacquer with a rose gold case that is sure to stand out. These chronographs have a three-register sub-dial configuration with constant seconds at 6 o’clock.
Selfwinding Chronograph models start at around $45,000 on the secondary market.
3. Perpetual Calendar
Currently available in white gold or rose gold with a blue dial and matching blue rubber strap is the Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar. The unique part about these watches, other than the sporty blue rubber-coated strap, is the use of Aventurine in the dial. This stone gives off a star-like appearance and makes the moon phase seem as if it floats through the night sky.
Perpetual calendar models start at around $95,000 on the secondary market.
4. Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon
Taking complexity up another level, Audemars Piguet has released the Code 11.59 as a Flying Tourbillon. Just like other models, this can be found in either white or pink gold. The white gold models feature a blue lacquered dial or blue aventurine enamel with a smoked effect. The pink gold models are similarly available but with black dials. At 6 o’clock is the open tourbillon.
Flying Tourbillon models start at around $125,000 on the secondary market.
5. Tourbillon Openworked
Removing a full lacquered dial with the tourbillon brings the Tourbillon Openworked, which features an open dial with a lacquered inner bezel. The white gold version features a grey open-worked dial and a grey rubber-coated strap. The pink gold version features a contrasting black structure with a matching black alligator leather strap. The Openworked movement on these models is all hand-finished, and there is depth between the front of the watch and the back of the movements, also with a full exhibition case back. Audemars Piguet also released an “Only Watch” version of this model with white lacquer and rose gold accents.
Tourbillon Openworked models start at around $170,000 on the secondary market.
6. Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Flyback Chronograph
Combining a few complications together brings the Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph, which is available in a white gold case. The blue dial version features white gold accents and a matching blue alligator leather strap, while the black dial features pink gold accents and a black strap. These two models that are in current production are limited to just 50 pieces each, making them extremely rare to find. This is an open-worked dial that is not fully see through due to the mechanics needed for the chronograph movement and registers. The chronograph also features a flyback function making it easy to time laps without needing to stop the chronograph first.
7. Grand Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie
A unique piece for Audemars Piguet is the Grand Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie. While a tourbillon or open-worked dial can be a work of art, these are true masterpieces and are limited in production. The model features a teal-blue color enamel dial with a matching strap with a white gold case. What makes this a standout model is a unique dial, custom created by world-renowned enamel artist and designer Anita Porchet. The teal dial features a concentric pattern radiating out from the center of the dial and has gold circular accents varying in size and thickness. Each dial is uniquely created, so no two are the same.
Outside of just the unique appearance of this Code 11.59 watch, it is also a Grand Sonnerie Supersonnerie, Petite Sonnerie minute repeater with 498 different parts in the movement. The crown at 3 o’clock controls the hours and minutes. The secondary crown at 2 o’clock controls the ring selector, while the bell arming button is found at 10 o’clock.
Audemars Piguet also has released a Grand Sonnerie Supersonnerie with concentric guilloche dial designed by engine-turning artist Yann Von Kaenel and enameller Anita Porchet.
8. Minute Repeater Supersonnerie
Maybe one of the simpler-looking watches in the Code 11.59 lineup, the Minute Repeater Supersonnerie packs a punch. Audemars Piguet uses a patented minute repeater Supersonnerie technology that they launched in 2016. This technology adds to the acoustic performance of the chime. The white gold case has a brushed, polished finish, while the enamel dial is a smoked blue. This has a gradual scale from navy to black along the rehaut and the inner bezel. Although enamel, it can appear quite matte, giving it an undercover look. Rounding out the watch is a matching blue alligator leather strap.
The Supersonnerie technology was patented in 2015 and features a specific case construction that amplifies sound and limits sound absorption for the best sound possible. The gongs are attached to a device that mimics a soundboard to transmit the vibrations, unlike traditional minute repeaters where they are attached to the movement plate.
Price of Code 11.59 Watches & Buying
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection starts at $32,600 for a white or pink gold self-winding collection, time and date watch, and prices increase as the complications change, with the Minute Repeater Supersonnerie being the most expensive, and pricing is usually available upon request for serious inquiries.
While the collection was only launched in 2019, there have been a number of references released, with some already being discontinued. The collection has started to become more popular among collectors, and pieces are not as commonly found on the secondary market. They also currently hold value and trends similar to their original retail prices, with some harder-to-find models higher in value.
Discover the current collection of Code 11.59 watches at The 1916 Company or shop all Audemars Piguet watches.
Continue reading to learn more:
> The Royal Oak Concept Watch 1 Tourbillon
> Royal Oak Offshore History & Guide