To show everyone the limitless potential locked in replica Code 11.59, Audemars Piguet has released a new variant of this growing collection, making it even more enticing.
Code 11.59 Journey
Debuting in 2019, Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 is one of the first non-Royal Oak derivative series to launch from Le Brassus in quite some time. Breaking away from the long-established aesthetic norms and well-defined design language of watchmakers, Code 11.59 was a maverick in the AP catalog, and as such, was quickly touted by the watch collecting community as something that wouldn’t last. But, of course, for Audemars Piguet, this criticism has long been their driving force, with watchmakers constantly determined to prove their opponents wrong and to prove that they operate beyond traditional watchmaking rules. Audemars Piguet does not and has never attempted to adhere to any particular convention.
If we look back at the history of the Associated Press, if they had heard the claims that the Royal Oak was dead and buried before it took off in 1972, they wouldn’t have had the Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, or Royal Oak concept. Likewise, many watches made of Royal Oak do not exist, such as the Nautilus etc. Audemars Piguet has proven time and time again that they know what they’re doing, and if you ask me, this latest release just highlights that Code 11.59 will prove to be the same – a huge success, just like their other watches.
Building on the already action-packed 2021, full of novelties, and an epoch-making year, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, and in my opinion, this latest release is the best Code yet 11.59, and has sparked my interest in more of what the Le Brassus team is preparing for next year.
Example of Listing 11.59
Arguably one of the most overlooked watch designs is the case that the watch uses. So many brands flush and repeat their case shapes or introduce tiny differences that have little effect on the wearer – but not luxury AP. The Code 11.59’s signature design element is what makes its case unique, setting it apart from other watches that compete with it on the market.
Modular in design, this is the most complex case AP has ever created, as it incorporates many finishes that can only be done and perfected by hand. With a satin-brushed finish and polished chamfers throughout the octagonal structure (a subtle nod to the Royal Oak), the work of the artisans who created the Code 11.59 case was no mean feat. Combining skeletonized lugs with a three-piece design, the Code 11.59’s case is as unique as the watch world visually.
with reference. 26600CR.OO.D009KB.01 Here, AP continues the unique two-tone precious metal structure of Code 11.59. Unlike most two-tone watches that use one precious metal and combine it with stainless steel, ref. The 26600CR case back and front use 18ct white gold, and the octagonal middle case uses 18ct rose gold. The old two-tone concept is refreshing and I must say its subtlety is fascinating, and what AP achieves with this construction technique is that they accentuate the case complexity of Code 11.59. After all, why not show off the incredible work done in such a complex case?
still my beating heart
When we are away from the referee. With the 26600CR’s complex case design and stunning physical structure, we see one of the best sights in watchmaking: a fully skeletonized movement. An iconic product of Audemars Piguet luxury since the 1930s, the brand’s watches have been skeletonized longer than anyone else, and that is no doubt reflected here.
Supported by internal calibration. 2948 — Multilayered hand-wound tourbillon skeleton movement — ref. 26600CR The absence of a traditional dial allows AP to show all possible parts of the movement, with its bridges, barrel, gear train and tourbillon fully exposed to Code 11.59 of the domed sapphire crystal below. Blending vertical and circular satin finishes with polished chamfers, the entire labyrinthine movement is a real spectacle as your eyes move down the platinum corridor and cascade down as if they were under someone else’s control.
Between the various colours on display – from rose gold hands and balance wheel, multi-coloured white gold bridges and steel gears, to ruby and tourbillon hypnotic movement – this timepiece is truly fascinating and I could see watch all day.
In addition, it features a sub-dial in the form of a slate grey lacquered inner ring that provides minute markers and aesthetically links the various greys in the movement to the exterior watch design.
Turning the watch over, we see the reverse of the cal. 2948 by reference. The 26600CR’s sapphire crystal shows the case back – it looks better that way, at least in my book. From the rear, we see that AP has paid incredible attention to the details of the movement’s underlying architecture and how the bridges work together to suspend the cal. The 2948 is housed in the Code 11.59’s incredible case, like a spider web in 18-karat white gold. It’s quite a sight to behold, and I’m glad the AP decided to keep the discount cheap watches manually wound.
All in all, I must say that I am increasingly bullish on the future of Code 11.59. While some of the early models didn’t interest me, I’ve always thought the design had potential, and the last few releases have proven to be. Honestly, I would say this is the best addition to the series.
The grey rubber strap matches the overall design perfectly, and I can only honestly say that this is one of the most visually complete and comprehensive releases from AP in a long time. Of course, some of the little grievances that have always been in the collection are still there, but as I get more used to them, I find it easier to ignore them and be impressed by the AP’s work in this collection for a short period of time.
Specification
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked
Reference number: 26600CR.OO.D009KB.01
Diameter: 41mm
Material: 18-karat white gold bezel, lugs, pushers and crown, 18-karat rose gold middle case
Crystal: Double Curved Glare – Sapphire Crystal
Waterproof: 30m
Movement: Calibre 2948
Functions: Tourbillon, hours and minutes.
Winding: Manual winding
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Strap: Stone grey rubber-coated strap with 18-karat white gold AP folding clasp