A bold step into the future: Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Automatic Chronograph Gold and Ceramic Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59 is one of those models whose true character is only revealed in the second or third eye. This also explains why the series did not start smoothly when it was launched in 2019. Too many people jumped up and did not give the newcomers a chance to introduce themselves properly. From a process point of view, at least, this is unreasonable. After all, from the three-piece case and the vertical dome sapphire crystal to the “floating” lugs, every component has been well thought out, down to the final details.
In theory, the Associated Press may really be indifferent to its acceptance, because they want to use Audemars Piguet’s code 11.59 to address new target audiences anyway. The manufacturer’s target customers are not just to associate the brand with its Royal Oak. In addition, the new series may attract Associated Press fans, who are already interested in the brand’s most iconic styles that have been on the scene since 1972. As our writer Catherine eloquently said, “The Code 11.59 will attract new customers, but also remind fans of the brand’s manufacturing capabilities. It can encourage us, as individuals, to open our eyes and minds to see if there are a lot of watches waiting. Be discovered-as long as we learn to transcend the cult classics.”
To make code 11.59 unique, it has appeared in many forms over the past few years. This includes brightly colored lacquered dials, chronographs, automatic movements, haute horlogerie complications and two-tone cases. In view of the two-tone aesthetics highlighting the exquisite case structure of the watch, the brand is now launching two new Audemars Piguet automatic-winding chronograph two-color models Code 11.59. They are available in white and rose gold, respectively, and the middle part of the case is ceramic. Although it may not be the original or only intention of AP, it brings the manufacturing process to a whole new level of complexity.
As if the production of the twelve-corner middle part of the watch case did not pose a major challenge to manufacturing, the addition of ceramics requires a more complicated production process. The exact composition of this material is kept secret and is shaped into a preliminary form using the latest generation of 5-axis CNC machine technology. During the sintering (strong heating) process, the ceramic reaches its hardness when it reaches about 1400 degrees Celsius. However, the challenge here is that during this process, the ceramic material shrinks by approximately 25%.
Next, the geometric surface is pre-polished and pre-satin-finished before being manually completed by experts. More specifically, the surface of each case is satin-finished, and each bevel is polished. This achieves a highly elegant gloss, not to mention the diversity of the entire case. In order to meet its own high standards, as one would expect from Le Brasses-based manufacturing, it introduced external assistance for the production of ceramic parts. The family-run Swiss company Bangerter specializes in the manufacture of precision parts made of high-grade ceramics, which is now also produced for AP.
The code 11.59 also has some other new features. The smoky gray dial shows a vertical satin finish. At the same time, the black chronograph sub-dial and inner bezel increase the depth of the dial, which harmonizes with the black ceramic part of the case. In contrast, the hour markers and hands match the colors of the bezel, lugs and case back. Both are 18-carat rose gold or white gold.
Interestingly, the ceramic inlay in the watch not only makes it lighter, more wear-resistant, but also more sporty. The code 11.59 is generally divided into the category of formal watches. However, it has now become a more casual work. This is also due to the new special rubber-coated calfskin strap with a textured finish that complements its laissez-faire ceramic appearance.
Usually, the logo or letter is either printed on the dial or drawn by hand. However, the Associated Press chose a much more complicated process for its code line 11.59. CEO François-Henry Bennahmias wants to write the font in gold. The 12.5 mm long “Audemars Piguet” lettering is electroplated. This is a chemical process through which layers of 24-carat gold are stacked. This will create a special 3D effect of the logo.
This process itself is not uncommon in watchmaking. However, dealing with gold is more challenging. The “A” and “U” letters of the logo are very thin, and the links between individual letters are not bigger than human hair.
About half of the 1,600 employees working at AP participated in the production of Audemars Piguet’s code 11.59. The lettering alone took about two years to develop. One supplier even opted out because of excessive waste during the development process. The project seems to be on the verge. But no one at AP considered giving up.
Studying code 11.59, people will soon notice that its borders are surprisingly thin. This is because it must adapt to the unusual shape of the sapphire crystal. The inner surface of the crystal is domed, while the outer surface is vertically downward from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock.
The sapphire crystal is designed to allow the dial to have the best readability from all angles. The results are truly amazing, as you can see when you check the watch in person. However, the thin bezel and the oversized sapphire crystal do make the watch look larger on the wrist (41 mm).
A completely new manufacturing process must also be developed for the lugs. The upper lug is welded to the ultra-thin bezel. At the same time, the lower part is lightly leaning against the edge of the case, thereby creating a floating effect. At the same time, the lugs are also hollow. This doubles the difficulty for them to withstand any force acting on them. As mentioned earlier, whether you find this aesthetically pleasing or not, it demonstrates a certain degree of experimentation, not to mention the spirit of innovation, which has been characteristic of AP since its establishment in 1875.
AP designed a new manufacturing movement for Code 11.59 in the Audemars Piguet series. Powering the chronograph (including two new models) is the internal 4401 movement. This integrated chronograph with a column wheel mechanism and flyback function allows the wearer to restart the chronograph without first stopping and resetting it. best replica
In addition, the 32mm movement uses a patented zero-return mechanism. This ensures that each counter pointer can be reset to zero seamlessly. The movement also integrates a vertical clutch system to prevent the hands from jumping when the chronograph starts and stops. Finally, the sapphire crystal back cover displays many of the 367 parts, including their exquisite surface treatments. In addition to the 22-carat rose gold oscillating weight, the movement also displays Geneva stripes, characteristic tires, pearl patterns, sun pattern brushed and polished bevels.
Code 11.59 used to be an obviously scary baby, now it is a self-confident and mature watch, so that it is now hard to imagine AP without it. This is impressive given the two-year tendering history in the company’s 146-year history. The original goal of Bennahmias was to allocate only 20% of the current annual production to Code 11.59. This means that, assuming that production does increase to the goal of 50,000 pieces, approximately 10,000 Code 11.59 watches will be produced every year by 2022. However, the company has not confirmed these goals.
The use of black ceramic is very suitable for rose gold and platinum models. At the same time, the complex multi-component watch case makes the extraordinary watch case further the focus of attention. It also makes Code 11.59 more in line with Bennahmias’ vision of “watches for all occasions”. It’s time for the last few reviewers to accept this watch-because it is likely to stay. best replica watch site
