The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 has been a hot topic of debate since its debut in 2019. To be fair, like other references throughout history such as the Royal Oak, this series did not gain immediate unanimous approval among wholesale watches replica enthusiasts. Due to the huge anticipation surrounding the release of this watch and the aggressive marketing campaign that followed its launch, the standards for the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 were raised to such a high level that it came under intense scrutiny. Of course, as a work of Audemars Piguet, it will inevitably cause huge discussions anyway. Balancing social media sentiment, though, the considered opinion seems to be that the series has its quirks but is also a real basis for potential growth. In the years since, the series has continued to evolve with improved phones and watch faces. And, at the high end, looking at their skeletonized and high-complexity references, the model’s promise becomes increasingly clear. The only thing left to be said is to bring the entry-level offering in the range up to spec, and now it appears that the holy trinity of manufacturers has done just that with Audemars Piguet’s new stainless steel model, the Code 11.59.
Previously, Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 was limited to precious metals. The introduction of steel material allowed the watches to be sold at a lower price, making the series more accessible to newcomers to the brand. The steel part of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 is available in six configurations, including three time and date models and three chronographs. Each watch comes in the same three dial/strap colorways: blue, green and smoked beige. I mention these dial colors up front because the blue and green models have 41mm stainless steel cases, while the smoked beige model continues AP’s trend of pairing metal with ceramic – with black ceramic for the middle case and crown. From a manufacturing perspective, the complex structure of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 case took some time to develop, but the result is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the collection.
As I explained in my previous review, the casemaking process draws on three centuries of watchmaking, combining traditional finishing with cutting-edge modern manufacturing and processing. For example, a heated conveyor belt system is used to create and form the lugs (modern technique), but they are then hand-polished using the roots of a specific tree (classic technique). The slender details on the lugs really enhance the aesthetics of the watch, while the chamfered lines of the stainless steel remain eye-catching. These polished surfaces are complemented by rich brushed finishes – a perfect balance of mixed finishes that evoke the light play associated with the brand.
Apparently, while both cases have a diameter of 41mm, the time and date model and the chronograph model differ in thickness. The time and date model is even slimmer at just 10.7mm thick, while the chronograph model is just under 13mm thick at an impressive 12.6mm thick. In my experience, both measurements fit the cuff and both slipped easily under my sleeves. Each part of these fashion replica watches measures approximately 50mm lug-to-lug, so their proportions on the wrist are by no means classic. That being said, I feel like I can fit them on my small 6.5 inch wrist so that I don’t prematurely assume I can’t use the size without trying it “in the metal.”
One improvement challenge I have is to increase the depth rating if possible, the current splash depth is only 30 metres. While these watches are rigorously constructed and elegantly decorated, being water-resistant to 50 meters or more brings a whole new dimension to everyday wear and versatile functionality.
Now, I’ve already mentioned the blue, green, and smoked beige color options, but the real visual evolution in Audemars Piguet’s new steel Code 11.59 watch is its new embossed guilloché dial. Kaenael developed it together with Swiss guilloche artisan Yann von Kaenel, who is responsible for handcrafting the seals used to produce the time and date as well as the chronograph dials. The hand-engraved imprint features a wave pattern extending outward from the center of the dial and is punctuated with hundreds of small holes to enhance sunburst reflections. While the chronograph models continue to use the controversial 4:30 position for displaying the calendar complication, the time and date models have been updated to place the calendar at the 3′ position. This small detail will go a long way to potential buyers in the hobby space. Another aspect that dial purists will appreciate is that the color of the date wheel matches the dial perfectly, with the smoked beige model featuring a black disc that blends in with the smoked periphery. And, speaking of the smoked beige configuration, these models incorporate ceramic middle cases and crowns, as the black color of the material combines with the black outer edge of the smoked dial.
Beneath the double-curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the inner bezel features a raised ring with indices, which then slopes down into the embossed dial. For the chronograph model, the flat part is home to the tachymeter scale and the sloping part is home to the outer minute track. For time and date models, the flat portion hosts the outer minute track, and the skewed portion hashes to support the applied hour index. Ultimately, design choices allow the center of the stamping to be disturbed as little as possible – in the case of the time and date model, strictly the luminous-applied indexes, in the case of the chronograph model, the indexes and three registers.
While it’s great from a legibility standpoint, I’m still ambivalent about the running seconds counter at 6 feet. You’ll notice that this register has a different format than the elapsed hours register at 3′ and the elapsed minutes register at 9′. The elapsed time recorder has a contrasting ring surrounding an internal colored badge. However, the running seconds counter does not respect this boundary. And, especially on the blue model, the counters are in full contrasting gray (while the green model has full green counters to match its dial). The bezel-less aesthetic makes it easy to see that the 6′ register doesn’t offer the same timing capabilities as the other two registers. Personally, I would like more uniformity between registers and trust myself to differentiate functions. Ultimately, symmetry and balance are maintained – with a contrasting second counter positioned dead center between the two registers in a matching layout style. So, it’s not the end of the world, it’s “what if”? Then try anything else. ladies replica watches
Typically, a collection like this would be paired with a traditional calfskin or alligator leather strap, but I respect Audemars Piguet for exploring a more contemporary strap pairing. That makes sense considering the collection is being positioned as the future of the brand, or at least its latest evolution. So breaking with tradition and going with a textile upper and leather sole is a fitting move in my opinion. It offers a more youthful aesthetic, implicitly reminding its owner that you don’t need to wear a suit to wear this watch. Its casual feel eliminates stiffness, making it suitable for everyday wear. Personally, I find the strap to be very comfortable on my wrist. I do think, however, that for smaller wrists like mine, it would be worth punching two more holes in the strap to accommodate a better fit. But it’s a simple enough operation for an AP or a trustworthy watchmaker to perform for you if needed. The strap is also specially rubberized to protect against moisture and is secured to the case with screws rather than spring bars. This only adds to my argument that adding depth ratings would be a great evolution.
Both watches are powered by automatic movements with a 70-hour power reserve, caliber 4302 for the time and date model and caliber 4401 for the chronograph model. While perhaps different from the skeletonized models in the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 series, the movement’s craftsmanship is in keeping with the brand’s reputation. Traditional perlage, Côtes de Genève and fine chamfers can be seen throughout the movement, thanks to the skeletonized solid gold oscillating weight, which also features rich polishes and bevels. The 4401 movement is a vertical clutch column wheel flyback chronograph movement, which means you can run the chronograph continuously, reducing component wear, and reset the chronograph complication without having to stop the chronograph complication first , this practice will damage the standard chronograph movement.
Audemars Piguet’s new Code 11.59 stainless steel watch proves that the collection has truly come of age – we’re well beyond the awkward adolescent stage. At the high end, things have heated up, but the entry points are also very strong now. The metal stamped dial looks great, the strap is super comfortable, and the case finish is top-notch as always. The use of steel has certainly opened the door for buyers to interact with the collection and the brand, and its strategic and aesthetic refinements—at least within my #watchfam circles—are convincing more and more people that this collection is worth exploring.
Brand Audemars Piguet
Model Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Automatic / 41mm
Housing dimensions 41mm (D) x 10.7mm (L)
Case material stainless steel (15210ST.OO.A343KB.01 / 15210ST.OO.A056KB.01)
Stainless steel with black ceramic middle shell (15210QT.OO.A064KB.01)
Water resistance 30m
Dial Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 (15210ST.OO.A343KB.01)
Green (15210ST.OO.A056KB.01)
Smoked beige (15210QT.OO.A064KB.01)
Crystal Double curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback
Strap Dial-matching leather and rubber strap with stainless steel AP pin buckle
Mobile automatic movement 4302
Power reserve 70 hours
Functions hours, minutes, seconds, date
