Audemars Piguet Introduces the New Code 11.59 in Stainless Steel

Photo: Monochrome

With the recent release of 6 novel steel Code 11.59 variants, Audemars Piguet is joining the market trend that shows no indications of slowing down even in the near future. Three brand-new chronographs and three-hand versions make up the novelties. These timepieces use a different material in contrast to their valuable metal ancestors. They also have a new appearance emphasizing ergonomics and readability, along with the themed dials.

Technical Characteristics 

• The cases

The new Code 11.59 watches’ 41 mm casings mark the addition of steel to the core series. Since their debut in 2019, Code 11.59 pieces have been available in 18k white or pink-gold casings, with a few midrange cases made of ceramic starting in 2021.

Photo: Hodinkee

Nevertheless, the steel did not appear until this point. Two of the new variants (a three-hand and a chronograph variant) featuring beige dials also have a black ceramic center casing in addition to the steel used in the other four models.

Photo: Monochrome

• The dial 

The dial reveals much more significant alterations. The Code 11.59 versions’ unique stamped dials include concentric rings to create a ripple motif that has not previously been featured in the series.

Photo: Hodikee

The pattern, which Audemars Piguet developed in collaboration with renowned Swiss guilloché maker Yann von Kaenel, strives to give the maximum readability along with a distinctive, recognizable look unique to the collection.

Photo: Hodinkee

Generally, imprinting the dials is no simple task. By methodically hand-crafting the stamps, Yann von Kaenel produces ripples embellished with thousands of tiny openings. A dial featuring a rich feel and lovely light interplay is the outcome. On top of this intricate motif, the Maison uses PVD for the green and blue dials as well as a galvanic procedure for the beige versions to paint the dials.

• The movement

The in-house caliber 4302, which comprises date, hours, minutes, and seconds is used in these latest three-hand Code 11.59 variants. The caliber 4401, however, is a built-in self-wound chronograph movement featuring a column rotor and flyback feature. A unique system is also incorporated into both movements to guarantee stability and accuracy while resetting the watch.

Photo: Hodinkee

The vertical gear track in the caliber 4401 of the Code 11.59 chronographs hinders the indicators from bouncing when the Chrono starts or halts. Every counting hand reverts to its original place due to a proprietary reset system.

Photo: Hodinkee

All the Code 11.59 variants include sapphire crystal casebacks that display the stunning traditional ornamentation on the calibers, along with a novel 22k pink golden open-worked oscillation weight. Only the Code 11.59 series will employ this upgraded rotor.

Lastly, both calibers strike at a rate of 4 Hz and come with a reliable 70-hour power reserve.

• The straps 

When it comes to the straps of the Code 11.59 variants, Audemars Piguet designed them to complement every dial with rubber straps of the exact color.

Photo: SJX Watches

These straps are also lined with soft calf leather and sport a textile motif. Furthermore, the strap’s pin clasp got a last upgrade, replacing the lengthy engraving of the “Audemars Piguet” logo with the AP initials.