Six Steel Additions: Audemars Piguet Step Up The Code 11.59 Core Collection
Steel sports watches show no signs of slowing down in the industry anytime soon – and Audemars Piguet is jumping on board with the introduction of six new steel Code 11.59 models. The novelties consist of a trio of three-hand models, as well as three new chronographs. In comparison to their precious metal predecessors, these watches utilise not only a new material, but also a new aesthetic that focuses upon ergonomics and legibility, as well as new patterned dials.
The steel Code 11.59 cases
The 41 mm cases of the new Code 11.59 timepieces mark the introduction of steel into the core collection. Ever since the launch back in 2019, Code 11.59 watches have come in 18-carat white- or pink-gold cases, alongside a few ceramic middle cases since 2021. Steel, however, did not make an appearance until now. Four of the new editions use steel, while the other two (one three-hand and one chronograph model) with beige dials also incorporate a black ceramic middle case.
An updated architecture
Notably, Audemars Piguet are updating the already complex architecture of the Code 11.59 by refining the models further. From the ultra-thin bezel to octagonal middle case, Audemars Piguet finish the cases to the highest standard, alternating between polished and satin-finished surfaces. Meanwhile, the steel crowns are now more rounded with shallower yet more pronounced indentations than on earlier models. In addition, the two beige models have black ceramic caps. According to the maison, we can expect to see these design changes appear on the precious metal models in the near future, too.
The dial
To witness yet bigger changes, however, one must turn to the dial. The new stamped dials of the Code 11.59 editions consist of concentric circles, creating a ripple pattern never before been seen in the collection. Created by Audemars Piguet alongside prestigious Swiss guilloché craftsman Yann von Kaenel, the motif aims to provide the utmost legibility as well as a defining, recognisable aesthetic specific to the line.
A complex process
Stamping the dials is no easy feat, however. Yann von Kaenel meticulously makes the stamps by hand, creating waves that are decorated with hundreds of tiny holes. The result is a richly textured dial that glimmers and plays beautifully with the light. Building upon this deep pattern, the maison then colours the dials using PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) for the blue and green dials, and a galvanic process for the beige editions.
A range of colours
Two of the new Code 11.59 references showcase an iconic colour from the Royal Oak collection: ‘Blue Nuit, Nuage 50′. On the three-hand Code 11.59 model, designers counterbalance this deep blue with a grey inner bezel. Meanwhile, the Code 11.59 chronograph model in the same colour alternates between sandblasted two-tone blue and grey counters, as well as a fully grey small seconds counter. Meanwhile, the two varying khaki-green Code 11.59 novelties feature a matching inner bezel, plus a rhodium-plated outer zone on the Selfwinding Chronograph.
Last but not least, the beige editions feature a smoked effect that evolves into black by the flange. Furthermore, the Selfwinding Chronograph features beige counters, alongside a black outer zone and black small seconds counter. This matches to the black ceramic middle case and crown.
Refinement is key
Continuing to develop the Code 11.59 is vital to Audemars Piguet, meaning refining the design remains in focus at the horology house. The watchmaker places an emphasis on legibility by honing in on the details of the dial. Thus, new elongated hour-markers in white-gold replace the Arabic numerals that are present on the models’ predecessors. These hour markers, alongside the hands, are flattened, faceted and polished, before being coated with Super-LumiNova for round-the-clock legibility. In addition, the angle of the inner bezel is now wider and less steep, thus reducing the difference in height with the dial. The seconds scale is also now more detailed than before.
The movements
While the new three-hand Code 11.59 models utilise the watchmaker’s in-house calibre 4302 with hours, minutes, seconds and date, the calibre 4401 is an integrated self-winding chronograph movement with column wheel and flyback function. Both movements integrate a patented mechanism that provides stability and precision when setting the watch.
The Code 11.59 chronographs’ calibre 4401 also features a vertical gear train that prevents the hands from jumping when the chronograph is activated or stopped. Furthermore, a patented reset mechanism ensures that each counter hand returns to its original position.
The sapphire crystal caseback on all Code 11.59 novelties reveals the calibres’ impressive traditional decorations, as well as a brand new 22-carat pink gold open-worked oscillating weight. This new rotor is exclusive to the Code 11.59 line. Last but not least, both calibres have a solid power reserve of 70 hours and beat at a frequency of 4 Hz.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 in steel: Price and straps
As for the straps: Audemars Piguet match each dial of the Code 11.59 novelties with a rubber strap in the same colour. These straps feature a textile pattern and have a comfortable calf leather lining. In a final update, the strap’s pin buckle swaps the long engraved ‘Audemars Piguet’ signature for the AP monogram.
As for price: the blue and green dial three-hand models cost 24,800 euros. The beige dial three-hand model costs 27,200 euros. Meanwhile, the green and blue dial chronograph models cost 34,300 euros, while the beige dial chronograph’s price is 36,600 euros.
Today, Audemars Piguet is unveiling a number of new Royal Oak novelties well worth introducing, from turquoise and smoky blue dials to a new Jumbo Extra-Thin and a chronograph with blue sapphires. In this article, we introduce you to the absolute highlights. Royal Oak Automatic 37 mmwith a genuine turquoise dial The last time a…
Sixty years ago, Porsche presented the first Porsche 911 model, then known as the Porsche 901. The agile car, with its unmistakable silhouette, could accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds and quickly became a status symbol. In the same year, 1963, TAG Heuer also launched a model that still defines the brand today: the Carrera. Taking…
In July 2019, the Swiss watchmaker OMEGA unveiled the Speedmaster Moonwatch with the legendary calibre 321, however in a platinum execution. Now, this model is finally being launched in stainless steel, inspired from a Speedmaster ST 105.003 that astronaut Edward White wore on his wrist while walking in space for the first time. Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 in…
Omega offers a new take on the Speedmaster Moonphase. Now equipped with meteorite dials and a revised chronograph inside, the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite offer much appreciated updates to the enticing albeit until now somewhat forlorn collection. The two variants feature a substantially slim downed case profile (from 16,9 down to 13,6 mm) by ditching…
Platinum, steel, ceramic or gold – Bulgari's award-winning Octo Finissimo collection encompasses models made of all kinds of materials. Now, two carbon models with ultra-thin calibres have become its newest additions, enriching the collection. The design of the Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Automatic with small seconds and the Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Perpertual Calendar combines anthracite-coloured carbon with touches of gold.…
Greubel Forsey has reinvented its perpetual calendar QP in the new QP à Équation. Housed in a 43.5mm 5N red-gold case with a 'chocolate brown' dial, the watch incorporates a complete perpetual calendar, a tourbillon, and Equation of Time, which are operated using the bidirectional crown. The timepiece is presented on a hand-sewn alligator leather…
The Code 11.59 line from Audemars Piguet is only getting better – and two of its latest novelties are definitive proof. Growing into its own and developing its DNA ever further, the collection is evidently here to impress with the new Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon and Minute Repeater Supersonnerie. As always, Swisswatches is here…
Exclusively for owners of the new 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, Porsche Design is creating a matching timepiece: the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition chronograph. Both the car and the timepiece demonstrate attention to detail with what might seem like trivial details to some, but which are actually of great importance to connoisseurs…
Among the highlights of Chopard's releases at Watches & Wonders 2024 are two particularly attractive, vibrant models: a new Alpine Eagle Chrono and the L.U.C Forest Green. Both showcase handsome dial colours as well as equally high quality movements that one would indeed expect from the luxury maison. The Chopard Alpine Eagle Chrono The case…
The popular Tissot PRX is now also available as a chronograph. The wearer can now measure time intervals on the silver "Reverse Panda" dial. Alternatively there is a blue dial. The angular case remains quite similar and the automatic movement can be viewed through the transparent case back. The Tissot PRX Chronograph appears on an…
In the late 1970s, Porsche Design developed the stainless steel military chronograph. The timepiece, which was characterised by reliability and optimal readability, attracted the interest of the aviation industry. Soon, international air forces, such as the pilots of the US Air Force, wore a Porsche Design chronograph on their wrist. Today, more than 40 years…
Piaget is celebrating the history of the Altiplano Ultimate Concept with a unique piece. Until recently, the ultra-flat watch from 2018 was considered the flattest mechanical watch in the world. But then, on the occasion of Watches & Wonders 2022, Bulgari presented the Octo Finissimo Ultra, which has been leading the field ever since. Nonetheless,…
Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet has unveiled three new models in its Royal Oak Offshore collection. These Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph novelties come in 37 and 43 mm sizes, demonstrating a range of materials such as colored rubber, stainless steel, 18-carat pink gold, and black ceramic. These timepieces introduce fresh bronze, ivory, and blue…