A Legacy of Excellence: The Heritage Behind Audemars Piguet Code 11.59

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection is relatively young collection compared to older timepieces by the Audemars Piguet company. Yet, it has proven to be outstanding in many remarkable ways. The Code 11.59 represents a whole new generation of AP timepieces. It took the company no less than 7 years to develop and create the concept of this watch, a demonstration of the depth of thinking and consideration that goes into making an innovative timepiece like this. 

The Code 11.59 follows AP’s legacy of excellence. This watch's bold and challenging design is entirely different from anything in the AP lineup before it - and that’s remarkable because the Swiss manufacturer has a legacy that spans over a century. As the company claims, this watch is designed to “break all the rules.”

Since the 19th century, AP has continuously pushed the boundaries of horological excellence. This has led to quite an impressive lineup of timepieces. The new Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection stands out as a masterpiece in its own right. Featuring a distinguished look and a unique set of features, the AP Code 11.59 is gradually solidifying its place in the world of luxury watches. 

So, what exactly makes this watch a timeless piece of artistry? What is the legacy of Code 11.59, and what are its most unique features? In this article, we’ll explore the heritage of this watch and some of its most remarkable features.

Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 - The Birth of a Legend

Every enduring watchmaker has a long list of legendary timepieces, each demonstrating horological excellence. Having been in the watchmaking industry since 1875 and extolling a culture of innovation and experimentation, Audemars Piguet has no shortage of remarkable firsts.

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 is the latest in the company’s journey of horological excellence. This watch was unveiled in 2019 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), where the company announced six original models and 13 individual references. Since its introduction, this line has expanded with more models and references featuring various modifications. 

Although this line was initially met with a mix of opinions (mainly due to its unfamiliar design), Code 11.59 has gradually gained momentum in the market. The watch is an explicitly modern creation that pays homage to the manufacturer's time-honored horological traditions. 

According to AP’s CEO, François-Henry Bennahmias, the main reason for creating this watch was to “ bring forward the brand's history.” The new watch recalled various details from some of the brand’s iconic creations from the past while highlighting AP’s ability to innovate - something that has helped the company survive for the past 145 years. 

What’s In A Name? 

When you think of the AP Code 11.59, the collection's unique name is one of the first things that stands out right away. Interestingly, the meaning behind the name perfectly captures the strategic thinking behind the watch and the legacy AP hopes to achieve with the collection. The collection’s name is an initialism whose meaning is highlighted below: 

The AP Code 11.59 is a reference to Audemars Piguet’s commitment to challenging the boundaries of horological craftsmanship, staying true to its roots while still daring to follow new convictions and evolve as a brand. 

The“11:59” timestamp represents the final moment before a brand new day, or in this case, the dawn of a new horological era. Audemars Piguet has always thrived on innovation, operating beyond the conventions of the traditional watchmaking industry. 

However, around the 1970s, the brand started focusing more on selling its more successful sportier lines spearheaded by the Royal Oak. This makes the CODE 11.59 so remarkable because it’s different from the typical Audemars Piguet watches that people have grown familiar with in the 21st century. 

This isn’t the first time Audemars Piguet will be making such a bold move in design direction. In the 1910s, as the Art Nouveau period gradually ended, AP’s watch designers stepped away from the classical designs of that era, embracing simpler geometric designs that would later become the defining identity of the brand’s watches for the rest of the 20th century. 

Once again, by creating the unconventional Code 11.59, Audemars Piguet is experimenting with a new age of artistic mastery and complex watch architecture. Achieving this required adopting a new set of tools, skills, and techniques needed to achieve the aesthetic complexity of the Code 11.59 line. 

A Legacy of Elegance 

Despite an obvious deviation from the regular, the Code 11.59 collection still upholds Audemars Piguet’s legacy of elegant design. Each timepiece in this new collection exudes a sense of sophistication and refinement, making it the perfect timepiece for casual and formal occasions. This explains why it is one of the most sought-after watches in recent times. 

One of the most striking features of the AP Code 11.59 is the complex architecture of the watch’s casing. While Audemars Piguet is known for producing watches with octagon bezels, such as the Royal Oak, it also has a few oval designs (like the Millenary collection) and some round cases as well. For Code 11.59, AP decided to ditch all these or combine them to create a single elegant casing. 

The Code 11.59 blends the octagonal casing with a classic round design. Technically, the case is round, but the middle of the case has an octagonal shape. It also featured open-worked lugs and an ultra-curved sapphire glass that adds a layer of complexity to the design while demonstrating Audemars Piguet’s horological mastery. 

The AP Code 11.59 collection further impresses buyers with its selection of deep-colored dials across the different references. From rich blues to intense black colors, these watch faces take you on a journey of depth and color, creating a deep illusion of infinite space within the dial. 

The Code 11.59 collection embraces the complex art of complication. In addition to using some of the most advanced movements in each piece, Audemars Piguet has incorporated various intricate features into each reference.

Showcasing the brand’s legacy of technical ingenuity. The references available include a date-time display model, a complex tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, and other watch complications meticulously integrated into each piece to create a harmonious work of art. 

The Past Meets the Future 

From its history and motivation for its design, it’s obvious that AP expects the Code 11.59 collection to kickstart a new era in watch design that will have a considerable impact on the company’s future. This becomes even more obvious with every new reference added to the collection. It’s a bold move toward modernizing the watchmaker’s brand while staying true to its rich heritage. 

The Audemars Piguet brand doesn’t shy away from taking risks and experimenting with new concepts to create an exceptional collection that will leave an indelible mark on the luxury watchmaking universe. The Code 11.59 is more than just a watch. It’s a statement reaffirming AP’s commitment to innovation as it steps boldly into the future. 

This timepiece is more than just a luxury acquisition for enthusiasts and collectors. Making a bold decision to buy this unique piece instead of going for a more traditional AP option demonstrates trust in the brand's legacy, and all it stands for in terms of innovative design, artistic expression, and meticulous craftsmanship. 

Conclusion

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection is a product of decades of excellence and dedication to innovation. More than just a timepiece, this beautiful watch is a conversation starter that stands out on every wrist and sets a new benchmark for Audemars Piguet’s future. 

While it might be too early to say how genuinely iconic this new AP collection will be, the Code 11.59 clearly has all the ingredients to be called a true masterpiece. The watch perfectly blends elegance and innovation into one seamless creation. 

Whether it attains actual iconic status or not, the legacy of this watch will be that of boldness and Audemars Piguet’s ambition. It demonstrates the watchmaker’s willingness to embrace change and push the boundaries of what can be considered fashionable in the world of horology. We eagerly look forward to what could potentially be the next chapter in Audemars Piguet's long legacy of creating exceptional wristwatches.