When Audemars Piguet launched the totally new Code 11:59 collection back in January 2019, the brand’s CEO François-Henry Bennahmias referred to it as their biggest launch since 1972, the year when the brand’s poster watch Royal Oak was unveiled. Moving forward into the new millennia, AP is banking on the Code 11:59 to be one of its pillars much like the Royal Oak and the lesser-loved Royal Oak Offshore. While the latter of the two is known as a very masculine watch, the new Code 11:59 was designed to mitigate such an impression altogether. From the get go, all watches under the collection will have a 41mm case and no model will be skewed towards male or female buyers. It is a collection that can be worn by everyone.
Proof of this concept has been further expanded today with the launch of five new AP Code 11:59 chronographs and five more Selfwinding date, minute and seconds models. These new watches come with sunburst lacquered dials with rich smoked colors. Their deep hues of burgundy, blue, purple and gray come seemingly coming alive depending on the angle from which light touches the delicate sunburst pattern. The red shades of the burgundy model are elegantly contrasted with an 18-carat white gold case and white gold hour-markers and hands. Conversely, the deep colors of the purple and blue models are illuminated by 18-carat pink gold. Each model comes with a dedicated alligator strap matching the color of the dial for added character.
Inside the case, each Code 11:59 timepiece reside a mechanical masterpiece tailor made for a contemporary lifestyle. With their selfwinding mechanism, 70 hours of power reserve and water resistance to 30m, the Selfwinding Chronographs and Selfwinding date, hour, minute and second models are all designed to thrive in an active lifestyle.
In addition, the Selfwinding Chronograph models will please the sportier and more adventurous. These models are powered by calibre 4401, an integrated chronograph with column wheel and flyback function that enables to restart the chronograph without stopping and resetting it first. Visible through the watch’s sapphire caseback, the chronograph mechanism will appeal to admirers of beautiful micro-mechanics with its pioneering design revealing functions and components usually hidden from view.
As if to emphasize the fact that this collection was conceived for both men and women, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet is endowed with an ergonomic curvature perfectly suited to all wrists despite the watch’s 41 mm in diameter. The case’s arched profile also embodies the watch’s contemporary design, which is further amplified by the complex double curved sapphire crystal magnifying the meticulous details adorning the dial.
