Audemars Piguet was the guest of our review corner with its Perpetual Calendar model from the brand-new CODE 11.59 product group introduced in 2019.
The CODE 11.59 series is more than just any novelty for Audemars Piguet. Expectations for the series, which is created with a brand-new design language and a horological approach, are quite high on both the Audemars Piguet and the watch lovers' side. Let's see how realistic and how possible are all these expectations?
Wristwatches are the objects that come out mostly with the combination of metal, plastic, crystal, and leather components that fit in a few square centimeters of space. So, is it possible to reach a completely different, game-changer design after the over a hundred years old evolutionary process of watches? The answer to this question for Audemars Piguet was the CODE 11.59.
Starting with the case, you may have noticed that we are facing much more than a standard round-shaped case. The 18K pink gold case measuring 41mm x 10.9mm hosts many characteristic design elements. The most striking among these is undoubtedly the use of the octagonal form, which we are familiar with from the Royal Oak series, on the sides. Perforated lugs are also one of the characteristic design features. The case is equipped with sapphire crystals on both sides and is water-resistant to 20 meters. They are not just crystals, by the way. The form of the sapphire crystals on the front side of the CODE series has been extraordinarily designed by Audemars Piguet, which deserves an article of its own. The production difficulty of the double-curved crystal and the light games created on the dial deserve rightful respect.
We also encounter unusual details in the dial. Watching the gold applique accents on the navy-blue lacquered dial and being exposed to the effects of hundreds of stars placed on the background are simply “enjoyable”.
The dial features leap year and month indicators at 12-o'clock, date display at 3 o'clock date, day display at 9 o'clock, a moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock, and finally weeks on the inner bezel that surrounds the dial.
Wide alligator strap and buckle made of 18K pink gold are among the elements that reinforce the sporty side of the model. In the meantime, there are strap alternatives produced exclusively for the CODE 11.59 series offering countless colors and materials, available in Audemars Piguet boutiques.
Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Perpetual Calendar is powered by the manufacture Caliber 5134. 38 jewels/374 parts self-winding movement operates at a frequency19800vph and offers a 40-hour power reserve. Only the lucky minority to own this special watch will be able to enjoy the rotation of the 22K gold rotor through the sapphire crystal display case back.
CODE 11.59 Perpetual Calendar is a rare piece created for those who want to experience the newest by Audemars Piguet. Who wouldn't want to have a watch created with such a deep-rooted brand with almost 150 years of experience?
