Code 11.59; A Young Collectors Perspective

The Code 11.59 debuted by Audemars Piguet was hit with extreme controversy. Was this down to a mob mentality, or is there something truly wrong with the watch? Is it a combination of both?

Audemars Piguet has been "called out" for being a one watch company for many years. This is a little strange as the watch that they are known for is an icon of the watch world; the Royal Oak. Now my opinion of the Royal Oak, has been clear, it is simply my favorite watch every created. Was the code 11.59 a failed response to the call out, or do people just like to complain?

The watch is interesting, it doesn't follow the same type of style that the rest of the traditional watch companies of Geneva are producing, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. This was one of the few truly modern watches that has been produced. There is nothing that really set it apart as truly Audemars Piguet, there is no identity there. This is a first, and with a first in a whole new type of watch, there is definitely going to be backlash.

This is not to say that the code 11.59 loses all of its identity that they had with the Royal Oak. In fact they retain a lot of their identity keeping their 8 distinctive edges that really define the Royal Oak. The crystal on the code 11.59 is also fascinating, and the best that I could explain it is complicated.  It creates an incredible perspective that can not fully be taken advantage of on camera. People's criticism really comes from its counterparts, as it mildly looks like a Daniel Wellington or a MVMT watch but that would be a bit of a stretch.


The watch is something new thing the Audemars Piguet line, and kudos to them for trying something new, even though they really didn't have to. Alot of innovation in the watch community comes from going back to basics, and going vintage, but Audemars Piguet decided to innovate. The Perpetual Calendar, as well as the chronograph will grow on you after time, and when they do nothing but that they are beautiful can be said.

Why Vacheron Consantin Doesn't Belong in the Holy Trinity

The Holy Trinity of watches, or the big three, have been Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Consantin. Patek and Audemars Piguet have brought huge innovation, and real change to the watch community, but Vacheron Constantin has played a nominal role.

History 

Vacheron was founded in the late 1700's by an independent watchmaker named Jean-Marc Vacheron. The most innovative thing that Vacheron has done is create the first engine turned dials, but outside of that there isn't any sort of magic that makes these watches special. Instead Vacheron produces great watches, very respectable, but not in the top 3. 

Modern Day 

The most notable thing that Vacheron has done in the last 50 years is the collaboration with Hodinkee. Thats it. As someone who is, (relatively), new in the watch world, my family doesn't have a history in watches, Vacheron has not produced anything, besides the Hodinkee Cornes de Vache, that has really blown my mind. The overseas was their real attempt at a modern contemporary watch, that would bring them back into the market, but it really fell short. In modern times they don't really create any hard competition, in other words you are never going to buy a modern Vacheron over a Modern Patek.

Competition 

There are plenty of other brands that come to mind as better contenders for the Holy Trinity than a Vacheron. The first of which that comes to mind is A. Lange and Sohne. Now Lange, nothing more needs to be said, it's simply incredible. This is a brand, which in my and many other peoples minds, rivals Patek. That Datograph is simply one of the best watches ever created.
  
But let's say that the Holy Trinity must be Swiss, ok Jaeger Le Coultre. Jaeger Le Coultre produces similarly priced and similarly looking watches, but has done a much better job at advertising and innovating in a modern sense. The reverso is simply more important to the watch community then a Cornes de Vache or an overseas.

Vacheron, sadly, does not offer enough to be considered in the top three. It just doesn't have that special watch character.

Now heres some watch porn, all watches that are better then any Vacheron. 

The 5270J

All of Lange 

1815 Rattrapante 

5270J Salmon Dream Watch

The Reverso

       

F.P Journe, the greatest independent watchmaker of all time?

Francois Paul Journe is a man of high prestige in the watch community. These watches are some of the most valued pieces in the entire world, and are simply beautiful. Now F.P. Journe the brand is not yet an established brand. As it has been said by Hodinkee many a time, "You have to be really in it to know F.P. Journe".

The Watches 

Now there is so much to say about the beauty of the watches that Journe produces, and I dont have the capacity to explain it. These watches look interesting, different, innovative. These watches have that characteristic that can reignite ones passion about watches, and watchmaking.  

 

The Market

Independent watches, in some peoples opinion are a bit of a bubble. Some people think that independent brands will simply die out because an investment in an F.P Journe, is not going to hold the same value as an investment in Patek Phillippe. However, it seems as though people have, now, a particular craving for haute horology, something that F.P. Journe not only offers, but goes above and beyond with.