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.