As part of its big batch of 2024 releases, Audemars Piguet updated its Code 11.59 collection with seven fresh references. The new Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 watches, which include time-and-date models and chronographs, are all crafted in 18k pink gold and maintain the updated embossed dial design unveiled in 2023 on stainless steel models.
The new time-and-date Code 11.59 watches are offered in two sizes: 38mm and 41mm. The 38mm variations are 9.6mm thick and are available with light blue (ref. 77410OR.OO.A344CR.01) or dark blue (ref. 77410OR.OO.A342CR.01) dials, which AP calls “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” — the now famous shade that debuted on the first Royal Oak in 1972. Each model comes with an alligator strap in the same color as the dial but a secondary textured rubber strap (in a similar color to the original leather one) is also available. The Code 11.59 38mm watches run on the Caliber 5900, the same movement introduced on select 37mm Royal Oak references launched in 2022. The slim (3.9mm) self-winding movement provides 60 hours of power reserve and ticks at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz).
On the other hand, the two larger Code 11.59 watches measure 41mm in diameter and 10.2mm thick. They’re offered in the same “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” dial color (ref. 15210OR.OO.A348KB.01), as well as, forest green (ref. 15210OR.OO.A056KB.01). This pair of Code 11.59 41mm models comes only with matching textured rubber straps. These references are powered by the 4 Hz Caliber 4302 with 70 hours of power reserve.
The other three new Code 11.59 references are chronographs, sporting 41mm cases that are 12.6mm thick. Two of the three include full 18k pink gold cases, one in “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” (ref. 26393OR.OO.A348KB.01) and the other in forest green (26393OR.OO.A056KB.01). The third, a black version (ref. 26393NR.OO.A002KB.02), includes a pink gold case with a black ceramic case middle and crown. This version, in particular, highlights the characteristic (and I think quite cool) octagonal middle case of the Code 11.59 watches, a detail that can often get lost with full metal case iterations. Yet again, the watches are paired with textured rubber straps that match their respective dials.
The dial layouts include counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, along with a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock and a tachymeter scale around the periphery. The Code 11.59 Selfwinding Chronographs are equipped with Caliber 4401, an integrated automatic vertical-clutch, column-wheel flyback chronograph movement with 70 hours of power reserve and a 4 Hz frequency rate.
Commenting on the latest Code 11.59 models, Sofia Candeias, Product Director of Audemars Piguet, said, “These new models follow the different evolutions that the collection has seen in 2023. In addition to the new signature decoration now appearing on certain 41 mm gold models, the 38 mm line has now been enriched with new references and original colors, enabling the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet to be worn on all types of wrists, illustrating its extreme versatility as well as its contemporary spirit.”
Regardless of the size, function, or color, these seven new Code 11.59 watches have a handful of shared design traits. For instance, they all have 18k pink gold hands and applied hour markers on their circular embossed dials. The hands and indexes are, as you’d expect, furnished with luminescence while the date windows are framed in pink gold and color-matched to the dial. The models are all also topped with the double-curved sapphire crystal that’s customary across all Code 11.59 watches. Again, I think this is a detail that doesn’t always stand out enough in photographs compared to when the watches are in hand. All the casebacks are fitted with sapphire crystals to see the movements inside and each of these seven watches is water-resistant to 30 meters.
It’s been five years since the launch of the Code 11.59 collection, and while there was plenty of initial pushback from the noisy watch enthusiast community about the watches’ designs, Audemars Piguet is continuing to not only expand the lineup but to evolve it too. No surprises here, but I find the 38mm versions the most appealing, especially the light blue one. The price for the Code 11.59 Selfwinding 38 is $33,200 USD whereas the Code 11.59 Selfwinding 41 retails for $34,400 USD. The Code 11.59 Selfwinding Chronograph 41 is priced at $48,200 USD. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
