It has been five years since Code 11.59 watches arrived as a fully-formed core collection for Audemars Piguet that CEO François-Henry Bennahmias described as “the biggest launch since 1972”, the year AP unveiled the first Royal Oak.
It is fair to say this was a watch collection the world was not waiting for, and it was initially lambasted on social media. The message appeared to be, if it is not a Royal Oak, it is not an AP.
Five years on and, while the naysayers have been largely silenced as the elegant and sophisticated collection has evolved, it is also fair to say that Code 11.59 still remains in the shadow of its Gerald Genta-designed stablemate.
Line extensions this year may not move the needle much, but Code 11.59 is now a well-established part of the AP arsenal that has appeal to both men and women and 2024 will see seven fresh references in 38mm and 41mm sizes.
All are cased in 18ct pink gold and have the signature concentric circle guilloché pattern.
The launch of a gender-neutral 38mm case size last year has been built upon with two new pieces, one with a light blue dial, the other a dark blue inspired by the night sky.
Both come with alligator leather straps matching the colour of the dials or textured rubber strap in light or dark blue.
38mm rose gold pieces are retailing for £29,700.
The remainder of this season’s drop are in the original 41mm diameter.
There are dark green and dark blue three-hand automatics, worn on rubber straps designed to look like fabric, which are on sale now for £30,800.
The same colour combinations of dials and straps are also used for two chronographs priced at £43,200, plus there is a third piece in contrasting black and rose gold.
