2019 is the last year that best Audemars Piguet will attend the annual SIHH High Watch and Jewellery Fair. The brand did not indicate a specific post-SIHH plan, but said it would consider holding future new product events around the world. In addition to better themes for new product releases, Audemars Piguet is following the growing trend of the watch industry, that is, there is no obligation to release new products every year. However, this is another topic of discussion. Audemars Piguet did seize the opportunity of the SIHH 2019 exhibition and released their first new watch series in a long time under Code 11.59. In this article, I will discuss my personal experience with Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 automatic winding chronograph.
Finally, an integrated Audemars Piguet chronograph movement
The Code 11.59 automatic winding chronograph is one of two Code 11.59 products, equipped with a new movement called 4401-this movement has the movement that collectors have been longing for. The new self-made integrated chronograph of Code 11.59 automatic winding chronograph replaces the old modular chronograph that is still used in various Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Offshore Royal Oak.
The release of Calibre 4401 is as important as the Code 11.59 movement itself, but in many respects, this movement is only worth mentioning. Audemars Piguet did not brag about the introduction of new technologies or materials in 4401. Its performance is sufficient, but not outstanding. The movement eventually ran at 4Hz (compared with 3Hz before) and now has a longer power reserve of 70 hours. I would say that it is pleasant to operate the timing device through the buttons, and the overall movement does feel exquisite.
The movement has a unique appearance, beautiful architecture and some high-end clock decorations. Above the movement is a highly hollow rotor with brand initials. People can appreciate the movement through the sapphire crystal on the back of the watch.
Audemars Piguet stated that the purpose of developing the Code 11.59 watch is to finally launch a round case that excites consumers. Now that it seems to have been discontinued, Jules Audemars is the brand’s previous round case series. I have always been a fan of Jules Audemars and blamed its lack of demand on too few ads. It also exists in the crowded space of “mature” round formal watches, which have more in common than differences.
Audemars Piguet did not want to produce a sophisticated retro round case, and set out to design a case that matched the manly jewellery charm of modern Royal Oak watches. In other words, the Code 11.59 case is very different from all other Audemars Piguet watches. Apart from the brand logo, for me, the only design element that other members of the Audemars Piguet watch series hear is the design of the Code 11.59 strap buckle.
Audemars Piguet hyped the Code 11.59 41 mm wide and 12.6 mm thick (water-resistant 30 meters) case structure and strict tolerances. First, the chronograph will use an 18k white gold or pink gold case (each case has a black or blue dial color option). The hollow lugs are actually connected to the bezel, and the back of the watch fits neatly, as if the lugs are physically connected to it. Case polishing is an attractive mixture of brushed and finely polished surfaces. I found this case to be very comfortable to wear and good-looking, although I realize that its novelty in Audemars Piguet means that it will take a few years for people to begin to associate it with the brand-related aesthetic.
Unfortunately, in 2019, there may be a few more years, there is a lack of matching metal bracelets. All Code 11.59 watches use precious metal cases and no other materials are currently available. Therefore, matching bracelets also need to be made of precious metals-this will greatly increase the cost of the watch (possibly doubled). consumer price sensitivity has dropped a lot, so I think if Code 11.59 has an attractive metal bracelet option, many people will accept it. The Royal Oak itself is popular for its excellent (now iconic) bracelet.
The sapphire crystal on the Code 11.59 dial is double domed, and its curved way gives people an illusion. It makes viewing the case more interesting, and although it doesn’t help the dial legibility situation, I don’t think it will obviously hurt it-more on that later.
A collector I admire shared a wisdom with me, and I agree. We are all particularly interested in the dial design of the Code 11.59 three-hand and chronograph. Having said that, when a new version of Code 11.59 watches starts to be released in the future, the dial and hands are elements that are easier to redo. So no, I don’t like these dial designs, but I think the future is full of hope.
It is impossible for me to know exactly what Audemars Piguet‘s goal is. The Code 11.59 watch seems to crave a minimalist look. I know that Audemars Piguet is trying to attract new (young) watch lovers who have just entered the world of luxury watches. They hope that Code 11.59 will become a new target for those who think Royal Oak is a watch designed for older men. I fully understand this sentiment, and it seems that the designers working on the Code 11.59 project are inspired by simple watch designs that have been inspired by cheap watches that have become popular on social media channels (such as Instagram) in the past few years. universal.
My theory is that with Code 11.59 products, Audemars Piguet is trying to find a familiar product that eventually become money “social media generation” kids will see, and therefore what they want. I hope so, because the consensus of those of us who did not grow up with social media marketing-born watch brands is that Audemars Piguet did not capture the essence of the brand, or did not have enough visual appeal to today’s enthusiasts.
What’s wrong with Code 11.59 dialing? This is not where I judge taste and artistic preferences, but I can talk about practical issues such as proportions and legibility. My main problem with Code 11.59 dials—especially chronographs—is that reading time is too challenging. The dial design uses two polished needle pointers, which is very challenging in many lighting scenarios. I think you can accept it, but I don’t understand that those who have admired the strong readability of most Royal Oak models since childhood would agree that Code 11.59 is equally successful in terms of readability.
Repairing the dial is as simple as updating the hands, but for me, the dial usually lacks any vitality or visual interest. Many allusions can be made to the dials of other watch brands, and the overall dial seems to lack any unique original elements. I also feel that at this price, Audemars Piguet should match the date numbers with the font colors of the hour markers on all dials (rather than just a few as it is now). discount replica watch
In my opinion, when people complain about Code 11.59, their main concern is dial design-compared to the capabilities of this great brand, this seems disappointing to many people. My favorite Audemars Piguet can do better, and it will definitely do better in the future when the new Code 11.59 model finally comes out.
What also angered watch enthusiasts at SIHH 2019 is that Audemars Piguet seemed to know that there was a problem with their dials when attending the show (many traditional watch media would not accept these dials well). Some watch media have been exposed to Code 11.59 watches early on, and they also happen to be very optimistic. Coupled with clear marketing expenditures, consumers believe that their opinions have been paid for.
Regardless of whether Audemars Piguet actively seeks media opinions, in the eyes of many consumers and members of the watch industry, they have indeed done so. This has caused a huge cognitive blow to the brand, which is regrettable. I personally admire Audemars Piguet’s long history and many honors. Some of my favorite brand managers, including Jean-Claude Biver, are graduates of this legendary and still independent Swiss watch manufacturer. In my opinion, the behavior of any brand leader who is responsible for trying to buy rather than earning the respect and admiration of the media does not represent the greater personality of the company.
It makes sense to have a new round case that appeals to young people, although I think Audemars Piguet expects some consumers to purchase Code 11.59 price increases a bit ambitious. Perhaps in the future there will be a steel Code 11.59 watch with an improved dial. This can happen easily. In the near future, even improved dials may become a reality. In any case, I appreciate Audemars Piguet’s efforts to get rid of the shackles of the “Royal Oak Only” brand, and Code 11.59 can prove to be an important step in this direction. People today really like what this brand stands for, and I think they should stand on their wrists best.