CODE 11.59 BY AUDEMARS PIGUET Watches
Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 automatic winding
On a recent trip to Brassus, Angus Davies took the opportunity to examine the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Self-winding watch up close. In addition, he took the time to observe behind the scenes of the making of this model, witnessing first-hand the impressive attention to detail.
I have visited the Audemars Piguet Manufacture in Le Brassus several times over the years. The historic company is located in the mountains of Switzerland, which are covered in snow for most of the winter. In summer, this village in the watchmaking region of the Valley of the Ruins is bathed under a clear blue sky, accompanied by the quiet music of the abbey. Regardless of the prevailing season, however, fine watchmaking will not weaken. This has been the case since Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875.
For many admirers of the premium brand, attention has always been on the models the company has produced since 1972. The legendary "Royal Oak" was originally a self-winding stainless steel Best replica watch showing hours, minutes, seconds and date. Over the years, it has continued to contain precious metals and complications, however, the charm of the original continues to shine through.
In 1993, inspired by the success of Gérald Genta's superb design in 1972, the Swiss company introduced the generously proportioned "Royal Oak Offshore". At 42mm in diameter, it seemed large compared to competing watches of the time. In the years that followed, public demand for oversized watches grew exponentially, and AP catered to this horological obsession with several creepy models, including the famous 48mm T3.
A few years ago, I remember chatting with Octavio Garcia, who was Audemars Piguet’s chief artistic officer at the time. I pointed out that the company’s name was always associated with Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore, to the exclusion of the brand’s other models. In addition, the AP's catalog on the back of the Royal Oak, nearly 100 years before its launch, includes numerous watches in a variety of different shapes, yet the watch-buying public doesn't seem to be aware of this impressive legacy. . My perception at the time was that the names "Royal Oak" and "Royal Oak Offshore" had outgrown the brand. However, I remember leaving the Octavio feeling shackled with two iconic models and AP's reluctance to explore non-octagonal designs.
Earlier this year, at SIHH 2019, Audemars Piguet launched the Code 11:59 collection. The reaction to the model can only be described as "hostile". Personally, during SIHH, I took the opportunity to check out the Code 11.59 Self-winding Flying Tourbillon to see what the fuss was about, and honestly, I loved it. Decorated with smiling details, this watch represents a brave departure from the aforementioned Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore. I'm a little confused as to why this watch provokes such meanness.cheap Ulysse Nardin
Visit Le Brassus
Needless to say, I feel obligated to revisit the collection and learn more about the models in detail. Audemars Piguet gladly acceded to my request to visit its Le Brassus headquarters and see the new collection up close.
Upon arrival, my host started showing a collection of vintage models. Some of these models predate the legendary Royal Oak, featuring irregular lines and infused with an incredible aesthetic. It's clear that the brand was trying to embrace this amazing creativity when it conceived of Code 11.59.
Then I saw some large format 3D printed models, each depicting a different component of the enclosure. I've seen them before at SIHH 2019, but they're still mesmerizing and show that the brand's designers have an almost obsessive attention to detail.
I have since been invited to go back to school and try polishing a large octagonal piece of metal. Some sections must be chamfered while maintaining the flat profile of adjacent surfaces. I found this technique challenging to master, but it did prove a fitting way to convey the skill and patience required to get the case to the desired finish.
While the first hour of my AP experience was within the confines of the office, it wasn't long before I was taken to its modern production facility. Today's watch factories are not the same as the company's workshops at the end of the 19th century. Now, the brightly lit room takes on a sterile quality, free of dust. Soon I was wearing a rustic watchmaker's coat, and my shoes were covered with disposable overshoes, reducing the risk of contaminating the perfect floor.
However, while the room is full of high-tech vibes, traditional craftsmanship prevails. The watchmaker's fingertips are wrapped in pink rubber, preventing the parts from being damaged by greasy smudges. The screws were cleverly tightened without any scratches or chews on the head. There are some examples of automation, but without compromising quality. A closer look at the movement with a hand-held magnifying glass reveals pearl patterns, Côtes de Genève and angles. High-end finishing is ubiquitous, continuing the brand's reputation for fine watchmaking.JACOB CO ASTRONOMIA GAMBLER
Finally, I had a chance to check out a few models from the Code 11.59 collection. I enter a room with countless Royal Oaks and Royal Oak Offshore collections adorning the walls, including some rare references. More relevantly, I was able to take a closer look at several versions of Code 11.59. There are several models for me to admire, however, one stands out and, surprisingly, is the most affordable reference in the range, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding.
dial
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 self-winding watch is available in three colors of dial: black, blue and white. The latter option appeals to me the most. The dial is lacquered to complement the 18-carat rose gold case. The other dial colors feature the 18-karat white gold case, but I found the warmth of the pink gold case particularly appealing.
The hour and minute hands are also made of 18 karat rose gold, very slim but easy to read. Indeed, the minute hand is perfectly integrated with the concise minute watch, which perfectly interprets the current time. The hour-markers, also in 18-karat rose gold, are attached to the dial membrane, giving the display a three-dimensional appeal. In fact, the dial plays the depth repeatedly. For example, the rehaut marked with a 5-minute integer is located above the plane of the main dial.
When evaluating the design of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding, one will find many examples of the brand's use of alternating finishes, such as brushed and polished surfaces, and perhaps more strikingly different shapes and contours. For example, the hour markers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock are curved to create areas of brilliance.replica BREITLING SUPER CHRONOMAT
The date window is located between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock. Personally, I'd prefer the date at 3 o'clock as it would provide excellent readability, although I'll admit that's a minor issue.
A closer inspection of Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 Selfwinding reveals the brand's obsessive attention to detail. The brand's nomenclature lies below noon. Typically, its wide format and low aspect ratio require printed text, but, in line with numbers, use the company name. Unusually, the family used LIGA technology to grow the gold name atom by atom. It is unusual to use LIGA for gold components, often this state-of-the-art technology is used to manufacture extremely fine movement components. The resulting logo sticks to the dial membrane with tiny feet and is very attractive.
Watches have a simple, uncomplicated appearance when viewed in one dimension, such as a photo. However, when viewed up close, its intricate composition stands out and its thoughtful design is easy to appreciate.
case
Unlike the aforementioned Royal Offshore T3, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 self-winding is not bulky, measuring just 41mm in diameter. Its size will suit a wide range of potential wearers.
Sapphire crystal is very complex. It is curved along a north-south axis, while the inner crystal is domed. Of course, the crystal provides a clear view of the dial membrane while presenting a changing look.top replica watch
Adjacent to the sapphire crystal is an extremely slender curved bezel. It both accentuates the size of the expansive dial area and injects a refined, soft-spoken character into the overall aesthetic.
Once again, the Associated Press makes a clever use of the contrast-pleasing effect. While the bezel is curved, the caseback is straight. The bezel and caseback are round, but the case is octagonal. The case, skeletonized lugs and crown are satin-brushed and finished with an elegant polished gold base. The gleaming inner edges of the lugs resemble the gleaming bevelled edges on the fine movements, a retouch familiar to the brand since 1875.
The case structure is complex. The skeletonized lugs are welded to the bezel while resting on the case back. The strap is part of a discrete capsule that sits between the bezel and the case back.
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 self-winding watch comes on a brown alligator leather strap with a rose gold pin buckle. The strap is fastened to the lugs with hex screws.
sports
AP is a manufacturer headquartered in a region synonymous with a generational manufacturing movement. Its watchmaking ability is beyond doubt. The manufacturer's self-winding calibre 4302 is one of six new movements introduced at SIHH 2019 and continues the brand's reputation for excellence in watchmaking. In fact, while it may be the simplest movement in this sextet, in terms of complexity, this movement is still a paragon of fine watchmaking.https://www.reviewluxurystore.com
The first aspect of the movement that grabs the attention of the onlooker is the 22-karat gold oscillating weight. The coat of arms of the Audemars and Piguet families is embossed with two holes with original, gleaming bevels.
The main plate is decorated with pearls, the jewels and screws are located in the polished sink, and the wheels have a round texture. The plywood is decorated with a Côtes de Genève pattern, engraved with gold text, and has a shimmering sheen. Quite simply, the finish is typical of this esteemed Maison.
Although this is the most affordable Code 11.59 out there, the Swiss company isn't ignoring the spec. The movement features a variable inertia balance, technically superior to the ubiquitous regulating balance. With variable inertia balance, turning the weight changes the moment of inertia, which adjusts the rate. By adopting this method, the breathing of the hairspring is more concentric, which improves precision. In the case of Caliber 4302, the balance wheel is equipped with a C-shaped mass, located inside the plate, which reduces air turbulence and again increases precision. The balance is oscillated at 28,800 VpH (4Hz).
The large barrel utilizes enough energy to provide 70 hours of autonomous operation. The movement contains 257 parts, including 32 jewels. replica luxury watches
