SIHH 2019: Audemars Piguet

Decoding and redefining a new revolutionary chapter in the history for Audemars Piguet at this year’s SIHH.

Controversial it may be for many, the Code 11.59 Collection by Audemars Piguet is not what one would expect from the brand who has been living off its success from the iconic styles such as the Royal Oak range for the past 47 years, and collectors still can’t get enough of them.

For me, I was glad that I didn’t attend the group presentation and opted for a private photo session with their watches and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by this new range, especially up close in detail. Code 11.59 the abbreviation stands for: Challenge -Challenge the limits of craftsmanship, Own – Our roots and legacy, Dare – To follow firm convictions, Evolve – Never stand still, 11.59 – The last minute before a new day.

Code 11.59 composed of six new models with 13 combinations, three brand-new calibres with an in-house integrated chronograph which represents one of the most important launches for Audemars Piguet ever. The all rounded models all come in 41mm in white or pink gold that defines this collection pretty much for the unisex market.

At first glance, the case appears to be round with absolutely no traces of the geometries from their past DNA but if you look closer, their octagon shape has been embedded into the middle case. Their latest double curved crystal also plays an important element using the depth and perception of light looking into the inner beauty of their dials and their latest 3D logo.

Starting from the basic. The Code 11.59 Selfwinding comes in black dial 18K white or pink gold case, blue dial in 18K white gold case and white dial in 18K pink gold case.

The Code 11.59 Minute Repeater Supersonnerie.

The Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon comes in 18K white gold and in 18K pink gold with tourbillon features at 6 o’clock,and both finishes in “Grand Feu” enamel.

The Code 11.59 Selfwinding Chronograph comes in blue dial in 18K white and pink gold and black dial in 18K white and pink gold.

The Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar in blue aventurine dial in a star-lit sky effect in 18K pink gold case.

Finally, the Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked with its unique hand-wound movement and dark openworked structure in 18K pink gold case.

And for those Royal Oak enthusiasts, behold, Audemars Piguet also came out with some absolutely to-die-for models from their Royal Oak Offshore collection in three camouflage colours in blue, brown, and green in 44mm. These are their latest Selfwinding Chronograph in ceramics bezel finished with “Méga Tapisserie” pattern dial in 18K white or pink gold case, equipped with matching camouflage coloured rubber straps.

At last, don’t forget to frost yourself with some of these unique pieces from their Royal Oak Frosted Gold collection, including the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double balance Wheel Openworked in hammered 18K white gold, bezel set with rainbow-coloured baguette-cut sapphires in 37mm case, and the Royal Oak frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked in 41mm hammered 18K white gold case.