How to Choose the Perfect Audemars Piguet Code 11.59: A Guide for First-Time Buyers

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 is a relatively new collection from Audemars Piguet. When it was launched in 2019, the Code 11.59 debuted an innovative new design that deviated significantly from the popular and highly recognizable octagonal design of the Royal Oak.

Although it didn’t catch on right away, the Code 11.59 is gradually gearing up to become an iconic AP model. Despite the initial mixed reception, the brand has continued to stick with its new timepiece and even ramped up production and introduced new models.

The Code 11.59 has been a lot to take in, even for experienced collectors, with most buyers unsure what to make of the new collection. However, beginner collectors and first-time buyers will have an even harder time selecting the right Code 11.59 timepiece for themselves. If you have decided to take the leap and buy this watch, there are some things you might need to know. This guide provides some basic information about the AP Code 11.59 to help you select the right one.

Code 11.59 Models

As a beginner looking to buy a Code 1159 by Audemars Piguet timepiece, the first thing you need to be familiar with is the different models and references available for this collection. When AP first launched this collection in 2019, there were only 13 references spread across six different models.

Today, about five years down the line, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection now has 8 models with up to 36 references, which is impressive for such a young collection. In fact, some models have been retired already despite being such a young collection. Here’s a brief overview of the current Code 11.59 models to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Self-winding models

This refers to the classic time and date models of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59. This is the largest model in the collection, with up to 15 references currently in production. The model includes 41 and 38-mm variants typically made from 18-carat pink gold, white gold, and stainless steel materials.

Major references in this collection include Ref. 77410, which is the larger 41mm variant powered by the Caliber 4302 movement, and Ref. 15210, which is the smaller 38mm variant powered by the thinner Caliber 5900 movement.

Note that there are a few self-winding Code 11.59 without a date function. These are typically powered by the Caliber 4309 movement for the larger versions or the Caliber 5909 for the smaller 38mm versions.

Self Winding Chronograph

This is another expansive CODE 11.59 model, with up to 13 references currently in production. They are 41mm watches made from stainless steel, white and pink gold. As chronograph watches, they are characterized by three subdials, with the constant seconds at the 6 o’clock position. All CODE 11.59 self-winding chronographs have the same reference number, 26393, with extra prefixes to denote the material and other attributes.

Perpetual Calendar

This refers to the CODE 11.59 references with a perpetual calendar function. The current lineup only has one reference, the Ref. 26394 white gold timepiece. A distinct quality of the perpetual calendar models is the use of the Aventurine dial, which gives the dial a star-like appearance, so the moon phase subdial seems like it’s floating through a night sky.

Self-winding Flying Tourbillon

The AP Code 11.59 Self-winding flying tourbillon currently has two models in production. They are both two-toned watches, with one model featuring a black ceramic and pink gold casing while the other has white gold combined with black ceramic (instead of pink gold). The more complex Code 11.59 has an open flying tourbillon at the 6 o’clock position. The two variants of this model can also be distinguished by the dial colors. While the white gold model has a black onyx dial, the pink gold model comes with a smoked green enameled aventurine dial.

Tourbillon Openworked

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked has a skeletonized dial with a lacquered inner bezel instead of the fully lacquered dial seen in regular Tourbillon models. The open-worked design of this watch gives it a distinctive appearance and provides a full glimpse into the inner workings of the watch.

Self-Winding Flying Tourbillon Flyback Chronograph

The Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Flyback Chronograph collection has only one variant with the Reference number 26399. It comes in a casing that combines 18-carat white gold with black ceramic with subtle pink gold accents on the visible movement to add a unique finishing touch. This complicated Code 11.59 watch is powered by the Caliber 2952 movement, which has both flying tourbillon and flyback chronograph functions in addition to the center seconds, hours, and minutes functions. The model is only limited to 50 pieces which makes it extremely rare to find.

Minute Repeater Supersonnerie

The Code 11.59 Minute Repeater Supersonnerie is actually more sophisticated than it looks. The watch is powered by a Caliber 2953 movement, which has AP’s patented Minute repeater Supersonnerie functionality designed to enhance the acoustic performance of the minute repeater’s chime through a specially designed case construction. It features a simple black smoked sapphire dial, with pink gold hour markers and hands.

Ultra-Complication Universelle

If you’re looking to buy a super rare, ultra-complicated Code 11.59 timepiece, then you should consider getting the Ultra-Complication Universelle Ref. 26398. This highly sophisticated timepiece is powered by what has been described as the ultimate single self-winding movement – the Caliber 1000. This movement comes with multiple functions, including a Grande Sonnerie Supersonnerie, minute repeater, tourbillon, flyback chronograph, split-seconds chronograph, astronomical moon, moon phases, and date function, all in one timepiece. There are two variants of this timepiece, one with a pink gold outer case while the other has a white gold case.

Other Factors To Consider In Buying A Code 11.59 Timepiece

As the guide above shows, the AP Code 11.59 collection has several variants despite only being in production for a few years. Not only has the brand released several references so far, but they’re also characterized by different variations in materials, dial design, case size, and, of course, their pricing. In addition to the model options, here are some other factors to consider in choosing the right Code 11.59 timepiece for you.

Materials

When it comes to materials, you have two main options for the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 timepiece. There are the bi-color variants typically featuring a white gold or pink gold outer case and a middle case made from black ceramic materials. This variant is most common with the self-winding chronograph and flying tourbillon models. The other option is the single-color model, with the casing made entirely of white gold and pink gold. Stainless steel models are available as well, but these are not as common as the gold versions. Only the self-winding and self-winding chronograph versions of this timepiece have stainless steel versions.

Case Size

The Code 11.59 is a mid-sized watch. The most common size variant you’ll find in this collection is the 41mm version. While it’s bigger than a traditional dress watch, it’s still sleek enough to be worn for most occasions without overwhelming your wrist. However, if you prefer a slightly smaller watch or you have a small wrist, then the 38mm version might be your preferred choice. However, this would mean limiting yourself to the basic self-winding version of Code 11.59 since it is the only version of this timepiece that comes in a smaller case size. The biggest size option for this collection is the 42mm variant. Only the Ultra-Complication Universelle Ref. 26398 is available in this size option to accommodate the bigger watch movement.

Dial Options

Audemars Piguet took the greatest liberties with the dial design of the Self-winding models. Here, you will find the biggest dial variations, from white lacquered dials to blue sunburst dials. There are even diamond-paved time-only dial versions for this model like the colorful Ref. 77410BC featuring over 500 brilliant-cut pink sapphires and diamonds.

However, as you go higher to the more complex models in the collection, AP stuck to the simple classic dial colors. Most of the self-winding chronographs and other complicated variants come with blue, gray, and black dials, Although there are a few stunning green and purple lacquer variants as well. The tourbillon versions typically feature aventurine dials. They are designed to show off a star-like appearance so the watch face resembles the night sky.

Price

Audemars Piguet Code 1159 price mainly depends on the complexity of the model you have selected. The cheapest is obviously the basic self-winding models, starting as low as $28,000 on the secondary market. Comparatively, the self-winding chronograph models have their pricing at about $45,000 on the secondary market. Perpetual calendars can be up to $95,000, while flying tourbillon costs about $125,000 on average. The Minute Repeater Supersonnerie and the ultra-complicated models are the most expensive.

Pricing depends on various factors, from the materials to the dial variant and the complications. Although the collection was only launched in 2019, AP has discontinued some models, and the rarity of these discontinued versions may influence their pricing in the secondary market.

Conclusion

Despite its rough start, Code 11.59 is gradually becoming popular among collectors. While other and more iconic AP models are often more sought-after by collectors, beginners, and first-time buyers (as well as old-timers looking to add a modern timepiece to their existing collection) can definitely look into the Code 11.59. It’s an incredibly varied collection, and you’ll definitely find something to suit your taste and preferences.