Unlike last year’s CODE 11.59 watch, some new versions confuse things by combining a vivid dial with a two-tone gold case. The four light gray and dark gray dial models combine an 18-carat rose gold middle case and an 18-carat white gold bezel, lugs and back cover. Interestingly, the applied time scales and hands match the material of the middle case rather than the bezel, which undoubtedly highlights the two-tone aspect of the watch from all angles. Whether this combination is really effective can be said to be a matter of taste. It should also be noted that although Audemars Piguet confidently calls this line “eternal”, there is no doubt that two-tone watches will fall out of favor sooner or later. More importantly, it is important to look at the two-color box from the collector’s point of view. Two-tone gold cases are extremely rare in the history of Audemars Piguet watches-for example, of the 550 watches produced and sold between 1882 and 1969, only eight watches combined two types of gold-white gold and rose gold The combination is particularly unusual. In other words, they are gradually becoming more and more common, and it seems that watch companies are now preparing to use two-tone gold combinations more frequently.
Interestingly, there were actually two CODE 11.59 released last year-platinum and rose gold Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch Edition. Its price is no less than one million Swiss francs. Second, the highly acclaimed [Re]master01 self-winding chronograph released earlier this year uses an unusual combination of rose gold and stainless steel. These two AP watches are likely to be the key factors for the two-color CODE 11.59 model this year.
At the same time, the remaining six watches use only one case material-otherwise it will cause confusion, because the dial color is bright and bold. The burgundy dial watch uses an 18-carat white gold case, while the purple and blue versions have an 18-carat pink gold case. The applied hour markers and hands match the material of the case. At this point-Arabic numerals are inspired by the minute repeater of the 1940s-pay tribute to the roots of the brand.
CODE 11.59: Highlights
As mentioned earlier, Audemars Piguet claims to have launched the CODE 11.59 series, hoping to demonstrate the manufacturer’s long tradition in designing experiments. Perhaps this is why this watch took more than five years to create. The watch explored a variety of new innovative watchmaking methods, from its unique case shape to the unusual layering method used for dial markings.
Case: “Natural classic, unconventional design”
In the case of Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59, with its juxtaposition geometry, it is the defining characteristic of the watch by Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59. According to Bennahmias, the team went through about 25 different designs, plus many different interior and exterior designers, before finally finalizing the design of the “round” case.
The three-piece case of Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59-the easiest to see in the two-color version-is all watchmaking; push the boundaries and don’t be afraid to try. The 41mm case integrates an octagonal middle case-which may be a tribute to the brand’s first octagonal watch in 1917-with a round ultra-thin bezel and stylized arched lugs. As mentioned earlier, the two-color version will definitely attract people’s attention to this unusual design, which may be missed at first glance.
The lugs of the watch case need a new production process, getting rid of the traditional watch case manufacturing process. Hollow lugs, hand-soldered with solder paste, combine a total of five different shafts. First, they are welded to the upper bezel to give a clear view of the octagonal middle case. Secondly, the upper lug is welded to the ultra-thin bezel, while the bottom lug just rests on the bottom cover. To understand what this measurement looks like in real life: it leaves enough space for a piece of paper to slide into the gap between the case and the lugs, basically letting the lugs float in the air. replica watches china
Unusually, the case material is used alternately between beveled, satin-finished and polished parts. Due to the angular shape of the case and the variety of round surfaces, this is no easy task. Therefore, Audemars Piguet uses a highly professional team of six polishers and five satin drawing experts. More importantly, because of the details of the case itself, the job of the polisher is more complicated-the parts cannot even be changed slightly, as this will affect the alignment of the watch.
All in all, the unusual combination of round cases, somehow octagonal at the same time, is not only unique, but also a key factor in how CODE 11.59 will become a work with its own identity in the future. It is also designed as a practical watch case-due to its curved design, it is designed to fit any wrist size.