Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59 in Steel Wins Over Doubters
Since its debut in 2019, the fake Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 has been a hot topic. It’s fair to say that, like other products in history such as the Royal Oak, the series was not immediately well received by watch enthusiasts. With such high anticipation at the time of its release and an aggressive marketing campaign following its launch, the bar was so high that the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 was closely watched. Naturally, being an Audemars Piguet piece, it was inevitable that it would attract a lot of discussion anyway. However, after balancing the social media sentiment, it seems that people think that the series has its quirks, but also a real foundation for potential growth. In the years since, the series has continued to evolve with improvements to the hands and dials. And at the high end, looking at their skeletonization and high complications, the prospects of the model become increasingly clear. The only thing left was to bring the entry-level of the collection up to spec, and it looks like the Trinity manufacturer has done just that with its new Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 in stainless steel.
Previously, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 was available only in precious metals. The introduction of steel makes the quality replicas watches more affordable and more accessible to consumers new to the brand. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 in steel comes in six configurations, including three time and date models and three chronographs. Each has the same three dial/strap colors: blue, green, and smoked beige. I mention these dial colors upfront because the blue and green models feature a 41mm stainless steel case, while the smoked beige model continues Audemars Piguet’s trend of pairing metal with ceramic—it features black ceramic for the middle case and crown. From a manufacturing perspective, it took some time to create the intricacies of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 case in steel, but the result is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the collection.
As I explained in my previous review, the casemaking process draws on three centuries of watchmaking techniques – combining traditional finishing with cutting-edge modern manufacturing and machining. For example, a heated conveyor belt system is used to create and form the lugs (modern technique), which are then hand-polished with the roots of specific trees (traditional technique). This small detail on the lugs really enhances the beauty of the watch, while the chamfered lines of the steel continue to stand out. These polished surfaces are complemented by rich brushing – a perfect balance of mixed finishes that bring out the light and shadow effects associated with the brand.
Obviously, while both cases measure 41mm in diameter, there is a difference in thickness between the time and date model and the chronograph model. The time and date model is slimmer at just 10.7mm thick, while the chronograph model is an admirable 12.6mm under 13mm. In my experience, both sizes fit well under the cuff and can easily slip under a sleeve. Measuring approximately 50mm lug to lug on each section of these watches, the proportions on the wrist are by no means classic. That being said, I feel like I can wear them on my smaller 6.5-inch wrist, so I wouldn’t prematurely assume that I can’t wear this size, unless you try the “metal” case.
One of my challenges for improvement is to push the water resistance rating as high as possible, which is currently only 30 meters. These fake luxury watches, while finely constructed and elegantly decorated, would bring a whole new dimension of daily wearability and versatility if they were water-resistant to 50 meters or more.
Now, I’ve mentioned the blue, green, and smoked beige color options, but the real visual evolution of the new Audemars Piguet steel Code 11.59 is its new guilloché dial. Kaenael developed it with Swiss guilloché artisan Yann von Kaenel, who is responsible for hand-making the stamps used to create the time, date, and chronograph dials. The hand-engraved stamp features a wave pattern that moves outward from the center of the dial—hundreds of tiny holes enhance the reflection of the sun’s rays. While the chronograph models continue to use the controversial 4:30 position to display the date, the time and date models have been updated to display the date at the 3-minute position. This small detail will make a big difference to potential buyers in the enthusiast field. Another aspect that dial purists will appreciate is that the color of the date wheel matches the dial perfectly, with the smoked beige models featuring a black face that blends in with the smoked outer edge. Speaking of smoked beige configurations, it makes sense that these models feature a ceramic middle case and crown, as the black color of the material complements the black outer edge of the smoked dial.
Under the hyperboloid anti-glare sapphire crystal, the inner bezel features raised chapter rings that slope down to blend in with the stamped dial. For the chronograph models, the flat section is where the tachymeter scale is located, while the angled section is the outer minute ring. For the time and date models, the flat section is the outer minute ring, while the angled section is the ring that supports the hour markers. Ultimately, the design choice allows the stamped center to exist as undisturbed as possible — strictly a luminous applique ring for the time and date models, and a ring and three dials for the chronograph models.
While great from a legibility standpoint, I’m still conflicted about the running seconds counter at 6’. You’ll notice that the counter is formatted differently than the elapsed hours counter at 3’ and the elapsed minutes counter at 9’. The elapsed hours counter has a contrasting ring that surrounds the inner colored badge. The running seconds counter, however, does not follow this border. And, especially on the blue model, the counter is a full contrasting gray (while the green model has an all-green counter to match its dial). The borderless aesthetic makes it easy to tell that the 6’ counter is not a chronograph function like the other two. Personally, I would have preferred more uniformity between the registers and trust myself to be able to distinguish the functions. Ultimately, symmetry and balance are still maintained — the contrasting running seconds counter is centered right between the two registers, and the layout style matches. So, it’s not the end of the world, but more of a what-if? experiment than anything else. replica audemars piguet
Normally, a collection like this would come with a traditional calfskin or alligator leather strap, but I respect that Audemars Piguet is exploring straps that are combined with a more modern feel. This makes sense, considering that this collection is positioned as the future of the brand, or at least its latest evolution. So breaking with tradition and going with a fabric upper and leather sole is, in my opinion, a fitting move. It offers a more youthful aesthetic, implicitly reminding its owner that you don’t need to wear a suit to wear this watch. Its casual feel eliminates the sense of stiffness, suggesting that it’s worthy of daily wear. Personally, I find the strap to be very comfortable on my wrist. I do think, though, that for smaller wrists like mine, it would be worthwhile to drill two more holes in the strap to accommodate a better fit. But this is a simple enough operation that AP or a trusted watchmaker can do for you if needed. The strap is also specially rubber-coated to resist moisture, and is secured to the case with screws rather than spring bars. This only further proves my argument that adding a depth rating would be a huge improvement.
Both watches are automatic with a 70-hour power reserve, with the time-date model powered by calibre 4302 and the chronograph model powered by calibre 4401. While the movements may not be as refined as the skeletonised versions of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection, their craftsmanship is in keeping with the brand’s reputation. Traditional perlage, Côtes de Genève and fine chamfers can be seen throughout the movement, and the skeletonised solid gold rotor is meticulously polished and chamfered to get in the way. The calibre 4401 is a vertical clutch, column-wheel and flyback chronograph movement, which means you can run the chronograph continuously with less wear on parts, and you can reset the chronograph function without having to stop it first, which would damage a standard chronograph movement.
The new Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 in steel proves that the collection has truly come of age – we’re well past the awkward adolescence stage. The high-end has started to heat up, but now the entry-level offering is also very strong. The stamped dial looks great in the metal, the strap is very comfortable, and the case finish is top-notch as always. The steel version has definitely opened up a wider door for buyers to engage with the brand, and its strategic and aesthetic refinements—at least in my #watchfam circles—have convinced more and more people that this collection is worth exploring. buying replica watch