Why Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 continues the story of craftsmanship, innovation and excellence
Modern aesthetics and precision engineering write a new chapter in the collection's story.
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection recently launched seven pink gold models with diameters of 38 mm and 41 mm; in addition to showcasing Audemars Piguet's unparalleled craftsmanship, the new watches also showcase a new exquisite guilloche dial. This iconic relief dial pattern first appeared on the 2023 stainless steel watch and is the result of hand-engraved concentric circles and tiny holes that interact with light.
Available in a variety of classic colors, including black, green and Audemars Piguet's iconic dark blue "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50", the collection also introduces a striking light blue, a soft hue that complements the rose gold decoration and case of the same metal. This special reference is one of two new 38 mm automatic models that expand the collection launched in October 2023. The other is the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” variant, which features rose gold details for added depth and sophistication.
Since its launch in 2019, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection has been dedicated to attracting a new generation of watch enthusiasts while maintaining the brand’s core values of craftsmanship and technical excellence. With its modern aesthetic and superb engineering, the collection has become an essential part of the Audemars Piguet portfolio, reflecting the brand’s ability to continuously evolve and innovate.
Continuing a Tradition of Innovation Let’s look back five years ago. I remember being in the auditorium at the 2019 Winter International Haute Horlogerie Show when Audemars Piguet announced the Code 11.59. The brand unveiled 13 new models (and three new movements) that together presented a refreshing and, dare I say, pioneering design for Audemars Piguet. There was a quiet gasp in the room as a new range of automatic models and chronographs, minute repeaters, super repeaters, tourbillons and perpetual calendars were presented to us. At first glance, the complex geometry and modern aesthetics of the case design caught our eye. Composed of an octagonal case, a round bezel and caseback, the structure, with a fine sapphire crystal, is home to new in-house movements, including high complications.
As viewers were excited by the staggering number of new watches, they also realized that we were witnessing a brand new chapter. It was history in the making.
Since then, the collection has made significant progress. High complications were introduced, including the Grande Sonnerie Supersonnerie in 2020 and the Flying Tourbillon Chronograph in 2021. In December 2022, the Star Wheel joined again, reintroducing the iconic Wandering Hours complication to the Audemars Piguet collection. This was followed in February 2023 by the launch of the Code 11.59 Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4, which, with 40 functions and 23 complications, is the most complicated watch ever produced by the Manufacture, while also demonstrating advances in ergonomics and user-friendliness.
The collection embodies Audemars Piguet’s forward-thinking approach, which continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, blending tradition with innovation to create unexpected timepieces.
A modern new look The heart of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 watch is of course the aforementioned octagonal case middle, which blends seamlessly with the round case back and ultra-thin bezel. In fact, this design that incorporates organic and rigid shapes into a single timepiece breaks the monotony of traditional watch shapes as we know them. The faceted structure of the case allows for the mixing of metals, such as creating two-tone designs, and, in recent years, the introduction of a ceramic case middle. In 2023, the collection expands to include the first stainless steel models, bringing a sportier material to the collection.
Just like the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 watch, the multi-layered construction is first-rate. The skeletonized lugs are separate components, forged from stainless steel or precious metals such as 18K white or rose gold, and then individually satin-finished and polished. Now, extraordinary precision is required when assembling them. The upper part of the lug is welded to the ultra-thin bezel, while the lower part of the lug rests on the caseback in perfect alignment.
This craftsmanship is an effortless skill of the watchmaker when designing and shaping new shapes. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the lugs are not just functional components, but an integral part of the watch's visual identity and ergonomic comfort, enhancing the overall architectural beauty of the watch.
A platform for creative design The evolution of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection has seen significant advances in both materials and design, especially the dials. Since its launch, the collection has introduced a range of colorful styles, including sunray and fumé finishes, enamel dials and gem-set styles, while also debuting natural stone dials, aventurine dials and the first sapphire crystal dial, the latter effectively showcasing the subtle minute repeater super-chronograph movement.
In this case, the latest patterned dial adds a three-dimensional touch to the colorful canvas, making the slender faceted hour markers even more legible. The fonts of the seconds scale and crown have been slightly updated to enhance the modern style. In addition, the logo is presented in relief - created through a galvanic growth process similar to 3D printing, in which thin layers of 24K gold form the letters of the Audemars Piguet signature and are connected by hair-thin gold lines that are almost invisible to the naked eye. All of these details are hidden under the hyperbolic sapphire crystal, providing a unique visual experience.
New generation in-house movements The 38 mm automatic model features the 5900 movement, renowned for its slender 3.9 mm profile, high 4Hz frequency and 60-hour power reserve. Launched in 2022, this movement is a paragon of precision and reliability.
The 41 mm model is equipped with the 4302 movement, offering hours, minutes, seconds and date functions, or the 4401 movement, an integrated automatic chronograph with column wheel and flyback function; its vertical clutch system ensures smooth operation of the chronograph, while its patented reset mechanism ensures precise positioning of the hands.
The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the refined haute horlogerie finishing, including the 22K rose gold rotor. Parts are adorned with polished corners, vertical satin-brushed, Côtes de Genève, circular graining and chamfers.
With these demonstrations of its capabilities, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 embodies a collection that is both technically sophisticated and visually stunning. There is no doubt that Audemars Piguet will continue to uphold its tradition of excellence for generations to come.
World time, universal time or simply dual time zone, travellers' watches are essential companions in our interconnected world - they are evolving as fast as the Earth is turning
What time is it? There is more than one answer to this question, because the answer also means knowing a given location. We are constantly in contact with people and things outside our own time zone! It is in this state that GMT-type watches and more generally watches that can display the time in multiple locations around the world exist.
From adding one time zone to two, three or even four, the increase in hands and dials is closely related to the type of needs we have. To find out the time anywhere at any time, Patek Philippe hired Louis Cottier, the inventor of the universal time mechanism, whose display principle became a benchmark in the field. However, these displays are as diverse as our cultures and capitals.
New era, new era
Is the key date 1954 or 1925? Was the first watch to display a second time zone a Rolex or a Longines? Some might say that this doesn't matter, as pocket watches already had this capability, aided by their comfortable size and close links to the world of railways – which themselves were crucial to defining the international time zones in 1884. Since then, dual-time zone watches have come a long way, evolving towards ever-greater refinement and genuine innovation in the 21st century.
The fourth hand on the central or subdial is the indispensable GMT. While the world reference time is now known as UTC, the three letters that inspired our magazine's name remain the abbreviation for travel watches – although its limitations have long inspired more complex creations.
Fresh out of the oven time (zones)
The proliferation of more complex displays – whether the moving rollers of Jacob & Co., the rotating satellites of Hermès, the hemispheres of Montblanc or Bovet, or the hands that telescope on demand from Parmigiani – points to the inherent difficulties of providing a large amount of information on a surface of less than 60 square metres.
The inextricable link between mechanics, creativity, practical needs and graphic expression – the essence of watchmaking – has always found one of their most exciting areas of expression in the world of multiple time zones. We do see more and more models with separate hour and minute displays, essential for tracking time in countries with 15, 40 or 45 minute time zones (including India and its UTC +5:30).
Local colour
A watch showing 24 time zones needs to be legible, with enlarged dials and smooth fonts. The choice of reference cities for these time zones is also an interesting business exercise. After all, there is no reason for a limited series for the Saudi market (UTC +3) to use Moscow as a reference point. And the last option is still quite rare, as bezels tend to be dominated by markings and few are as functional as those of IWC or Rolex.
After leaving the borders of one's own country, the wearer is free to choose a watch that can go beyond his initial setting. Watches that show the time somewhere else no longer hesitate to do so, crossing borders in our company.
Magnificent equation of bezels and colored dials - AP Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Chronograph 37mm This year coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Audemar Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Royal Oak Offshore. Four eye-catching new works inlaid with colored gemstones-37mm self-winding chronographs have appeared brilliantly. These four new works are made of 18K rose gold, yellow gold or stainless steel, and inherit the new design first seen in the 43mm Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Chronograph in 2021. In these four new works, Audemars Piguet flexibly uses the changes in color and gloss texture to create a rich and harmonious gorgeous style.
The newly launched Royal Oak Offshore Royal Oak Offshore four watches adopt gem inlay technology, "Lady Tapisserie" pattern decoration totem surface, and are equipped with easy-change straps. Brand new design ingenuity
The four 37mm Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Chronographs feature a “Lady Tapisserie” check pattern on the totem surface, and the three-dimensional check totem is slightly larger than in the past. In addition, this watch no longer has the snail pattern used in the past, and it is more refined and elegant than the 37 mm surface of the past. The redesigned AP logo on the surface decoration has been redesigned to replace the pad-printed Audemars Piguet words used in the past, and the proportions are perfect and harmonious. The center of the time scale is slightly raised, with a more three-dimensional and more tense expression, bringing out a more sporty aesthetic.
The focus is on the bezel setting, with two new creations set with brilliant-cut diamonds and two others with colorful baguette-cut gemstones. The color of the dial is refreshing, including light blue, royal blue, black and salmon; the color of the dial is painted with PVD technology, and the tone is mild.
Four 37mm Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Chronographs feature a “Lady Tapisserie” pattern on the totem dial.
The strap is equipped with Audemars Piguet's simple quick-release mechanism, and the wearer can easily change the strap and change the style as he likes. The diamond-set model has a pin buckle, while the baguette-cut model has an AP folding clasp. All four watches are equipped with Audemars Piguet Caliber 2385 chronograph movement, with functions including: hour, minute, small second and date display.
Bremont Broadsword Recon watch along with former special services enthusiast Jason Fox Will it improve? Last week, I had the enjoyment of attending the introduction of Bremont's new Broadsword Recon watch in Nyc. In attendance: Bremont co-founders Giles English and Jerrika Carl Fox, aka Serpentine. The 46-year-old explorer is really a former British Special Causes operator and Royal Sea commando, with a recent storm into television. He aimed the TV show SAS: Who else Dare To Win, is the host of an investigative documented series about drug lords, and just this year was among the hosts of Special Makes: World's Toughest Trial.
Seems watching the series this season and would love to meet Cunning. I was not disappointed. I understand the 46-year-old has been in Unique Forces for about 20 years. Furthermore , i know that he has been launched from the hospital with PTSD and that he started his own organization to help veterans and Specific Forces personnel deal with psychological health issues.
His candor as well as sincerity left a heavy impression on me. However all of that is another story simply because I had the chance to interview your pet. Meanwhile, back to the great blade.
Bremont has a close romantic relationship with the military - creating watches for many armies all over the world. After all, this is the brand which makes watches for those who eject from the Martin Baker ejection chair and survive an aircraft accident. The watches were actually tested on real disposition seats when tested. Additionally it is the brand that has an official relationship with the Ministry of Protection, paying tribute to Their Majesty's Armed Forces.
Clean outlines, legibility, high functionality and gratification, and precision are some of the actual aspects of a good military view. Bremont has it all, with an affordable price. Case in point: the limited-edition Bremont Broadsword Recon (short for Reconnaissance) watch simply joined its Armed Forces selection.
The Bremont Broadsword Recon Watch pays homage towards the 1940's with a vintage design, while still having contemporary appeal. By day, this timepiece boasts a sandwich dial (a layered dial with a lustrous base plate covered by the platen with cut- away index holes) that offers level and dimension, and -- at night - thanks to the particular P51 Super-LumiNova source Self-dial architecture. The Lumen is actually bright green in the dark and it is easy to read against the matte dark dial. This watch includes a small seconds subdial and also Arabic numerals at six: 00.
Crafted from stainless steel, this particular 40mm watch is run by a chronometer- certified mechanised movement. It has a high-tech hairspring, balance and mainspring, while offering a 38-hour power reserve. The actual domed sapphire crystal will be coated with an anti-reflective covering.
As the only luxury enjoy brand authorized to use all coats of arms along with symbols of the three Uk armies, the Royal Navy blue, British Army and Regal Air Force, the case back of this timepiece bears all three symbols. The text "Approved by Her Majesty's Armed Forces" also show up. Since the model was constructed under Her Majesty's rule, the words have not been converted to "Her Majesty's". All back again covers in Bremont's Military collection will feature the right wording when the King's Coating of Arms is released. Watch experts say the "her" version will become a collector's item when the words within the caseback change from Her Majesty to His Majesty.
The particular Broadsword Recon is waterproof to 100 meters in addition to comes with two interchangeable band, including a lime gray painting NATO strap, and a dark-colored rubber or antiqued brownish leather strap.
Bovet Pininfarina OttantaSei Ten Days Tourbillon Receives Platinum Bovet reaches out to collectors with the OttantaSei watch, limited to 10 pieces in a platinum case.
The ongoing partnership between Swiss watchmaker Bovet and Italian automotive design studio Pininfarina has resulted in one of the most fascinating timepieces on the market. Featuring all the mechanical sophistication and refined finishes we associate with Bovet timepieces, the OttantaSei has a sleek aerodynamic case and a symmetrical layout that rivals the hands of Pininfarina.
Just days before Bovet took home the watchmaking industry's highest honor at the 2018 GPHG, the brand was awarded the coveted "Golden Eagle Needle" with its stunning Récital 22 Grand Récital chronometer, and the brand announced the launch of its OttantaSei Tuo. Platinum version of the flywheel model. Launched in 2010 to celebrate Pininfarina's 80th anniversary, the Ottanta Tourbillon has grown into an independent collection. To meet the needs of collectors, Bovet has produced a limited edition of 10 OttantaSei platinum watches, and the brand promises to produce an undiminished total of 86 movements. Over the years, the designers of Pininfarina and the watchmakers of Bovet have worked closely together and agreed from the outset that the time display, the double-sided flying tourbillon (regulatory mechanism) and the power reserve indicator (energy) should all be given equal Pay attention to.
Breitling Exospace B55 Yachting Watch Review and Notes on the Breitling Professional Collection
I've owned this Breitling Exospace B55 Yachting watch for a while now and it's on my wrist most of the time. It’s an ana-digi quartz watch that’s big and rare, weird and rare – I love all of those qualities, except its rarity on the market and on people’s wrists. Here's more on its pros and cons, why it speaks to me...and why I think it's important to us watch lovers, especially the Breitling fans among us.
This wouldn't be my holy war trying to convince anyone to try a quartz watch - not to mention the blasphemy that the Exospace B55 is also a quasi-smart Breitling watch with Bluetooth connectivity and an app to go with it! I'd say the Breitling Exospace B55 Yachting is probably hovering at the bottom of the larger watch enthusiast community's cumulative watch wish list (let me know if you think I'm wrong - I want it to be the case), which makes it harder for me Communicating my positive experience with this watch.
However, what I have to say may resonate with you. I'll admit that the vast majority of watches with basic automatic movements were forgotten by me not too long ago - if you can recognize the feeling, then you might want to consider this B55. To clarify, a watch with a basic ETA 2824 or 7750 has to work really hard these days to keep me as fascinated and excited as ever. The short power reserve, audible wound rotors and repetitive feature set no longer excite me. All the function-related and design-related dilemmas of watches are with or without a date... oh, and if we do have a date, what's the least intrusive place? When I'm wearing a watch for my own pleasure, I need it to both excite me and free me from all that boring crap.
I won't go into detail about why so many of the recent automatic transmissions in the world tend to lack all of these things, because that's a topic for another discussion. Suffice it to say, sometimes they just don't. So, how does the Breitling Exospace B55 Yachting perform? Let's take a look at the aforementioned list of selfish indulgences.
Recreation in the Breitling Exospace B55 yacht The entertainment that one finds in a watch is very subjective. Below is a subjective list of what I call "the entertainment factor in modern luxury timepieces." If you're the kind of guy (or girl) who gets mad at the fact that your mileage might be different, skip to point 2). When it comes to entertainment on a watch, subjectivity is a matter of one's prioritization of the objective component. These elements include (but are not limited to) the brand, design, function, and story (or, if not, marketing) of the watch.
In this case, branded entertainment is absolutely guaranteed as far as I'm concerned. I think Breitling is a very interesting company. As far as I'd like to look back on its past, it's always been that way, even as the way it enjoys entertainment has changed over the years. From scantily clad ladies to fighter jets, to bold (and sometimes very bold) watches and collections designed for very specific and very cool usage scenarios, Breitling has a lot to bombard one's senses with. Of course, the decor girls are gone—in an almost creepy all-encompassing way—and so are the ridiculous ad campaigns, but the vibe of positivity and uniqueness continues to linger around the brand. The logo for these changes is the winged « B », which is replaced by the retro cursive B, which, in fact, already exists on the crown of Breitling watches.
However, this Exospace B55 still has wings on the dial, and those wings remind me of that surprisingly non-PC Breitling that has been doing its thing. To be fair, I'm happy to say that despite the dramatic changes in the brand's circumstances, it remains more uncompromisingly focused on its business under Georges Kern. For me, the atmosphere of manufacturing, design and brand independence will always be a core part of Breitling's charm.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic Chronograph 41mm Brushed Gold The latest version of the Associated Press RO Chrono is equipped with a flyback movement and is now available in a highly decorated limited edition.
Don't think that because Audemars Piguet has launched a variety of new models this year, they have nothing to show. In fact, it is far from the case, because today the brand once again released a number of new watches. Some are really spectacular. Earlier this year, Audemars Piguet launched a new version of the Royal Oak Automatic Chronograph, which is a classic model based on the movement launched with code 11.59, equipped with a new automatic movement. Visually, there is not much explanation for this update, but mechanically speaking, this is a big step forward. Today, the brand launched a new limited edition based on this watch, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic Chronograph 41 mm frosted gold, with an iconic hammered case.
The Royal Oak Automatic Chronograph is a true classic in the series, launched in 1997 for the 25th anniversary of the series. It was 39 mm in size at the time and equipped with a Piguet movement. It will slowly develop until 2012 and it will be updated to a 41 mm case. But still the basic movement with external sources. In 2021, RO Chrono will undergo one of the most important updates ever. Of course, the style and proportions are almost the same. But inside the case, there is Audemars Piguet's internal integrated automatic chronograph, which is the first movement to appear in the Code 11.59 series 4401 movement.
A/6538 was reclassified, and the first MilSub was added by the referee shortly after. 5512 is almost the watch you can buy in the store, except for solderable tin bars. After a short love with Omega's Seamaster 300, MOD returned to Rolex in 1971. Rolex has provided approximately 1,200 watches for Rolex from then to 1979, which are divided into three models according to the model. 5513 is used for SAS of the Army and SBS Special Forces of the Navy. Those military references are referees. No. 5513 5513/5517 and reference 5517.
Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe (Ricardo Guadalupe) said: "These classic Fusion models reflect 40 years of technological progress and breakthrough conventions. "We are not satisfied with simply re-issuing the 1980 Classic Original. It has been reinterpreted to reflect Hublot today. One model is a 45mm men's mechanical movement. The new contemporary version celebrates forty years of Hublot's last innovative approach. " cheapestwrist.com