Six New Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Watches Now In Steel

When Audemars Piguet released the Code 11.59 watch collection in 2019, reactions to the new model were not what the company expected–nor wanted. Rather than embracing the new design, many in the watch community voiced their disappointment with the Code 11.59. Despite the initial negative reception, Audemars Piguet has continued to evolve the Code 11.59 collection, adding new complications, colorways, and materials along the way. AP is known for its rebellious streak after all, and a few naysayers aren’t going to get in the way of the company’s vision. And the watch community has indeed softened, and we’re now hearing quiet applause for AP’s other (non-Royal Oak) watch collection.

For 2023, Audemars Piguet has expanded the Code 11.59 lineup by adding six new models in stainless steel–a first for the collection. Let’s take a closer look at the new AP Code 11.59 references.

What’s New?

Code 11.59 watches were originally only available in precious metals; white gold and pink gold to be exact. Audemars Piguet has now dropped the barrier to entry for the Code 11.59 collection quite significantly by introducing more affordable versions in stainless steel.

The six new Code 11.59 watches in steel for 2023 include three time and date models and three chronograph models, each model offered in a choice of blue, green, or beige colorways. The beige variants also include black ceramic middle cases and crowns, which is a design detail we’ve seen on a few Code 11.59 pieces in the past. Each of the watches comes paired with a rubber-coated leather strap in a color that matches the dial.

All the new steel Code 11.59 watches feature 41mm cases, however, as expected the chronographs are slightly thicker at 12.6mm compared to the 10.7mm thickness of the simpler time and date variants.

A handful of design updates to the dials are a welcomed refresh. First, the date window on the Code 11.59 Selfwinding three-hander has moved from the 4:30 position to 3 o’clock. Next, all the Arabic numerals have now been replaced with simpler baton indices. The guilloché dial with the concentric circle pattern is a fresh alternative to the original lacquer finish and the darker inner bezels with scales frame the face of the watches nicely.

The design blueprint remains the same, which is to say the watches have octagonal middle cases, super slim bezels, arched and open-worked lugs, and double-curved sapphire crystals. It’s been said before, but the complex design of these AP watches must be seen in the metal to be appreciated; pictures never do them justice.

The Selfwinding runs on the 4302 movement while the Selfwinding Chronograph is powered by the Caliber 4401. These are AP’s latest-generation movements, built in-house and furnished with a patented mechanism for added stability and precision when setting the watch.

Steel Code 11.59 Specifications

Reference 15210ST.OO.A348KB.01

Reference 15210ST.OO.A056KB.01

Reference 15210QT.OO.A064KB.01

Reference 26393ST.OO.A348KB.01

Reference 26393ST.OO.A056KB.01

Reference 26393QT.OO.A064KB.01

See the entire AP Code 11.59 Collection on Audemars Piguet’s website.

Our Thoughts

We all love a good comeback story. Look at the Daytona, which transformed from one of Rolex’s biggest flops to one of its best sellers. Even more relevant, when AP released the Royal Oak Offshore in the 1990s, it too was met with disdain picking up the nickname the “Beast” thanks to its enormous size and in-your-face style. Even Gerald Genta cried that his Royal Oak design had been ruined by the Royal Oak Offshore. We now know that AP doubling down on the ROO was the right move.

Learn more: The History of Audemars Piguet

Perhaps in a few years (decades), we’ll look back at the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 launch with the same reverence we now have for the 1972 release of the Royal Oak. For now, we’re enjoying seeing the evolution of the Code 11.59 in real time. These changes will no doubt attract a few more buyers to consider an AP watch that isn’t a Royal Oak.

More on AP from Grey Market:
Audemars Piguet Watch Prices: Historical and Current From Actual Sales Numbers
How to Avoid Buying a Fake Audemars Piguet
How Much Does An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Cost?
Audemars Piguet x Arnold Schwarzenegger Watches: The Long History