It seems very strange to me to write about other Audemars Piguet watches, apart from the Royal Oak. We talked so much about different Royal Oak models and their replica versions, that I got the impression that there are no other collections in the Audemars Piguet portfolio. But, I’m surely wrong…
The brand seems to have squeezed everything that could be squeezed out of this collection, with Royal Oak remaining the monumental line of this watchmaking house. But, as expected, the brand had to move on. Thus, it launched a model totally different from the traditional Royal Oak.
It is about the Code 11.59 watch that appeared at the beginning of 2019. I realize that it was not easy for the brand to abstract from the Royal Oak design to create something different. At the same time, the community of watch lovers had high expectations from the release that was going to replace the legendary Royal Oak. With the appearance of Code 11.59, the opinions of the community were categorically divided. Part of the community welcomed the new concept, but the other part did not really “understand” the new watch.
Either way…
It’s a normal phenomenon though; with such a standard as Royal Oak, it is difficult to invent worthy alternatives.
Anyway, the nice part is that the new Code 11.59 model is available in the replica version. I want to talk in detail about the Code 11.59 knockoff, which, in my opinion, is quite an interesting model.
At the same time, I want to urge you not to look at this watch through the prism of Royal Oak. Otherwise, you will only have disappointments. Try to forget everything you know about Royal Oak. Thus, you will discover very exciting aspects of the new Code 11.59 model. Without further ado, let’s discover together what the Code 11.59 replica watch entails.
The dial of the Code 11.59 replica watch
Traditionally, I will start with the beginning, that is, with the dial of the knockoff, and the “soul” of any watch. The Code 11.59 dial is a true composition, in my opinion. First of all, I notice a lacquered texture featuring a smokey gray gradient pattern. More than that, I notice that the replica manufacturers assigned a radial brush sunburst pattern to the dial that coincides perfectly with what I saw on the authentic model.
At first glance, you won’t notice anything out of the ordinary in this imitation. However, if you are good at watches, you cannot miss the inner bezel inside the dial, which has a black lacquered finish. This lacquered black highlights each 5-minute interval which is marked by white numerals. All indexes that mark the 5-minute interval are Arabic-styled and look identical to the authentic model.
The only tiny difference that I noticed refers to the inscription “Swiss made” at the 30-minute marker. The inscription is slightly more compact on the original watch. In the replica version, however, the distance between “Swiss-30-Made” is slightly greater. It is very difficult to detect this difference with the naked eye though.
Hour markers
Now let’s move on to the hour markers, which are a “delight” in this whole composition. Like the original model, the knockoff has 2 types of hour markers. The manufacturers used applied Arabic markers for 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. For the other hours, the manufacturers opted for applied and beveled index types of markers. It is to be appreciated that the Arabic indicators seem very well executed. They convey the same robust air as the hands of the original watch. In addition, the replica manufacturers respected the font, length, color, and distance between all indicators, suggesting a professional execution.
The icing on the cake of the dial is the date aperture. Why do I call it that? Because I love its slightly inclined position between 4 and 5 o’clock. This aperture adds an extra touch of elegance and refinement to the somewhat minimalist watch. By the way, most AP lovers don’t really embrace the inclined date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock. As a result, AP has recently released an update for this model with the date window at 3 o’clock. AP fans reacted positively to the upgrade. I, still think that the primary variant was much better…
Crystal
The replica watch has a sapphire crystal that benefits from an anti-reflective layer both on the inside and on the outside. Traditionally, manufacturers have opted for a scratch-proof sapphire crystal, as an Audemars Piguet watch deserves.
Carefully analyzing the imitation and the authentic model, I noticed that the curvature of the original crystal has a slightly different shape than what I see in the knockoff.
Unlike the imitation, the original Code has a very specific arc in the profile of its shape. Thanks to this profile, fans benefit from an amazing optical experience, in which light and depth combine harmoniously.
The knockoff, on the other extreme, does benefit from a curved shape but is not so arched on the inside. As a result, the visibility of the watch is good, but it does not convey the depth that the original model conveys. As a clearer example, the hour markers look much more “3D” in the original watch than in the imitation. This is the result of the specific execution of the genuine crystal, which is a secret to the replica manufacturers.
Code 11.59 replica watch case
The first admirable thing I can say is that the manufacturers executed the sandwich case of this watch spectacularly. As you can see in the picture, the watch case illustrates a combination of 2 tones. It is about the combination of 18k rose and white gold. It is logical that the original watch benefits from such a case made of pure gold. But if we talk about the knockoff, the watch is only polished with gold, the base of the material being 904l stainless steel.
The sandwich case presents a pleasant combination of finishes. They subtly go from brushed to finished textures with the transition from one level to another of the case.
If you delve into the aesthetic details of this replica watch, you will discover that it actually presents an interesting game of geometric shapes. Besides the perfect circle of the case, you will find the polygonal motif of the inner pink gold layer. If you look carefully, you will see that it reminds you of the polygonal motif of the Royal Oak. So, whether we like it or not, we identify specific elements of Royal Oak in Code 11.59 replica watch.
Further on…
You probably already know that the knockoff has a diameter of 41mm. Quite a versatile size, I would say. At the same time, the imitation is 10.8mm thick, only 0.1 mm taller than the authentic watch.
The manufacturers assured me that the replica watch is resistant up to 30 meters. I have not tested the water resistance capacity, respectively I cannot confirm or deny it. Considering that it’s a formal watch, and not a diver’s, I wouldn’t naively believe in its water resistance. Therefore, I recommend maximum caution with it.
Replica watch crown
You will find the replica watch crown on the right side of the case. It benefits from engravings and markings exactly as they are on the original watch. The difference between the crowns, however, lies in their serrations.
Both crowns (from the knockoff and the authentic model) have notches for better gripping. But I find that the serrations of the replica watch are a little rarer than in the original model. The crown rotates easily, without any impediment. But, aesthetically, it still differs a little from what I see in the authentic model.
Code 11.59 replica watch caseback
I really appreciate it when replica manufacturers integrate a transparent caseback if the authentic model also has one. This is also the case of Code 11.59 where we see the entire internal mechanism through the lens of the transparent caseback. The edge around the sapphire crystal benefits from a brushed and flat finish. The screw holes are also carefully executed. In order for the knockoff back to be as close as possible to the truth, the manufacturers engraved the inscriptions and logo of the watch model on the caseback.
Code 11.59 ~replica Watch bracelet
Given the fact that this is a formal timepiece, it is logical to see a leather strap attached to it. The texture of the strap is fabulous. The manufacturers used large square-scale alligator leather for their production. At the same time, they sewed the edge manually, which is not specific to replica factories. The clasp of the strap is as standard as possible and features a stainless steel pin buckle polished with white gold.
While the texture of the strap is extraordinary, I have to admit that the manufacturers have exaggerated a bit with the choice of polishing. The original strap looks a bit more matte, unlike the imitation, which is a bit more polished.
Summary
I have to admit that the Code 11.59 imitation lacks the severity and robustness of Royal Oak. But, we had promised NOT to compare these 2 collections. It’s hard to review Audemars Piguet watches without looking through the lens of Royal Oak. But if you succeed, I think you can discover many nice aspects of the Code 11.59 timepieces.
As for the model per se, I admit that the minimalism of the watch captivates me. Only the time and only the date. Nothing more than what is strictly necessary. At the same time, I love discovering the complex elements that are present in this watch. For example, the specific font of the hour markers, or the gorgeousness emanated by the date aperture. In a word, you have to love watches, to be able to identify the aesthetic value of this Code 11.59.
As far as the execution of this replica watch is concerned, there are both benefits and drawbacks. But the benefits definitely prevail. The execution of the dial, sandwich case, inner bezel, and hour markers is worthy of all appreciation. Small errors related to the abundance of belt polishing or crown grips do not seem critical to me.
Code 11.59 Fun Facts
I invite you to discover more about the history of 11.59 watches. I guess you continue to be under the hypnosis of Royal Oak watches. Respectively, it is difficult for you to connect to other collections and models. For this reason, I leave some fun facts here, so that you can better perceive the role of this collection in the horological world.
- the Code 11.59 collection was presented in 2019 as the latest new collection of the Audemars Piguet brand;
- the audience received the new models extremely reluctantly. But, after a few years, the collection started to become more and more popular and appreciated. Netizens called the phenomenon the “Royal Oak effect”. This term referred to the fact that it took the public some time to “break away” from the previous collection to embrace the new one;
- the brand wanted to keep some elements from Royal Oak in the Code 11.59 concept, even if it is about completely different collections. Thus, the Code 11.59 watches are characterized by a round case, but it necessarily comes with a contoured internal octagon.
- the creation of the Code 11.59 watch concept took more than 5 years. The philosophy of the collection revolves around the idea of creating something that would look into the future of the watchmaking house;
- the collection is rich in types of watches, from minimalist to the most complicated. The collection includes self-winding models, self-winding chronographs, perpetual calendars, flying tourbillons, and self-winding flying tourbillon flyback chronographs, among others. All benefit from a 41mm case;
- the name of the collection is not accidental at all and has a very philosophical hidden meaning. In fact, the name “Code” is an acronym that refers to the “Challenge, Own, Dare, Evolve” words. The time “11.59” is also not accidental. It suggests the prelude of a new day with new beginnings. In other words, the hour indicates the final moment before a major change. How beautiful, isn’t it?
NB!
For now, the replica industry only proposes the minimalist model, i.e. the time and date model. The manufacturers promised us that they will launch the more complex models, but it will take some time. I will announce as soon as we get the new models, I can’t wait to see what we get. However, since it is a very recent and new collection, I urge you to be very cautious. The first releases are not always the most successful. Therefore, pay attention to the details and make sure that the dealer is not trying to deceive you.