I think this would be an entirely different discussion if this was the first generation and what was given as the first generation simply never happened.
I tried a few models in the AP Boutique and man is that a nice watch. So well done in person. They just started with the wrong dials initially. Current models are excellent. ❤
As the owner of the steel chronograph in midnight blue I do not see it at all as some kind of Royal Oak ‘light’ as you infer - it is simply so different. I personally don’t even find Royal Oaks to be particularly attractive, and ruled out having one, but when the steel Codes came out I found them to be irresistible. If you haven’t handled one of the new steel versions I recommend you do so. Between the complex dial, elaborate case and extraordinary crystal you have an extremely compelling watch that does not sit in the shadow of the Royal Oak in any way.
As a watch enthusiast I cherish the opportunity fine pieces that people typically neglect. I recently obtained the date only version of the code 1159 with the blue sunray dial. I got it at a fairly good discount and have been loving it for the past few weeks. It is a great watch to on the wrist for me.
I think that one of the problems with the Code 11.59 is that it's just too damn big and suffers from an identity crisis. The basic 3 hander time only aspires to be an elegant dress watch, but at 41mm, with the large dial, it wears more like a 43mm. Maybe if they made the basic time only models in 38mm it would be more universally appealing as a dress watch. They could keep the 41mm for the complicated versions, where the larger size is probably necessary anyway to fit the movement into. Interesting video
Thank you Floyd. I reckon that 41mm size also aims at being the universal size they'd use with the chrono and other complications (maybe it saves on manufacturing costs by keeping one size throughout) And you're right about Neg. space and how open dials appear... actually the basis of Sunday's video currently in the works 😉
I own a Honda Accord 🤣lol! The dials of the 11.59 reminds me of fashion brands. At the end of the day if you want a RO at retail you’ll have to buy a couple 11.59’s to qualify 😎! Best regards
Kudos to AP for trying to come out with a watch model different from the Royal Oak. Remember that the Royal Oak didn't sell well when it first came out. The code 11.59 averine dial is beautiful and should sell well. The new simpler dials should catch on if they price them in the high teens/low/twenties. If AP could make the thickness of the case more sleek, then the design would catch on faster too. Minor improvement, replace code 11.59 with a new model name.
I commented earlier that when I finally bought a mechanical watch, you would have been a big part of my decision-making process. After interest in and a search of eight years, I bought a Glashutte Original SeaQ Panorama Date. Without going into detail, your exposition of design language really illuminated my search. Thanks for your videos.
What an amazing first choice Gary! Wow. It is fantastic when you feel like you've found THE watch to kickstart everything (or in some cases - one that could be you only watch) That's how I feel about my Seamaster 57 to this day. 3rd year of ownership and I'd never sell it... even if it tripled in value. It's just way too special to ever let go. So happy for you and a huge congratulations. If I added 10% into your decision making then I'm humbled Gary. Truly 🥃
IDGuy, you contributed at least 50% or more to my decision. My grandfather, a poor immigrant, bought a mass produced Elgin pocket watch in 1910 and gave it to me a few years before he died, and I have my father’s Hamilton wristwatch that he bought in 1938, so I’ve had a love of mechanical watches all my life really. I remember you saying regarding your 1957 that one should spend enough so that (paraphrasing) it hurts a bit. And this one did. In part, my search took so long because I kept having to raise my price limit to find something that “sparked joy”. I wanted something I could use every day and so I thought a minimum of 100m water resistance. Also in-house movement and transparent caseback. And I much prefer Arabic numerals to plots or batons. The SeaQ Panorama Date has all that and a beautifully decorated movement. It’s expensive but a lot of watch for the money. Quirky dial, graceful case, 100 hour power reserve. And indeed the bracelet is extraordinary comfortable. Would I like it to be a couple of mm smaller and thinner? Yes. But it really wears well and I intend to embrace every scratch over the time I’m privileged to use it. It was, in fact, the most expensive watch I could buy without my wife insisting on a divorce. But in truth, I can’t think of a sports watch at any price I’d rather have. Thanks again for your passion and insight into the world of design.
I think a lot of people forgot that when AP released their Royal Oak, it was also met with the same disdain and criticism from the watch world and yet here we are, almost unobtainable. When I first saw the Code 11.59, I really thought they honour the heritage of the Royal Oak while combining some dressy elements into it, and I still think to this day that it is an underrated masterpiece from AP. It is one of my 'grail' watches and I really hope that it wont become what the Royal Oak is, unobtainable
Dear Mr IDGuy. I found this “lecture” very informative and interesting. I generally don’t go too deep in those way/way/way out of my watch spending price range. It’s great to get your view as I always find it digestible. Overall Bland, however personally I admire the case and crystal very much and yes that aventurine dial is amazing. Take it easy Mr IDGuy, I hope you’re doing well. ❤
Thank you as always Dave. Been dealing with Gastroenteritis over the last week and a bit (been chatting to the toilet bowl a lot) but now finally starting to feel myself and get back into the videos. The Code 11.59 is a weird beast... probably deserves another 40+ minutes of talk time to cover them fully 😆 Really hope you're well sir! 🥃
AP has really fired a warning shot at the Daniel Wellington lineup with the latest stainless steel models 😬 Look out shopping mall watches, Les Brassus is coming for your sales 🤣
I have the Code 11.59 with the blue dial, the newer version with the rose gold, I love the uniqueness of the cased design and the dial layout. I believe it’s underrated with all of the beauty with the dial and the crystal design, multiple layers when you look at it from an angle. I didn’t want a Royal Oak, this was a great alternative with some of the case design from their legendary history. I’m happy with my Code 11.59, no regrets, and the size is good with me, no issues being too big, especially, with all of the complications offered.
It's a shame that AP is basically a one(maybe two)-trick pony at this juncture; no doubt this will fall on deaf ears, but I'd like to see them revitalize the Jules Audemars and/or Edward Piguet line.
The first generation of these models didn't generate the buzz and would have knocked their confidence to try my original concepts too. It's a real shame. The Jules Audemars is that perfect example of how far they used to explore back in the day. Alas 🥃
Look at Rolex closely. It could be argued the same story. The sub (sub, sea dweller, GMT, yatchmaster) , and their version calatrava which is their oyster case. (OP, airking, Milly, explorer, datejust, day date) As I'm writing this I'm realising the Daytona messes up this point!
It's an amazing one trick pony, though. Most brands don't even have one iconic watch to point at. I like the recent code 1159 in the sunburst blue dial. Looks incredible. I'm saving up for it right now.
I loved the 11:59 upon the first viewing, to my eye I find it captivating. The small touches, like the octagonal case, as an homage to the Royal Oak is subtle, but continues the theme. I bought my RO Chronograph in '99, I'm wearing it now. A short while after I purchased my RO, I frequented the Tourneau on Madison ave in NYC. One of the sales people noticed my watch and made the remark, "not one of our best sellers". My point is I think the 11:59 will be a sleeper, to be held in much higher regard in the future.
I intended to include it in the video and it must've slipped my mind... it's a stunner with those open dials (like the Gorilla Mirage - nice AP connection too 🥃)
I wonder if AP - or any of the Big 4 - listen to customers at all? Great job. Definitely tough to outdo - or even match themselves. I applaud the effort.
First of all great video. I like it that you put also some focus on watches that are not as popular as other watches. When i first saw the watch i really liked it. For me the main point where the magic of this watch lies is the unique case. You get different lugs, the watch case looks like a royal oak has been used as a spare part of the past to make room fore the future. The dial is also for me the weak point. There is something for example in F.P. Journes watches that can take a simple dial and make it complex interesting and give it its own DNA. Maybe Hands that we never seen on an other watch would helped. I also agree with your point that this collection should be the focus of the complicated watches of AP. For me a complicated Royal oak doesnt have the charm. Instead i like it more when it just displays the time. While The Datograph perpetual Chronograph 1815 from Lange looks with complications even better. To the last point. Audimar has the worst position of every modern Watchmaker. They made one of the most loved and best designs ever in watches. While they dont have other collections to match that. Omega doesnt have just the speedmaster that is an icon. It has the Aqua terra, the constellation etc. They needed to fire from all canons. There was this one watch from AP that they brought back. The Chronograph remaster i think, that was an amazing watch and should be brought back at its own collection and make a bigger portfolio.
I think that the new steel chrono CODEs are very nice. The 3 hander is still a problem because it's a giant 41mm plate that looks too empty and unnecessarily large.
AP is the "that company that makes royal oak" in my mind. I think they've been sitting on their laurels far too long to be capable to reinvent themselves in a refreshing way. Meanwhile other makers *cough* not rolex *cough* have been tweaking, refining and reinventing their designs past half century. Also I think AP is seeing the end of integrated bracelet sport watches hype creeping up.
I could not disagree with you more concerning the integral bracelet designs, IWC's new Ingenuier, Tissot's new integrated design, VC's 222 just name a few. They have very successfully added the OffShore and created versions around that design. I love Rolex also, but the vast majority of their watches are simply variations on a theme. They have their spaces and niches and both incredibly successful. AP designs are vastly superior to Patek, who design wise leave me cold and at one point I owned a Nautilus. It all boils down to beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I’ve chosen to view the Code 11.59 as I’d view any other watch in the market and without comparison to its popular sibling. In looking at it as a dress/casual hybrid, it quickly made its way to the top of my list. This caused me to re-think my existing collection to the point that I decided to sell a high horology, rose gold dress piece for the Code 11.59 with the smoked beige dial. I think it’s a fantastic design and the new dials grabbed me immediately. And this is coming from a primarily independent collector of brands like Kudoke, Holthinrichs, etc.
I guess I'm one of the rare exceptions but I absolutely love the look of this watch! I don't understand why people don't like it. Unfortunately I can't afford it but if I could, I would have one or more right now.
Great study here! I actually like the code 11.59 and agree it really shines in the special dial variations and complications, especially, with aventurine perpetual calendar. It’s a great watch. I think AP should have released the top end versions along with stainless steel variants and made the simpler stainless watches available for much less money. They would have made a huge splash and grown their audience substantially. Perhaps the biggest problem with the 11.59 is having a price comparable to the legendary piece they are trying to differentiate this watch from: the Royal Oak?
I think their exterior is nothing short of genius. It is a brilliantly realized ‘less is more” principle, much better than in the “iconic” minimalist watches like Rolex Submariner. The crowd just needs time to adjust the perception properly, because it is, you know, the crowd. The problem is AP is unlikely to apply some healthy stubbornness here, i think they are going to change it to the liking of the crowd or even dump the whole thing
To me, the modern-like-numeral is the key problem. The models that do not have numerals are the one people do like, ex) openworked, grand-complication, perpetual calendar. Since the RO or ROO is the sports watch lineup in the brand; I believe the new lineup (code 11.59) shouldn't look too sporty. So like the one in 7:12 changing the fat numerals to breguet style works really well not just because it has ambiguity of both sports and dress hybrids but it fulfills the empty role (dress watch) of the brand. Other holy trinity has dress watch lineup but Audemars Piguet is the only one lacking it. But instead of fixing this problem they made the steel code 11.59 into more sporty looking one. In conclusion, the code 11.59 has a terrible dial in contrast to extraordinarily well made case.
I believe that the earliest dials should have used tapisserie to bridge the move to the code 11.59 from the loyalists prospective even I would go with the same hour markers and limit the differentiation in the case design and unique hands , that would have been a nice identity to start with.
Another good video. I like the Code 11:59 range, but I just do not see it, other than the Universelle, to be that distinct from other watches. The Royal Oak is different, but the Code range, not so much.
@@ID-Guy Very, thank you. I hope you are too. I watched an older video of yours earlier, and now I am hankering after the red dial Omega Speedster 57!!
I like the code 11.59 and i actually own 2 of them. The blue on rose gold with smoked dial and the chrono rose on ceramic mid case. I had RO and ROO before getting the code so i bought these watches because i simply like them. They do look great in real life and can be dressed up or down easily. The RO screams AP and sometimes you don't need that attention but the code flies under the radar and the smoked dials are. Very beautiful to look at.
So, are you getting back to the Thursday at 1700 GMT release time schedule? I like the 11.59, but.... It's too big, too thick, too expensive. AP is a one trick pony that I will never ride, mostly because the brand seems to not know how to expand its market to a broader spectrum of watch enthusiasts. As far as I am concerned AP should not be in the Holy Trinity. Let the spears start being flung.
Got hit with a bout of gastroenteritis over the last week and a half and missed the upload schedule 😆 BUT if things improve and these clips are well received I might manage a 2 video schedule every week. Summed up AP well in this too... considering that JLC is the reason why many of the trinity survive today... JLC should be the jewel in the crown 😉
I was waiting for someone to mention the thickness. I’m sitting here with my BB Pro on and it now looks sleek after watching that video. I have a feeling AP knows it’s target audience and ‘watch presence’ is high on the list. Would like to see one in person.
One strange aspect of the initial launch models, was that at certain angles, the dial and hands would become illegible. Given the importance of the model to AP, it was hard to understand this failure.
I think with both refreshes of this code collection theyve refined it nicely. The latest iterations in steel are very nice watches to me. I own a RO and RO offshore and like the new Codes.
Your rendition of the three hand watch with Breguet style numerals looked quite good. But to my eye, the typeface of the date looked out of place That leads me to another subject; Balance and harmony between all of the text, indexes, and/or numerals that can be found on a watch dial. I would very much enjoy your exploration of this topic.
I like it a lot, but I can wear 45mm without any issue, so it's not as much of a problem for me. The only thing I'd change, is the thickness. She's got some heft to her and changing that would help.
I think that a lot of people have never actually held one in their hand... and like many other watches, it is one that needs to be handled to be appreciated. Good, bad, or otherwise. I also don't think AP are trying to "make another RO" from a design standpoint. Maybe that isn't what you meant.
I felt that the Code 11:59 was really starting to come into its own as of late. Rather than just being a Watch you purchased to be able to obtain a Royal Oak at the AP Boutique the complications and designs started to be less ‘fashion focused’ and actually real horological gems ever since the Perpetual Calendar came out. We’ve had the Starwheel, a totally different look altogether that I love, the Super Sonnerie and now the Universelle which surely cements AP firmly back into the ‘Holy Trinity’ again. The case design may have torn opinions but, is that just because people only want to accept the classic ‘hype’ takes on the Royal Oak? I think the Code 11:59 has legs. It just takes time for people to appreciate them. ✊
@@ID-Guy It is quite a humiliation when, as one of the horology trilogy brands, you cannot come up with a better design. That after 50 years of "milking" their Royal Oak model that was put on paper in 1 day by a young designer. It shows that the company does have a very good command of technology and watchmaking craftsmanship, but they "relied" 50 years on one man's design. That's quite a shame.
I love the design and appreciate the individuality of it. Yes would be nice to see them affordable. Never going to happen, all the popular “luxury” brands becoming unobtainable, to such a position that I could sell one of my Rolex, to buy a Glashutte Sea Q Panorama Date. IMHO a superior watch to the Submariner, in terms of design, finishing and quality. Not missing the Rolex. I like Different hence I’ve got a Tudor FXD MN23
The 11:59 is absolutely awesome and goes way beyond the Royal Oak. But people are blinkered by the Royal Oak , get it on a rappers wrist or red carpet then things will change.
Call me an outlier but I much prefer the 11:59 case to the brutish R.O. As for the Honda Accord analogy, dunno. A Nautilus is a well-finished Toyota Corolla at best, and yet a frenzy surrounds it. Just don't 'get' that at all. As you say, with precious metals they made a mess of the release as to price points and at 41mm it's too damn big. I am not the target audience, not given to wearing the price of a decent car on my wrist. To get a fantastic watch you just don't need to. Putting a full set of numerals on the 'Self-winding' dial was a master-stroke though. Loved it!
0:37 There's just something about the shapes of the bezel, the case, and the lugs that do not convey a sense of sophistication even though I'm sure they are all high-quality indeed.
Been watching 11.59 as an innocent bystander. Sort of like a peasant watching a parade where the royalty wheels out their interpretations of these idols to the arrow of time. A mix of art and science where the admission fee for the best pieces are into the six figures; so for most who can begin to look at 11.59, its in five figure territory, and here the battlefield rages amongst the holy trinity and others at the luxury end. Agree that AP is moving forward as they should, but man, its so hard to design a winning formula that these dramas in the watch universe are become a spectator sport...not necessarily a good place to be when contemplating the next timepiece purchase.
Another informative video and many interesting thoughts on the way forward for the 11.59. Personally I’m not a fan of the whole octagonal design idea and would like to see it with a redesigned case.
I do love the crystal, seen in person the double curved sapphire is amazing & pics do not do it justice... but I really struggle with the rest of the design. It is neither a dress watch nor a sports watch. And then there is the price, only on strap, yikes! 🤢🤮🤯
Probably a very contrarian opinion but I much prefer the 11.59 with it's acres of open dial. "So much room for activities" Complications on the RO make the dial look cramped.
What seems off today can be totally looks cool in the future. Same thing happened when they released RO back in 70s. Who knows it will be highly collectible 10-20 years ago from now. Only God knows
I really like the CODE 11:59, sorry, not sorry, it's something different and it is brave. I want to see the new models from Rolex or Patek, as in NEW, not the same bezel color from 5 years ago brought back, new model. I'll wait.
I am really glad they didn't give you any creative input on this watch. Funny how you call this a "generic" watch. JLC, Patek, VC....their round watches are the definition of generic with the same case shapes and bezels that they have been using for 100 years. If the Code was more generic (like the new Rolex dress watch) you would love it.
1. The new code11.59 with its steel case and lumed hands/indices suggests a sports watch, yet it only has 30m water resistance. 2. Dial is stamped, not guilloche. 3. The case shape looks neither industrial nor elegant. It’s just bulky and awkward.
The time only with the numbers looks wonderful, why didn’t they do this. That watch I would actually like to own. Had a RO but never liked it, it wasn’t me.
I actually like the design of this watch more than the Royal Oak. It's just big, in a smaller size it may be more successful but aesthetically speaking I like the industrial vibes it has. Again though I'll never be able to afford one so my opinion as a peasant is probably pretty meh 😂
AP gets blasted for being a one trick pony, then they do something else and they get blasted for that too!? Personally, I think the Royal Oak is overrated, these are fine looking watches, and there's nothing AP needs to be apologetic about. This is a good starting point and it just needs tweaks from here. The Royal Oak through most of it's history wasn't as loved as it is today. They refined it over time. So, why does this new design have to be a home run right out of the gate!?
skeleton has something more up graded. but too terminator. They tried to many variations. You made it better elegant brguet numbers with futuristic style=like
Odd take in this video... You say the new steel codes are too derivative of the RO, but they declare they dont scream AP enough for your liking how do you even reconcile those two
Thanks for the video! That’s one ugly watch😜. It’s trying too hard, and in the end it does look like a fashion cheap watch…. Patek has been more successful with the 5212 weekly!
The original 3 hand models actually look and feel good in person, really good. Fabric straps, thick cases, and .... 30 m WR. Nope. That is not even trying. The new steel models are terrible.
I’m not being rude, but if you take away that one design which was in fact made by gay freres after a genta sketch then there is not an awful lot left, that 1 design has allowed them to play with everything else because if you took that away, they would be non-existent.
Another thing is, they’ve taken a steed watch and had to throw in a ton of precious metal to justify the outrageous prices on a watch that is not any better than a standard Rolex perpetual. The finishing is not any better. The movement is not any better. it’s an outrageous nonsense.
![Дон ДОН, Алаудинов и СБЕЖАВШИЕ из под Курска ахматовцы 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dEfCf5IK26Q/mqdefault.jpg)
3 years since these were first released, what are your thoughts on the Code 11.59 collection?
This should be fun to read 😉🥃
PLEASE, PLEASE do the Breitling Superocean Heritage 2, PLEEEEEASE
@@sebsebseb1905 Going to get into the Superocean range soon, promise. Breitling needs way more coverage! 🥃
Have you tried it on? It’s a brick! Nothing appealing about it. 🤷🏽♂️
I love the case shape on the models, but it stops there.
I think this would be an entirely different discussion if this was the first generation and what was given as the first generation simply never happened.
I tried a few models in the AP Boutique and man is that a nice watch. So well done in person. They just started with the wrong dials initially. Current models are excellent. ❤
I really hope they do well with this new generation and thank you for sharing Ralf! Tonnes of potential with this collection 🥃
Ralf is right, these watches (and most watches) are meant to be seen in person and not assessed based on a spec sheet
As the owner of the steel chronograph in midnight blue I do not see it at all as some kind of Royal Oak ‘light’ as you infer - it is simply so different. I personally don’t even find Royal Oaks to be particularly attractive, and ruled out having one, but when the steel Codes came out I found them to be irresistible. If you haven’t handled one of the new steel versions I recommend you do so. Between the complex dial, elaborate case and extraordinary crystal you have an extremely compelling watch that does not sit in the shadow of the Royal Oak in any way.
As a watch enthusiast I cherish the opportunity fine pieces that people typically neglect. I recently obtained the date only version of the code 1159 with the blue sunray dial. I got it at a fairly good discount and have been loving it for the past few weeks. It is a great watch to on the wrist for me.
how would you feel if you had to buy it at retail?
@@PhillyHank Most watches can be had at a discount, except of course the usual hype-pieces used to Instagram photos behind a BMW steering wheel.
I think that one of the problems with the Code 11.59 is that it's just too damn big and suffers from an identity crisis. The basic 3 hander time only aspires to be an elegant dress watch, but at 41mm, with the large dial, it wears more like a 43mm. Maybe if they made the basic time only models in 38mm it would be more universally appealing as a dress watch. They could keep the 41mm for the complicated versions, where the larger size is probably necessary anyway to fit the movement into. Interesting video
Thank you Floyd. I reckon that 41mm size also aims at being the universal size they'd use with the chrono and other complications (maybe it saves on manufacturing costs by keeping one size throughout) And you're right about Neg. space and how open dials appear... actually the basis of Sunday's video currently in the works 😉
38mm? This isnt the 80s lol
I couldn’t agree more. It’s just too large for my wrist when I was being offered to purchase the piece and start my journey with AP.
Well, I have an 8 inch wrist (20cm) and it doesn't seem too large for me. In fact it seems..... just right. I have one, btw.
I own a Honda Accord 🤣lol! The dials of the 11.59 reminds me of fashion brands. At the end of the day if you want a RO at retail you’ll have to buy a couple 11.59’s to qualify 😎! Best regards
You've got Code 11.59 tastes brother!! 😆 Nothing like having a stash of 5 of these models and one RO Jumbo in a watchbox #ADphisted😉
Kudos to AP for trying to come out with a watch model different from the Royal Oak. Remember that the Royal Oak didn't sell well when it first came out. The code 11.59 averine dial is beautiful and should sell well. The new simpler dials should catch on if they price them in the high teens/low/twenties. If AP could make the thickness of the case more sleek, then the design would catch on faster too. Minor improvement, replace code 11.59 with a new model name.
Really like your take on this Danny. And absolutely agree with the price point. Thank you for sharing this 🥃
I commented earlier that when I finally bought a mechanical watch, you would have been a big part of my decision-making process. After interest in and a search of eight years, I bought a Glashutte Original SeaQ Panorama Date. Without going into detail, your exposition of design language really illuminated my search. Thanks for your videos.
That is an... Impressive start as the first mechanical watch! Wear it in good health. Congrats!
What an amazing first choice Gary! Wow. It is fantastic when you feel like you've found THE watch to kickstart everything (or in some cases - one that could be you only watch) That's how I feel about my Seamaster 57 to this day. 3rd year of ownership and I'd never sell it... even if it tripled in value. It's just way too special to ever let go. So happy for you and a huge congratulations. If I added 10% into your decision making then I'm humbled Gary. Truly 🥃
Great choice. The bracelet in particular is one of the best in the entire watch industry.
IDGuy, you contributed at least 50% or more to my decision. My grandfather, a poor immigrant, bought a mass produced Elgin pocket watch in 1910 and gave it to me a few years before he died, and I have my father’s Hamilton wristwatch that he bought in 1938, so I’ve had a love of mechanical watches all my life really. I remember you saying regarding your 1957 that one should spend enough so that (paraphrasing) it hurts a bit. And this one did. In part, my search took so long because I kept having to raise my price limit to find something that “sparked joy”. I wanted something I could use every day and so I thought a minimum of 100m water resistance. Also in-house movement and transparent caseback. And I much prefer Arabic numerals to plots or batons. The SeaQ Panorama Date has all that and a beautifully decorated movement. It’s expensive but a lot of watch for the money. Quirky dial, graceful case, 100 hour power reserve. And indeed the bracelet is extraordinary comfortable. Would I like it to be a couple of mm smaller and thinner? Yes. But it really wears well and I intend to embrace every scratch over the time I’m privileged to use it. It was, in fact, the most expensive watch I could buy without my wife insisting on a divorce. But in truth, I can’t think of a sports watch at any price I’d rather have. Thanks again for your passion and insight into the world of design.
That's a really nice first watch!
I think a lot of people forgot that when AP released their Royal Oak, it was also met with the same disdain and criticism from the watch world and yet here we are, almost unobtainable. When I first saw the Code 11.59, I really thought they honour the heritage of the Royal Oak while combining some dressy elements into it, and I still think to this day that it is an underrated masterpiece from AP. It is one of my 'grail' watches and I really hope that it wont become what the Royal Oak is, unobtainable
Well said, completely agree 👏
Dear Mr IDGuy.
I found this “lecture” very informative and interesting. I generally don’t go too deep in those way/way/way out of my watch spending price range.
It’s great to get your view as I always find it digestible.
Overall Bland, however personally I admire the case and crystal very much and yes that aventurine dial is amazing.
Take it easy Mr IDGuy, I hope you’re doing well. ❤
Thank you as always Dave. Been dealing with Gastroenteritis over the last week and a bit (been chatting to the toilet bowl a lot) but now finally starting to feel myself and get back into the videos. The Code 11.59 is a weird beast... probably deserves another 40+ minutes of talk time to cover them fully 😆 Really hope you're well sir! 🥃
AP has really fired a warning shot at the Daniel Wellington lineup with the latest stainless steel models 😬 Look out shopping mall watches, Les Brassus is coming for your sales 🤣
Daniel Wellington are shaking 😆 Classic!
At least they took a risk, what have Rolex done in the last 50 years?. Not a lot.
Wow! You surprise me with a new video and it is not Sunday👍.
Decided to surprise everyone 😉 I've been man-down the last week and a half so aimed and sharing two videos this week... wish me luck! 😆🥃
@@ID-Guy Thanks man, really enjoyed 😀
Haha nailed it with the Hugo Boss remark. The case and sapphire are impressive but the dials are akin to too many fashion watches.
I have the Code 11.59 with the blue dial, the newer version with the rose gold, I love the uniqueness of the cased design and the dial layout. I believe it’s underrated with all of the beauty with the dial and the crystal design, multiple layers when you look at it from an angle. I didn’t want a Royal Oak, this was a great alternative with some of the case design from their legendary history. I’m happy with my Code 11.59, no regrets, and the size is good with me, no issues being too big, especially, with all of the complications offered.
It's a shame that AP is basically a one(maybe two)-trick pony at this juncture; no doubt this will fall on deaf ears, but I'd like to see them revitalize the Jules Audemars and/or Edward Piguet line.
The first generation of these models didn't generate the buzz and would have knocked their confidence to try my original concepts too. It's a real shame. The Jules Audemars is that perfect example of how far they used to explore back in the day. Alas 🥃
Look at Rolex closely. It could be argued the same story. The sub (sub, sea dweller, GMT, yatchmaster) , and their version calatrava which is their oyster case. (OP, airking, Milly, explorer, datejust, day date)
As I'm writing this I'm realising the Daytona messes up this point!
The Jules Audemars collection did not sell so they ended it. Simple as that.
Which is a damn shame
It's an amazing one trick pony, though. Most brands don't even have one iconic watch to point at. I like the recent code 1159 in the sunburst blue dial. Looks incredible. I'm saving up for it right now.
I loved the 11:59 upon the first viewing, to my eye I find it captivating. The small touches, like the octagonal case, as an homage to the Royal Oak is subtle, but continues the theme. I bought my RO Chronograph in '99, I'm wearing it now. A short while after I purchased my RO, I frequented the Tourneau on Madison ave in NYC. One of the sales people noticed my watch and made the remark, "not one of our best sellers". My point is I think the 11:59 will be a sleeper, to be held in much higher regard in the future.
AP should have looked at Lange & Söhne on how to design a new watch model, keeping the key characteristics of the the traditional brand aesthetics.
AP should hire you, great review video.
Thank you brother. Maybe one day a brand will reach out and ask to collaborate... fingers crossed 😉🥃
The Starwheel (vagabonde) looks stunning!
I intended to include it in the video and it must've slipped my mind... it's a stunner with those open dials (like the Gorilla Mirage - nice AP connection too 🥃)
I absolutely LOVE the new hands. And actually, when you rendered the Breguet numerals in, I quite like the whole look of the watch! ❤
I wonder if AP - or any of the Big 4 - listen to customers at all?
Great job. Definitely tough to outdo - or even match themselves. I applaud the effort.
First of all great video. I like it that you put also some focus on watches that are not as popular as other watches.
When i first saw the watch i really liked it. For me the main point where the magic of this watch lies is the unique case. You get different lugs, the watch case looks like a royal oak has been used as a spare part of the past to make room fore the future. The dial is also for me the weak point. There is something for example in F.P. Journes watches that can take a simple dial and make it complex interesting and give it its own DNA. Maybe Hands that we never seen on an other watch would helped.
I also agree with your point that this collection should be the focus of the complicated watches of AP. For me a complicated Royal oak doesnt have the charm. Instead i like it more when it just displays the time. While The Datograph perpetual Chronograph 1815 from Lange looks with complications even better.
To the last point. Audimar has the worst position of every modern Watchmaker. They made one of the most loved and best designs ever in watches. While they dont have other collections to match that. Omega doesnt have just the speedmaster that is an icon. It has the Aqua terra, the constellation etc. They needed to fire from all canons. There was this one watch from AP that they brought back. The Chronograph remaster i think, that was an amazing watch and should be brought back at its own collection and make a bigger portfolio.
It is outstanding
I think that the new steel chrono CODEs are very nice. The 3 hander is still a problem because it's a giant 41mm plate that looks too empty and unnecessarily large.
AP is the "that company that makes royal oak" in my mind. I think they've been sitting on their laurels far too long to be capable to reinvent themselves in a refreshing way. Meanwhile other makers *cough* not rolex *cough* have been tweaking, refining and reinventing their designs past half century. Also I think AP is seeing the end of integrated bracelet sport watches hype creeping up.
Interesting how some brands smack us with new and interesting approaches every year (tweaking the formulas) and others just change dials 😆🥃
I could not disagree with you more concerning the integral bracelet designs, IWC's new Ingenuier, Tissot's new integrated design, VC's 222 just name a few. They have very successfully added the OffShore and created versions around that design. I love Rolex also, but the vast majority of their watches are simply variations on a theme. They have their spaces and niches and both incredibly successful. AP designs are vastly superior to Patek, who design wise leave me cold and at one point I owned a Nautilus. It all boils down to beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I’ve chosen to view the Code 11.59 as I’d view any other watch in the market and without comparison to its popular sibling. In looking at it as a dress/casual hybrid, it quickly made its way to the top of my list. This caused me to re-think my existing collection to the point that I decided to sell a high horology, rose gold dress piece for the Code 11.59 with the smoked beige dial. I think it’s a fantastic design and the new dials grabbed me immediately. And this is coming from a primarily independent collector of brands like Kudoke, Holthinrichs, etc.
In think the smoked beige is the best of their new dials!
I guess I'm one of the rare exceptions but I absolutely love the look of this watch! I don't understand why people don't like it. Unfortunately I can't afford it but if I could, I would have one or more right now.
Great study here!
I actually like the code 11.59 and agree it really shines in the special dial variations and complications, especially, with aventurine perpetual calendar.
It’s a great watch. I think AP should have released the top end versions along with stainless steel variants and made the simpler stainless watches available for much less money. They would have made a huge splash and grown their audience substantially. Perhaps the biggest problem with the 11.59 is having a price comparable to the legendary piece they are trying to differentiate this watch from: the Royal Oak?
I think their exterior is nothing short of genius. It is a brilliantly realized
‘less is more” principle, much better than in the “iconic” minimalist watches like Rolex Submariner. The crowd just needs time to adjust the perception properly, because it is, you know, the crowd. The problem is AP is unlikely to apply some healthy stubbornness here, i think they are going to change it to the liking of the crowd or even dump the whole thing
To me, the modern-like-numeral is the key problem. The models that do not have numerals are the one people do like, ex) openworked, grand-complication, perpetual calendar. Since the RO or ROO is the sports watch lineup in the brand; I believe the new lineup (code 11.59) shouldn't look too sporty. So like the one in 7:12 changing the fat numerals to breguet style works really well not just because it has ambiguity of both sports and dress hybrids but it fulfills the empty role (dress watch) of the brand. Other holy trinity has dress watch lineup but Audemars Piguet is the only one lacking it. But instead of fixing this problem they made the steel code 11.59 into more sporty looking one. In conclusion, the code 11.59 has a terrible dial in contrast to extraordinarily well made case.
I believe that the earliest dials should have used tapisserie to bridge the move to the code 11.59 from the loyalists prospective even I would go with the same hour markers and limit the differentiation in the case design and unique hands , that would have been a nice identity to start with.
Another good video. I like the Code 11:59 range, but I just do not see it, other than the Universelle, to be that distinct from other watches. The Royal Oak is different, but the Code range, not so much.
They'll break those barriers eventually but the majority of us just don't see that freshness yet. Hope you're well Pooh 🥃
@@ID-Guy Very, thank you. I hope you are too. I watched an older video of yours earlier, and now I am hankering after the red dial Omega Speedster 57!!
I like the code 11.59 and i actually own 2 of them. The blue on rose gold with smoked dial and the chrono rose on ceramic mid case. I had RO and ROO before getting the code so i bought these watches because i simply like them. They do look great in real life and can be dressed up or down easily. The RO screams AP and sometimes you don't need that attention but the code flies under the radar and the smoked dials are. Very beautiful to look at.
Code is Perfect. dnt care about what rolex royal oak nautilus gang has to say.
let the me too gang be out of good stuff
So, are you getting back to the Thursday at 1700 GMT release time schedule?
I like the 11.59, but.... It's too big, too thick, too expensive. AP is a one trick pony that I will never ride, mostly because the brand seems to not know how to expand its market to a broader spectrum of watch enthusiasts. As far as I am concerned AP should not be in the Holy Trinity. Let the spears start being flung.
Got hit with a bout of gastroenteritis over the last week and a half and missed the upload schedule 😆 BUT if things improve and these clips are well received I might manage a 2 video schedule every week. Summed up AP well in this too... considering that JLC is the reason why many of the trinity survive today... JLC should be the jewel in the crown 😉
I was waiting for someone to mention the thickness. I’m sitting here with my BB Pro on and it now looks sleek after watching that video. I have a feeling AP knows it’s target audience and ‘watch presence’ is high on the list. Would like to see one in person.
@@ID-Guy Hope you are feeling much better now. Many of us patiently wait for your releases.
One strange aspect of the initial launch models, was that at certain angles, the dial and hands would become illegible. Given the importance of the model to AP, it was hard to understand this failure.
In time it may age as well as wine. Appreciation doesn't always come instantly.
Nice video mate 🥃
I think with both refreshes of this code collection theyve refined it nicely. The latest iterations in steel are very nice watches to me. I own a RO and RO offshore and like the new Codes.
I tried the real one in person and its better looking than in photos. It's not huge feel much smaller than the Offshore.
The watches at 5:15 look like Seiko Presage Cocktail
Your rendition of the three hand watch with Breguet style numerals looked quite good. But to my eye, the typeface of the date looked out of place
That leads me to another subject; Balance and harmony between all of the text, indexes, and/or numerals that can be found on a watch dial.
I would very much enjoy your exploration of this topic.
nice the breguet numbers
I like it a lot, but I can wear 45mm without any issue, so it's not as much of a problem for me.
The only thing I'd change, is the thickness. She's got some heft to her and changing that would help.
I would love to see a version of the code 1159 as a clear dial, no date, numbers just hour and minute hands and Different dial art like the Patek 5077
They could take a feather out of Moser's hat too! just the handset and AP branding applied to the dial. Fresh 🔥
@@ID-Guy Yes exactly what came to my mind something like the Moser design
I think that a lot of people have never actually held one in their hand... and like many other watches, it is one that needs to be handled to be appreciated. Good, bad, or otherwise. I also don't think AP are trying to "make another RO" from a design standpoint. Maybe that isn't what you meant.
I felt that the Code 11:59 was really starting to come into its own as of late. Rather than just being a Watch you purchased to be able to obtain a Royal Oak at the AP Boutique the complications and designs started to be less ‘fashion focused’ and actually real horological gems ever since the Perpetual Calendar came out. We’ve had the Starwheel, a totally different look altogether that I love, the Super Sonnerie and now the Universelle which surely cements AP firmly back into the ‘Holy Trinity’ again. The case design may have torn opinions but, is that just because people only want to accept the classic ‘hype’ takes on the Royal Oak? I think the Code 11:59 has legs. It just takes time for people to appreciate them. ✊
Success and failures.. what success were you aiming at exactly 🙃?
😆 Well, their movements are pretty grand... they exist...is that a success? 😉
@@ID-Guy It is quite a humiliation when, as one of the horology trilogy brands, you cannot come up with a better design. That after 50 years of "milking" their Royal Oak model that was put on paper in 1 day by a young designer. It shows that the company does have a very good command of technology and watchmaking craftsmanship, but they "relied" 50 years on one man's design. That's quite a shame.
I love the design and appreciate the individuality of it. Yes would be nice to see them affordable. Never going to happen, all the popular “luxury” brands becoming unobtainable, to such a position that I could sell one of my Rolex, to buy a Glashutte Sea Q Panorama Date. IMHO a superior watch to the Submariner, in terms of design, finishing and quality. Not missing the Rolex.
I like Different hence I’ve got a Tudor FXD MN23
I don't think these watches are generic, I think people don't like the way they look. Big difference, IMO.
The 11:59 is absolutely awesome and goes way beyond the Royal Oak. But people are blinkered by the Royal Oak , get it on a rappers wrist or red carpet then things will change.
Call me an outlier but I much prefer the 11:59 case to the brutish R.O. As for the Honda Accord analogy, dunno. A Nautilus is a well-finished Toyota Corolla at best, and yet a frenzy surrounds it. Just don't 'get' that at all. As you say, with precious metals they made a mess of the release as to price points and at 41mm it's too damn big. I am not the target audience, not given to wearing the price of a decent car on my wrist. To get a fantastic watch you just don't need to. Putting a full set of numerals on the 'Self-winding' dial was a master-stroke though. Loved it!
0:37 There's just something about the shapes of the bezel, the case, and the lugs that do not convey a sense of sophistication even though I'm sure they are all high-quality indeed.
If these pieces had all the hype, people would want them. Simple as that.
This design is not earth shattering but since I'm one of the few who doesn't drool over the RO design I'm not offended by it.
Been watching 11.59 as an innocent bystander. Sort of like a peasant watching a parade where the royalty wheels out their interpretations of these idols to the arrow of time. A mix of art and science where the admission fee for the best pieces are into the six figures; so for most who can begin to look at 11.59, its in five figure territory, and here the battlefield rages amongst the holy trinity and others at the luxury end. Agree that AP is moving forward as they should, but man, its so hard to design a winning formula that these dramas in the watch universe are become a spectator sport...not necessarily a good place to be when contemplating the next timepiece purchase.
Another informative video and many interesting thoughts on the way forward for the 11.59. Personally I’m not a fan of the whole octagonal design idea and would like to see it with a redesigned case.
I do love the crystal, seen in person the double curved sapphire is amazing & pics do not do it justice... but I really struggle with the rest of the design. It is neither a dress watch nor a sports watch. And then there is the price, only on strap, yikes! 🤢🤮🤯
Probably a very contrarian opinion but I much prefer the 11.59 with it's acres of open dial. "So much room for activities" Complications on the RO make the dial look cramped.
"So many activities!" I like your fresh take on these Doug! 🥃
What seems off today can be totally looks cool in the future. Same thing happened when they released RO back in 70s. Who knows it will be highly collectible 10-20 years ago from now. Only God knows
Emporio Armani or Code 11.59 hmm…
Which design has been around the longest? Always take heritage over the new kid on the block 😆😆 Classic.
Man I don't know what this guy is talking about, but lower the price and I would buy one of these beauty's!!! (RUSH)
I really like the CODE 11:59, sorry, not sorry, it's something different and it is brave. I want to see the new models from Rolex or Patek, as in NEW, not the same bezel color from 5 years ago brought back, new model. I'll wait.
I am really glad they didn't give you any creative input on this watch. Funny how you call this a "generic" watch. JLC, Patek, VC....their round watches are the definition of generic with the same case shapes and bezels that they have been using for 100 years. If the Code was more generic (like the new Rolex dress watch) you would love it.
1159 reminds me of Jordan attempt at baseball
Looks good just lose the date windows. Lug shape isnt unlike jlc polaris
I'm always for losing date windows too (given the choice) 😉🥃
1. The new code11.59 with its steel case and lumed hands/indices suggests a sports watch, yet it only has 30m water resistance.
2. Dial is stamped, not guilloche.
3. The case shape looks neither industrial nor elegant. It’s just bulky and awkward.
I prefer the Code 11.59ULTRA-COMPLICATION UNIVERSELLE Beige Dial over all their other models.
Possibly Should have lunch the whole new range with the most complicated version, in the same way sport cars launch?
Another issue with this line is that their marketing was horrible at launch as well
Am I the only one who likes the blue sunburst dial code 11.59? Dress watches are meant to be plain looking. What am I missing?
The time only with the numbers looks wonderful, why didn’t they do this. That watch I would actually like to own. Had a RO but never liked it, it wasn’t me.
In some ways it sounds like AP is suffering Pearl Jam problems. How do you top your greatest accomplishment?
I actually like the design of this watch more than the Royal Oak. It's just big, in a smaller size it may be more successful but aesthetically speaking I like the industrial vibes it has. Again though I'll never be able to afford one so my opinion as a peasant is probably pretty meh 😂
AP gets blasted for being a one trick pony, then they do something else and they get blasted for that too!?
Personally, I think the Royal Oak is overrated, these are fine looking watches, and there's nothing AP needs to be apologetic about.
This is a good starting point and it just needs tweaks from here. The Royal Oak through most of it's history wasn't as loved as it is today. They refined it over time. So, why does this new design have to be a home run right out of the gate!?
If the Royal Oak is Connery the 11.59 is Dalton :(
Not Brosnan? 😆 At least Dalton could do serious all the time ;)
Fair enough… Brosnan is its new nickname ;)
@@ericb8888 New BP FF with a 47mm case and full Pumpkin lume. You never go full Pumpkin...
@@ID-Guy Just checked it out . Right up there with the X fathoms … look at that strap !!!!!
I dunno, they look pretty beautiful to me
I think AP released this watch for the 2030s. It'll be fine....
skeleton has something more up graded. but too terminator. They tried to many variations. You made it better elegant brguet numbers with futuristic style=like
It took one minute and forty-four seconds to first mention the name of "the other watch". Not bad 😁
Odd take in this video... You say the new steel codes are too derivative of the RO, but they declare they dont scream AP enough for your liking
how do you even reconcile those two
Thanks for the video! That’s one ugly watch😜. It’s trying too hard, and in the end it does look like a fashion cheap watch…. Patek has been more successful with the 5212 weekly!
First !
Smashed it JJ! Hope you're well sir! 🥃
@@IDKline Dethroned, brother 😉
But at the expense of not watching all the way through first. 😅😂
@@Yorkshiremadmick ✊
Thick as a brick. Thats my only gripe
It’s a stunning watch ! I disagree with your critique regarding the design aesthetic! Sorry
The original 3 hand models actually look and feel good in person, really good. Fabric straps, thick cases, and .... 30 m WR. Nope. That is not even trying. The new steel models are terrible.
the old CEO probably stepped down because this line is bankrupting the company.
I’m not being rude, but if you take away that one design which was in fact made by gay freres after a genta sketch then there is not an awful lot left, that 1 design has allowed them to play with everything else because if you took that away, they would be non-existent.
CODE 11.59 - designed by committee generic mall watch fail
Honestly, I don't want anything AP makes.
Another thing is, they’ve taken a steed watch and had to throw in a ton of precious metal to justify the outrageous prices on a watch that is not any better than a standard Rolex perpetual. The finishing is not any better. The movement is not any better. it’s an outrageous nonsense.
I thought you own the piece…opinion without experience is really cheap in my opinion….critique needs to be backed by ownership
They got the name wrong and they got the design wrong. Ugly!
1159= failure move on
AP is going the way of Panerai....sad.
Nope, nope, no, the 11.59 is a spud, AP are still a one trick pony.
Listen pal… this is nice but Blancpain, Blancpain!!!
And if you make take a company/industry view this time