Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 is now available in stainless steel

For the first time the Code series is available in stainless steel (with or without ceramic).

Launched in 2019, the controversial Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection has undergone some drastic evolutions over the past few years. Not even talking about adding every possible complication, the classic models - time and date and chronograph - have been improved by adding new smoked/gradient dials. But as of now, the collection is mostly available in white or rose gold, with or without ceramic trim. Not anymore, as we now have Code 11.59 watches in stainless steel, available in three hands and chronograph, with new dial patterns and colors making them sportier and more casual. 6 references in total, including 2 bolder gradients and ceramic elements. Let's take a closer look.

The first year of Code 11.59 was tough...the release wasn't as successful as expected, and the response to the watch wasn't overwhelming. The reason could be the rather sleek dials offered in the first models. Still, the watch itself has some very interesting features, such as a complex and stunning case (at least from the side) and reliable new in-house movements – including the long-awaited integrated chronograph movement . But the exterior isn't striking enough. Things changed when AP decided to spice things up with gradient dials, two-tone cases, or ceramic trim, enhancing the complex shapes of the cases. But all of them are mostly made of gold...expensive, heavy and too formal for some.

That changes this year with the introduction of the Code 11.59 steel model. Six reference models, offering time and date and chronograph models, feature new dials in cool colors and livelier textures. What remains is the shape of the case, which remains one of the most complex in the brand's portfolio. Consisting of stylized skeletonized lugs, an ultra-thin bezel, an octagonal case middle, and a curvature extending from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock, understated at first glance, it's more interesting from the side. Now made of steel (for the bezel, lugs, and caseback), the finish is equally impressive, combining brushed surfaces with hand-polished accents. Models with beige dials add a case middle and a black ceramic crown for more contrast. Unfortunately,

One of the benefits of using stainless steel is more comfort thanks to the lighter material. All models remain 41mm in diameter, with a thickness of 10.7mm for the time and date models and 12.6mm for the chronograph. Of course, steel will be more durable under everyday conditions of use. To further enhance the casual style of these models, AP has equipped its Code 11.59 watches with some textile-patterned rubber and leather straps, closed with a pin buckle, and colored to match the dial.

When it comes to watch faces, this is where the real improvements are made. Gone are the flat lacquered dials and slim hands and indexes. All six steel models, albeit in different colours, feature new patterns that liven up the timepieces. The dial has a wave pattern with concentric circles. These are obtained through a stamping process, but their creation is the result of a collaboration with the guilloche artisan Yann von Kaenel. He hand engraves the basic stamp with waves and hundreds of small holes. So even with the stamp, the level of detail on the dial is quite impressive.

These Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet stainless steel models are available in three different colours. First up is the brand's classic Bleu Nuit, the Nuage 50, found on the Royal Oak Jumbo. It's joined by the chronograph version's dark gray inner rim and contrasting gray counters. The second color is stylish khaki green, and the chronograph features matching flanges and rhodium-plated counter indexes. Finally, the model with contrasting ceramic elements on the case features a gradient beige dial that starts smoked in the center and fades to full black towards the outer edges. The chronograph adds black contrast on the counter. Note that the inner flanges of these steel models have also been redesigned. It's wider, with smoother slopes and a more detailed minute/second track.

Another improvement on the Audemars Piguet 11.59 steel version concerns the hands and hour markers, with new extended hour markers replacing the Arabic numerals of the gold version. All elements are wider, faceted and now have illuminated inserts. The applied branding remains and is made of gold. On the 3-hand model, however, the date has been moved to the 3 o'clock position and is framed by a metallic element.

However, no changes can be seen on the inside of these new steel cases. The time and date models are still powered by the in-house caliber 4302, an automatic movement with a 4Hz frequency and a 70-hour power reserve. The chronograph retains the impressive integrated chronograph movement 4401 with column wheel and flyback. Visible through the sapphire case back, these movements are wound by a solid pink gold oscillating weight, beautifully decorated.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – AUDEMARS PIGUET STAINLESS SERIES CODE 11.59
Case: 41mm diameter x 10.7mm (3 hands) or 12.6mm (chronograph) - stainless steel or stainless steel and black ceramic case, brushed and polished - double curved sapphire crystal - sapphire case back - water resistant to 30 meters
Dial: Stamped with wave pattern, available in PVD​Bleu Nuage, Khaki Green or Galvanized Gradient Beige - Applied indexes and hands in 18k white gold, filled with Super-LumiNova
Movement: 3 hands - Caliber 4302, in-house - Automatic - 32 jewels - 32 mm x 4.9 mm - 4Hz frequency - 70 hours power reserve
Chronograph - Caliber 4401, in-house - Integrated automatic flyback chronograph - 40 jewels - 32mm x 6.8mm - 4Hz frequency - 70 hours power reserve
Strap: Rubber strap with textile pattern, leather lining - color to match the dial - stainless steel pin buckle
Availability: As of April 2023
Reference: 15210ST.OO.A343KB.01 - blue 3 hands
15210ST.OO.A056KB.01 - green 3 pointer
15210QT.OO.A064KB.01 - beige 3 hands
26393ST.OO.A343KB.01 - Blue Chronograph
Stopwatch 26393ST. OO.A056KB.01 - Green Chronograph
Chronograph 26393QT.OO.A064KB.01 - Beige Chronograph