Time to have another look outside the wonderful world of Girard-Perregaux. This time we look over at Audemars Piguet and their 2019 new release, the Code 11.59. Seldom a new watch release has received so much criticism as the Code 11.59. AP was and is a manufacture revolving around the Royal Oak. A classic design back from the 1970s that has proven timeless and a huge success, becoming the signature of the brand.
In general, you have to applaud AP for investing into a new collection outside the Royal Oak. It is always tricky if your success rests on a single product or in case of watches on one single iconic design. You always run the risk of becoming out of fashion or being outsmarted by a competitor with a superior product. Yes, the Nautilus comes to mind.
The Automatic Caliber is up to AP standards and truly beautiful
So adding diversity is a good strategy. On the other hand, I do sympathise a lot with the criticism about the Code 11.59. I’m still not sure where it really fits. It’s not exactly a dress watch nor does it have a design DNA from Audemars Piguet, and there has been some truly nice classic designs from AP outside the Royal Oak, like the Perpetual Calendars for example.
I think the Code 11.59 tries to please too many tastes, like a watch designed by a committee. Time will tell if this collection becomes a success or if it will disappear from the shelves again rather quickly. It will be hard to evolve it with a “facelift” to bring a consistent design line to the Code 11.59 without looking like AP dumped the original design. We will watch the further development.
Time to have another look outside the wonderful world of Girard-Perregaux. This time we look over at Audemars Piguet and their 2019 new release, the Code 11.59. Seldom a new watch release has received so much criticism as the Code 11.59. AP was and is a manufacture revolving around the Royal Oak. A classic design back from the 1970s that has proven timeless and a huge success, becoming the signature of the brand.
In general, you have to applaud AP for investing into a new collection outside the Royal Oak. It is always tricky if your success rests on a single product or in case of watches on one single iconic design. You always run the risk of becoming out of fashion or being outsmarted by a competitor with a superior product. Yes, the Nautilus comes to mind.
So adding diversity is a good strategy. On the other hand, I do sympathise a lot with the criticism about the Code 11.59. I’m still not sure where it really fits. It’s not exactly a dress watch nor does it have a design DNA from Audemars Piguet, and there has been some truly nice classic designs from AP outside the Royal Oak, like the Perpetual Calendars for example.
I think the Code 11.59 tries to please too many tastes, like a watch designed by a committee. Time will tell if this collection becomes a success or if it will disappear from the shelves again rather quickly. It will be hard to evolve it with a “facelift” to bring a consistent design line to the Code 11.59 without looking like AP dumped the original design. We will watch the further development.
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