When was the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 introduced?

The Code 11.59 collection was introduced in 2019, the first major new collection from Audemars Piguet in many years.

What does the name Code 11.59 mean?

According to Audemars Piguet, the name is an acronym for Challenge, Own, Dare, Evolve, and 11.59 refers to the last minute before a new day begins.

What is special about the Code 11.59 case?

It combines a round bezel and caseback with an octagonal middle case, open-worked lugs and a double-curved sapphire crystal, which together give the watch its depth and complexity.

What is the reference 15210?

The 15210 is the time-and-date Selfwinding Code 11.59 in a 41 mm case. Its suffix and dial indicate the material and colour.

Models

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59

By the Encore Luxe specialists · Updated October 2026

Audemars Piguet is best known for the Royal Oak, the octagonal steel sports watch of 1972. The Code 11.59, introduced in 2019, is something quite different: a round watch that hides its complexity in the details. An octagonal middle case, open lugs and a crystal curved in two directions give it a depth that rewards close attention. This guide explains its design, the main references and how to care for one.

Key facts


Introduced	2019
Name	Code: Challenge, Own, Dare, Evolve; 11.59: the last minute before a new day
Signature details	Round bezel and caseback, octagonal middle case, open-worked lugs, double-curved sapphire crystal
Case size	41 mm on most references; 38 mm on some later models
Metals	18k white, pink and yellow gold; ceramic and gold combinations; steel on some models
Complications	Time and date, chronograph, tourbillon, perpetual calendar, minute repeater and others

A new collection from Le Brassus

Audemars Piguet, founded in 1875 in Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux, introduced the Code 11.59 in 2019 as its first major new collection in many years. It was conceived as a contemporary round watch, distinct from the Royal Oak, combining classical complications with an architectural case.

The case

The Code 11.59 case is its signature.

Round bezel and caseback, thin and polished.
Octagonal middle case, visible from the side, a nod to the Royal Oak and the house's heritage.
Open-worked lugs, welded to the bezel and touching the caseback only at points, making them appear to float.
Double-curved sapphire crystal, curved both vertically and horizontally, so the dial changes as you move.

On many recent models, ceramic middle cases in black or blue contrast with gold bezels and lugs.

Dials

Code 11.59 dials range from lacquered and sunburst finishes to textured, smoked and enamelled. Many recent references feature dials with fine textures and a smoked gradient, darkening towards the edge. Applied gold markers and slender hands complete the design.

References

15210 — Selfwinding: time and date in a 41 mm case. Material and colour are shown by the reference suffix. We currently have a Code 11.59 Selfwinding 41 mm 15210QT with smoked beige dial, 2023.
26393 — Selfwinding Chronograph: chronograph with date.
Tourbillon, Perpetual Calendar and Minute Repeater: high complications.
38 mm models: later additions for a smaller wrist.

Movements

The Code 11.59 introduced new in-house movements, including the self-winding calibre 4302 for the time-and-date model and the integrated flyback chronograph calibre 4401. Both are visible through a sapphire caseback.

Wearing a Code 11.59

The Code 11.59 is a dress watch with a contemporary edge. Its 41 mm case wears comfortably thanks to the curved lugs, and it sits naturally with tailoring. Its strap, usually alligator or rubber-coated leather depending on version, can be changed for a different character.

Caring for a Code 11.59

Water resistance: most references are water resistant to 30 metres. Avoid swimming, and keep the crown pushed in.
Servicing: follow Audemars Piguet's recommended service intervals, and have the watch serviced by the house or an authorised specialist.
Crystal: the double-curved sapphire is hard but can chip if struck at the edge. Take care against door frames and hard surfaces.
Strap: keep leather straps dry and away from perfume, and rotate straps to extend their life.
Cleaning: a soft dry cloth for the case; avoid chemicals.
Storage: keep it in its box or a watch roll, away from magnets.

Authentication

Every watch we offer is examined by our specialists, who check case, dial, reference, serial, movement and papers for consistency. Read how we authenticate.

Living with a Code 11.59

The Code 11.59 is a watch that changes with the light. The double-curved crystal and textured dials mean that, from one angle, the dial appears deep and dark, and from another, bright and almost metallic. Owners often say it takes a few weeks to notice all of its details, such as the way the lugs meet the bezel, the octagon visible from the side, and the finish of the movement through the caseback. It is also a comfortable watch for its size, because the open lugs curve down towards the wrist. If you are choosing between references, consider how you will wear it: a time-and-date model in gold is a refined everyday watch, while a chronograph in ceramic and gold has a sportier presence.

Encore Luxe is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with Audemars Piguet.

Questions we’re often asked

When was the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 introduced?: The Code 11.59 collection was introduced in 2019, the first major new collection from Audemars Piguet in many years.
What does the name Code 11.59 mean?: According to Audemars Piguet, the name is an acronym for Challenge, Own, Dare, Evolve, and 11.59 refers to the last minute before a new day begins.
What is special about the Code 11.59 case?: It combines a round bezel and caseback with an octagonal middle case, open-worked lugs and a double-curved sapphire crystal, which together give the watch its depth and complexity.
What is the reference 15210?: The 15210 is the time-and-date Selfwinding Code 11.59 in a 41 mm case. Its suffix and dial indicate the material and colour.