Anybody own a Code 1159 or Handled one in the Metal?

[Fedpete]

Just wondering if anybody may have one or has handled one in the metal. Wondering what your thoughts are or if handling it person has made you dislike it more or less(or maybe you love it even more!).

Thanks guys!

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by Fedpete

Just wondering if anybody may have one or has handled one in the metal. Wondering what your thoughts are or if handling it person has made you dislike it more or less(or maybe you love it even more!).

Thanks guys!

I tried several on before I picked up my 15500st. I think they are very nice. Beautiful watches. I don't know what all the hate is. A couple things though. They are thicker than I would have imagined, especially the chrono's. And they are very expensive, as I believe they only come in PM.

[Fedpete]

Originally Posted by othertbone

I tried several on before I picked up my 15500st. I think they are very nice. Beautiful watches. I don't know what all the hate is. A couple things though. They are thicker than I would have imagined, especially the chrono's. And they are very expensive, as I believe they only come in PM.

So they're undeserving of all the grief they have received? I was hater number one, but the black dial white gold is growing on me.

Did you handle the simple date only complications? Do you know the retail on that?

Thank you!!

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by Fedpete

So they're undeserving of all the grief they have received? I was hater number one, but the black dial white gold is growing on me.
...

Luxury goods live purely on their quality and design appeal.
If potential buyers find the aesthetics wholly unappealing, then of course they’re going to get slatted for failing to meet expectations.
Will the Codes find buyers? Yes, for a variety of reasons, and for some, like yourself, the design will be a slow burn but, for others, it’ll not be of any interest whatsoever.
No-one’s right, no-one’s wrong, it’s simply a difference of aesthetic preferences.

The fact there’s been a huge outcry, with almost universal condemnation of the Code 11:59 (both naming convention and design features), is a clear indication that Audemars has produced something which has failed to hit the mark and gel with the larger market.

[GB-man]

Maybe Jin will chime in he bought one. I do not know of anyone else with one except horoloupe but that guy has EVERYTHING!

[Ar_Mi]

I’ve tried on the Chrono and simple time&date versions. Tbh i was quite underwhelmed when I first saw the pics upon release.. however in person I was a bit more impressed. It’s very well finished. I agree that the chrono was a bit on the thicker side due to the new in-house movement. I preferred the time&date.
Would I buy one? No, at that price point there is just too many good options to pass on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AshAP]

I went to the AP 11.59 launch party/dinner/piss up at Tate Modern in London. The whole range was there. I found that the watches look amazing in person and sit well on the wrist and look quite sporty whilst still looking good with a suit. I really don’t know what all the hate was about, no watch is going to be loved by everyone but the level of hate directed at this watch (mostly by people who haven’t seen it in person) was totally unjustified.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AK797]

It feels like a nice piece of work as you'd expect of AP, the gold finishings reminded me of my RG 44, but the aesthetic design didn't work for me in pics or in the flesh.

Don't forget this range was keenly awaited and was a passion project for Benihanna so there was quite a bit of expectation thrust upon it so that further enhanced the deflated and disappointed reaction, which was probably overdone, but then at Basel reactions are often initially very severe and mocking, I remember the Platona or Pootona getting a lot of criticism for the brown parts, but now that is widely held in high regard.

[P2725TMB]

As it happens I glanced briefly at the Code range again yesterday in Harrods, but I'm afraid they still haven't grown on me. Irrespective of anything else, I can't get past the (as I see) it pointless and annoying dial distortion due the scalloped crystal if the watch is viewed at an angle. I can understand why some people might like and buy them, but none are for me, regardless of price.

[GoingPlaces]

As I've stated in other posts, the finishing and quality is top notch. The case is beautiful, unique for sure. The dial is underwhelming and reminds many people of lesser brands, but it's growing on me. Now I say this without handling one in person so this can change but for that money there are better options. If they introduce it in steel it will likely fly. I like the time only dial as the Chrono looks like another brand designed it.

[Bearxj86]

It’s much better in person and even better on the wrist - ergonomics and wrist profile are great. Would say it’s more sporty than a Chronometre Bleu or Patek and the crystal and case really makes this something special. I have a Patek 5170p in the collection and it doesn’t feel as duplicative as say a CB.

Dial average especially in bright light and sunlight. Good in low light.

Blue looks black in low light so I would take that over the white gold black dial.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Reign]

I feel very fortunate to be allocated this one but I bought one nearly a month ago and love it. The finishing and quality is classic AP. I have my own opinions about how the release was done but regardless I really enjoy most of the range.

There are clearly a ton of details that can only be appreciated in person and not by an Instagram still photo.

I have a 6.6” wrist (wear it to the last hole) and size and proportions are perfect imo.

Feel free to ask me any questions.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by Reign

I feel very fortunate to be allocated this one but I bought one nearly a month ago and love it. The finishing and quality is classic AP. I have my own opinions about how the release was done but regardless I really enjoy most of the range.

There are clearly a ton of details that can only be appreciated in person and not by an Instagram still photo.

I have a 6.6” wrist (wear it to the last hole) and size and proportions are perfect imo.

Feel free to ask me any questions.

That looks amazing


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by AshAP

That looks amazing


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This one was sold out immediately- absolutely gorgeous

[P2725TMB]

Originally Posted by Reign

I feel very fortunate to be allocated this one but I bought one nearly a month ago and love it. The finishing and quality is classic AP. I have my own opinions about how the release was done but regardless I really enjoy most of the range.

There are clearly a ton of details that can only be appreciated in person and not by an Instagram still photo.

I have a 6.6” wrist (wear it to the last hole) and size and proportions are perfect imo.

Feel free to ask me any questions.

Your second pic shows the weird effect due to the crystal shaping, which I think is very odd. In fact in real life it looks even worse, giving the illusion that the entire watch 'head' is bent. Its beyond my comprehension as to why AP did that, as I can't see any benefit at all.

[Humble michael]

Originally Posted by P2725TMB

Your second pic shows the weird effect due to the crystal shaping, which I think is very odd. In fact in real life it looks even worse, giving the illusion that the entire watch 'head' is bent. Its beyond my comprehension as to why AP did that, as I can't see any benefit at all.

That one is a gorgeous piece- I Love the detail on the moon. What was retail price? Thanks , james in San Antonio.

[Reign]

Originally Posted by jag32

I think the Code Chrono looks amazing, but is a total joke at $42K. For that money, I’m buying a Patek 5205R or Patek Pilot.

Completely agree with what you’re saying and I wouldn’t buy it myself but the pricing is consistent with in-house automatic flybacks across the higher tier brands

Originally Posted by james272

That one is a gorgeous piece- I Love the detail on the moon. What was retail price? Thanks , james in San Antonio.

Cheers! Price is $75k. For the moon, they asked NASA for their highest res image of the moon and tried to shrink it down to that size and it seems they did a good job capturing the resolution

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by Reign

I feel very fortunate to be allocated this one but I bought one nearly a month ago and love it. The finishing and quality is classic AP. I have my own opinions about how the release was done but regardless I really enjoy most of the range.

There are clearly a ton of details that can only be appreciated in person and not by an Instagram still photo.

I have a 6.6” wrist (wear it to the last hole) and size and proportions are perfect imo.

Feel free to ask me any questions.

This one is actually kind of cool with the little stars all over

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

This one is actually kind of cool with the little stars all over

That’s called “aventurine”.

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by Reign

I feel very fortunate to be allocated this one but I bought one nearly a month ago and love it. The finishing and quality is classic AP. I have my own opinions about how the release was done but regardless I really enjoy most of the range.

There are clearly a ton of details that can only be appreciated in person and not by an Instagram still photo.

I have a 6.6” wrist (wear it to the last hole) and size and proportions are perfect imo.

Feel free to ask me any questions.

This is the pick of the range ! Congratulations.

[GB-man]

Now that the dust has settled I take more issue with the marketing plan and awful name than the watch itself.

[V25V]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Now that the dust has settled I take more issue with the marketing plan and awful name than the watch itself.

Not only the marketing plan but the way it was handled after the feedback from the masses was provided. I am sorry but the argument of, "you need to see it in person to appreciate it" is BS. You see photos of the RO's, ROO's etc, sure you want to see them in person and they always look better in the flesh. But you do not look at the photos and go, "eww". 95% of the people out there who follow AP said this about the Code. I have absolutely no desire to see one in person.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by V25V

Not only the marketing plan but the way it was handled after the feedback from the masses was provided. I am sorry but the argument of, "you need to see it in person to appreciate it" is BS. You see photos of the RO's, ROO's etc, sure you want to see them in person and they always look better in the flesh. But you do not look at the photos and go, "eww". 95% of the people out there who follow AP said this about the Code. I have absolutely no desire to see one in person.

Exactly! Some of us chanced on the pieces at the AP boutique which is why we ended up buying them. However the abysmal marketing around them and the significant lack of photogenic qualities makes this ultimately a flawed watch -many of us buy watches that are beautiful but ultimately on how they make us feel. Kind sucks that I can't really photograph my watch properly because the crystal makes it impossible. I think once they change the dials it will be much more desirable.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Now that the dust has settled I take more issue with the marketing plan and awful name than the watch itself.

That recent advert with the semi famous couples and their 11.59 moments was beyond dreadful.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mongrelnomoad]

I can't hate on this watch - indeed, I think there are some really great ideas in it - but the hands and the size make it a no-go for me. That said, the perpetual is absolutely stunning...

Enjoy it in good health Reign...

[DGB]

I went to the AD to see in the metal, of course as everyone I read all the bashing on internet.
I saw the simple time date in black, in fact it is blueish black, and ... I honestly didn’t like it. It is not catastrophically bad , it’s an AP after all, I saw it too think for a low complication watch, the buckle is thick also. Not what I expected from a dressy watch. But when I gave my impression to the sales guy there, he was so defensive, comparing the watch to the launch of the Royal Oak, as if he learned a text and say it back automatically.
I felt like I wasn’t the first to criticise the watch and he was irritated about that.
The watch was immediately available, a sign of not so much demand for this watch.
The watch glass being double domed it was pretty hard taking a picture avoiding the spot light.
Conclusion: not for me thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by DGB

I went to the AD to see in the metal, of course as everyone I read all the bashing on internet.
I saw the simple time date in black, in fact it is blueish black, and ... I honestly didn’t like it. It is not catastrophically bad , it’s an AP after all, I saw it too think for a low complication watch, the buckle is thick also. Not what I expected from a dressy watch. But when I gave my impression to the sales guy there, he was so defensive, comparing the watch to the launch of the Royal Oak, as if he learned a text and say it back automatically.
I felt like I wasn’t the first to criticise the watch and he was irritated about that.
The watch was immediately available, a sign of not so much demand for this watch.
The watch glass being double domed it was pretty hard taking a picture avoiding the spot light.
Conclusion: not for me thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This looks like a blue one correct?

[DGB]

Originally Posted by blacke90

This looks like a blue one correct?

It is the blue in deed, but it is so dark blue I would say it is closer to black with blue reflection.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by DGB

It is the blue in deed, but it is so dark blue I would say it is closer to black with blue reflection.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Got it. You mentioned black above, so want to double check. Thanks for sharing the pic.

[jumpmandk]

I tried the blue ombré (?) tourbillon and i liked it but possibly what is supposed to be the main draws of the Code line, the glass, is what deterred me from the piece.

I like the casing as a whole but didn’t prefer the multi layered convex glass