CODE 11.59 Starwheel: anyone, thoughts?

[rockdrock]

Dear AP friends, anyone get one yet? full disclosure: I am a big Code 11.59 fan having done a review 3 years ago on this forum. I commented here on the hope that AP combine the 1990s Starwheel into the Code. Voila! The wish came true. The release did not disappoint me but I am yet to see it in the metal. I would love to hear from anyone that has it.

Tell me your thoughts on the following:

1. Do you like it? Yes or no and let me know why? Tell me your thoughts on design?

2. For those in the know, is this model difficult to obtain? I hear rumors that it is reserved for good clients, not something to ask for a first piece.

3. Any thoughts how this model places the Code 11.59 lineup? I get two extreme answers: Code is going to be another Edward collection (forgotten) or it will become the future canvas for AP?

4. Urwerk vs AP: I know, I know. These are two quite different but there is no denying the redundancy in a collection having both. Which do you favor more and why?

Thanks all for your thoughts.



Photo credit: wristcheck

[Jakx]

...of the current Code lineup.

a "one to get" for sure.

I wouldn't worry about the future of the Code. If you like it and would like it and can actually acquire it (the starwheel will be very tough to acquire), wear it and enjoy it. It will have value for the most important (and the only, really) person that matters: the wearer.

Urwerk is just a different DNA. Wonderful in its own way of course, but just different than Audemars on so many levels (industrial manufacture vs. independent, etc.)

[V25V]

Its very cool and I recently realized how to read it lol. But there is no way I would ever want one for myself.

[golfer_john]

I held one at the Dallas boutique a few weeks ago. Very cool and obviously different than anything else in the lineup. I like it for the uniqueness and perhaps the conversations it would start with others, but doubt I would enjoy it as an actual timepiece.

[Reign]

I have one. It’s lovely.

It’s not the kind of watch you choose if you have a small collection but it’s nice to have if you’re deep in AP as it’s different from prior AP releases.

Time reading is easy, incredible how fast the human eye adapts.

A lot of fun to wear and honestly considering a navy strap for it




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[ButtButt]

I love it, it's an unique way to tell time and the aventurine dial with the ceramic midcase are the cherries on top. I asked for this the moment it was released not realising how hard it was to get lol. My SA said they've only received a couple so far.

[dmash]

Killer pieces in my opinion and the best CODE release to date

[iten]

I have seen it and I loved the watch. The only thing I dislike about the watch are the disk not being painted / coated. The raw plastic feels kinda cheap to me.

[Kilometerman]

Tried one on at the boutique, and I’ve requested one. Code has grown on me in general, and this one is my favorite.

[Audevache]

I had tried it at a boutique recently. I already have a steel code chrono in blue, that's the only reason why I didn't put my name down for it immediately, as I need some other models first. But it is a beauty, truly special.

[VogelPhoenix]

Best "affordable" Code, IMO, and one of my favorites in the whole catalogue. Difficult, but not impossible, to get for good clients. For new clients, I'd say somewhere between blue RO and Jumbo in terms of probability. My wife will ask for one next.

[mickyd329]

I got to handle one recently and was very impressed. It's much more attractive in person than in photos. The dial is sublime and very unique. I had it added to my whish list. I would agree with @VogelPhoenix in obtainability. It's probably between an RO and a Jumbo.

[Sho-nuff]

I think this watch would have been amazing in 39mm, without the minute hand and minute track. Also I do not like the choice of font on the discs.

[SylvainDXB]

Solid watch, has the chance to spend quite a bit of time with in on wrist. I like to nod to the historical one, albeit this one feels like the "buffed up" version. While I really liked it, wears a tad big for my wrist and my liking. Other concern was time reading, getting old and you need good eyes to accurately read the minute markers, but apart from that, material and colors combo are fantastic. At the end of the day it boils down to how it wears on your wrists, and how it fits in your existing collection.
As for the production numbers, I was told by AP that these are "rarer" than steel 16202, can't know for sure if it's part of the sale's pitch or accurate, but at any rate, don't think we'll be seeing too many of these.

[Audevache]

Here’s a pic on my wrist at the AP House



Regarding your question on rarity/obtainability, I agree, I was told these are really quite rare, and probably not a first watch to get.

Regarding the Code line overall, I may be biased as I bought the very first commercially available blue steel chrono for myself, but I truly believe that with the current steel models, particularly the chronos, they've managed to establish as a viable and even exciting third product line for them. I'd personally choose my Bleu Nuit Chrono over most other chronographs out there (maybe with the exception of Lange), and wouldn't want to swap this for a Daytona or something similar.

Will it eclipse the RO? Certainly not. But it is an amazing platform for high complication stuff like the RD#4, or even just the Onyx Tourbillon, so I personally hope it won't go away that soon. If FHB would still be running the shop, it clearly wouldn't.

Let's see what the new female CEO is going to do with the line. if the rumoured new smaller codes for women turn out to be a hit, in line with the rumoured increasing focus on a female target audience, I think it will be around for a long time. But only time will tell.

[southlight]

I am on the waiting list since the day it came out, and it would be my first AP. Letˋs wait and see if I can prove some of the comments on availability wrong sooner or later…

[neogump]

i turned down because of design of 3 black disc, i dont think black and its material/treatment is best choice in combination to other part of the watch, and i generally believe code product regression is still very quick and design far from stablization yet.
as long term ap collector, i have to think the piece i buy will be with me for very long time, i must make sure i love it in all details, and reduce redundancy for similar type of watch.
i own code and dozens of other royal oaks. and i like ap riche product such as remaster and marvels, i would like to have star wheel added in my collection later but not now.

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[Narbeh]

I was invited to AP Beverly Hills "vip" client appreciation cocktail hour two weeks ago. I was the only one with a Code 1159 QP Rose gold on my wrist. A fellow AP client had a Star wheel on his. We geeked out about our watches over drinks at the boutique. I held the Starwheel and wore it. It is absolutely stunning. I would buy it in a heartbeat. Photos do the Code watches zero justice. Experiencing one in the flesh is really the game changer. If you are offered one, I would buy without question.

[rockdrock]

Deepest appreciation to everyone that took the time to honestly answer my questions and provide their point of view. I am pleasantly shocked how many people are giving it very positive reviews.

It looks so special. Hoping I can get my hands on one.

Thank you for those with deep AP collections providing the historical perspective on the Starwheel.

Dang, allocation between a RO and a Jumbo? Good grief! I’ll remain optimistic.

[In-N-Out]

This was on my wishlist as soon as it was announced as well. Generally, I have been told that one must already own a Code 11 to be considered, unless you are already a VVIP. I recently bought a steel code Chrono and was told even the Jumbo is easier than the Starwheel for me.

[John Doyle]

I would skip it and get the OG.

[DonLee]

i like it but it's a bit on the expensive side

[Token74]

In love it, but no idea how much it is?


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[PT_91]

Originally Posted by Token74

In love it, but no idea how much it is?


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CHF 51.7k (in Switzerland)

[rockdrock]

Originally Posted by DonLee

i like it but it's a bit on the expensive side

I looked into this a lot especially in comparison to an Urwerk (which I love the brand). UR-100 is $50K+ and has a modified Zenith movement - not much decoration but a heck of a design. I will own one one day but dang they are pricey IMO.

The Starwheel has two material case, a new movement although heavily machined finished but better decorated , gorgeous aventurine dial, incredible case. Find the Starwheel reasonably priced.

Gosh - I sound so jaded. ; ). Thanks for the reality check.

[gregouille]

Compared to the rest of the line (RO included) I find it reasonably priced TBH.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by PT_91

CHF 51.7k (in Switzerland)

That feels surprisingly reasonable.


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[AperolSpritz]

Well it is not a very complicated movement tbh...
And it's still c.60k for a steel watch.
I would not call this reasonable. This is not a hard complication.
You can find watches under $500 that work with a similar movement.

[AperolSpritz]

Yet I do like...
However will not take it - unless my heart tells me otherwise when I see it in real life.
The 2 big issues for me are the second hand. I don't understand why they put one in such a watch and the size and font of the 3 hours dials, just takes too much space on such an amazing aventurine dial.

[APWorldTour]

Originally Posted by AperolSpritz

Well it is not a very complicated movement tbh...
And it's still c.60k for a steel watch.
I would not call this reasonable. This is not a hard complication.
You can find watches under $500 that work with a similar movement.

Just for the record it is white gold. Otherwise all valid points.