Code 11.59 15210ST/26393ST worth it?

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by Patekfinder

Being told to spend $35,000 on a watch you don’t want, just to have the opportunity to buy another watch that is $35,000, is insane. I refused to do it with AP when they played that game with me two years ago. The SA from AP Bal Harbor called me and offered a code. The one he wanted me to buy was something like $42,000. Told me it would also “help.” I literally burst out in laughter, as this was particularly right after the massive marketing flop of this joke watch. I asked him if he would spend $42,000 from his own personal funds on of all things anCODE “11:59”. He also laughed and tried to dance around the topic. I said no no no Harold you be honest with me. He said of course not. Told him I’d buy one when he bought one and we could have matching codes, until then, no code. We had a good laugh over this watch. Can’t believe people ACTUALLY buy it.

There’s a sucker born every minute, that the phrase?

The fact that a watch is forced on you is a real turn off. It’s like a woman who is totally into you- makes me think she’s low value and I don’t want her. I want the ones who are a challenge.


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Totally understand your point, but how does that differ from any Patek or Rolex AD?

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

How do I block Patekfinder? He seems to find a way to ruin all the good threads.

Slightly richer John Doyle

[CactusTreeFiddy]

Originally Posted by Patekfinder

Being told to spend $35,000 on a watch you don’t want, just to have the opportunity to buy another watch that is $35,000, is insane. I refused to do it with AP when they played that game with me two years ago. The SA from AP Bal Harbor called me and offered a code. The one he wanted me to buy was something like $42,000. Told me it would also “help.” I literally burst out in laughter, as this was particularly right after the massive marketing flop of this joke watch. I asked him if he would spend $42,000 from his own personal funds on of all things anCODE “11:59”. He also laughed and tried to dance around the topic. I said no no no Harold you be honest with me. He said of course not. Told him I’d buy one when he bought one and we could have matching codes, until then, no code. We had a good laugh over this watch. Can’t believe people ACTUALLY buy it.

There’s a sucker born every minute, that the phrase?

The fact that a watch is forced on you is a real turn off. It’s like a woman who is totally into you- makes me think she’s low value and I don’t want her. I want the ones who are a challenge.


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Agreed, the original 3-hander Code is as close to objectively bad as watches can get, it's hardly a secret. If someone truly does enjoy it though that's terrific, and I guess it's the SA's job to at least try and flog one to new customers

[Gent675]

Originally Posted by mickyd329

Totally understand your point, but how does that differ from any Patek or Rolex AD?

Difference is with those you are dealing with ADs. That is their business model and I can’t fault them for leveraging their hot brands to move stock on bricks.

It is worse with AP as you are now dealing with the brand directly and they are playing these AD games. They are essentially saying their code collection is trash when they push it on clients.

[ChipWong]

Code fanboys cant handle the truth

[Audevache]

Originally Posted by ChipWong

Code fanboys cant handle the truth

And what truth would that be?

[djnick]

Originally Posted by Audevache

And what truth would that be?

Without the AP logo on that watch there probably isnt any market for it

[Octagon Guy]

Originally Posted by ChipWong

Code fanboys cant handle the truth

Probably the group of so called "Code Fanboys" as you labelled them as such, are real fans of the CODE lineup? Probably not everyone who's into AP is a fan of the RO. Me, for one, is drawn to AP recently cos of the CODE, not the initial batch of release though. Starts to catch my attention from the 2nd Gen, the smoked dial. But was never as big a fan of the RO though.

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by Gent675

Difference is with those you are dealing with ADs. That is their business model and I can’t fault them for leveraging their hot brands to move stock on bricks.

It is worse with AP as you are now dealing with the brand directly and they are playing these AD games. They are essentially saying their code collection is trash when they push it on clients.

I see your point, but the end experience for the buyer is still the same? The biggest difference I think is that even if they pushed a Code or ROO as your first piece, an RO is very realistic as the second. That being said, an RO as your first is very realistic as well. With PP, getting a Nautilus or Aquanaut as your first piece is almost unheard of. I'm sure it's happened as nothing is impossible, but HIGHLY unlikely. Highly unlikely even as your 2nd or 3rd. It's the same experience if you have to buy things you don't want whether it's from and AD or boutique. One could reasonably argue that you have to spend much more $ at a PP AD to get a Nautilus than an RO at a boutique. Just my opinion.

[Audevache]

Originally Posted by djnick

Without the AP logo on that watch there probably isnt any market for it

I personally think my 26393ST is one of the most beautiful currently available chronographs. And in spite of all the online hate for the Code (often from people who've never seen one in the flesh) more and more people seem to agree.

Some amazing elements were there from the beginning (the case for example is stunning), others like the dial structure and font choices took some iterations to get right. But since last year's steel releases, particularly for the chronos, they've fixed everything I didn't like about the PM versions.

I had considered a 5172G as an alternative, as my first holy trinity chronograph, but the design, particularly the choice of numerals, simply was a bit too conservative for me. And I'm not a huge fan of manual winding.

YMMV but un-differentiated Code-bashing should really start to be a thing of the past.

[In-N-Out]

Originally Posted by Audevache

I personally think my 26393ST is one of the most beautiful currently available chronographs. And in spite of all the online hate for the Code (often from people who've never seen one in the flesh) more and more people seem to agree.

Some amazing elements were there from the beginning (the case for example is stunning), others like the dial structure and font choices took some iterations to get right. But since last year's steel releases, particularly for the chronos, they've fixed everything I didn't like about the PM versions.

I had considered a 5172G as an alternative, as my first holy trinity chronograph, but the design, particularly the choice of numerals, simply was a bit too conservative for me. And I'm not a huge fan of manual winding.

YMMV but un-differentiated Code-bashing should really start to be a thing of the past.

Haha that guy doesn’t appear to understand how branding works. He presents a claim, the claim that people wouldn’t buy a CODE if it wasn’t an AP, as if it’s some sort of revolutionary idea. The whole point of any luxury brand is literally the brand itself.

No one buys a Chanel, Goyard, or Birkin bag because they think it’s a good value from a raw material perspective. Total COGS for these items are probably less than $200 and gross margins are probably in the 90% range. People buy these brands because of the history of the brand, the flex, the craftsmanship, the exclusivity.

With that said, many people hating on the Code don’t even know why they hate it outside of the fact that other people hated it once it launched. Many don’t even know that the fonts on the launch 3 handers they hate so much were used many times before on the Jules Audemars line.

No, I wouldn’t have bought the code if it wasn’t an AP. The same way I wouldn’t buy a handcrafted canvas wallet for $800 unless it had Goyard written on it. Or the same way I wouldn’t pay $2k for an aluminum suitcase if it didn’t have a rimowa logo on it. So again, what’s your point again about people not buying a Code without the AP name behind it?

[Audevache]

Originally Posted by In-N-Out

Haha that guy doesn’t appear to understand how branding works. He presents a claim, the claim that people wouldn’t buy a CODE if it wasn’t an AP, as if it’s some sort of revolutionary idea. The whole point of any luxury brand is literally the brand itself.

No one buys a Chanel, Goyard, or Birkin bag because they think it’s a good value from a raw material perspective. Total COGS for these items are probably less than $200 and gross margins are probably in the 90% range. People buy these brands because of the history of the brand, the flex, the craftsmanship, the exclusivity.

With that said, many people hating on the Code don’t even know why they hate it outside of the fact that other people hated it once it launched. Many don’t even know that the fonts on the launch 3 handers they hate so much were used many times before on the Jules Audemars line.

No, I wouldn’t have bought the code if it wasn’t an AP. The same way I wouldn’t buy a handcrafted canvas wallet for $800 unless it had Goyard written on it. Or the same way I wouldn’t pay $2k for an aluminum suitcase if it didn’t have a rimowa logo on it. So again, what’s your point again about people not buying a Code without the AP name behind it?

Totally agree with your point in general.

I’d go further though. I truly believe that the multiple details of particularly the steel codes makes them really quite handsome particularly if you actually handle them in real life. The way the light plays with all the details, now enhanced by the fine guillochage of the dial, the amazing 3D effect when you look through the sapphire cristal from the right angle, etc. etc. and the movement is quite beautiful too. I’d say if you know a thing or two about watches you‘d see even without the logo that this is beautiful craftsmanship. Now is all of this worth 30K plus without a reputable brand behind it, probably not, but at least you see where all (or at least a sizeable chunk) of the money went. No way I’d ever trade this in let’s say for a Daytona.

I just hope we‘ll eventually all forget the cringeworthy origins of the name (challenge evolve etc.) but I assume we will, or has anybody asked recently where the RO has its name from? (Wasn’t that some ship named after a tree?)

[APhound]

I believe the ship was named Diversity


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[Octagon Guy]

Originally Posted by In-N-Out

Haha that guy doesn’t appear to understand how branding works. He presents a claim, the claim that people wouldn’t buy a CODE if it wasn’t an AP, as if it’s some sort of revolutionary idea. The whole point of any luxury brand is literally the brand itself.

No one buys a Chanel, Goyard, or Birkin bag because they think it’s a good value from a raw material perspective. Total COGS for these items are probably less than $200 and gross margins are probably in the 90% range. People buy these brands because of the history of the brand, the flex, the craftsmanship, the exclusivity.

With that said, many people hating on the Code don’t even know why they hate it outside of the fact that other people hated it once it launched. Many don’t even know that the fonts on the launch 3 handers they hate so much were used many times before on the Jules Audemars line.

No, I wouldn’t have bought the code if it wasn’t an AP. The same way I wouldn’t buy a handcrafted canvas wallet for $800 unless it had Goyard written on it. Or the same way I wouldn’t pay $2k for an aluminum suitcase if it didn’t have a rimowa logo on it. So again, what’s your point again about people not buying a Code without the AP name behind it?

Originally Posted by Audevache

Totally agree with your point in general.

I’d go further though. I truly believe that the multiple details of particularly the steel codes makes them really quite handsome particularly if you actually handle them in real life. The way the light plays with all the details, now enhanced by the fine guillochage of the dial, the amazing 3D effect when you look through the sapphire cristal from the right angle, etc. etc. and the movement is quite beautiful too. I’d say if you know a thing or two about watches you‘d see even without the logo that this is beautiful craftsmanship. Now is all of this worth 30K plus without a reputable brand behind it, probably not, but at least you see where all (or at least a sizeable chunk) of the money went. No way I’d ever trade this in let’s say for a Daytona.

I just hope we‘ll eventually all forget the cringeworthy origins of the name (challenge evolve etc.) but I assume we will, or has anybody asked recently where the RO has its name from? (Wasn’t that some ship named after a tree?)

💯 Agree!

[dauster]

Originally Posted by messikens

Hey folks,

Trying to determine my asks for next year and looking for some insight.

I've been advised that it may be helpful to potentially add a Code to my collection (between my wife and I we currently have 4 AP).

I've looked at the codes a few times in person and while I like the details, I am not sure I can totally buy into the value prop. It's not a dress watch really (too thick), it's not a sports watch (water resistance). No quick change straps and seemingly not great choices.

The three-hander is a bit bland IMO. Plus if I wanted to have a round steel sports watch, I already own an FXD and a vintage Rolex 16710.

Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind owning a green code Chrono but at $~35k for a 26393 I may as well be getting a new grey 126500 Daytona WITH a bracelet as the arguably most iconic watch for all occasions....


Your thoughts?


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Tried this one on today in steel from my buddy cool watch but idk would not have pulled the trigger on this - too expensive for what it is. Wore nice though




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[Patekfinder]

Originally Posted by mickyd329

Totally understand your point, but how does that differ from any Patek or Rolex AD?

Patek and Rolex both have a deep catalogue of attractive watches to sell you that are relatively easy to obtain to demonstrate your “worthiness” to the relationship before gaining access to the most sought after pieces. AP doesn’t have jack to offer someone except the Code. Thats the difference.


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[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by Patekfinder

Patek and Rolex both have a deep catalogue of attractive watches to sell you that are relatively easy to obtain to demonstrate your “worthiness” to the relationship before gaining access to the most sought after pieces.

You mean diamond bezeled 31mm two-tone datejusts?

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

You mean diamond bezeled 31mm two-tone datejusts?

Let's not forget the fact that you can also choose from steel, yellow gold, rose gold, arabic numerals, roman numerals, battons, smooth bezel, fluted bezels, jubilee bracelet and oyster bracelet too for diversity sake. I'm sure I'm missing some here.

[John Doyle]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

Slightly richer John Doyle

Hahah that's not nice man come on. I am refraining as much as possible from commenting too much on the AP threads lately as it's part of my new year's resolutions. I do agree with the OP regarding the practices of selling dogs to get access to other pieces, whether it's AP, Rolex or Patek. I still profoundly dislike the code and find AP has become quite a joke.

[Toffeeman]

Are the 26393 ST hard to obtain? The second generation Codes are very much an improvement though. Both the blue and greens are highly desirable.

But let’s see how long can it sustain.

[Audevache]

Originally Posted by Toffeeman

Are the 26393 ST hard to obtain? The second generation Codes are very much an improvement though. Both the blue and greens are highly desirable.

But let’s see how long can it sustain.

They currently trade for a bit below retail, but much better than the PM codes, and I think you should be able to get them from the boutique with a reasonable wait time.

I own and love my Bleu Nuit chrono (wearing it right now), and I actually think it has the potential to become a future classic. But I'm not buying for that, I buy for immediate enjoyment.

[Sergio_UKR]

I was offered a three hander in green for about 20% off retail (BNIB) and seriously considering it.

Watch is really amazing in person. Thoughts on the value retention over time?

[value.target]

Originally Posted by Sergio_UKR

I was offered a three hander in green for about 20% off retail (BNIB) and seriously considering it.

Watch is really amazing in person. Thoughts on the value retention over time?

Recently? AP is doing discounts for their 11.59 pieces?

[Sergio_UKR]

Originally Posted by value.target

Recently? AP is doing discounts for their 11.59 pieces?

Not from AD. But at $25.3k it is rather expensive watch. For $20k it is more interesting offering IMO

[John Doyle]

Originally Posted by Octagon Guy

Probably the group of so called "Code Fanboys" as you labelled them as such, are real fans of the CODE lineup? Probably not everyone who's into AP is a fan of the RO. Me, for one, is drawn to AP recently cos of the CODE, not the initial batch of release though. Starts to catch my attention from the 2nd Gen, the smoked dial. But was never as big a fan of the RO though.

Says the guy whose forum name is Octagon guy

[Octagon Guy]

Originally Posted by John Doyle

Says the guy whose forum name is Octagon guy

Don't you know there's an octagon in every CODE? Or you are just targeting a new member simply because the more experienced members here are sick of your comments?

[Sergio_UKR]

Originally Posted by CactusTreeFiddy

Agreed, the original 3-hander Code is as close to objectively bad as watches can get, it's hardly a secret. If someone truly does enjoy it though that's terrific, and I guess it's the SA's job to at least try and flog one to new customers

Have you seen the watch in person? It has an amazing dial and case that overall really feels different and expensive in person.

I went over the weekend to walk 5th Avenue in NYC and checked out some sport utility watches (time well spent). After AP I stopped in VC - their Overseas and 56 collection just look and feel cheap compared to Code. Heritage collection is nice but totally different style and more dressy.

Patek sport models are obv impossible to buy and grey market prices are still 200% at least. When considering price/value you get, Code is def ahead of those.

Rolex is the only real competitor within that price range for sport utility watches, but if you have one Rolex sport model you kind of getting the feel of everything else. DJ 41 in mint green on Jubilee caught my eye as a potential alternative. But again, AP feels more substantial.. plus it is AP!

[messikens]

Originally Posted by Sergio_UKR

Have you seen the watch in person? It has an amazing dial and case that overall really feels different and expensive in person.

I went over the weekend to walk 5th Avenue in NYC and checked out some sport utility watches (time well spent). After AP I stopped in VC - their Overseas and 56 collection just look and feel cheap compared to Code. Heritage collection is nice but totally different style and more dressy.

Patek sport models are obv impossible to buy and grey market prices are still 200% at least. When considering price/value you get, Code is def ahead of those.

Rolex is the only real competitor within that price range for sport utility watches, but if you have one Rolex sport model you kind of getting the feel of everything else. DJ 41 in mint green on Jubilee caught my eye as a potential alternative. But again, AP feels more substantial.. plus it is AP!

I don't disagree but your comparison isn't valid. A code Chrono MSRP is $35k plus tax for a steel version and $48k plus tax for a PM version. That pricing is FAR off the pricing from Rolex...

[crispyness87]

Originally Posted by Patekfinder

Patek and Rolex both have a deep catalogue of attractive watches to sell you that are relatively easy to obtain to demonstrate your “worthiness” to the relationship before gaining access to the most sought after pieces. AP doesn’t have jack to offer someone except the Code. Thats the difference.


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To each it's own. Buying a bunch of TT datejusts to get coveted Rolex model, or buying a bunch of rando brands in the AD followed by a Patek dress watch (how many do you need? not to mention the deep discounts in the secondary market) for each coveted Patek sports (I assume that's what you want), don't excite me at all...

For AP, if you play your cards right, you're probably getting a Code/ROO followed by 3-4 steel/PM ROs (non blue; no deep discounts in secondary) before you're in the coveted blue RO/Jumbo territory.

I don't know about you, but I know the poison I'm picking...