The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding Chronograph reference 26393OR.OO.A002KB.03 is a contemporary luxury timepiece featuring a 41mm case crafted from 18k rose gold. The case construction is notable for its complex architecture, which includes a thin round bezel, skeletonized lugs welded to the bezel, and an octagonal mid-case that pays homage to the brand’s iconic Royal Oak design. A distinguishing feature of this model is the double-curved sapphire crystal, which is concave on the vertical axis and convex on the horizontal axis, creating unique visual effects and distortions when viewed from different angles. The watch is presented on a blue rubber-coated strap with a rose gold pin buckle and maintains a water resistance of 30 meters.
The centerpiece of this reference is its blue ombre or fumé dial, which transitions from a bright blue center to a deep navy or black at the perimeter. The dial features a sunburst finish, applied rose gold hour markers, and a date aperture positioned at 4:30. As an integrated flyback chronograph, the watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 4401 automatic movement. This high-performance caliber incorporates a column wheel and vertical clutch system, allowing the chronograph to be reset without stopping it first. The movement provides a 70-hour power reserve and is visible through a sapphire caseback, showcasing a 22k pink gold openworked rotor and refined finishing.
General reviews of the Code 11.59 collection often emphasize that the watch is best appreciated in person due to the three-dimensional complexity of its case and crystal. While the initial 2019 launch faced criticism for its dial design, the second-generation smoked and gradient dials, such as the blue ombre, have been much better received for their depth and character. Collectors frequently praise the exceptional hand-finishing of the rose gold case, noting the mix of satin-brushed and polished surfaces. However, some critics point to the 30-meter water resistance as a limitation for a watch with sporty design elements and suggest that the 41mm size may feel large on smaller wrists due to its 50mm lug-to-lug measurement.