This is the collection that was vilified in 1972 by an industry that recoiled from its oversized, eight-edged bezel and the idea that a stainless steel watch could sit in the same room as other luxury timepieces in precious metals. And this is the brand that withstood extensive criticism to defend a novel concept in which it had utmost conviction. So, when Code 11.59 (pronounced “eleven fifty-nine”) was launched at the annual Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) Genève in January to heavy disparagement, Audemars Piguet knew how to weather the storm.
In one of its boldest moves in recent memory, Audemars Piguet breaks away from its signature Royal Oak profile to start an entirely new family
SINGAPORE (Sept 30): You can spot a Royal Oak from a mile away: an octagonal bezel secured with eight screws, tapisserie motif on the dial and integrated lugs and bracelet. Okay, the last two might be harder to recognise from a distance, but the point stands — it is a trademark silhouette with a cult following and it was only a matter of time before its cues were borrowed by other watchmakers.
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