The Story Behind AP’s First Modern Circular Watch
Back around 2018 or 2019, Audemars Piguet faced an interesting problem. They had the Royal Oak, the Offshore, and the Concept. All incredible watches. But they were all derivatives of that original 1972 Royal Oak design. AP needed something circular, something traditional, to round out their modern lineup. The Millenary was being phased out, and the brand needed a true circular dress watch.
Enter the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Self-Winding White Gold 41mm Smoked Blue Dial 15210BC.OO.A002KB.01. And here is the thing: when it first launched, people were not exactly thrilled. Change tends to bring criticism. The initial reception was lukewarm at best. But fast forward to today, and the Code 11.59 has proven itself. You can tell by the secondary market prices and the sheer number of variations AP keeps releasing. When a model fails, brands quietly kill it. AP has done the opposite with the Code 11.59, expanding it into chronographs, perpetual calendars, tourbillons, minute repeaters, and even what they claim is the most complicated watch in the world right now.
Shop all Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Watches watches
Where the Code 11.59 Sits in the AP Universe
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 15210BC.OO.A002KB.01 you are looking at here is the time-and-date-only version. That makes it the simplest entry point into the Code 11.59 collection. No chronograph, no complications. Just hours, minutes, and date. Pure and clean.
This particular example comes in 18k white gold, which the reference number BC denotes. AP sits comfortably in the top three watch brands globally alongside Patek Philippe and Rolex. So when they release something, you know the finishing and engineering will be exceptional. The Code 11.59 is not their most popular line (that crown still belongs to the Royal Oak), but it has carved out a solid position for collectors who want AP quality in a more traditional round case.
Specifications and Details
- Reference: 15210BC.OO.A002KB.01
- Case Material: 18k White Gold
- Case Size: 41mm
- Dial: Smoked Blue Lacquer with Sunburst Pattern
- Hour Markers: White Gold Applied
- Movement: Caliber 4302, Automatic
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Movement Components: 257 parts
- Strap: Black Rubber-Coated Canvas
- Buckle: 18k White Gold Pin Buckle
- Crystal: Double-Sided Curved Glareproof Sapphire
- Case Back: Open/Exhibition
- Retail Price: $34,400
- JazTime Price: Low $20,000s
The Case: Where Royal Oak DNA Lives
This is where the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 gets genuinely interesting. From straight on, it looks like a simple circular dress watch. But start turning it in the light and the complexity reveals itself. The case features alternating high polish and brushed finishes across multiple facets. The lugs have holes cut through them, which takes significantly more work than solid lugs.
And here is the clever bit. Look at the center case that holds the movement. It is actually an octagon. That is the Royal Oak DNA right there. AP did not just create a random circular watch. They embedded the iconic octagonal shape from the Royal Oak into the heart of this design. Whoever came up with this idea deserves serious credit. It ties the Code 11.59 to AP’s heritage while giving it a completely distinct identity.
That Dial and Crystal
The smoked blue lacquer dial on the Code 11.59 15210BC.OO.A002KB.01 is not your typical flat blue. It features a sunburst pattern that fades to black toward the edges. The applied white gold hour markers catch light beautifully, and having “Audemars Piguet” spelled out in applied text rather than printed adds another level of refinement.
The bezel? There basically is not one. AP minimized it to maximize dial real estate, similar to how modern smartphones push the screen to the very edges. The crystal itself deserves mention because AP went above and beyond here. It curves from 12 to 6 o’clock, which means you can read the time even when the watch is angled away from you. Double-sided anti-reflective coating is standard on nice watches, but that curved sapphire is something special.
The Strap and Movement
The black strap looks like canvas but is actually rubber with a canvas texture. Originally, AP launched the Code 11.59 on leather, but they quickly realized the rubber-coated canvas gives it a sportier feel while maintaining dress watch credentials. You can swap to leather if you prefer a more formal look. The 18k white gold pin buckle keeps things simple and secure.
Inside sits the Caliber 4302, one of AP’s redesigned movements with a 70-hour power reserve. The exhibition case back lets you admire the finishing, including a beautifully skeletonized rotor. With 257 components, this is serious watchmaking on display.
Code 11.59 On the Wrist
At 41mm, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 wears smaller than the numbers suggest. On a 7.5-inch wrist, it looks fantastic without overwhelming. The curved crystal and minimal bezel give the dial presence, and the white gold case catches light from every angle. This is a proper dress watch that could easily work in more casual settings thanks to that rubber-coated canvas strap.
Who Should Buy This Watch
The Code 11.59 represents a genuine opportunity in the AP lineup. Every other Audemars Piguet model sells above retail on the secondary market. The Code 11.59 Self-Winding White Gold 15210BC.OO.A002KB.01 actually sells below retail. For collectors who want to get into AP without paying a premium over MSRP, this is the entry point. You get top-tier finishing, a beautifully engineered movement, and that octagonal Royal Oak DNA hidden in the case construction.
The Jaztime Verdict
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 had a rough start, but it has earned its place in the AP collection. With retail at $34,400 and Jaztime offering it in the low $20,000s, this is one of the few chances to own a white gold AP below retail price. If you have been waiting for the right moment to get into Audemars Piguet, this might be it. Check out the Code 11.59 15210BC.OO.A002KB.01 at Jaztime, and browse the full AUDEMARS PIGUET CODE 11.59 WATCHES collection while you are there.
