Introduced a couple of weeks ago, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel replica watches for sale came as a surprise. Not that this original display of the time feels irrelevant when looking at the brand’s heritage (far from that), but it isn’t exactly what we expected the brand to revive. Despite its fascinating nature, wandering hour displays are rare, but Audemars Piguet has decided to introduce something more playful and almost kinetic inside the case of its Code 11.59. And that isn’t a bad thing, after all. Now that we’ve had a chance to experience this new Starwheel in the metal.
Let’s now talk about the surprise(s) that came together with the launch of this Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel. First of all, the surprise comes from the comeback of the complication itself, which has been out of the collection for about 20 years. While the 1990s Audemars Piguet Star Wheel fake watches shop have gained attention recently, they were far from successful in the past and have never really caught up on the market when available. It’s only been the last couple of years that the classic Star Wheel has become somewhat hyped. Before that, you could get one for a pretty small budget.
The second surprise is the high quality replica watches itself. There’s no turning around; this new Code 11.59 Starwheel has very little in common with a 1991 reference 25720, at least visually. There are some strong similarities regarding the way the complication is built. The design, on the other hand, is radically different. From traditional, discreet and almost old-school, we’ve entered an era of boldness, modernity and visual audacity. Don’t necessarily take these words with negativity. Times are changing, and so does Audemars Piguet.
What we’re looking at is probably the most playful and striking edition of Code 11.59. This best copy watches has been AP’s vessel for Haute Horlogerie complications for about three years now with openworked tourbillons, some with an additional chronograph function, but also perpetual calendars and even one of the rare Grande Sonnerie movements available currently on the market. This new Starwheel plays in a slightly different league than the others. It’s not so much about the complexity of the function; it’s all about the animation of the dial, the originality of the display and its reinterpretation with 2022 design language in mind.
The case is typical of Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet replica watches online. And yes, it is a rather impressive case that needs to be experienced in real life to be fully understood. It seems simple at first, with a classic round dial opening. But move it slightly to the side, and you’ll discover all the work done by the designers. The lugs are opened, and the construction consists of two metallic elements framing a black ceramic central container with an octagonal shape. The surfaces combine finely brushed and polished finishes (reminiscent of the RO), and there’s a surprising curvature from 12 to 6 o’clock. The crystal follows this line and creates unexpected distortions. So yes, the first 3-hand models were not the best ones. But the dial was to blame. The case of Code 11.59 is something special.
The new Starwheel retains the 41mm diameter of all models, with a relatively slim profile of 10.7mm. It’s made of 18k white gold and black ceramic, and so is the crown. The finishing is very detailed – the polished bevels on the inner side of the lugs are there to prove it. A continuation of the modern look can be seen with the textured strap with rubber coating, again far from the classic alligator leather you’d expect from complication luxury fake watches.
Now let’s talk dial and display. To me, the main evolution of the new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel has to do with the discs. The old model was all about the sapphire discs and the way the magic behind the wandering hours complication was revealed in all its glory. And in addition, these sapphire discs made the Swiss made replica watches light, airy, and delicate. The 2022 reinterpretation of the Starwheel has solid discs and a seconds hand – the latter quite drastically alters the whole idea of the slow-moving complication in the original models. The short video below will give you an idea of how the display works:
With this 2022 Starwheel, we have a blue aventurine base dial, which has been used frequently in this collection and works pretty well – and it’s a reference to the starry theme of the China fake watches. The dial is framed by a black inner flange with two scales. One displays the seconds, and the other, on a 120-degree arch, is used for the minutes and is classic for a Starwheel watch. The main evolution is on the discs, which are now made of aluminium and black-tinted PVD before receiving an opaline sandblasted finishing touch. These discs, which rotate on their own axes, are “like planets in the tiny universe of the dial” (I must quote AP for that). The whole working principle is identical to the 1990s Star Wheel replica watches paypal, as even if you can’t see them, the 8-toothed star-shaped wheels are still present underneath the discs.
Powering this Audemars Piguet Starwheel is an in-house movement, the calibre 4310, based on the calibre 4309, itself using the base that was introduced in the time-and-date Code 11.59 in 2019. This modern automatic movement has replaced the 3120 and is the brand’s cornerstone calibre. Contemporary in its conception, it retains its 70-hour power reserve despite the wandering hours module on top. The back reveals a refined decoration, with polished edges, Geneva stripes, perlage and an openworked solid gold rotor.
What to think about the Code 11.59 StarWheel?
If we take the three brands that classically compose the Holy Trinity of watchmaking – Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin – you’ll see that each has taken its own route. VC is, to me, the most traditional, with a vintage approach. PP plays on heritage with a modern twist in the colours, with a fairly controlled audacity. AP has decided to move into a bold and ultra-modern world, despite remaining a master of complications. The skills of its watchmakers are undeniable and traditional complications are still present in the brand’s portfolio. But these aren’t encased in classic dressed Swiss movements super clone watches anymore.
The new Starwheel is yet another example of this strategy. Surely, the complication has been treated in a traditional way, mechanically speaking at least. The design and the overall feel of the watch are just not that of the 1990s AAA replica watches anymore. Love it or hate it, it’s up to you. At least AP is consistent in this combination of fine craftsmanship and audacious habillage for its watches. AP has decided to speak to a target audience that has long been defined, and I’m not sure I’m part of it. That being said, the new Starwheel is a watch that is mechanically interesting but also has pedigree and undeniable expertise in the way it is manufactured. Its design is deliberately bold and profoundly modern: this is the AP of the 21st century.
Availability & Price
The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel (reference 15212NB.OO.A002KB.01) is now available as part of the permanent collection. It is priced at CHF 48,000 (excl. taxes) or EUR 57,100 (incl. taxes).