Audemars Piguet’s 2021 Code 11:59 update added six steel references: Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph watches, offered in all-steel or steel-and-black-ceramic case constructions. It was a significant broadening of a collection revealed in 2019—not the line’s debut. The strongest point of the release is its choice: a cleaner three-hand date watch or a more mechanically involved flyback chronograph, both with a new concentric-circle dial pattern.
What changed in the Code 11:59 collection in 2021?
Audemars Piguet revealed Code 11:59 in 2019. In 2021, the brand introduced six steel references across two configurations: Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph. Four use steel throughout; two pair a black ceramic case middle with steel bezel, lugs and case back. The material change expanded the collection’s options rather than replacing its earlier identity.
François-Henry Bennahmias, Audemars Piguet’s chief executive at the time, described steel as “part of the natural steps to establish this line for the future.” The six-reference count and the quotation are from AP’s 2021 steel-release announcement.
How do the 2021 Selfwinding and Chronograph models differ?
| Configuration | Movement and indications | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Selfwinding | Calibre 4302; hours, minutes, seconds and date | A simpler daily-wear layout focused on time and date. |
| Selfwinding Chronograph | Calibre 4404; integrated automatic chronograph with column wheel and flyback function | Chronograph timing with flyback operation, which lets the wearer reset and restart the chronograph in one sequence. |
These movement descriptions apply to the six steel references in AP’s 2021 release, not automatically to every Code 11:59 chronograph. The brand’s release identifies both calibres and their functions in its 2021 announcement.
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- Compatible With AP Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Series 15210 26393
What do the materials and dial add?
All steel or steel with black ceramic
The all-steel references present the more uniform metal finish. In the two mixed-material versions, black ceramic forms the case middle while steel remains on the bezel, lugs and case back. The contrast gives the case a darker central band without making the visible steel components disappear. AP does not identify individual reference numbers alongside these broad material counts in the release summary, so confirm the exact construction against a specific reference before comparing listings.
Concentric embossed dial
AP introduced an embossed dial pattern made of concentric circles for these models. It gives the dial texture and visual movement while preserving a relatively restrained overall layout. The brand also specifies a dedicated openworked oscillating weight in 22-carat pink gold for the six watches. These are release-specific details, not evidence that every later Code 11:59 dial or rotor uses the same treatment.
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- Clasp Type : pin buckle
- Material : Silicone
- Width: 22mm
- Packaging: 1pcs
- Compatible With AP Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Series 15210 26393
How should the 2021 release be judged?
The steel arrival addressed a clear gap in the collection’s material range, while the two case treatments let buyers choose between a continuous steel look and a steel-and-ceramic contrast. The two movement options also create a meaningful distinction: Calibre 4302 serves the seconds-and-date configuration, while Calibre 4404 adds an integrated flyback chronograph. The shared dial pattern and pink-gold openworked weight give the release a family resemblance across those choices.
The available release information does not establish reference-by-reference dimensions, prices, retail availability, durability or comparative performance. Those details should not be inferred from the collection announcement; verify them for the exact watch under consideration.
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Rank #3
- Clasp Type : pin buckle
- Material : Silicone
- Width: 22mm
- Packaging: 1pcs
- Compatible With AP Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Series 15210 26393
How does the 2021 release fit the wider Code 11:59 line?
AP’s current collection pages show a broader assortment than the six steel watches introduced in 2021. They are useful for understanding the line’s later range, but current listings do not establish that a particular model was available in 2021. A separate example is reference 26399NB.OO.D009KB.01, which AP describes as a 41 mm Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph combining white gold and black ceramic. It is a distinct complicated model, not one of the six steel-release references. See AP’s product page for reference 26399NB.OO.D009KB.01.
Likewise, AP’s product-page commentary for a later Selfwinding Chronograph attributes the discussion to Sofia Candeias, Head of Product and Design Management, and describes a two-tone case with Calibre 4401. Those details concern that later watch, not the 2021 steel chronographs with Calibre 4404. The distinction matters when comparing Code 11:59 chronographs across years; check the exact reference and its AP product page rather than transferring specifications between models. See AP’s later Selfwinding Chronograph product page.
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- Clasp Type : pin buckle
- Material : Silicone
- Width: 22mm
- Packaging: 1pcs
- Compatible With AP Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Series 15210 26393
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