Stones are a powerful thing. Especially when it is a sodalite, otherwise known as the "Thinker's Stone."
And when you combine it with the perfect dimensions of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59, it's a thing of beauty.
- Reference
- 15210BC.OO.A349KB.01, Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding
- Case
- 41mm 18-carat white gold, 10.7mm thick
- Dial
- Natural sodalite stone with baguette-cut diamond hour-markers and a blue inner bezel
- Movement
- Calibre 4309, selfwinding, 70-hour power reserve, no date
- Straps
- Blue canvas-style strap, plus a blue alligator strap in the box
- Water resistance
- 30m
- US retail
- $76,700
- Availability
- Japan exclusive
- Bought
- Watch hunting in Tokyo
The Watch
This is the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 with a sodalite dial made in white gold, reference 15210BC.OO.A349KB.01. And I am not sure what else to say about it outside that it is perfect.
Japan Exclusive
Normally, I try to get all of my APs through my local boutique. But this one is special: it's limited to Japan.
Just like the malachite dial Code 11.59, the sodalite version is also a Japan exclusive. This was confirmed on my visit to AP House Tokyo.
While this is the second sodalite Code 11.59, where the previous reference was a limited edition of 50, they've gone away from the "limited edition" for this one. But based on talking to Audemars Piguet, these watches are still not easy to get, and only go to the best of the best AP clients.
Where I Got It
I found my watch when watch hunting in Japan. If you haven't seen my article on the best places to watch shop in Japan or my series on Instagram, make sure to check it out! I post all the best places to shop and find watches in Tokyo. And if you haven't been, it's a must-see if you're a watch collector.
The Dial
The dial is special. This dial felt even more special.
When I say this watch spoke to me, it did. The veining in the dial is unlike any other. While not a 1 of 1, it is a one of one, as no two dials are the same.
For the record, the hour-markers are 13 baguette-cut diamonds (two at twelve, about 0.40 carats in total) set into the stone, the hands are 18-carat white gold with a luminescent fill, and the minute track sits on a blue inner bezel. There is no date window. AP calls sodalite the "poet's stone."
It really makes the watch.
The Case
What really blows me away about this watch is the case. The lugs especially have a very modern, contemporary design that is hollowed out and looks amazing. And the center part of the watch resembles the same octagonal bezel found on the Royal Oak. In 41mm, it's a great watch on the wrist.
The case is 41mm across and 10.7mm thick in 18-carat white gold, with a glareproofed sapphire caseback and 30m of water resistance.
The Straps
It comes on this canvas-like strap with an extra blue alligator strap included. I heavily preferred the canvas strap, as it brings out the more sporty vibe of the watch, making it less of a dress watch.
The Movement
Inside is Audemars Piguet's selfwinding calibre 4309: hours, minutes and centre seconds with no date, a 70-hour power reserve, running at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) with 32 jewels. The sapphire caseback shows it off.
The Glass on the Dial
The crystal on the dial is pretty special. If you've ever seen a Code 11.59 in real life, you know what I am talking about. The waves on the dial that you see when the light moves are pretty special.
The crystal is a double-curved glareproofed sapphire: domed on the outside and curved the other way on the inside, which is what creates that effect.
Final Thoughts
This watch is amazing. If you haven't already, keep this watch on your radar. They're not easy to find or get at retail, but if you can, consider yourself lucky. This one is a keeper.
For the rest of my Audemars Piguet collection, read the Royal Oak 15510ST review and how I got three APs at retail in eight months.
