Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR vs Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659

In-Depth Comparison

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR and the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Audemars Piguet and Rolex are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular CODE 11.59 reference was introduced in 2019, while this Yacht-Master reference debuted in 2019.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR beats the AP 4302 caliber offering a 70-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 32 jewels. The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 is powered by the Rolex 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 31 jewels. Both watches offer identical power reserves, making them equally practical for daily rotation.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR features a 41.0mm case at 10.7mm thick with a 47.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18k Rose Gold. The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 comes in at 42.0mm and 12.1mm thick with 50.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18k White Gold. The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 85g, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR uses a Double-curved sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed, octagonal within round case bezel, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 features Sapphire with Cyclops lens crystal with a Bidirectional rotating, matte black Cerachrom ceramic insert bezel. On the wrist, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR comes on a Blue alligator leather strap with AP folding clasp in rose gold, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 is fitted with Oysterflex rubber strap featuring Oysterlock folding clasp.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 to 100m / 328ft. For water sports and diving, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 provides superior depth capability.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR lists for $32,800 compared to $31,800 for the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659. On the secondary market, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR trades around $30,000 while the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 commands approximately $30,000.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Selfwinding 15210OR and the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 ultimately comes down to personal priorities. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.