Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC vs Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold

In-Depth Comparison

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC and the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold 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 Hublot 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 Spirit of Big Bang reference debuted in 2014. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC beats the Audemars Piguet 4401 caliber offering a 70-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 40 jewels. The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold is powered by the HUB4700 with a 50-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 32 jewels. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC wins on power reserve with a 20-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC features a 41.0mm case at 12.5mm thick with a 49.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18K White Gold. The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold comes in at 42.0mm and 14.0mm thick with 51.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18K King Gold. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 108g, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC uses a Sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed polished bezel, while the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed, 6 H-shaped King Gold screws, tonneau-shaped bezel. On the wrist, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC comes on a Leather strap with alligator with AP fold-over clasp, while the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold is fitted with Black alligator leather with rubber lining featuring Deployant buckle.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold to 100m / 328ft. For water sports and diving, the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold provides superior depth capability.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC lists for $42,500 compared to $34,800 for the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold. The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $7,700 at retail. On the secondary market, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC trades around $38,000 while the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold commands approximately $25,000.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393BC and the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang 42mm King Gold delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. 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.