CODE41 returns, offering the fifth edition of its striking and modern X41 watches. With each iteration of the X41 model, the brand maintains the core aesthetics of the watch while continuing to find new and interesting ways to refine and enhance it. This time, the X41 Edition 5 is available in a Grade 5 titanium and AeroCarbon case with new color options and improved water resistance of 10 ATM (100 m).
For those unfamiliar with the brand, CODE41 was created from the ground up to democratize luxury watchmaking. The brand uses a community-focused approach, involving customers in every stage of the creation process of new watches - from design and complications to production and logistics. CODE41 takes the idea of giving customers what they want to a level unseen in the watch industry.
Alongside the direct involvement of CODE41 community members in the watch production process, CODE41 also adheres to the principle of total transparency through its TTO (Total Transparency on Origin) label. While many brands claim to offer great value for money and use labels like Swiss Made, CODE41 goes much further by disclosing the country of origin, production costs, and markups for each component of the watch.
For example, the custom-made movement in the X41 model was produced in Switzerland for $1,705, and the packaging was produced in China for $22. Considering that more than 90% of the watch's cost comes from Switzerland, CODE41 significantly exceeds the 60% cost requirement for the Swiss Made designation. However, given the complexity brands use to define "cost," CODE41 instead chooses a full transparency approach.
Like all CODE41 watches, the X41 model features modern design and execution. Offered in Grade 5 titanium or AeroCarbon, CODE41 chose materials used in the aerospace industry for their incredible strength-to-weight ratio.
By switching to Grade 5 titanium, the brand was able to enhance strength and scratch resistance while increasing the intricacy of the watch's detailed finish. If you choose the AeroCarbon case, you get a material specifically developed for aeronautics and aerospace, which is half the weight of titanium but 2.5 times more resistant to bending than steel. Manufactured in France, AeroCarbon consists of 300 ultra-thin layers of composite pressed under high pressure, resulting in an extremely strong, lightweight, and visually appealing case. With a 42mm case diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug span, slim 11.7mm case height, and exceptionally low weight (55g/85g on the titanium strap; 45g/75g on the AeroCarbon strap), the X41 Edition 5 watches will comfortably fit almost any wrist.
Whichever case material you choose, its lines are strong and angular, with wide lugs and a large crown. However, CODE41 ensured that the case design does not distract from the dial, which remains the center of visual interest.
The skeletonized dial allows the custom-made movement to be the main attraction, drawing the eye to the heart of the watch. Following the aggressive lines of the case, all visual elements on the dial are characterized by sharp lines and angles.
Despite this, CODE41 ensures high legibility through the use of prominent hour indices and skeletonized hands with luminous materials on the tips and matching color accents. The dial is completed by a date complication at the 12 o'clock position, with two rotating discs seamlessly blending into the background while the current date is displayed.
CODE41 could have easily settled for a ready-made movement, but instead, the brand chose to collaborate with Timeless, a Swiss movement manufacturer that makes every component except the balance wheel in-house to create a custom-made movement.
CODE41 and its faithful community decided to create a movement with a peripheral rotor - a rare complication found in only a few brands, all of which are significantly more expensive than the X41. Along with the peripheral rotor, which exposes the movement through the sapphire case back, this grand complication adds visual interest to an otherwise overlooked complication. The technical specifications are completed by 28.8 kbps, 33 jewels, Incabloc shock protection, and a 45-hour power reserve.
Additionally, each movement is adjusted in five positions before delivery. The costs of production and prototyping were certainly higher, but the result is a movement designed from scratch for the CODE41 model, unlike anything else available in a price range close to the X41.
The X41 model is available in three color options for each case material: blue, gray, or black. Each is offered either on a perforated 24mm leather strap with a deployant clasp in an additional color or on a bracelet. All straps are interchangeable and feature a quick-release system for easy personalization.
The X41 model represents exceptional watches with modern design, materials, and execution while allowing you to determine their value for yourself through complete price transparency.
Pre-orders for the X41 Edition 5 are open from June 23, 2021, to July 15, 2021, with prices starting at $5,443 USD. CODE41 will release three batches of 150 watches each, with deliveries starting in March/April 2022. For more information on the X41 model and the CODE41 community, be sure to visit the brand's website.
