SIHH 2019: Audemars Piguet - CODE 11.59 Collection

SIHH2019: Audemars Piguet introduces the new CODE 11.59 collection. Audemars Piguet is launching a complete new collection whose name, CODE 11.59, is a reference to the genetic code of the brand. With 13 models, including four automatic three-hand models, four chronographs, one perpetual calendar, one minute repeater, two automatic flying tourbillon models and one tourbillon with openworked dial, CODE 11.59 represents one of the most ambitious launches in the manufacture’s history. Full details. with prices.

Audemars Piguet is launching a complete new collection whose name, CODE 11.59, is a reference to the genetic code of the brand (CODE is also the acronym of Challenge, Own, Dare, Evolve while 11.59 indicates the latest minute before a new day) and its capability to break conventions and challenge the so-called standards.

With 13 models, including four automatic three-hand models, four chronographs, one perpetual calendar, one minute repeater, two automatic flying tourbillon models and one tourbillon with openworked dial, CODE 11.59 represents one of the most ambitious launches in the manufacture’s history.

Designed for both men and women, the arched and ergonomic 41 mm case features an octagonal middlecase embedded within a round case, in line with the tradition of the brand of experimenting with forms and geometries,

The upper part of the openworked lugs is welded to the extra-thin bezel, while the lower part leans against the caseback in perfect alignment. New productions processes had to be developed to solder the lugs to this extremely thin surface. Satin-brushed, bevelled and polished, the bezel, lugs and case present high complexity finishing techniques usually found on calibres.

A complex double curved glareproofed sapphire crystal was expressly developed for this line. The internal surface is shaped like a dome, while its external surface is vertically curved from 6 to 12 o’clock, a special structure which enhances the detailed work on the dial. The polished chamfer all around the glass adds the finishing touch, while echoing the finish of the bezel, lugs and case.

Six different in-house calibres of the latest generation are used for the 13 models. Among them, three are new: an integrated column wheel chronograph with flyback function, a selfwinding calibre with seconds and date indication, and a selfwinding flying tourbillon calibre. As you would expect, finishes respect  the highest Haute Horlogerie standards with techniques like “traits tirés”, “Côtes de Genève”, circular graining, circular satin, diamond-polished angles and gold-toned engravings.

We provide below an overview of the new collection.


CODE 11.59 Selfwinding

The lacquered dial of the three-hand model is enriched by a three-dimensional Audemars Piguet logo made of thin layers of gold, achieved through a chemical process akin to 3-D printing known as galvanic growth. Each letter is connected with links approximately the size of a hair and placed by hand on the dial with tiny legs almost invisible to the eye.

White or black dials are matched to the pink gold case while blue or black dials are the options for the white gold version. The new 4 Hz (28,800 vph) selfwinding movement, calibre 430 features a dedicated 22-carat gold oscillating weight and guarantees 70 hours of power reserve.

Price: Swiss Francs 25,000.


CODE 11.59 Selfwinding Chronograph

Also available with pink gold or white gold cases, the chronograph is offered with deep blue or black lacquered dials. The chronograph counters are circled by gold threads with polished V angles, a difficult finishing on lacquered dials.

The new in-house calibre 4401 is endowed with an instant-jump date indication, integrated column wheel chronograph and flyback function that enables to re-start the chronograph without stopping and resetting it first. It has 70 hours of power reserve, as well as a dedicated 22-carat pink gold openworked oscillating weight visible through the caseback.

Price: Swiss Francs 39,500.

CODE 11.59 Perpetual Calendar

This model houses the selfwinding Manufacture calibre 5134 optimised with the collection’s signature openworked weight in 22-carat gold. This movement beats at a frequency of 2.75 Hz (19,800 mph) with a power reserve of 40 hours. A perpetual calendar automatically adjusts short months, and adds a day to February each leap year. If worn permanently, it will require an adjustment in 2100 only. This adjustment will consist in setting the date manually from February 28th to March 1st.

This model features a dark blue aventurine dial and subdials recalling a star-lit sky. The aventurine glass is obtained by introducing black copper oxide and cobalt that give the blue colour to the glass. The pink gold case, hands and applied hour-markers enrich the deep blue tones of the dial.

Price: Swiss Francs 69,500.


CODE 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon

The selfwinding flying tourbillon gold dial is covered with “Grand Feu” enamel and enhanced by white or pink gold applied hour-markers and hands to illuminate the black or blue dial. For Audemars Piguet this is the first time that a selfwinding movement features a central rotor and a flying tourbillon.

Visible through the caseback, the openworked oscillating weight of the 3 Hz (21,600 mph) Calibre 2950 echoes the colour of the case.

Price: Swiss Francs 129,000.

CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked

This model houses a unique hand-wound tourbillon openworked movement, the 3 Hz (21,600 mph) calibre 2948, designed to emphasize its depth thanks to the contrast between the pink gold case and the dark openworked mainplate and bridges. With 70 hand-polished V angles, the hand finishing on this 4.97 mm thick movement demonstrates the skills of watchmakers of the brand.

Price: Swiss Francs 175,000.

CODE 11.59 Minute Repeater Supersonnerie

And, finally, we have the minute repeater supersonnerie offering excellent acoustic performance, sound quality and harmonic tone thanks to the patented gongs, case construction and striking regulator. The performant gongs are not attached to the mainplate, but to a new device acting as soundboard, which improves sound transmission. The redesigned striking regulator eliminates unwanted noise thanks to its more flexible anchor system.

The white gold case is complemented by a smoked blue enamel dial set off by white gold hands, applied indexes and numerals, as well as an Audemars Piguet signature in enamel. The soundwave caseback design is a reference to the watch’s exceptional acoustics.

Price: Swiss Francs 295,000.

All CODE 11.59 models are water resistant to 30 metres / 100 feet except for the Perpetual Calendar and the Minute Repeater Supersonnerie which are water resistant to 20 metres / 66 feet. audemarspiguet.com

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