Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding (right) and Selfwinding Chronograph (left) 41mm Steel, Green
First unveiled in 2019, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection represents nothing less than an audacious leap into the future for the brand. A conscious appeal to modern sensibilities, the collection showcases contemporary designs underpinned by the brand’s mastery of horological craftsmanship. Debuting with six new models and three new calibres, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection has since expanded significantly, becoming one of the Manufacture’s main pillars alongside the iconic Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore and Royal Oak Concept lines.
Contemporary Matters
This year, the Manufacture has not only added six new references to the collection, but also updated it further by using stainless steel for the very first time in Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet timepieces. Four models are entirely in steel, while the other two combine a black ceramic case middle with a steel bezel and lugs.
The 41mm case of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, an architectural and visual wonder of stylised tumbled lugs, ultra-thin bezel and an octagonal case middle, is one of the most complicated ever made by the brand. Creating these cases requires dedicated tools and highly specialised human skills. The use of steel, a material far less flexible than gold, pushed the limits of the watchmaker’s prowess even further. In keeping with Audemars Piguet tradition, the stainless-steel components alternate between polished and satin-finished surfaces, contrasts that sharpen the look and feel of the timepiece.
The dials of the latest Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet watches also feature a new dedicated pattern, made up of concentric circles. The motif both enhances legibility and provides a new signature design to the collection. The circles move outwards from the centre of the dial and is decorated with hundreds of tiny holes that sets off rolling waves of light. The dials are then coloured by PVD or a galvanic process, creating a colour effect that gives the illusion of the dials being smoked.
These new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph models also represent a new design evolution for the collection, with an emphasis on comfort and readability. The elongated 18-carat white gold hour markers and hands, for example, are a visual contrast with the dials. A more detailed seconds scale reinforces precision and the modern aesthetics of the timepieces.
Aesthetics and Technology
The six new references are available in three shades, each paired with a matching rubber strap decorated with a textile pattern and lined with calf leather. The “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”, an iconic feature of the Royal Oak collection, is counterbalanced by a grey inner bezel, while the two references in green feature inner bezels of the same tone. The final two watches are in smoked beige that radiate from the centre to become completely black at the outer beige. The Selfwinding Chronograph models features subdials for elapsed hours (3 o’clock), elapsed minutes (9 o’clock) and small seconds (6 o’clock), all of which are lightly sandblasted for a visual contrast to the radiating dial pattern.
The six new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet timepieces are powered by the latest-generation movements: Calibre 4302, with a seconds and date indication, is in the heart of the three Selfwinding models, while the others are driven by the Calibre 4401, an integrated selfwinding chronograph movement with a column wheel and flyback function.
Both movements are equipped with a patented mechanism that provides stability and precision when setting the watch, and offer a power reserve of 70 hours. The Calibre 4401 is also equipped with a vertical gear train that prevents the hands from jumping when the chronograph is activated or stopped. The sapphire caseback reveals the refined decorations on both calibres, as well as the brand-new 22-carat pink gold openworked oscillating weight dedicated to the collection.
Since its introduction, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection has made remarkable strides and these new steel models display has broaden the appeal of the collection further. Intricate, bold and rich in detail, these versatile and contemporary timepieces are suitable for everyday wear, a striking statement for every occasion.
Discover more about the new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph models here.
