Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet is delighted to expand its Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection with a new Selfwinding Chronograph and a new Selfwinding model with hours, minutes, seconds and date indication. Both models combine an 18-carat white gold case with a smoked blue sunburst lacquered dial. This intense dial colour was first presented in 2020 with an 18-carat pink gold case.
CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE
The two new models present a case entirely crafted in 18-carat white gold. A mix of complex geometry, it is composed of an octagonal middle case positioned within an extra-thin bezel and a round caseback. Furthermore, the upper part of the stylised lugs is welded to the extra-thin bezel, while the lower part is in perfect alignment with the caseback. This contemporary architecture is highlighted by a combination of satin-brushed, chamfered and polished surfaces that are finished to the same high-level standards as the Manufacture’s calibres.
SUNBEAMS IN THE OCEAN
Developed by the Manufacture’s artisans, the smoked blue lacquered dial is embellished with a refined sunburst finishing on its base and offers an ever-changing play of light, much like sun rays seen from under the water. The black inner bezel further enhances this effect as it provides depth and intensity to the dial. These different shades of blue are elegantly contrasted with 18-carat white gold hands, curved hour-markers and Arabic numerals. A black rubber-coated strap with a textile decoration and a calfskin lining completes the elegant yet sporty look.
A SIGNATURE COMPOSED OF THIN LAYERS OF GOLD
The distinctive Audemars Piguet signature on the dial is achieved thanks to a chemical process called galvanic growth that is similar to 3-D printing. It works by adding layer after layer of 24-carat gold to create a miniature logo with a unique typography. Letters are connected to one another with links no thicker than the width of a hair. The signature is then applied to the dial by hand and fixed with tiny feet that are almost invisible to the naked eye.
THE ART OF TRANSPARENCY
The double glareproofed sapphire crystal is of particular note from both a technical and an aesthetic point of view. The crystal’s surface is shaped like a dome on the underside, while its external surface is vertically curved from 6 to 12 o’clock. This complex double curvature gives a unique visual experience, while enhancing all the details on the dial. It also perfectly integrates the extra-thin bezel and features an arched profile that embodies the watch’s contemporary design. The polished chamfer around the crystal adds the finishing touch as it echoes the burnished lines of the bezel, lugs and case.
POWERED BY THE MANUFACTURE’S LATEST MECHANISMS
Combining horological technology and traditional savoir-faire, the two models are powered by movements of the latest generation: the selfwinding Calibre 4302 with its seconds and date indication and the selfwinding integrated chronograph Calibre 4401 with column wheel and flyback function. Each calibre features a dedicated 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight, a power reserve of 70 hours, a water resistance of 30 metres and a myriad of refined decorations that can all be admired through a sapphire caseback.
Both movements are equipped with a patented setting mechanism that brings stability and precision when adjusting the watch’s functions. With a large diameter of 32 mm, these movements also present reinforced chronometry.
In addition, Calibre 4401 is endowed with a patented zero resetting mechanism which ensures that each one of the counter hands is seamlessly reset to zero. It is also equipped with a vertical clutch system that prevents hands from jumping when the chronograph is started or stopped.
Now available in 18-carat white gold with smoked blue lacquered sunburst dials, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph are the perfect mixture of elegance and sportiness.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding / 41 mm
15210BC.OO.A002KB.01
FUNCTIONS
Hours, minutes, centre seconds and date.
CASE
18-carat white gold case and bezel, lugs and caseback, double glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, water-resistant to 30 m.
Case thickness: 10.7 mm
DIAL
Smoked blue lacquered dial with sunburst pattern base, white gold applied hour-markers and hands, black lacquered inner bezel.
STRAP
Black rubber-coated strap with 18-carat white gold pin buckle.
MOVEMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Selfwinding Calibre 4302
Total diameter 32 mm (14 lignes)
Total thickness 4.8 mm
Number of jewels 32
Number of parts 257
Minimum power reserve guaranteed 70 hours
Frequency of balance wheel 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph / 41 mm
26393BC.OO.A002KB.01
FUNCTIONS
Flyback chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds and date.
CASE
18-carat white gold case and bezel, lugs and caseback, double glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, water-resistant to 30 m.
Case thickness: 12.6 mm
DIAL
Smoked blue lacquered dial with sunburst pattern base, white gold applied hour-markers and hands, black lacquered inner bezel.
STRAP
Black rubber-coated strap with 18-carat white gold pin buckle.
MOVEMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Selfwinding Calibre 4401
Total diameter 32 mm (14 lignes)
Total thickness 6.8 mm
Number of jewels 40
Number of parts 381
Minimum power reserve guaranteed 70 hours
Frequency of balance wheel 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)