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Why Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 continues the story of craftsmanship, innovation and excellence



Modern aesthetics and precision engineering write a new chapter in the collection's story.

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection recently launched seven pink gold models with diameters of 38 mm and 41 mm; in addition to showcasing Audemars Piguet's unparalleled craftsmanship, the new watches also showcase a new exquisite guilloche dial. This iconic relief dial pattern first appeared on the 2023 stainless steel watch and is the result of hand-engraved concentric circles and tiny holes that interact with light.

Available in a variety of classic colors, including black, green and Audemars Piguet's iconic dark blue "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50", the collection also introduces a striking light blue, a soft hue that complements the rose gold decoration and case of the same metal. This special reference is one of two new 38 mm automatic models that expand the collection launched in October 2023. The other is the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” variant, which features rose gold details for added depth and sophistication.

Since its launch in 2019, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection has been dedicated to attracting a new generation of watch enthusiasts while maintaining the brand’s core values ​​of craftsmanship and technical excellence. With its modern aesthetic and superb engineering, the collection has become an essential part of the Audemars Piguet portfolio, reflecting the brand’s ability to continuously evolve and innovate.

Continuing a Tradition of Innovation
Let’s look back five years ago. I remember being in the auditorium at the 2019 Winter International Haute Horlogerie Show when Audemars Piguet announced the Code 11.59. The brand unveiled 13 new models (and three new movements) that together presented a refreshing and, dare I say, pioneering design for Audemars Piguet. There was a quiet gasp in the room as a new range of automatic models and chronographs, minute repeaters, super repeaters, tourbillons and perpetual calendars were presented to us. At first glance, the complex geometry and modern aesthetics of the case design caught our eye. Composed of an octagonal case, a round bezel and caseback, the structure, with a fine sapphire crystal, is home to new in-house movements, including high complications.

As viewers were excited by the staggering number of new watches, they also realized that we were witnessing a brand new chapter. It was history in the making.

Since then, the collection has made significant progress. High complications were introduced, including the Grande Sonnerie Supersonnerie in 2020 and the Flying Tourbillon Chronograph in 2021. In December 2022, the Star Wheel joined again, reintroducing the iconic Wandering Hours complication to the Audemars Piguet collection. This was followed in February 2023 by the launch of the Code 11.59 Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4, which, with 40 functions and 23 complications, is the most complicated watch ever produced by the Manufacture, while also demonstrating advances in ergonomics and user-friendliness.

The collection embodies Audemars Piguet’s forward-thinking approach, which continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, blending tradition with innovation to create unexpected timepieces.

A modern new look
The heart of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 watch is of course the aforementioned octagonal case middle, which blends seamlessly with the round case back and ultra-thin bezel. In fact, this design that incorporates organic and rigid shapes into a single timepiece breaks the monotony of traditional watch shapes as we know them. The faceted structure of the case allows for the mixing of metals, such as creating two-tone designs, and, in recent years, the introduction of a ceramic case middle. In 2023, the collection expands to include the first stainless steel models, bringing a sportier material to the collection.

Just like the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 watch, the multi-layered construction is first-rate. The skeletonized lugs are separate components, forged from stainless steel or precious metals such as 18K white or rose gold, and then individually satin-finished and polished. Now, extraordinary precision is required when assembling them. The upper part of the lug is welded to the ultra-thin bezel, while the lower part of the lug rests on the caseback in perfect alignment.

This craftsmanship is an effortless skill of the watchmaker when designing and shaping new shapes. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the lugs are not just functional components, but an integral part of the watch's visual identity and ergonomic comfort, enhancing the overall architectural beauty of the watch.

A platform for creative design
The evolution of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection has seen significant advances in both materials and design, especially the dials. Since its launch, the collection has introduced a range of colorful styles, including sunray and fumé finishes, enamel dials and gem-set styles, while also debuting natural stone dials, aventurine dials and the first sapphire crystal dial, the latter effectively showcasing the subtle minute repeater super-chronograph movement.

In this case, the latest patterned dial adds a three-dimensional touch to the colorful canvas, making the slender faceted hour markers even more legible. The fonts of the seconds scale and crown have been slightly updated to enhance the modern style. In addition, the logo is presented in relief - created through a galvanic growth process similar to 3D printing, in which thin layers of 24K gold form the letters of the Audemars Piguet signature and are connected by hair-thin gold lines that are almost invisible to the naked eye. All of these details are hidden under the hyperbolic sapphire crystal, providing a unique visual experience.

New generation in-house movements
The 38 mm automatic model features the 5900 movement, renowned for its slender 3.9 mm profile, high 4Hz frequency and 60-hour power reserve. Launched in 2022, this movement is a paragon of precision and reliability.

The 41 mm model is equipped with the 4302 movement, offering hours, minutes, seconds and date functions, or the 4401 movement, an integrated automatic chronograph with column wheel and flyback function; its vertical clutch system ensures smooth operation of the chronograph, while its patented reset mechanism ensures precise positioning of the hands.

The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the refined haute horlogerie finishing, including the 22K rose gold rotor. Parts are adorned with polished corners, vertical satin-brushed, Côtes de Genève, circular graining and chamfers.

With these demonstrations of its capabilities, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 embodies a collection that is both technically sophisticated and visually stunning. There is no doubt that Audemars Piguet will continue to uphold its tradition of excellence for generations to come.