Audemars Piguet, the Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer with a legacy spanning over 150 years, continues to push the boundaries of horological innovation with its Code 11.59 collection. In February 2025, the brand introduced two distinct models: a 38 mm Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon and two 41 mm stainless steel iterations, one Selfwinding and one Selfwinding Chronograph. Each timepiece exemplifies the brand’s commitment to technical precision, aesthetic refinement, and ergonomic design, catering to a diverse clientele with varying preferences in size, functionality, and material.
The 38 mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Flying Tourbillon features a sand gold-toned dial, achieved through Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), which complements the 18-carat sand gold case set with 235 brilliant-cut diamonds. The dial’s signature embossed pattern, created in collaboration with Swiss guilloché artisan Yann Von Kaenel, consists of concentric circles radiating from the center, enhanced by hundreds of tiny holes that add depth and light play. The flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock is positioned at dial level, offering a clear view of the regulating organ. The hour-markers and hands, also in 18-carat sand gold, are filled with luminescent material for optimal legibility in low-light conditions.
In contrast, the 41 mm stainless steel models present a slate grey dial with a two-tone aesthetic, subtly contrasted by “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” accents on the inner bezel and chronograph counters. The dials feature the same embossed pattern, meticulously hand-engraved, and are pigmented using a galvanic process to preserve the intricate details. The chronograph version includes rhodium-galvanized threads encircling the counters, enhancing the visual complexity of the dial. Both models are equipped with elongated, faceted hour-markers and hands in 18-carat white gold, filled with luminescent material for enhanced readability.
The 38 mm Flying Tourbillon is powered by the ultra-thin Calibre 2968 (RD#3), a selfwinding movement measuring just 3.4 mm in thickness. This movement, first introduced in 2022, features a flying tourbillon cage supported only from below, allowing for a thinner profile and improved energy distribution. The cage, driven peripherally by a titanium escapement, enhances precision and reliability while maintaining a harmonious aesthetic. The movement’s rhodium-toned bridges are delicately openworked, revealing the inner workings through the sapphire caseback. The oscillating weight, in 22-carat pink gold, complements the case’s sand gold hue.
The 41 mm Selfwinding model is equipped with Calibre 4302, a 32 mm movement offering hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function. The Selfwinding Chronograph, on the other hand, features Calibre 4401, an integrated chronograph with a column wheel and flyback function. Both movements are designed for simplicity of use, with patented mechanisms ensuring stability and precision during time-setting. Calibre 4401 includes a vertical gear system to prevent hand jumping during chronograph activation or stoppage, and a patented reset mechanism ensures accurate counter hand positioning. The sapphire caseback reveals the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight and the Haute Horlogerie decorations, including polished angles, vertical satin-brushing, Côtes de Genève, circular graining, and chamfering.
The 38 mm Flying Tourbillon’s case is crafted from 18-carat sand gold, an alloy combining gold, copper, and palladium, which shifts between white and pink gold depending on the light. The case is set with 235 brilliant-cut diamonds, meticulously selected for clarity and color, and cut to match the case’s geometry. The double-curved sapphire crystal and glareproofed sapphire caseback enhance the watch’s visual appeal while maintaining a water resistance of 30 meters. The case thickness is 9.6 mm, making it one of the slimmer models in the collection.
The 41 mm stainless steel models feature a case constructed with a meticulous alternation of polished and satin-brushed surfaces, creating a dynamic play of light. The lugs, a defining feature of the Code 11.59 collection, are seamlessly soldered to the ultra-thin bezel using a complex brazing and laser-soldering process. This method, originally developed for gold cases, was adapted for stainless steel, requiring precise temperature control and extended hand-finishing due to the material’s hardness. The cases are water-resistant to 30 meters, with thicknesses of 10.7 mm for the Selfwinding model and 12.6 mm for the Chronograph.
The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection continues to demonstrate the brand’s expertise in combining technical innovation with aesthetic refinement. The 38 mm Flying Tourbillon (Ref. 26665SG.ZZ.D209CR.01 / UVP/€ 188.300 – daily rate, with its ultra-thin movement and shimmering sand gold case, offers a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The 41 mm stainless steel models, available in Selfwinding (Ref. 15210ST.OO.A009KB.01 / UVP/€ 25.800) and Chronograph (Ref. 26393ST.OO.A009KB.01 / UVP/€ 35.600) versions, emphasize ergonomics and readability, with advanced movements and a sophisticated grey and blue color palette. Each timepiece in the collection reflects Audemars Piguet’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological design, ensuring a diverse range of options for discerning collectors and enthusiasts.
