To commemorate its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet introduces five new iterations of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie. These timepieces, measuring 41 mm in diameter, exemplify the brand’s commitment to blending traditional horological craftsmanship with advanced technological innovation. The collection features a range of materials, including black ceramic, platinum, and 18-carat white, pink, and sand gold, while the dials are designed to highlight either the intricate mechanics (Ref. 26397QS.OO.D002KB.01) or the natural beauty of opal stones (Ref. 26397OR.OO.D417CR.01). Each model is powered by the hand-wound Calibre 2956, a movement that combines the Grande Sonnerie complication with a carillon and the patented Supersonnerie technology.
The dials of these timepieces are divided into two distinct categories: those featuring natural opal stones and those showcasing the inner workings of the movement through sapphire crystal.
The opal dials, available in two variations, utilize natural opals known for their unique three-dimensional internal structure, which refracts light unpredictably, creating a distinctive visual effect. The first model features a harlequin opal dial, characterized by its angular patches of vibrant colors, set within an 18-carat pink gold case. The second model employs a crystal opal dial, noted for its transparency and iridescence, housed in an 18-carat white gold case. Both opal dials are complemented by inner bezels that enhance their natural hues—green for the harlequin opal and blue for the crystal opal.
The sapphire dials, featured in three models, offer a transparent view of the AP Calibre 2956 movement. These dials are designed with subtle contrasting details, such as rhodium-toned components and luminescent hour-markers, which harmonize with the case materials. The first sapphire dial model presents a silver-grey aesthetic with pink gold accents, while the second combines light and dark grey tones with pink gold elements. The third model contrasts sand gold with black and grey tones, creating a striking visual balance.
At the heart of these timepieces lies the hand-wound Calibre 2956, a movement comprising 498 components and featuring a high level of finishing. The movement integrates the Grande Sonnerie complication, which automatically strikes the hours and quarter hours, and a carillon mechanism that produces a sequence of three notes for the quarter-hour chime. The Petite Sonnerie mode allows the watch to chime only the hours, while the silent mode deactivates the automatic chiming. Additionally, a minute repeater function can be activated via a push-piece at 10 o’clock, enabling the wearer to hear the time on demand.
The Supersonnerie technology, developed in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), enhances the acoustic performance of the watch. This patented innovation involves a unique case construction where the gongs are attached to a soundboard rather than the main plate, improving sound transmission and ensuring a clear, harmonic tone. The result is a wristwatch with the acoustic qualities traditionally associated with pocket watches.
The cases of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie are crafted from a combination of precious and contemporary materials, including 18-carat white, pink, and sand gold, black ceramic, and platinum. The cases feature a double-curved sapphire crystal, providing both durability and clarity. The casebacks are embossed with a special 150th-anniversary logo and are available in materials that match the case, such as white gold, pink gold, or sand gold. The cases are water-resistant to 20 meters and measure 13.5 mm in thickness, ensuring a robust yet elegant profile.
The creation of these timepieces involves a high degree of craftsmanship, particularly in the handling of natural opals and the intricate finishing of the movement. The opal dials require meticulous cutting and polishing to achieve a thickness of 0.45 mm, followed by careful mounting on a hard alloy disc to prevent breakage. The sapphire dials, while showcasing the movement, are adorned with refined decorations that echo the polished and satin-brushed surfaces of the case. The movement itself is a testament to the brand’s expertise, with each of its 498 components meticulously finished to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
In conclusion, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie collection represents a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The intricate dials, sophisticated movements, and carefully crafted cases highlight the brand’s dedication to horological excellence, while the artistic techniques employed in their creation underscore the enduring legacy of Audemars Piguet.
