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SPECIAL FEATURE
Horological Gems
The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection is enriched by two
new additions in a svelte 38mm case for the first time
Smaller watches are back in trend this year, and the brand that gave the world the Royal
Oak is way ahead of the game with the new 38mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet.
Available in a luscious purple or an elegant ivory execution, the new watches were designed
to cater to individuals with slimmer wrists, demonstrating the famed Swiss haute horlogerie
brand’s commitment to merging the creative with the technical. This new size is the smallest
thus far since the collection was introduced in 2019. It complements the existing 41mm
and 42mm offerings while staying faithful to the aesthetic principles that have come to be
expected of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection — or any timepiece bearing the
manufacture’s name, for that matter.
For example, both the watches are automatic, a crucial feature of the collection. Another
more apparent and defining characteristic is their complex three-part case. This is crafted in
18k pink gold and features an octagonal case middle set between a circular ultra-thin bezel
and a circular caseback. The upper part of the gracefully-styled lugs is welded to the bezel,
while the lower part gently aligns with the caseback, maintaining perfect symmetry. Beating
resolutely away behind the exhibition caseback is one of the manufacture’s latest generation of self-winding movement: The Calibre 5900 that was introduced in 2022.
Audemars PIguet’s automatic Calibre 5900 as seen through the display caseback
Collectors might recognise this calibre from several 37mm Royal Oak references. This thin
4mm mechanical movement combines a high-performance 4Hz frequency escapement
with an ample 60-hour power reserve to show the hours, minutes, seconds (via a sweep
second hand) and date (via a window at three o’clock). The sapphire caseback reveals the
movement in all its glory, including an openworked 22k pink gold oscillating weight and
fine finishing on all parts, including polished angles, vertical satin brushing, circular graining,
chamfering and Côtes de Genève. The same dedication to detail has also been extended to
the 38mm case. Like its precursors, it is finished with precise, alternating satin brushing and
polished chamfering that accentuate its complex architecture.
THE SAPPHIRE CASEBACK REVEALS
THE MOVEMENT IN ALL ITS GLORY,
INCLUDING AN OPENWORKED FULL
PINK GOLD OSCILLATING WEIGHT
AND FINE FINISHING ON ALL PARTS.
The timepiece’s unique dial was developed in collaboration with Swiss guilloché craftsman Yann von Kaenel
Both watches feature Audemars Piguet’s latest design evolution for the collection, which
was introduced earlier this year. The concentric circles-embossed dials are graced with
a striking gradient structure that was developed in collaboration with Swiss guilloché
craftsman Yann von Kaenel. The surface of each dial is marked with a multitude of tiny
perforations that radiate outward from the centre in a wave-like pattern, resulting in an
alluring visual effect. The purple and ivory hues are the result of a PVD (Physical Vapour
Deposition) treatment on the decorated surface. This treatment also works to preserve and
enhance the depth of the embossed pattern and maximise the interplay of light for optimal
radiance at every turn. Pink gold applied hour markers and luminescent-coated hands
complete the picture.
Each timepiece is paired with a “large square scale” alligator strap that matches the dial’s
tone and features the collection’s new 18k pink gold pin “Audemars Piguet” engraved
buckle. Additionally, for those who are after a different look, Audemar Piguet’s boutiques
offer rubber-coated straps lined with calfskin leather and embellished with a textile pattern
in either ivory or purple.
The 38mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet’s versatile design makes it the perfect finishing touch for a myriad of outfits
THE 38MM CODE 11.59 BY AUDEMARS
PIGUET TIMEPIECES PRESENT THE
SAME CONTEMPORARY SPIRIT IN A
NEW COMPACT FORM.
Presenting the same contemporary spirit in a new compact form, the 38mm Code 11.59
by Audemars Piguet shows the brand’s commitment to ensuring the right fit can be found.
Following the close launch of the Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 (which has 40
functions that include 23 complications) and other steel models, the new timepieces also
reinforce the brand’s dedication to exploring the limitless possibilities within the collection.
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