The Swiss giant Audemars Piguet is expanding the Code 11.59 collection by adding two new additions to the line-up. The brand has released a Selfwinding Chronograph and a brand new Selfwinding model 3-hander model with date function. Both models come with a beautiful 18-carat white gold case that has the right curves and sharp edges to make these pieces refined yet elegant. Both models also come with a stunning smoked blue sunburst lacquered dial.
The chronograph and 3-hand date model both come with the same 41mm 18k white gold case. The case has been crafted with a mix of complex geometry and is comprised of an octagonal middle case that is an iconic design for Audemars Piguet. This octagonal case is then enclosed with an extra-thin round bezel and a round case back. The lugs have a very refined design, with the middle part hollowed out. The top part of these stylish lugs is welded to the bezel, while the bottom part is in perfect alignment with the case back.
Both models also come with a double glare-proofed sapphire crystal, which is quite a technical and aesthetic feat. Audemars Piguet says that “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”.
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding / 41 mm
The Selfwinding 3-hander and date model features a mesmerising smoked blue sunburst lacquered dial. The refined sunburst finishing on the base gives an ever-changing play of light, which is a resemblance to the sun rays seen from under the water. The outer part of the dial is black, which provides the perfect contrast to the 18-carat white gold curved hour markers and Arabic numerals. This is then accentuated further by the black inner bezel by providing depth to the dial. The hands-on this model are refined and sharp, and like the markers, are made from 18-carat white gold.
The date window is subtly placed between the 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock hour markers. A notable feature of this piece and on the chronograph model is the distinctive Audemars Piguet signature, which has been created through a chemical process of galvanic growth (similar to 3D printing). This gold signature is applied to the dial by hand, which is then connected to the dial using extremely small feet that are almost invisible to the naked eye!
The movement used inside the 41mm Selfwinding 3 hander date model is the Calibre 4302 movement. The movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28, 800 VpH) while giving out a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. To match the aesthetics of the dial, the watch is offered in a black rubber-coated strap with 18-carat white gold pin buckle.
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph
The self-winding Chronograph model has the same smoked blue sunburst lacquered dial as the 3-hander model with a date. The finishing of the hour markers and hands are all the same as the previous model as well.
Where it does change however is in the features of the timepiece. As this is a chronograph model, the dial now features three sub-counters which are the 12-hour counter at 3 o’clock, the constant seconds counter at 6 o’clock and the 30-second counter at 9 o’clock. These sub-counters have also been hollowed out so that the beautiful sunburst blue lacquered dial can still be seen to its full extent.
The movement used inside this chronograph model is the brand’s self-winding calibre 4401 movements. The Calibre 4401 movement includes the patented zero resetting mechanism that allows each of the counter hands to seamlessly reset to zero. The movement has a frequency of 28, 800 VpH (4hz) and gives out a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. Like the 3-hander with date model, this latest self-winding chronograph also features the same black rubber-coated strap with 18-carat white gold pin buckle.
These latest creations for the Code 11.59 collection are the perfect additions, a mixture of both elegance and sportiness captivated in an artistic case with a stunning sunburst blue dial.
