Audemars Piguet launches two-tone Code 11.59 skeleton tourbillon watch The best so far.
As one of the six Code 11.59 models in the first series launched in 2019, the hollow tourbillon is the flagship-and the most interesting aesthetic. In fact, the same watch was redesigned as a one-of-a-kind work for the charity auction Only Watch 2019-sold for 1 million Swiss francs. It turns out that this is a hint of what is about to happen.
It finally came out in the form of Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked, with a two-tone case, just like the one-of-a-kind example in 2019, but with a striking light gray sports finish.
The new Code 11.59 tourbillon differs from the original version in color and material, but the seemingly surface changes are the key to the best features of the design.
With its material combination, the two-tone case—rose gold in the middle and white gold for the rest—is clearly more contrasting than the original single-tone version. This brings about complex case forms and finishes, especially the middle part of the octagonal case, where brushed and polished surfaces alternate.
It is a wise move to paint the movement in light gray, which gives the watch a casual, chic appearance that complements the two-tone case.
But the color of the case was changed only because the basic principles were reasonable-although Code 11.59 was criticized at the time of its release.
Conceived as a skeleton movement from the beginning, cal. There is an attractive structure inside the 2498, which is not seen in the traditional skeleton movement. cal does not remove excess material from the existing movement as usual. 2498 is just a blank at the beginning. Its designers can create slender, flowing bridges and a symmetrical layout.
Hollow out
Although the beauty of the new Code 11.59 tourbillon is completely different from the original one, it is basically the same. Overall, this is a fairly large watch, with the same case diameter of 41 mm, and a relatively thin 10.7 mm.
And cal. The 2498 is also the same in terms of technology, but with a new appearance, with gray finishes on the splint and base plate, which contrasts sharply with the rose gold hands.
The hollow barrel at 12 o’clock shows the mainspring that stores and supplies energy for the oscillating balance, while the keyless device is connected to the crown at 3 o’clock, and the movement is located directly below the hands.
On the topic of sports-this is an interesting little comment. The skeleton movement is fascinating because it reveals the various mechanisms in a mechanical watch. But Carl. 2498 can be said to have a shortcoming in this respect: the movement of its hands obscures part of the tourbillon.
In other words, this is more of a problem for watches with solid dials, because the skeleton movement still allows a fairly comprehensive view of the tourbillon from different angles.
It is worth mentioning that the recent Code 11.59 automatic winding flying tourbillon chronograph managed to avoid overlap, but this solution may not be feasible on the time-only tourbillon model.
That’s because the reduction gears of the movement have been completely relocated in the tourbillon chronograph, placing them under the counter at three o’clock. This is not possible on Tourbillon Openworked, because it does not have a sub-dial to hide the extra gears.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked
Ref. 26600CR.OO.D009KB.01
Case diameter: 41 mm
Height: 10.7 mm
Material: 18k white gold and rose gold watch
Mirror: Sapphire
Waterproof performance: 30 m
Movement: Carl. 2948
Functions: hours, minutes and tourbillon
Frequency: 21,600 times per hour (3 Hz)
Chain: Automatic
Power reserve: 72 hours
Strap: Rubber coated strap, 18k white gold folding clasp