Audemars Piguet replica is launching a brand new collection with the name CODE 11.59 a reference to the brand’s genetic code (CODE is also an acronym for Challenge, Own, Dare, Evolve, while 11.59 means the last minute before a new day) and it breaks the rules and the ability to challenge so-called standards.
CODE 11.59 has a total of 13 watches, including four automatic three-hand watches, four chronographs, a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, two automatic flying tourbillons and a tourbillon with a skeletonized dial A wristwatch, one of the most ambitious products in the history of the manufacturer.
The domed and ergonomic 41mm case for men and women features an octagonal middle case embedded within a round case, in keeping with the brand’s tradition of experimenting with form and geometry,
The upper part of the skeletonized lugs are welded to the ultra-thin bezel, while the lower part rests against the case back in perfect alignment. New production processes had to be developed to weld the lugs to this extremely thin surface. The bezel, lugs and case are satin-brushed, beveled and polished, presenting the highly sophisticated finishing techniques typically found on movements.
A complex, double-curved, anti-reflective sapphire crystal has been developed specifically for this collection. The inner surface is domed, while the outer surface is vertically curved from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock, a special structure that enhances the meticulous work on the dial. Polished chamfers around the glass add the finishing touch, while echoing the finish of the bezel, lugs and case.
Six different in-house movements of the latest generation are used in 13 models. Three of them are completely new: an integrated column-wheel chronograph with flyback function, a self-winding movement with seconds and date indication, and a self-winding flying tourbillon movement. As you might expect, the finishes, with techniques such as “traits tirés”, “Côtes de Genève”, circular graining, circular satin, diamond-polished corners and gold engravings, adhere to the highest standards of Haute Horlogerie.
The lacquered dial of the three-hand model is decorated with a three-dimensional Audemars Piguet logo made of a thin layer of gold, which is achieved through a chemical process similar to 3D printing called galvanic growth. Each letter is connected by a chain link about the size of a hair and rests on the dial by hand, the lower legs barely visible.
A white or black dial matches the rose gold case, while a blue or black dial is an option for the white gold version. The new 4 Hz (28,800 vph) automatic movement Calibre 430 features a dedicated 22-carat gold oscillating weight and guarantees a 70-hour power reserve.
CODE 11.59 Self-winding chronograph
Also available with rose gold or white gold cases, the chronograph comes with a dark blue or black lacquered dial. The chronograph counters are surrounded by gold threads at the polished V corners, a difficult finish on a lacquered dial.
The new in-house calibre 4401 features an instant jumping date indication, an integrated column-wheel chronograph and a flyback function that restarts the chronograph without first stopping and resetting. It has a 70-hour power reserve and a dedicated 22-karat rose gold skeleton oscillating weight visible through the case back.
Powered by the manufacturer’s self-winding calibre 5134, this model is optimised with the collection’s signature 22-carat yellow gold skeletonized weight. The movement beats at 2.75 Hz (19,800 mph) and has a power reserve of 40 hours. The perpetual calendar automatically adjusts for short months and adds a day in February every leap year. If worn permanently, it only needs to be adjusted in 2100. This adjustment will include manually setting the date from February 28 to March 1.
This model features a dark blue aventurine dial and sub-dials reminiscent of a starry sky. Aventurine glass is obtained by introducing black copper oxide and cobalt, which give the glass its blue color. The rose gold case, hands and applied hour-markers enrich the dark blue tone of the dial.
CODE 11.59 Self-winding flying tourbillon
Self-winding flying tourbillon gold dial covered with “Grand Feu” enamel, white or rose gold applied hour-markers and hands illuminate black or blue dial. For Audemars Piguet, this is the first self-winding movement with a central rotor and flying tourbillon. Visible through the case back, the skeletonized rotor of the 3 Hz (21,600 mph) Calibre 2950 matches the color of the case.
CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked
Equipped with a unique hand-wound tourbillon skeleton movement, the 3 Hz (21,600 mph) calibre 2948, this timepiece emphasizes its depth through the contrast between the rose gold case and the dark skeletonized main plate and bridges. With 70 hand-polished V-horns, the hand-finishing of this 4.97mm-thick movement demonstrates the virtuosity of the brand’s watchmakers.
CODE 11.59 Minute Repeater Supersonnerie
Finally, our Minute Repeater Supersonnerie delivers outstanding acoustic performance, sound quality and tone thanks to its patented gongs, case construction and striking regulator. The playing gongs were not mounted on the main board, but on a new device that acted as a soundboard, improving sound transmission. Thanks to its more flexible anchoring system, the redesigned striking adjuster eliminates unwanted noise.
White gold case with smoke blue enamel dial with white gold hands, applied indexes and numerals, as well as Audemars Piguet’s enamel logo. The design of the sonic caseback draws on the excellent acoustics of the watch.