Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4
“This new Ultra-Complication is the culmination of several decades of research, design and manufacturing of many different types of complicated mechanisms that have put ergonomics at the forefront of the process. To achieve the highest level of reliability, while also keeping the thickness of our calibres to the minimum, we believe that a ‘mechanical function with an ergonomic focus’ opens a new path for Audemars Piguet and the watch industry as a whole.” - Giulio Papi, Technical Director, Audemars Piguet Le Locle.
Genesis of an exceptional ultra-complication
Seven years on, Calibre 1000 sees the light of day in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection – itself an uncompromising bridge between past and future, classic and contemporary. While the case has retained both the ergonomic curvature and design codes of the collection, its proportions have been slightly adapted to fit this ultra-complicated mechanism. This new case measuring only 42 mm in diameter (instead of 41 mm) and 15.55 mm in thickness represents a real feat of engineering.
Crowns and pushers - When technical complexity meets ergonomics
On the right side of the case, three crowns with coaxial pushers allow the wearer to wind the watch, set the time and date with the central crown and select the chiming mode (Grande Sonnerie, Petite Sonnerie or silence mode). The flyback chronograph can be started and stopped with the supercrown at 2 o’clock and reset with the other supercrown at 4 o'clock. The 4 o'clock crown also corrects the month in sync with the year. Among the innovations, the ergonomic crown-pusher – or “supercrown” – at 4 o’clock brings correction to a new level. While the pusher actuates the flyback chronograph’s zero resetting mechanism, the crown also enables the forward or backward correction of the month. In addition, the crown automatically returns to its neutral position after rotating it (up to 70°) in either direction. This ease of use hides highly technical mechanical devices located in both the crown and the movement, as well as a complex security system preventing misuse.
Chiming time - An encounter of powerful acoustics and visual beauty
Heavenly bodies - a refined and intuitive perpetual calendar mechanism
Time intervals - a highly stylised split-seconds flyback chronograph
The architecture of the chronograph mechanism was further remodelled to save space and showcase components usually hidden from view on the caseback side. One of the major developments entailed integrating the split-seconds mechanism within the thickness of the central rotor’s ball bearing. By merging two systems usually superposed, Audemars Piguet engineers reduced the movement’s thickness by 1.1 mm, while revealing the beauty of the split-seconds mechanism when the user opens the watch’s “secret” cover.
Flying Tourbillon - aerial glimpse of a powerful beating heart
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet - a complex multifaceted architecture
The Manufacture pushed the complexity of this multidimensional case a step further with the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra Complication Universelle RD#4. Numerous technical developments were necessary to offer unprecedented ergonomics, comfort and simplicity of use to the wearer, while retaining the collection’s refined aesthetic codes. A total of six easy-to-use crowns and pushers are evenly balanced around the case middle, subtly echoing the piece’s rounded geometries. The timepiece also boasts for the first time a “secret” gold caseback that amplifies the watch’s acoustic performance when worn, and reveals the beauty of the mechanism thanks to the new Supersonnerie sapphire soundboard, once opened. The insertion of Calibre 1000 has also led to a slight increase in the watch’s diameter and thickness (42 mm x 15.55 mm) compared to other models in the collection – a feat of engineering for a selfwinding ultra-complicated wristwatch.
A model offered in four variations
The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 pays tribute to L’Universelle pocket watch, one of the most complicated watches ever crafted by the Manufacture. With its 26 functions, including 19 classic complications, this pocket watch sits today amongst the world’s most complicated timepieces alongside Breguet’s Marie Antoinette (1802), Ami Lecoultre’s La Merveilleuse (1878), Louis Leroy’s Leroy 01 (1900), Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication (1933) and Vacheron Constantin’s Le Cabinotier (2019), to name but a few. While it is endowed with a Grande Sonnerie Carillon and a perpetual calendar, it also encompasses a split-seconds, jumping-second and deadbeat-second chronograph, among many other complications. Its chronograph mechanism remains one of the most integrated in watchmaking history today with four out of five chronograph hands controlled by one single push-piece.
Technical specifications
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 42 mm
Reference: 26398BC.OO.D002CR.01
Case
- Material: 18-carat white gold
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 15.55 mm
- Glass: Double curved sapphire crystal
-
18-carat white gold “secret” caseback opening onto the Supersonnerie sapphire membrane
- Water-resistant to 20 metres
Dial and hands
- Black dial
- Black counters with light grey external zone
- White gold applied hour-markers and hands.
Movement
- Selfwinding Calibre 1000
- Diameter: 34.3 mm (15 lignes)
- Thickness: 8.8 mm
- Number of jewels: 90
- Number of parts: 1,140
- Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
- Minimum guaranteed power reserve 64 h
Functions/Indications
- A total of 40 functions, including 23 complications and 17 special technical devices.
- Among the highlights: Grande and Petite Sonnerie, minute repeater, flying tourbillon, semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar (day, large date, month, year, astronomical moon, moon phases), flyback chronograph, split-seconds, hours and minutes.*
Strap and buckle
-
Black alligator strap with 18-carat white gold AP folding clasp.
-
Additional black textured rubber-coated calfskin strap.
MSRP: Price on request
Technical specifications
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 42 mm
Reference: 26398BC.OO.D002CR.04
Case
- Material: 18-carat white gold
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 15.55 mm
- Glass: Double curved sapphire crystal
- 18-carat white gold “secret” caseback opening onto the Supersonnerie sapphire membrane
- Water-resistant to 20 metres
Dial and hands
- Beige dial
- Black counters
- Pink gold applied hour-markers and hands.
Movement
- Selfwinding Calibre 1000
- Diameter: 34.3 mm (15 lignes)
- Thickness: 8.8 mm
- Number of jewels: 90
- Number of parts: 1,140
- Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
- Minimum guaranteed power reserve 64 h
Functions/Indications
- A total of 40 functions, including 23 complications and 17 special technical devices.
- Among the highlights: Grande and Petite Sonnerie, minute repeater, flying tourbillon, semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar (day, large date, month, year, astronomical moon, moon phases), flyback chronograph, split-seconds, hours and minutes.*
* This list is not exhaustive and includes the timepiece’s main practical, astronomical and technical complications for the user. The full list is included at the end of the press release.
Strap and buckle
- Black alligator strap with 18-carat white gold AP folding clasp.
- Additional black textured rubber-coated calfskin strap.
MSRP: Price on request
Technical specifications
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 42 mm
Reference: 26398BC.OO.D002CR.02
Case
- Material: 18-carat white gold
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 15.55 mm
- Glass: Double curved sapphire crystal
- 18-carat white gold “secret” caseback opening onto the Supersonnerie sapphire membrane
- Water-resistant to 20 metres
Dial and hands
- Grey counters with black external zone
- 18-carat white gold hands, black inner bezel.
Movement
- Selfwinding Calibre 1000
- Diameter: 34.3 mm (15 lignes)
- Thickness: 8.8 mm
- Number of jewels: 90
- Number of parts: 1,140
- Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
- Minimum guaranteed power reserve 64 h
Functions/Indications
- A total of 40 functions, including 23 complications and 17 special technical devices.
- Among the highlights: Grande and Petite Sonnerie, minute repeater, flying tourbillon, semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar (day, large date, month, year, astronomical moon, moon phases), flyback chronograph, split-seconds, hours and minutes.*
* This list is not exhaustive and includes the timepiece’s main practical, astronomical and technical complications for the user. The full list is included at the end of the press release.
Strap and buckle
- Black alligator strap with 18-carat white gold AP folding clasp.
- Additional black textured rubber-coated calfskin strap.
MSRP: Price on request
Technical specifications
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 42 mm
Reference: 26398OR.OO.D002CR.01
Case
- Material: 18-carat pink gold
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 15.55 mm
- Glass: Double curved sapphire crystal
- 18-carat pink gold “secret” caseback opening onto the Supersonnerie sapphire membrane
- Water-resistant to 20 metres
Dial and hands
- Grey counters and black external zone
- 18-carat pink gold hands, black inner bezel.
Movement
- Selfwinding Calibre 1000
- Diameter: 34.3 mm (15 lignes)
- Thickness: 8.8 mm
- Number of jewels: 90
- Number of parts: 1,140
- Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
- Minimum guaranteed power reserve 64 h
Functions/Indications
- A total of 40 functions, including 23 complications and 17 special technical devices.
- Among the highlights: Grande and Petite Sonnerie, minute repeater, flying tourbillon, semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar (day, large date, month, year, astronomical moon, moon phases), flyback chronograph, split-seconds, hours and minutes.*
* This list is not exhaustive and includes the timepiece’s main practical, astronomical and technical complications for the user. The full list is included at the end of the press release.
Strap and buckle
- Black alligator strap with 18-carat white gold AP folding clasp.
- Additional black textured rubber-coated calfskin strap.
MSRP: Price on request
For more information, please visit audemarspiguet.com
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