The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar in White Gold

Audemars Piguet releases a new iteration of its Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar combining an 18k white gold case with a blue aventurine dial and a matching textured rubber-coated strap. This contemporary timepiece continues the Manufacture’s long history of calendar watches while foregrounding once more the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet’s endless creativity.

Shimmering blue aventurine dial

The white gold timepiece adorns a dark blue dial in aventurine glass recalling a star-lit sky. This glass has been polished and very thinly cut before being applied onto the dial’s plate. This material was first created in the 17th century in a Murano glass factory. Legend has it that copper filings were accidentally dropped in cooling molten glass, creating a combination of sparkling inclusions. Today, the glass is obtained by introducing black copper oxide and cobalt into the molten glass, which gives it its blue colour.

The moon phase at 6 o’clock has been reproduced through laser engraving and applied on a thin aventurine disc. The day number and week day, respectively located at 3 and 9 o’clock, as well as the month indication at 12 o’clock are also presented on aventurine subdials. For their part, the week numbers have been transferred onto the corresponding blue lacquered inner bezel. The white gold hour-markers and hands add a subtle contrast, while recalling the colour of the case and crown. The double curved sapphire crystal that seamlessly integrates the extra-thin bezel’s curvature completes the watch’s overall design, while providing a unique visual effect onto the dial.

Refined white gold architecture

This new 18-carat white gold version complements the perpetual calendar model crafted in 18-carat pink gold unveiled in 2019 for the launch of the collection. The white gold extra-thin bezel, stylised lugs, octagonal case middle as well as round caseback provide an elegant contrast with the blue aventurine dial. The alternation of satin-brushing and polished chamfers adorning the different components add an interesting play of light, while accentuating the complex architecture of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection. Conceived with both women and men in mind, this complicated wristwatch will sit comfortably on all wrists thanks to the 41 mm case’s ergonomic curvature.

The timepiece is fitted with a dark blue rubber-coated calfskin strap finished with a textured motif, giving a highly contemporary look to this classic complication. The straight integration of the strap in the continuity of the lugs, which have been welded to the extra-thin bezel, further reveals the refined hand-finishing techniques adorning the case.

High-end perpetual calendar

This timepiece houses the Manufacture’s selfwinding perpetual calendar movement, Calibre 5134, fitted with the collection’s dedicated 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight. Calibre 5134 automatically takes into account the number of days in the month and correctly displays the prevailing date even in leap years. Assuming the watch is kept regularly wound, the date will not require manual correction until 2100, at which point it will require adjustment in order to stay in line with the Gregorian calendar.*

The movement has been finished with refined decorations including “Côte de Genève,” microbead-blasting, sunray finishing, satin-brushing and polished chamfers, all visible through the sapphire caseback.

* In the Gregorian calendar, the leap day February 29 is omitted every 100 years (e.g. 2100, 2200, 2300), with the exception of century years that are divisible by 400 (e.g. 2000, 2400, 2800) to remain in line with solar time. As a result, 2100 will not be a leap year and perpetual calendar mechanisms will have to be moved forward by one day.

Technical specifications

Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar 41 mm

Reference: 26394BC.OO.D027KB.01

Case

• Material: 18k white gold case
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Glass: Double curved glareproofed sapphire crystal
• Glareproofed sapphire caseback
• Water-resistant to 30 meters

Dial and hands

• Blue aventurine dial
• White gold applied hour-markers and hands with luminescent coating
• Blue lacquered inner bezel.

Movement

• Selfwinding Calibre 5134
• Diameter: 29 mm (12 ¾ lignes)
• Thickness: 4.31 mm
• Number of jewels: 38
• Number of parts: 365 
• Frequency: 19,800 vph (2.75 Hz)
• Minimum power reserve guaranteed 40 h

Functions/Indications

• Perpetual calendar with week indication, day, date, astronomical moon, month, leap year, hours and minutes.

Strap and buckle

• Blue rubber-coated calfskin strap with 18-carat white gold folding clasp.

MSRP: EUR 91'600

For more information, please visit audemarspiguet.com