The Code 11.59 collection by Audemars Piguet was revealed in 2019, marking the brand’s first significant product introduction in 20 years. Its unusual 41mm case design was “carefully designed for both men and women,” according to the company, with six models, 13 references, and three in-house calibres.
These two gem-set versions, coated with over 1,000 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case and unveiled in January 2022, are obviously aimed at ladies and are a first for the Code 11.59 line.
The 41mm case’s unique architecture, which includes an octagonal center case wedged by a narrow bezel and a round caseback, shimmered with the light of 473 brilliant-cut diamonds (a total weight of 2.69 carats). The case’s most prominent element is the octagonal center container, which pays homage to the Royal Oak’s famous octagonal bezel.
The floating lugs are hollowed out and fused to the bezel module when viewed from the side.
From the stylized lugs to the octagonal center case and all the way to the crown grooves, every surface is studded with diamonds. The stones are cut in various sizes to accommodate the case’s various geometries.
612 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.3 carats) radiate from the center of the 18k white or pink gold dials like sunbeams. The diamonds are smaller in the center and grow in size as they reach the bezel, somewhat like a fumé or gradient dial that increases in color as it reaches the edge.
To be more exact, the concentric design is made up of six distinct stone sizes ranging from 0.65 to 1.10mm. The faceted stones are kept in place by little prongs or beads in close proximity in a grain setting, resulting in a uniform glittering surface that attracts and reflects light.
Both versions have tone-on-tone bezels with short, thin black lines that extend from the dial’s indices; the white gold model has a rhodium-toned inner bezel, while the pink gold model has a pink gold-toned inner bezel.
In between the diamonds, applying the white or pink gold hour markers and Arabic numerals to the dial proved to be a difficult task. The date window has been removed from the dial of this watch, in contrast to prior Code 11.59 simple Selfwinding versions, in order to showcase the gem-set dial.
Elegant satin-finished calfskin straps in a blue-grey tint for the white gold and a subtle beige color for the pink gold have been offered by AP for the new Code 11.59. The gold folding clasp is also encrusted with brilliant-cut diamonds, adding to the watch’s feminine appeal.
The AP calibre 4309, the brand’s newest automatic movement for hours, minutes, and central seconds, powers the Code 11.59 jewelry versions. The movement offers exceptional chronometric performance and a reliable 70-hour power reserve.
The movement’s Haute Horlogerie ornamentation, such as Côtes de Genève, satin-brushing, circular graining, round satin and polished chamfers, as well as the collection’s special 22k pink gold oscillating weight, are visible through the sapphire caseback.
This watch is perfect for modern ladies that want to have a glamorous look for a formal occasion and party. For more information about our Audemars Piguet collection, visit The Time Place boutique.
