Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 collection welcomes a fresh generation
In celebration of its 150th anniversary, luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet unveils the Code 11.59 collection, a contemporary tribute to its rich heritage. This forward-looking collection offers a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern innovations, pushing the boundaries of haute horlogerie.
### Design
The Code 11.59 collection showcases an unique case architecture, combining a round bezel with an octagonal ceramic inner case. This fusion of classic and modern elements reinterprets Audemars Piguet's heritage with a fresh perspective. The watch's case is further complex, featuring a hexagonal middle section with multiple subtle brushed and polished finishes, creating a refined and intricate visual appeal.
An ultra-thin bezel offers a wide, open view of the dial, often adorned with a concentric embossed pattern that enhances dial depth and texture. The sapphire crystal is double-curved, reducing glare and providing an unobstructed view of the dial. The openworked arched lugs, resembling architectural flying buttresses, are attached without welding or soldering, showcasing innovative construction techniques.
### Complications
The Code 11.59 collection spans a range from classic three-hand models to highly complicated pieces like minute repeaters, openworked tourbillons, and chronographs. It introduced Audemars Piguet’s first automatic chronograph caliber 4400 and progressed to include advanced in-house calibers such as the Calibre 4401, a chronograph with flyback function. The collection includes pieces with high complications such as flying tourbillons, demonstrating Audemars Piguet’s technical mastery combined with aesthetic innovation.
### Materials
The collection introduces innovative materials such as black and blue ceramic cases paired with precious metals like gold, enhancing both durability and distinctive looks. Audemars Piguet’s use of materials like ceramic, forged carbon, titanium, and sand gold, offers scratch resistance, lightweight durability, and a modern appeal rarely seen in traditional haute horlogerie. The straps often use luxurious alligator leather, providing a refined alternative to metal bracelets, enhancing comfort and elegance.
### Evolution and Current Status
Despite some initial mixed reactions upon launch, the Code 11.59 has evolved with refining iterations and new references that emphasize its strengths in technical innovation and design sophistication. As of 2025, AP continues to develop the line, introducing new references that maintain the collection’s balance of traditional craftsmanship and forward-looking design, celebrating AP’s 150th anniversary with this contemporary flagship.
This year, Audemars Piguet has rolled out a number of new references for the Code 11.59 collection, including a slate grey colourway accented with touches of the brand's famous "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" shade of blue. A new slate grey colourway has been introduced for the Code 11.59 collection, featuring a ripple dial created in collaboration with Swiss guilloche artisan Yann von Kaenel. The collection also includes a pièce unique model featuring a grande sonnerie watch, a rare and complex complication.
In summary, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection is notable for its architectural case design merging round and octagonal elements, innovative double-curved sapphire crystal, a broad spectrum of complications including new in-house calibers, and pioneering use of ceramic and precious metals. It stands as a modern, avant-garde wristwatch line that respects tradition while pushing forward in design and technical sophistication.
- The Code 11.59 collection's case architecture showcases a fusion of round and octagonal elements, redefining Audemars Piguet's traditional aesthetics with modern innovations.
- The watch's case features a hexagonal middle section with intricate, refined finishes, adding to the design's visual appeal and beauty.
- The collection boasts technical mastery, showcasing a range of complications from classic three-hand models to minute repeaters, openworked tourbillons, and chronographs.
- Audemars Piguet has pushed the boundaries of haute horlogerie with the use of materials like black and blue ceramic, forged carbon, titanium, and sand gold, offering durability and a modern appeal.
- The Code 11.59 has evolved over time, with refining iterations and new references that emphasize its strengths in design and technical innovation, making it a contemporary flagship for the brand.
- In recent years, Audemars Piguet has introduced new references for the Code 11.59 collection, including a slate grey colourway and a pièce unique model featuring a grande sonnerie watch, demonstrating the collection's avant-garde design and technical sophistication.
