Audemars Piguet (AP) has introduced three stone dial versions of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon. They include versions of Green Malachite, Red Ruby Root, and Blue Sodalite. Each version is housed in a 38 mm 18K gold case. They are part of the brand’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Key Features
Functions
Image: Blue Sodalite. Header image: Red Ruby Root. “Audemars Piguet began exploring the aesthetic potential of natural stone dials in the 1960s. Requiring exceptional manual skills, each dial is crafted from a wafer-thin layer of stone, painstakingly cut and polished to preserve its integrity while revealing its natural brilliance. The tonal variations, veining and textural richness inherent to each stone ensure that no two dials are alike.”
Central hours and minutes.
Flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Dial
Three dial versions
Image: Green Malachite. The skeletonised hour and minute hands provide an element of “lightness.” I love the placement of the hour-markers on the inner bezel. “Beyond their rarity and physical beauty, precious stones have long been imbued with symbolic meanings that resonate with different facets of the human experience. They are also believed to hold unique energetic properties that support emotional balance, wellbeing and empowerment.”
Green Malachite – sourced from Zambia and “said to support growth and transformation.”
Hands are made from 18K yellow gold and coated with luminescent material. Hour-markers made from 18K yellow gold. Inner bezel is made from green brass and features an opaline decoration.
Red Ruby Root – sourced from Tanzania and “associated with vitality and protection.”
Hands are made from 18K white gold and coated with luminescent material. Hour-markers made from 18K white gold. Inner bezel is made from red brass and features an opaline decoration.
Blue Sodalite – sourced from Brazil and “linked to calm and clarity.”
Hands are made from 18K pink gold and coated with luminescent material. Hour-markers made from 18K pink gold. Inner bezel is made from blue brass and features an opaline decoration.
Movement
Image: The attention to details is phenomenal. Each version’s skeletonised automatic winding rotor is made of the same 18K gold hue as its dial and case elements.
Powered by Caliber 2968, an automatic movement that drives the hours, minutes, and flying tourbillon.
Diameter: 29.6 mm or 13 lignes. Thickness: 3.4 mm. Parts: 226. Jewels: 33. Frequency: 21,600 vph or 3 Hz. Power reserve (minimum guaranteed): 50 hours.
“Measuring only 3.4 mm in thickness, this high-end complication has been rethought and redesigned to reduce its width while retaining the initial proportions of its cage. For the first time, the titanium tourbillon cage is equipped with a peripheral drive, minimising weight while a high-amplitude escapement enhances reliability, energy distribution and precision. Unlike a traditional tourbillon, the flying tourbillon cage is supported only from below, giving it a graceful, floating appearance above the dial’s natural stone backdrop.”
Case
Image: The Code 11.59 case is a modern interpretation of a “classical round watch.” It features a combination of satin-brushed and polished finishes. Notice the AP logo embossed on the crown.
Made from 18K gold. Diameter: 38 mm. Thickness: 9.6 mm. Dial side features a double glare proofed sapphire crystal. Caseback features a glare proofed sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 30 metres.
Green Malachite – made from 18K yellow gold (including caseback). It comes with a green alligator leather strap fitted with an 18K yellow gold three-blade AP folding clasp.
Red Ruby Root – made from 18K white gold (including caseback). It comes with a red alligator leather strap fitted with an 18K white gold three-blade AP folding clasp.
Blue Sodalite – made from 18K pink gold (including case back). It comes with a blue alligator leather strap fitted with an 18K pink gold three-blade AP folding clasp.
Our Thoughts
Image: A colour-matching interchangeable rubber-coated strap is available for each version, making them a great deal more versatile. My favourite is the Blue Sodalite.
The Code 11.59 collection was launched in 2019. Not much loved initially, AP has done a great job in evolving the collection’s dial designs these past few years. They complement the brand’s iconic Royal Oak and further serves as a platform for the brand’s horological prowess.
Each stone dial version of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon evokes a blend of modern and traditional vibes. They are a beautiful interpretation of a classic tourbillon, and deserving of AP’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Please click here, here, and here to read our earlier coverage on AP.
Additional Details
Name: Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon
Reference: 26665BA.OO.D412CR.01 – Green Malachite version
Reference: 26665BC.OO.D632CR.01 – Red Ruby Root version
Reference: 26665OR.OO.D349CR.01 – Blue Sodalite version
Price: Upon request
Limited editions.
Please visit the brand’s website for more information.
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