For nearly 150 years, the bucolic Le Brassus hills in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux have nurtured the Haute Horlogerie Manufacture Audemars Piguet. In this Alpine valley, generations of artisans have crafted some of the world’s most complex timepieces equipped with a long list of astronomical, chiming and chronograph complications (as well as the Grand Complications) across a variety of collections, such as the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore. The latest to have joined the Manufacture’s collections is the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, a series of timepieces ushering in a vibrant new world for the atelier.

Artful Ingenuity

Embodying an elegant juxtaposition of contemporary artistry, refined decoration and timekeeping tradition, the latest Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet models include five new Selfwinding (date, hour, minute and second) references and five new Selfwinding Chronograph models adorned with new smoked lacquered dials with sunburst pattern in hues of blue, burgundy, purple, as well as light and dark grey. The dial’s artistry is enhanced by an extra-thin bezel, stylised lugs, a double curved glareproofed sapphire crystal and an unconventional case design amplified by Audemars Piguet’s ancestral finishing techniques.

Designed for both men and women, the showstopping models come in a surprisingly comfortable and ergonomically designed 41mm diameter and contain an 18-carat pink gold or white gold case, in addition to a hand-stitched alligator leather strap. This new two-tone aesthetic is perhaps best represented in the grey Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph models. In these references, the octagonal middle case is crafted in 18-carat pink gold, while the extra-thin bezel and round caseback is adorned with 18-carat white gold. The delightful combination highlights the multifaceted architecture of the case, as well as its meticulous alternation of hand-finished satin-brushed and polished surfaces.

Meticulous Masters

These new releases are powered by the Manufacture’s latest generation of horological technology. The Selfwinding references contain the automatic calibre 4302, while the Selfwinding Chronograph references are equipped with the newly developed calibre 4401 featuring a column wheel and the flyback function. Conceived to highlight components usually hidden from view, this pioneering calibre also presents a refined aesthetic. Its column wheel and the so-called “dance” of the chronograph hammers (when the chronograph is reset to zero) can be admired through the sapphire caseback.

Upholding the brand’s traditional finishing techniques including “traits tirés”, “Côtes de Genève”, circular graining, circular satin and diamond-polished angles, these two calibres truly reflect the collection’s – as well as the Manufacture’s – uncompromising spirit.

Ultimately, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection welcomes a colourful and contemporary new take on a 150-year-old tradition.

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