Audemars Piguet, already the creator of many sought-after timepieces, decided to push the envelope in 2019. The manufacture debuted the bold Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection, a range of sophisticated watches that bear unique aesthetics. ‘Code’ was inspired by modern lingo, and, in millennial speak, the trend of shortening words. ‘11.59’ was meant to remind us that Audemars Piguet are always ahead of the game, constantly on the brink of tomorrow. The technicality and precision behind Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet showcase the brand’s multiple talents in the field of complicated watchmaking. Audemars Piguet were pioneers in the invention of complications in the 19th century, with the release of the first chiming wristwatch. The manufacture then played a pivotal role in the revival of complications in the 1970s and 1980s, when they presented future icons like the ultra-thin perpetual calendar of 1978 and the first tourbillon wristwatch of 1986.
AESTHETES, ASSEMBLE!
For Audemars Piguet C.E.O. François-Henry Bennahmias (pictured), the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection embodies a bridge between past and future. 
The debut Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection comprised 13 new references, six new models, and three new calibres. These included a perpetual calendar with aventurine dial, a flying tourbillon, a chronograph, a minute repeater Supersonnerie, two openworked tourbillon watches, and watches with a date window between the ‘4’ and ‘5’ hour markers. Among the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet timepieces released in 2019 was a memorable chronograph driven by the in- house calibre 4401, which was the first integrated chronograph of the manufacture to be serialised. This movement is highlighted by an openworked pink-gold rotor, and it packs a 70-hour power reserve. Its column wheel and flyback function enable the restarting of the chronograph without the need to stop or reset it first.
The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection bears many distinctive details. Between the bezel, caseback and lugs is an octagonal case middle, which pays tribute to the Royal Oak, as well as many other heritage Audemars Piguet timepieces that adopted various geometrical forms over the years. This elegant case is decorated with a tasteful mix of polished and satin-brushed finishes that showcases Audemars Piguet’s sense of understated elegance and their mastery of hand finishes — possibly the most prominent traits of Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet cases.
Read the full story in Issue 86, available to purchase on TheRake.com and on newsstands worldwide now.
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Contributor
Andre FroisPublished
February 2023
