Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet has expanded its range of complicated models with a 38mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon in a shimmering monochrome design that interweaves 18-carat sand gold with brilliant-cut diamonds.
The elegant timepiece – the first selfwinding flying tourbillon ever offered by the Manufacture in this diameter – houses the ultra-thin RD#3 movement, Calibre 2968, which seamlessly combines a sophisticated aesthetic with state-of-the-art performance. Building on the brand’s uncompromising approach to fine watchmaking, it heralds a new generation of smaller Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet complications blending traditional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology and timeless refinement.
Blending Finesse and Elegance
The ultra-thin selfwinding flying tourbillon movement, Calibre 2968 (RD#3) was unveiled in 2022 on a 39mm Royal Oak Jumbo and a smaller 37mm model. This state-of-the-art movement, measuring a mere 3.4 mm in thickness, is offered for the first time in a 38mm case.
This sophisticated, high-end complication counteracts the effects of gravity on the watch’s accuracy. The balance wheel and escapement are housed in a tiny rotating cage that makes one revolution every minute to prevent their centre of gravity from remaining in the same orientation. Unlike its tourbillon sibling, the flying tourbillon cage is supported only from below so as to reveal the watch’s beating heart on the dial side. It is considered today as a symbol of watchmaking art, as it requires a high mastery of the craft.
A Fine Sand Gold Case Dancing in the Light
Reflecting the finesse of the movement it houses, the new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon is dressed in an elegant sand gold case set with diamonds that comes to life with every movement of the wrist. This 18-carat alloy, which combines gold with copper and palladium, makes its first appearance in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection this year, following its debut in the Royal Oak in 2024.
Hovering between white and pink gold depending on the light and the angle, this material accentuates the endless play of light created by the case’s multifaceted architecture and the subtle alternation of satin-brushing and polished chamfers that embellishes its surfaces.
The 235 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 1.2 carats) adorning the case middle, lugs and crown add shimmering elegance. The diamonds have been carefully selected to meet the Manufacture’s exacting criteria in terms of clarity and colour, before being cut in various sizes to match the different geometries of the case. The quality of their cut is as important as their intrinsic quality for infinite radiance, while achieving seamless alignment is key to a graceful and harmonious composition.
A Sophisticated Palette for the Signature Dial and Strap
Continuing the watch’s glamorous aesthetic, the dial presents a rich tone-on-tone sand gold hue. Obtained by Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), this warm shade lends brilliance to both the inner bezel and the collection’s signature embossed pattern made up of concentric circles rippling outwards from the centre of the dial Hundreds of tiny holes complement the design, adding light, depth and character. Debuted in 2023, this motif was created in collaboration with Swiss guilloché artisan Yann Von Kaenel, who hand-engraved the die.
This refined dial opens onto the flying tourbillon pulsating at dial level at 6 o’clock, offering an ethereal view of the timepiece’s beating heart. The 18-carat sand gold hour-markers and hands add to the harmonious monochrome look, while the luminescent materials on the hands grant optimum legibility in the dark.
The watch is mounted on an elegant beige alligator strap with large square scales, the darker shade of which contrasts subtly with the case and dial, while enhancing their natural play with light. The brilliant-cut diamonds adorning the folding clasp add a final touch of radiance.
For more information, please visit www.audemarspiguet.com.