Audemars Piguet introduces its first ultra-complicated selfwinding wristwatch (RD#4) in the design of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection. Paying tribute to L’Universelle pocket watch, one of the most complicated watches ever crafted by the Manufacture, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 has been made with ergonomics in mind and offers exceptional comfort and simplicity of use. The watch is fitted with the selfwinding Calibre 1000, which includes over 1,100 components. This innovative mechanism builds on three generations of R&D innovations and incorporates 40 functions, including 23 complications, among which a Grande Sonnerie Supersonnerie, a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, a split-seconds flyback chronograph and a flying tourbillon. It took Audemars Piguet’s team over 7 years to bring this RD#4 timepiece to life.
The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet’s multifaceted case represents one of the most complex ever crafted by the Swiss watchmaker with its double curved sapphire crystal, extra-thin bezel, stylised lugs, octagonal case middle and round caseback. This multidimensional case is pushed a step further with the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4. A total of six easy-to-use crowns and pushers are balanced around the case middle. The watch also features for the first time a “secret” gold caseback that boosts the watch’s acoustic performance when worn. The beauty of the mechanism can be admired thanks to the new Supersonnerie sapphire soundboard, once opened. The insertion of Calibre 1000 has also led to a slight increase in the watch’s diameter and thickness (42 mm x 15.55 mm) compared to other models in the collection.
The case’s angular and rounded surfaces have been finished by hand with the Manufacture’s trademark alternation of satin brushing and polished chamfers.
Audemars Piguet offers four variations of the watch crafted in 18-carat white or pink gold. The first timepiece combines an 18-carat white gold case with an opaline black galvanic gold dial, inner bezel and chronograph counters illuminated by bright accents. The flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock echoes the chronograph counters’ light grey external zones as well as the zone around the dial, on which the black minute track and Swiss Made indication have been transferred. There are white gold applied hour-markers and hands as well as the applied Audemars Piguet signature obtained by galvanic growth.
The second reference combines an 18-carat white gold case with an opaline beige PVD gold dial adorned by black chronograph counters and a black external zone on which the pink minute track and Swiss Made indication have been transferred. 18-carat pink gold hour-markers and hands, echoed by the pink-gold-toned balance wheel visible through the flying tourbillon cage, add the finishing touches.
The dial of the two references has been organized to maximise legibility of the chronograph and calendar functions. The day and month windows, located just above the hour-markers at 9 and 3 o’clock respectively, have been superposed to the circular minute and hour counters of the chronograph. The dial’s juxtaposition of circular and angular geometries subtly recalls the complex architecture of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet case.
The Manufacture also launches two references affording a glimpse of the refined hand-finished components of Calibre 1000 on the dial side. The two timepieces feature an 18-carat white or pink gold case and a two-tone architectural dial featuring matching gold openworked bridges contrasted with black accents. The day and month are indicated on a grey zone at the center of the partially openworked black chronograph counters.
The four watches all come on a black alligator strap and feature an additional black textured rubber-coated calfskin strap.
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