The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar, now platinum
The shiny dial on AP’s new white gold Code 11.59 QP takes center stage.
Audemars Piguet’s long history of calendar watches is still alive and well with the new version of its Code 11.59. While this isn’t the first time a QP complication has entered AP’s vision of a modern classic, the watch looks incredibly handsome thanks to the starry sky backdrop. Unlike the bold rose gold version, here is Audemars Piguet’s new Code 11.59 white gold perpetual calendar.
Much has been said about Code 11.59 since its launch, mostly about the slightly mundane inaugural lineup. Undeterred by public banter, Audemars Piguet has since expanded the collection with bolder, more exciting combinations of materials and complications. This includes such star creations as the Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie or the self-winding flying tourbillon with an aventurine dial. One of the other standout models revolves around the classically romantic perpetual calendar complication, presented here in a new white gold look.
The new Code 11.59 of the Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar is unchanged in shape and size. With its complex octagonal middle case structure, set in an “exoskeleton” of the lugs, bezel and case back, the case measures 41mm in diameter and 10.9mm in height, which is very reasonable. Crafted in 18k white gold, it has a slightly understated look compared to its rose gold sibling. Skeleton lugs let light through, and the barely-there bezel gives way to an eye-catching dial. The unusual structure of the Code 11.59 is topped by a hyperboloid sapphire crystal.
That striking dial I mentioned is made of dark blue aventurine glass with applied white gold hour markers and white gold hands. The dial is distributed with the indications of the perpetual calendar. The date indication at 3 o’clock uses a red “31” for contrast. On the other side, we see the day of the week, noon with an integrated display of the month and leap year. Don’t mistake the third central hand for the seconds hand, as it actually points to the week number printed on the blue-painted flange of the outer ring. The last indication, also made of a dark blue aventurine glass disc, is the moon phase display at 6 o’clock.
Of course, these numerous instructions are powered by the Calibre 5134, which is made in-house by Audemars Piguet. The movement is shared with the Royal Oak family, such as this titanium 26574TI or the surprisingly white ceramic 26579CB. This self-winding movement uses 365 components, including 38 jewels. It is based on the durable calibre 2121 found in the original Royal Oak Jumbo with an internal module on top. As you’d expect from an Audemars Piguet, it’s finished to the highest standard and can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback. If set correctly and kept on winding, the movement will not need adjustment until 2100.
The white gold Code 11.59 of this Audemars Piguet perpetual calendar is worn on a blue rubber-coated calfskin strap with an 18k white gold folding clasp. The strap features a textured pattern for a more contemporary look.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – AUDEMARS PIGUET PERPETUAL CALENDAR WHITE GOLD CODE 11.59
Case: Diameter 41mm x H10.9mm – 18k white gold case with octagonal central barrel – 18k white gold bezel – double curved sapphire crystal – sapphire crystal case back – 30m water resistance
Dial: Blue Aventurine dial – White gold applied hands and Super-LumiNova coated hands – Blue lacquered inner bezel – Perpetual calendar display with date, day of the week, day of the week, month and leap year and moon phases
Movement: AP caliber 5134, in-house – self-winding movement – 29mm x 4.31mm – 38 jewels – 365 components – 19,800vph – 40 hours power reserve – central hours and minutes, day, day, day of the week, month , leap year and moon phase indication
Strap: Textured blue rubber-coated calfskin strap with 18k white gold folding clasp
Reference: 26394BC.OO.D027KB.01