However you felt about them, and they generated some strong views, one of last year’s most talked-about releases was that of the CODE 11.59 pieces from Audemars Piguet. It was made clear that this was not to be a one-off, but a new permanent collection family, with the launch models encompassing everything from time-only to tourbillons and even a minute repeater supersonnerie.

Now, a year later, Audemars Piguet have added five new CODE 11.59 Selfwinding references, and five new Selfwinding Chronograph models. They feature new smoked lacquered dials with sunburst patterns in blue, burgundy, purple, and two shades of grey. Yes, if you hadn’t noticed already, the popularity of sunburst/ graduated colour dials is continuing.

Bi-metal cases also make their inaugural appearance in the 11.59 collection.

The new models are as follows.

Code 11.59 with date, hour, minute and second:
Bi-metal (18 kt pink gold and white gold) with smoked grey lacquered dial
Bi-metal (18 kt pink gold and white gold) with grey lacquered dial
18 kt white gold with smoked burgundy lacquered dial
18 kt pink gold with smoked purple lacquered dial
18 kt pink gold with smoked blue lacquered dial

Code 11.59 Chronograph with Flyback:
Bi-metal (18 kt pink gold and white gold) with smoked grey lacquered dial
Bi-metal (18 kt pink gold and white gold) with grey lacquered dial
18 kt white gold with smoked burgundy lacquered dial
18 kt pink gold with smoked purple lacquered dial
18 kt pink gold with smoked blue lacquered dial

All of them come in 41mm sized cases, with a mix of satin-brushed and polished finishing, and come on hand-stitched “large square-scale” alligator straps and matching metal pin buckle.

Inside are the in-house automatic movements used for the launch models last year. The time and date model has the Calibre 4302, which beats at 28,800 VPH, has a power reserve of 70 hours, and a 22 carat gold oscillating weight. The chronograph model features the Calibre 4401, an integrated column wheel flyback chronograph that beats at 28,800 VPH, also has a power reserve of 70 hours, and also has a gold oscillating weight.

These new cosmetic changes to the key pieces of CODE 11.59 are probably unlikely to bring those who aren’t inclined towards them design-wise into the fold, but they do provide more options for those who like them but want a dial with some more depth and interest.

These RRPs for the new models are CHF 27,000 for all time/ date models and CHF 42,600 for the chronograph models.

[Photo credit: Audemars Piguet]

Categories: Audemars Piguet, Watch Profile, watches, Women's watches