The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Perpetual Calendar is part of the new collection unveiled back in January of this year and which caused major reactions from collectors and the press after its release. The CODE 11.59 Perpetual ref. 26394OR.OO.D321CR.01 shares the same 41 mm case construction as all the other watches in the 11.59 collection with a case that combines a round shape and an octagonal caseband. The octagonal middle case is simply gorgeous but very hard to appreciate unless you are holding the watch and looking straight at the case band. Featuring a blue aventurine dial that evokes the starry sky from Le Brassus, the warm tones of the 18K pink gold case against the highly refractive and almost iridescent midnight blue dial play an exquisite color symphony made to please the most demanding watch collectors.
The Case
The 18K pink gold case measuring 41 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness is a true work of art. Carefully admiring the case construction allows to see the amount of work that AP put into designing this watch and the main reason why the collection was so ‘over-hyped’ by the brand during its ‘teaser’ period. The octagonal middle case is finished very similarly to the case on the Royal Oak with alternating satin-brush and highly polished finishes.
Unless the light is right, it is very hard to perceive the sharp angles of the octagonal middle case and the contrast between the polished and satin brushed areas. The crown and clasp are really nice and in those details is where you get to feel the AP DNA simply unmolested.
The Dial
Evoking the starry sky in Le Brassus, a gorgeous blue aventurine dial with applied 18K pink gold hour markers and ultra-slim hands indicate the passing of time and the perpetual calendar indications on its subdials. Month and leap-year indication at 12 o’clock, date at 3, day of the week at 9, moon phases at 6 and week indication around the periphery of the dial. The dial plays very interestingly with lighting conditions in the way that only aventurine does.
The Movement
Fitted with a display case back, the movement is a real treat for the eyes. Powered by the CODE 11.59 Perpetual Calendar is the AP Calibre 5134. This in-house automatic calibre is based off of its predecessor the calibre 2120. With a suspended barrel achieves extra thinness and is adorned with circular Côtes de Genève and the wheels are satin brushed. The mainplate is circular grained while all bridges are bevelled and adorned with Côtes de Genève. The 22K gold monobloc rotor is partially skeletonized with the Audemars Piguet logo. The movement has a total thickness of 4.31 mm and a diameter of 29.00 mm. Composed of 374 parts and 38 jewels, the movement provides a power reserve of 40 hours while oscillating at a frequency of 19,800 vph. The oscillating weight is guided by a peripheral ring rolling on four ruby runners, which reduces friction and wear to the minimum possible. The moon phase indicator is laser micro-structured and also laid on aventurine.
On the Wrist & Price
Delivered on a blue matte alligator strap with 18K pink gold folding clasp, on the wrist, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Perpetual Calendar ref. 26394OR.OO.D321CR.01 wears true to its size and quite nicely. The aventurine dial is absolutely mesmerizing and this is a watch that feels and looks absolutely like any other Audemars Piguet out there. Exclusively available at Audemars Piguet boutiques.
Sticker Price $74,500 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
