A couple of weeks ago we shared with you our overall perspective on the new Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 collection here. If you haven’t read that article, we recommend that you do. While not all the watches in the new CODE 11.59 collection were our cup of tea, there are three that stand out and one of them is the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked. This new watch is not only unequivocally AP all the way but a watch within this polarizing new collection were the DNA from the brand permeated through the whole design of the timepiece the right way.
We all know that Audemars Piguet is a force when it comes to the release of killer openworked timepieces —as we’ve seen it in the line of openworked Royal Oaks— and with the new CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked ref. 26600OR.OO.D002CR.01 the did a formidable job at skeltonizing the new in-house manual wound calibre 2948.
Things to Know About the Watch
Just like the rest of the timepieces in the new CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, the Tourbillon Openworked is case in a generous 41 mm case with a thickness of 10.7 mm. The 18K rose gold case with its octagonal case middle and capricious angles shows the amount of work that went into designing this watch. Thanks to its satin brushed finish and contrasting highly polished chamfered edges, 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.
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 intact.
The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked is delivered on a large square scale black alligator strap with folding clasp also in 18K rose gold. The design of the clasp ins one of our favorite elements in the design of the CODE 11.59 collection.
And perhaps one of the many reasons why we love the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked so much is because it lacks of the dial that we didn’t love in the other models within this new collection. The Tourbillon Openworked is fitted with a lacquered black flange that along with the openworked movement with grey galvanic treated bridges and with the black tourbillon and mainspring bridges creates a perfect symphony of contrast against the warm tones of the 18K rose gold case.
It’s 196-part movement highlights the tourbillon located at 6 o’clock on the dial side. Located underneath a black bridge it catches the light and reflects it in all glory. The slender 18K rose gold lance hands are refined and the embodiment of pure minimalist design.
The Movement
The new Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked is powered by the new in-house manual wound calibre 2948. Turning the watch over reveals the other side of the 196-part openworked tourbillon movement with grey galvanic treatment and 18K pink gold accents. When fully wound, this 19-jewel movement provides an outstanding power reserve of 80 hours while beating at a frequency of 3 Hz —21,600 vph.
On the Wrist & Pricing
Overall, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked wears nicely on the wrist and true to its 41 mm case. A favorite in the new 11.59 collection and totally worth the money. Now, if we could change one thing about this watch —like on the rest of the watches in the CODE 11.59 lineup—, it would be that the sapphire crystal had anti-reflective treatment on both sides to avoid all that unwanted glare that makes it hard to appreciate the beauty below.
Lastly, regardless of our opinion on this new CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, we encourage you to see the watch in person as this is the type of watch that even with good pictures, it doesn’t really convey its essence unless it’s in the metal.
Sticker Price CHF 175,000 Swiss Francs —approximately $175,000 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
