The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked now in Two-Tone Gold

It might not have been the most complicated model in the 2019 inaugural line-up of Code 11.59, but it was certainly the most dramatic. With its openworked movement and contemporary architecture, Audemars Piguet’s Tourbillon Openworked made its debut in pink gold with black bridges and plates followed by a two-tone pink and white gold model for the Only Watch 2019 charity auction. To show off its complex architecture, the latest Tourbillon Openworked repeats the Only Watch two-tone case formula but with different shades of grey to highlight the exposed movement.

Multifaceted Two-Tone Cases

Although Audemars Piguet does not have a tradition of two-tone cases – between 1882 and 1969, only eight models featured this combination – the contrast of two different metals is perfectly suited to highlight the dynamic architecture of Code 11.59 watches.

Despite the mixed reactions to the Code 11.59 collection following its launch, MONOCHROME has always insisted that “it is a watch that deserves to be seen in the metal to be understood.” A fleeting glance does not do justice to the complexity and impressive craftsmanship invested in the Code 11.59 collection. What might seem to be a round case with a thin bezel is actually a multifaceted amalgam of bold, juxtaposed architectural shapes. In a nod to the bezel of the brand’s iconic Royal Oak, the case middle is octagonal and made of 18k pink gold with a thick brushed band and polished chamfers. The 18k white gold lugs, also with brushed surfaces and polished bevels, are openworked and welded to the bezel and caseback arching protectively over the case middle. The contrast between the pink case middle and white gold bezel, lugs and caseback accentuates the sophisticated architecture of the case that measures 41mm across and has a thickness of 10.7mm.

Three tones of grey

Protected by a domed doubled-curved sapphire crystal that rises above the bright polished white gold bezel, the dial reveals the openworked tourbillon movement. AP’s in-house calibre 2948, a multi-tiered hand-wound tourbillon movement, is framed by a dark grey lacquered inner bezel with white minute markings. The vertically aligned movement, with the tourbillon at 6 and the barrel at 12 o’clock, brings a pleasing symmetry to the skeletonization. The gracefully curved bridges of the movement are picked out in three different shades of grey, accentuating the depth and providing a defined contrast to the light grey barrel and gear train. Moreover, the mainplate and bridges, visible on both sides of the watch, are decorated with vertical satin-brushing, while the barrel and wheels display a circular satin-brush finishing. Interrupting the grey colour scheme of the bridges, the pink gold-tone balance wheel of the tourbillon, the 18k pink gold hands and the jewels on the tourbillon and barrel bridges provide a touch of warmth.

Just 3.65mm thick, the movement is hand finished with 70 polished angles. AP’s calibre 2948 beats at 21,600vph and delivers a power reserve of 72 hours. To complement the grey tones on the movement, the Tourbillon Openworked comes on a slate grey rubber-coated strap with a calfskin lining and an 18k white gold AP folding clasp.

Price

The price of the new two-tone Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked (ref. 26600CR.OO.D009KB.01) is upon request, but expect something in the region of CHF 175,000.

For more information, please consult Audemars Piguet.