Audemars Piguet: Code Breakers
By Sarah Jayne Potter | 3 minute read
Not content with resting on its laurels, Audemars Piguet continues to explore new horizons in technology and design, as seen with its latest 2020 Code 11:59 automatic chronographs. When a brand enjoys a certified success as is the case with Audemars Piguet and its famous Royal Oak, which changed the face of the watchmaking industry when it first appeared back in 1972 – you might forgive it for just ‘staying in lane’, conservatively making subtle changes to a tried-and-tested bestseller. But it’s so much more refreshing when, deep in the belly of its manufacturing facility, a brand instead spends significant time on trying to crack the code of a new masterpiece.
You get the sense that this ongoing quest is what’s always happening in Le Brassus, the very location where it all started for Audemars Piguet in 1875. In the Vallée de Joux, a ruggedly beautiful spot nestled in the Jura Mountains or some other industry-defining creative solution to represent the passage of time as dictated by astronomy and the changing seasons.
New mechanisms and complications were always, and continue to be, the primary focus of Audemars Piguet. Its heritage in intricate movement artistry can be seen within the company ledgers from many years gone by. For example, documents show that of the approximately 1,500 watches produced by Audemars Piguet between 1882 and 1892, over 80 per cent included at least one complication and, in many instances, numerous complications. And the insatiable appetite for horological innovation is clearly still alive and well in the company all these years later.
The Code 11.59 is a perfect example of this: only a year since its official launch, the collection has evolved once again with the introduction of five new automatic chronograph models.
The development of caliber 4401 came with multiple technical challenges which we managed thanks to the relentless hard work of numerous people. It was an unforgettable human adventureLucas Raggi, Audemars Piguet Development Director
These new Code 11.59s are equipped with the Manufacture’s latest-generation automatic chronograph caliber 4401 north of Geneva, founders Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet originally positioned themselves in the ideal geographic location to forge the early history of their watch house.
The plentiful natural resources of the region – specifically the forests, water, ice and rocks from which iron ore could be extracted – provided the means for Audemars Piguet, and the wider Swiss watch industry, to evolve and thrive.
To this very day, the unspoilt nature of the area, with its clear views of the night sky, has served as an inspiration for watch houses including Audemars Piguet. These beautiful vistas are constantly sparking fresh ideas and avenues to explore, as watchmakers go in search of the next design innovation, movements, which include an integrated chronograph with vertical column wheel and flyback function, enabling wearers to restart the chronograph without having to stop and reset it first. It is also equipped with a vertical clutch system that prevents hands from jumping when the chronograph is started or stopped.
On display through the tantalizing transparent case back, the new calibre upholds the very finest watchmaking traditions of Audemars Piguet, with a range of high-end hand-finishing techniques including circular graining, circular satin and diamond polished angles all in evidence.
The new novelties also offer an impressive palette of deep, enchanting colorways, with complex lacquered dials giving a contemporary twist to a timeless and rounded watch design. This all contributes to making the Code 11.59 Chronograph one of the most intriguing technical and visual combinations ever delivered by Audemars Piguet.
Smoke Screen
Presented with a sunray-patterned smoked-blue lacquered dial, 18-carat pink-gold applied hour markers and hands, this Code 11.59 Chronograph is both intriguing and enchanting $42,400
Red Alert
Seen here with burgundy lacquered dial and white-gold case, these 41mm automatic models have flyback chronographs and instant-jump date indication $42,400
Discover these Audemars Piguet at the Watches of Switzerland US Audemars Piguet showroom.
