With Audemars Piguet set to return to Watches & Wonders this April, the Le Brassus watchmaker has begun its run up to the fair with a slate of noteworthy releases. The headline piece is undoubtedly the Heritage Pocket Watch with a Universal Calendar, capable of indicating festive days from around the world. Yet the brand has not overlooked its everyday lineup, delivering considered updates across its core collections.
That is also the case with the Code 11.59. The latest Selfwinding Tourbillon receives a tasteful two tone case in white gold and black ceramic, paired to a warm ivory dial finished in a guilloché pattern. Meanwhile, the 38 mm time only models are refreshed with pared back white and black dials, also finished in guilloché in the same spirit as the tourbillon.

The new Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon

Flying tourbillon

While two tone watches are a dime a dozen, the way Audemars Piguet approaches it here is notably different. Rather than combining two shades of gold, the brand takes the opposite route by pairing ceramic, a decidedly modern material, with traditional white gold. The result is striking. The black ceramic case middle works naturally with the white gold case, and beyond the visual contrast, the two tone construction helps articulate the complex architecture of the Code 11.59 case, a quality that is often overlooked.

Despite the modern case, the dial leans firmly toward the classical. The light champagne tone, or ivory as Audemars Piguet describes it, gives the watch a refined and traditional character, while the guilloché pattern, stamped rather than cut, adds visual texture and depth. One of the most interesting new details is the black minute track ring around the edge of the dial. It echoes the two tone theme of the case while drawing the eye inward, giving the watch greater visual focus and helping it wear smaller on the wrist, a thoughtful and effective touch.

The two tone dial works really well

Inside the Flying Tourbillon is the cal. 2950, a brand new movement that debuted with the launch of the Code 11.59 lineup in 2019. The highlight of this movement, however, is on the front side. Thanks to the flying tourbillon construction, there are no bridges above the cage to obstruct the view, allowing the three arm steel cage to be admired in full.

The cal. 2950

Time only

Other than the Flying Tourbillon, Audemars Piguet also presents a pair of time-only Code 11.59 watches in the appealing 38 mm case, smaller than the 41 mm version first launched in 2019. The 38 mm case is not entirely new, as the brand has previously offered a few models with bright, bold dials. This time, however, Audemars Piguet has opted for a more understated approach, pairing white and black dials with pink gold – a combination that never fails. The dials are finished with a stamped guilloché pattern, giving the watches a classical character.

Black and pink gold

Inside, these watches house the cal. 5900, a different movement from the cal. 4302 found in the 41 mm version. The power reserve is slightly shorter at 60 hours instead of 70, but finishing remains comparable, even though the cal. 4302 benefits from a slightly more nuanced construction layout.

Tech Specs: Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon 41 mm

References 26396NB.OO.D002CR.01
Movement Selfwinding Calibre 2950, 3Hz (21,600 vps)
Functions Hours, minutes, flying tourbillon, 65 hours power reserve (minimum)
Case Black ceramic case middle with double curved glareproofed saphhire crystal, 18-carat white gold bezel, caseback and lugs, ceramic crown and 18-carat white gold crown chip, water resistant 20 m
Dial Ivory-toned dial with Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet signature dial, 18-carat pink gold hour markers, 18-carat pink gold hands with luminescence, azuré ivory inner bezel
Strap Black alligator strap with 18-carat white gold three-blade folding clasp