Audemars Piguet has unveiled a special timepiece to commemorate its 150th anniversary: the Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie, Ref. 26397OR.OO.D417CR.01. This is not just a new release, it represents the culmination of a century and a half of watchmaking expertise, blending intricate mechanics with a visually striking aesthetic.
The origins of Audemars Piguet trace back to 1875, when Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, two young watchmakers, joined forces in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland. Their shared vision was to create exceptional timepieces, focusing on complex movements and refined designs. This commitment to excellence quickly established Audemars Piguet as a leading force in the world of Haute Horlogerie. The company has remained family-owned throughout its history, a testament to its dedication to tradition and craftsmanship. They didn't just build watches, they helped shape a new era of watchmaking and have continued to pass down the legendary techniques.
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In 2019, Audemars Piguet introduced the Code 11.59 collection, a bold departure from their iconic Royal Oak design. The Code 11.59 series was met with a mix of reactions, but it represented the brand's willingness to push boundaries and explore new design avenues. The collection is characterized by its complex case construction, featuring an octagonal middle case sandwiched between a round bezel and caseback. This architectural approach, combined with intricate details and a variety of complications, has established the Code 11.59 as a platform for Audemars Piguet's most ambitious creations.
The Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie 150th Anniversary edition showcases a mesmerizing harlequin opal dial. This natural stone is renowned for its vibrant play of color, displaying a kaleidoscope of iridescent hues that shift and change with the light. Each opal dial is unique, possessing its own distinct pattern and color distribution, making every watch a truly individual piece. The vibrant, almost liquid-like appearance of the opal presents a stunning contrast to the structured case, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
The vivid green accents on the watch further complement the opal's iridescence. A sparkling green inner bezel encircles the dial, providing a defined frame for the opal's dynamic display. This green hue is echoed in the hand-stitched alligator strap, creating a harmonious visual flow from the dial to the wrist. The color choice is not only aesthetically pleasing but also adds a touch of vibrancy and modernity to the design.
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The 41mm case is crafted entirely from 18-carat pink gold, a material that exudes warmth and sophistication. The choice of pink gold adds a touch of classic, while complementing the warm tones that can often be found within the harlequin opal. The case's complex construction, with its alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces, creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the watch's intricate architecture.
The double-curved sapphire crystal, glareproofed for optimal clarity, offers an unobstructed view of the dial and the movement within. This design element not only enhances the visual experience but also protects the delicate opal dial from scratches and damage. It smoothly curves into the watch bezel, creating a stunning view into a complex masterpiece.
The hand-wound Calibre 2956 powers this exceptional timepiece. This movement is a testament to Audemars Piguet's mastery of high complications, combining a Grande Sonnerie, a Carillon, and the patented Supersonnerie technology. The Grande Sonnerie automatically chimes the hours and quarter hours, while the Carillon uses three gongs instead of the usual two, producing a richer, more melodic sound. The Supersonnerie technology, developed by Audemars Piguet, enhances the acoustic performance of the chiming mechanism, delivering a louder and clearer sound.
The complexity of the Calibre 2956 is evident in its 498 meticulously finished components. Each part is hand-decorated with a high level of attention to detail, reflecting the brand's commitment to both technical excellence and aesthetic refinement. The movement's technical specifications are equally impressive, boasting a power reserve of 48 hours and a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour).
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The caseback of the watch features a special engraving commemorating Audemars Piguet's 150th anniversary. This discreet detail adds a touch of exclusivity and serves as a reminder of the watch's significance within the brand's history. The caseback is secured with screws, maintaining the watch's water resistance of 20 meters, making it suitable for protection from small splashes.
The 18-carat pink gold AP folding clasp provides a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist. The clasp is seamlessly integrated into the design of the strap, maintaining the watch's overall, streamlined profile. The clasp is also designed for ease of use, allowing for quick and effortless adjustment.
The process of creating the opal dial is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship involved in this timepiece. Each opal is carefully selected for its unique color pattern and quality. It is then cut into thin slices, approximately 0.45mm thick, and meticulously polished to enhance its iridescent qualities. Due to the opal's delicate nature, with a hardness of only 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, handling and mounting the stone requires exceptional skill and precision. The opal slice is mounted on a hard alloy disc to provide stability and prevent breakage before being carefully fitted onto the watch.
The Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie is not just a display of technical prowess, it's also a showcase of artistic expression. The combination of the harlequin opal dial, the green accents, and the pink gold case creates a visually stunning and harmonious composition. The watch exudes a sense of luxury and refinement, while also retaining a modern and captivating aesthetic.
The stick-shaped hands, crafted from 18-carat pink gold, provide a clear and legible indication of the time. Their minimalist design complements the opal's complexity, allowing the stone's natural beauty to take center stage. The absence of numerals further emphasizes the dial's clean and uncluttered aesthetic, a new take on one of the finest movements in the horology world.
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The Grande Sonnerie complication is a hallmark of haute horlogerie, requiring immense skill and precision to execute. The watch chimes the hours and quarter hours automatically, offering a constant reminder of the passage of time. The Carillon, with its three gongs, adds another layer of complexity and sonic richness to the chiming mechanism. The wearer can also activate the minute repeater function, which chimes the hours, quarter hours, and minutes on demand.
The Supersonnerie technology, introduced by Audemars Piguet in 2015, represents a significant advancement in the acoustics of chiming watches. This patented system enhances the sound intensity, resonance, and harmonic richness of the chimes, creating a truly captivating auditory experience. The development of the Supersonnerie involved extensive research and innovation, solidifying Audemars Piguet's position as a leader in the field of acoustic horology.
The Calibre 2956 is a hand-wound movement, requiring the wearer to manually wind the watch to keep it running. This interaction with the mechanism provides a tangible connection to the watch's intricate inner workings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. The 48-hour power reserve ensures that the watch will continue to function for a reasonable period between windings.
The 53 jewels incorporated into the movement minimize friction between moving parts, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. The jewels, typically made of synthetic ruby or sapphire, act as bearings for the tiny pivots and gears within the movement, reducing wear and tear and enhancing precision. The fine details are what make the watch a true legend of its time.
The 29.9mm diameter of the movement is a testament to the compact engineering required to house such a complex mechanism within a 41mm case. The movement's thickness of 5.9mm further highlights the technical expertise involved in creating such a slim and refined caliber. The design of the watch is truly one of a kind.
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The watch is offered with a two-year warranty, which can be extended to five years for watches purchased through Audemars Piguet's authorized network. This warranty provides peace of mind, guaranteeing the watch against manufacturing defects and ensuring that any necessary repairs will be carried out by skilled technicians. The Audemars Piguet warranty is a sign of a long legacy of quality.
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie 150th Anniversary edition is available by request only. Due to the complexity of the movement and the meticulous craftsmanship involved, the production of these timepieces is inherently limited. The price of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie 150th Anniversary edition is available upon request. Given the watch's exceptional complications, the use of precious materials, and the intricate craftsmanship involved, it is a timepiece that will be appreciated by the most discerning collectors of haute horlogerie. It represents a very special moment in Audemars Piguet history.
Case: 18-carat pink gold. 41 mm diameter, 13.6 mm thickness. Double curved glareproofed sapphire crystal. Caseback engraved with the 150th anniversary logo. Water resistant to 20 m.
Movement: Hand-wound Calibre 2956. Grande Sonnerie Supersonnerie, Petite Sonnerie, Minute Repeater, hours, minutes, and small seconds. 498 parts, 53 jewels. Power reserve of 48 hours. Total diameter 29.9 mm, thickness 5.9 mm. Frequency: 3 hz 21600 vph.
Dial: Harlequin opal dial. Sparkling green inner bezel. 18-carat pink gold stick hands.
Strap: Green alligator strap. 18-carat pink gold AP folding clasp.
Price: Price on Request
Reference Number: 26397OR.OO.D417CR.01
Notes: Created for Audemars Piguet's 150th anniversary. Features a rare harlequin opal dial, each with a unique pattern. Combines Grande Sonnerie, Carillon, and Supersonnerie technologies.