The Next-Gen Perpetual Calendar Movement of AP also makes it to Code 11.59

Last year, Audemars Piguet announced the end of the calibre 5134, the automatic movement that has powered most of its modern perpetual calendar watches for the past 10 years – mostly, the classic RO Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar, which performed its swan song with a limited edition made with John Mayer. But the 5134 was not exclusive to the RO and was also found in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar… Well, up until now. Indeed, together with the introduction of the new calibre 7138 in the Royal Oak collection, the brand’s classic collection also benefits from this modern, practical and enhanced movement with the new reference 26494BC.

There’s a lot to say about the new calibre 7138, and we have explained everything there’s to know in this in-depth article covering the launch of the new generation Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Selfwinding here. But let’s summarize things as well as we can and concentrate exclusively on the Code 11.59 collection. In 2019, when it was presented, the collection already featured a perpetual calendar powered by the same calibre 5134 as its contemporary RO versions. This movement was based on the calibre 2120 and 2121, used (as a base architecture) in the RO Jumbo since its launch in 1972. In 2022, AP launched a new RO Jumbo generation – 16202ST – equipped with the new and modern calibre 7121, using a 4Hz frequency, ball bearings for the rotor, a quick-set date and a longer power reserve.

Now that the old JLC-derived base movement is gone, the brand’s perpetual calendars will benefit from the modern 7121 architecture to power an equally new QP module derived from the knowledge gathered with the RD#2 concept. What matters is the move to a crown-only controlled perpetual calendar with all corrections done by the crown, eliminating the need for recessed correctors. The crown is a complex patented development, with several positions that differ whether you pull it or push it back – fully explained here. Also, the movement is now protected against damage if the user tries to set the watch when the automatic date change mechanism is active. Finally, thanks to the RD#2 concept, all functions of the perpetual calendar are in one single layer within the movement.

The movement itself is thin – 4.1mm in total – and modern. It shares specs with the calibre 7121 of the new RO Jumbo – meaning a 4Hz frequency, a 55h power reserve, refined finishing with a solid gold rotor on ball bearings and a balance wheel with directly inserted inertia blocks. The display of the calendar has also been reworked: the first week is positioned at noon, as is the number 1 corresponding to the date and the Monday in the sub-dials. The date also features a patented progressive step for more clarity and better symmetry. The sub-dials have been repositioned, and a 24-hour indicator has been inserted in the day sub-dial at 9 o’clock, with a red area as a no-correction zone for the QP.

The new movement isn’t the only thing to report with this new generation Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar Selfwinding. Let’s start with the case, which is presented here entirely in 18k white gold. It retains the classic and extremely detailed design of the collection, relying on a discreet octagonal middle case framed by two modules that include openworked lugs – the finishing is, as always, pretty spectacular. The upper surface is covered by the collection’s complex double-curved sapphire crystal. And while the diameter is still 41mm, the thickness has been marginally reduced to 10.6mm (vs. 10.9mm in the past versions). A close inspection reveals the absence of correctors in the casebands since the crown executes all the corrections. Water-resistance is now rated at 30m versus 20m in the past.

The dial of this new Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar has also been drastically redesigned. For now, the watch has only been available in white or rose gold with a blue aventurine dial. For this new generation, AP opted for the well-received textured dial introduced in 2023 on steel models. Created in collaboration with Swiss guilloché artisan Yann von Kaenel, who hand-engraved the basic stamps, the dial features a deeply stamped pattern made of concentric circles that ripple outwards from the centre of the dial and decorated with hundreds of tiny holes. It is combined here with a smoked blue PVD that further reinforces the texture and evolution of the pattern. All elements of the dial are tone-on-tone with white gold applied markers and hands – the latter use the redefined design of the 2023 steel models, with their openworked profile and luminous inserts.

The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar reference 26494BC.OO.D350KB.01 is worn on a blue rubber-coated strap with calfskin lining matching the hue of the dial, decorated with a textile motif. It is closed by a white gold folding clasp.

This new addition to the Code 11.59 collection proves two things… First, AP still believes in this watch despite all its detractors and gives it the new generation perpetual calendar movement at the exact same time as its star watch, the Royal Oak. Second, the evolution of the collection is undeniably positive, with more character. This new QP version is, without a doubt, one of the most attractive members of the range. The price is CHF 109,300 including taxes.

More details at www.audemarspiguet.com.