The AP Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph in new Shades of Grey

Introduced in 2020, a year after the debut of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection, the Flying Tourbillon Chronograph’s combination of two complications with an openworked dial was designed to showcase the brand’s high-end watchmaking skills. The latest iteration of this model comes in a two-tone white gold and black ceramic case and an openworked dial in different shades of grey. 

Like all Code 11.59 pieces, the 41mm case with its 13.8mm thickness is more complex than meets the eye. Paying tribute to the iconic profile of the Royal Oak, the middle case is octagonal. In this new edition, the case middle is crafted in sleek, high-tech black ceramic with a satin-brushed finish executed by hand. The extra-thin round bezel, the stylised and hollowed lugs surmounting the case, the pushers and the crown are white gold with brushed surfaces and polished bevels. For a sportier attitude, the crown has a black ceramic grip, and the strap is dark grey and rubber-coated with a textile pattern.

Viewing pleasure is enhanced by the thin bezel and the double-curved sapphire crystal. The symmetrical appeal of this model is obtained with the graceful network of bridges supporting the indications and revealing many components of the calibre 2952. On the periphery of the dial is a slate grey rounded bezel with circular snailing and a white seconds track. The blackened mainplate provides a sharp contrast to the rhodium-plated silvery grey bridges that support the two sub-dials (12h and 30-min totalisers at 3 and 9 o’clock) and frame the large well of the 60-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Further enhancing the visual symmetry is the black barrel bridge at noon. Using black rings with white markings, the two sub-dials do not impede the view of the gears.

The pink gold hour and minute hands of the new model respond to the facelift applied in 2023 to the stainless steel models and are thicker, semi-openworked and have luminescent inserts at the tips. However, the pink gold central chronograph seconds hand retains its circular counterweight. Additional touches of pink gold can be found on the sub-dials and the golden tone of the balance wheel. The movement and bridges feature over 100 hand-polished inner angles and alternating satin-brushed and sandblasted components.

The reverse reveals other aspects of the calibre 2952 with its rhodium-toned openworked pink gold rotor. A column-wheel automatic chronograph movement with flyback functionality, the movement runs at 3 Hz and delivers a 65h power reserve.

The price of the Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph is upon request but should be in line with the rose gold and ceramic version of 2022, which was priced at CHF 272,000. For more information, please consult audemarspiguet.com.