Man has always dreamed of controlling time, an aspiration that begins with the possibility of measuring it with the greatest possible precision. From hourglasses to automatic chronographs, there are centuries of work and research, a continuous process that has allowed us to go from the sundial to the most precise and, of course, the most sophisticated and luxurious wrist models. The shape, materials and technology used have changed, but not the craftsmanship.
Despite all the changes, the manual work of a watchmaker remains the key differentiator between a common watch and a precise and exact machine. They know this well at Audemars Piguet, the oldest Swiss manufacturer in the world. The same family that founded it in 1875 remains at the helm of this firm, so its values ??remain intact. Among them, his desire to ensure that creativity continues to be an indispensable ingredient in the recipes of his most classic watches.
In 1972, Audemars Piguet changed the existing concept of Fine Watchmaking with its steel model. The Royal Oak is already an icon, as well as an object of desire for watch lovers and collectors.
But the genetics of the firm encourages it not to stagnate, to move forward, to continue betting on new pieces that revolutionize the world of watchmaking and luxury. New shapes, new materials and of course, innovation in a world in which it might seem that everything has been said.
And Audemars Piguet has done it again with its Code 11.59. A collection that starts from the idea of ??changing the shape of the box. Something that may seem so simple but that has been a challenge for these artisans who work with exquisite meticulousness on the details and who face with total passion the complications that arise due to the use of new materials that must be worked with new tools. Without a doubt, the most perfect union between innovation and craftsmanship.
Some of these differentiating elements are the aventurine dial of the perpetual calendar or the meticulous structure of the openwork tourbillon movement. Every detail is polished to the maximum so that your outfit raises passions. Exactly the same effect created by the double sapphire dial, which plays with perspective and light to compose a novel image. The same dial on which the name has been engraved with a new technique known as galvanic growth and which uses gold.
A year after presenting the first designs of the Code 11.59, the Swiss factory expands the series with two new pioneering models based on 18-carat white or pink gold and black ceramic. The result is a wildly contemporary two-tone case in which the bezel, lugs and caseback are made of gold and the octagonal case is made of black ceramic. The contrast with the dark smoky gray of the dial highlights the power of the whole.
This design has posed a great challenge to the artisans of watchmaking technology, since technical advances have had to be perfectly combined to treat these noble materials with the extreme delicacy necessary for everything to work accurately. Materials that, due to their resistance and hardness, must be worked at 1400º Celsius with high-precision diamond tools. Manual work that results in an exceptional product.
“The latest automatic chronograph model marks an evolution in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection with a new combination of materials and finishes on the dial that enhance the endless details of the watch,” explains Sofía Candeiras, director of product management and designs. of the signature. “The teams involved have had to go beyond everything established to respond to the new technical challenges posed by the combination of materials,” she adds. An effort that today they already celebrate as a new milestone in their sector.
These two automatic chronographs feature caliber 4401, the manufacture’s latest integrated chronograph with column wheel and flyback function that allows the chronograph to be restarted without stopping or resetting it first.
Thanks to its automatic charging mechanism that allows 70 hours of reserve and a water resistance of up to 30 meters, these models adapt to the most active lifestyles. Watches prepared to follow your rhythm, whatever it may be.
One of the reasons why Audemars Piguet does not stop innovating and putting creativity ahead of technical challenges is its desire to achieve a watch that contains so many details that it is capable of attracting an audience as varied as it is eager to wear something unique. . After years of effort, the Swiss manufacture continues to pursue the dream of seeing people of all ages and from all continents with an Audemars Piguet watch on their wrist.
