In Depth Audemars Piguets Middle East Special Edition Code 11.59

Audemars Piguet unveils three of the highly creative timepieces dedicated to the Middle East. The first two were from the Royal Oak, with a double balance wheel in white ceramic for a first, and a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin with an exclusive dial. The third one in this trio is within the Code 11.59 collection with the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon.

These special editions were conceived in collaboration with loyal collectors from the United Arab Emirates, who were given the unique opportunity to give their creative input to the AP design teams during a Create the Extraordinary workshop held in Dubai in June 2022 – a first in the world of fine watchmaking.

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection was first launched in January 2019 at the SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie). The collection was introduced as a bold new chapter for the brand, showcasing a modern design that departed from the more iconic Royal Oak series, while still reflecting Audemars Piguet's dedication to innovative watchmaking and technical sophistication.

The collection features a range of models, including chronographs, perpetual calendars, tourbillons, and minute repeaters, and the all-in-one Code 11.59 Universelle.

This elegant 41 mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon combines black ceramic with a stainless steel case for a sporty two-tone aesthetic. The ceramic composite combines with black ceramic, a first in the collection.

While the bezel, lugs, and case back are stainless steel, the black ceramic case middle and crown, glareproofed sapphire crystal, and caseback complete the design. Measuring 11.76 mm, the case offers 50 m of water resistance.

The dial, crafted from meteorite, presents a one-of-a-kind stratified pattern blending depth and texture, making each timepiece truly unique. The grey inner bezel extends the dial’s harmonious hues, while refined rhodium-plated pink-gold Eastern Arabic numerals and baton hour indices complete the sophisticated aesthetic.

Since its invention, the tourbillon is considered today as a symbol of horological art that only a few skilled watchmakers master. The hand-finished flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock reduces the effect of gravity on the watch and enhances accuracy.

The sapphire crystal caseback unveils the automatic Caliber 2950, which made its debut in 2019 as part of the launch of the Code 11.59 collection. This movement was a significant milestone for Audemars Piguet, as it represented the brand's first-ever self-winding movement with a flying tourbillon and central rotor. The same caliber is now used in the famous Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon. It ticks at 3 Hz while offering 65 hours of power reserve.

The watch is paired with a grey rubber strap with a stainless steel folding clasp. It’s a limited edition of 30 pieces only, with the price available upon request.

For more information visit the official website of Audemars Piguet.