Introducing AP’s Most Tough Wristwatch, The Code 11.59 Universelle Extraordinarily-Complication

The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime and the Reference 6300, the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4, the Vacheron Constantin Celestia or the Superbia Humanitatis by Piguet/Muller/Gerber… Many watches have claimed the title of in all probability essentially the most refined wristwatch, and all have been undoubtedly wonders of miniaturisation and distinctive horological developments. Audemars Piguet is conscious of the concept, with quite a few Grande Complication wristwatches throughout the assortment. Proper this second, the mannequin goes rather a lot extra with the Code 11.59 Universelle Extraordinarily-Complication, additionally referred to as RD#4. Outfitted with 23 points, 40 options, a model new Calibre 1000 with no fewer than 1,155 parts… All served up in a surprisingly low-cost 42mm case dimension and a price to match the feat. Meet AP’s most intricate wristwatch up to now.

The title of this new watch, the Code 11.59 Universelle Extraordinarily-Complication, pays tribute to a historically obligatory model for the mannequin, the The Frequent pocket watch, in all probability essentially the most refined watches ever crafted by the manufacture, with 19 conventional points, along with a Grande Sonnerie Carillon, a perpetual calendar, a split- seconds, jumping-second and deadbeat-second chronograph. It sits correct there, on the very best rung with the 1933 Patek Henry Graves Supercomplication, the 1802 Breguet Marie Antoinette or the 2019 Vacheron Constantin 57260. Audemars Piguet is not any stranger to establishing hyper-complicated actions, and this yr’s new Code 11.59 Universelle brings once more the concept throughout the type of a wristwatch stuffed with know-how.

The problem of the Universelle and its Calibre 1000 started in 2016 with “the purpose of making a extraordinarily refined wristwatch match for regularly use which may strike the right stability between complexity, ergonomics and aesthetics“. As part of the RD assortment, it incorporates some elements of the three earlier watches: the Supersonnerie of the RD#1, the ultra-thin perpetual calendar of the RD#2 and the oscillator with elevated amplitude premiered on the RD#3. Seven years later, the model new Calibre 1000 sees the sunshine of day throughout the Code 11.59 Universelle, a updated sort out the ultra-complicated wristwatch with 23 points (as on a regular basis, the complication rely ought to be taken with precaution) and a surprisingly ergonomic and user-friendly technique.

The Issues of the Code 11.59 Universelle

With the launch of this new Extraordinarily-Complication model, Audemars Piguet declares an entire of 23 points, 40 options and 17 technical devices… Proper right here’s the document of all 23 points, at least in accordance with what Audemars deems a complication:

• Chronograph
• Break up-seconds
• Minutes counter (semi-instantaneous)
• Hours counter (dragging)
• Flyback function
• Minute repeater (by pressing a pusher)
• Grande Sonnerie (mode)
• Petite Sonnerie (fashion)
• Silence (mode)
• Quarters silence (regularisation of the silence between the hours and minutes)
• Locking of computerized and handbook activation when the barrel is insufficiently wound
• Automated winding of the Grande Sonnerie barrel Supersonnerie
• Perpetual Calendar
• Date Present
• Day present (by discs or aperture)
• Month present (by discs or aperture)
• Moon half present
• Yr present
• Semi-Gregorian (computerized calendar until 2400)
• Appropriate astronomical moon
• Tourbillon
• Automated winding

Quick bear in mind. These complication counts are on a regular basis reasonably debatable. I personally have a difficulty naming an computerized winding or a minutes counter a complication. Is the “23” amount claimed by AP associated? No, it doesn’t really matter. What’s obligatory is that the manufacture has managed to swimsuit a Grande Sonnerie, a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, a split-seconds flyback chronograph and a flying tourbillon (making it, by definition, a Grande Complication throughout the strict sense of the time interval) proper right into a watch that is barely greater than its conventional computerized chronograph: the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Chronograph is 41mm in diameter, this new Code 11.59 Universelle is 42mm. It is a feat of engineering, miniaturisation and improbable watchmaking customized. As far as the numbers go… I don’t really care.

Acquainted Code 11.59 design

Sooner than we switch to the technical particulars, let’s discuss design. The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Extraordinarily-Complication Universelle is a member of the mannequin’s latest assortment, and it reminds us that, from the beginning, AP acknowledged that the Code 11.59 would become its vessel for all sorts of points. The case has the entire acquainted traits of the gathering, with the openworked lugs, the double-curved excessive ground and its sophisticated crystal, the slim bezel and the octagonal case middle that creates the reference to AP’s star watch, the Royal Oak. As you’d depend on, the case is approach further sophisticated as a consequence of quite a few pushers and crowns, all fairly properly built-in.

The left facet incorporates a pusher to begin out the minute repeater and two correctors for the moon and day indications. Three crowns on the right facet with coaxial pushers allow the wearer to wind the watch, set the time and date with the central crown and select the chiming mode (Grande Sonnerie, Petite Sonnerie or silence mode). The flyback chronograph will probably be started and stopped with the supercrown at 2 o’clock and reset with the other supercrown at 4 o’clock. The 4 o’clock crown moreover corrects the month in sync with the yr.

As for the appears, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Universelle Extraordinarily-Complication is launched in 4 utterly completely different editions. All share the equivalent 42mm x 15.5mm case (which is not ultra-thin, in any case, nevertheless no thicker than many Valjoux-based chronographs… and now it is spectacular), obtainable each in 18k white or pink gold. The three white gold fashions each have a closed black dial with silver distinction, a closed beige dial with black distinction and gold accents or an openworked dial with a rhodium-plated movement and black/grey counters. The pink gold model may be openworked and incorporates a tone-on-tone movement with black and grey counters and background. All are worn on a black alligator strap with a folding clasp, with an extra black textured rubber-coated calfskin strap moreover included.

The options of the Calibre 1000

As outlined, the movement comprises quite a few points and options. Starting with a sequence of chiming options combined with the mannequin’s patented Supersonnerie know-how – a sequence of enhancements that enhance the loudness, richness, musicality and readability of the sound produced by the chimes. The Calibre 1000 is supplied with a Grande Sonnerie, putting the hours and every quarter hour by passing. Throughout the Petite Sonnerie place, the watch chimes the hours solely, whereas the automated chiming is deactivated throughout the silent mode. Furthermore, the wearer can activate the minute repeater mechanism at any time via the devoted push-piece positioned at 10 o’clock. The options are fed by a loyal barrel wound by the wrist’s movement, alternately with the first barrel.

The once more of the watch not solely exhibits the normal resonance chamber of the Supersonnerie know-how nevertheless it absolutely has been updated so the wearer can now see the Calibre 1000. It comes with a “secret” extra-thin cowl and a model new soundboard, merely 0.6 mm thick, utterly crafted in sapphire crystal, on which the gongs are mounted. And it is now hinged and will probably be opened due to a discreet lever positioned just under the crown.

Subsequent comes the calendar options, with a semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar mechanism. In an effort to save lots of home, it makes use of the single-layer know-how of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Extraordinarily-Skinny (a.okay.a the RD#2). However, to ship further readability to the present, the Code 11.59 Universelle is dependent upon discs and apertures to level the calendar info. Calendar indications have been dissociated from the chronograph counters, and the date is now indicated by a two-disc module at 12 o’clock. Lastly, the Calibre 1000 is further superior than standard perpetual calendars, as a result of it takes into consideration the 100-year correction normally required in standard Gregorian perpetual calendars. No handbook adjustment is, on account of this truth, required sooner than the yr 2400. Lastly, it comprises an instant-jump astronomical moon with two concentric discs.

Then we switch to the chronograph options. The Calibre 1000 throughout the Code 11.59 Universelle is supplied with a split-seconds flyback chronograph. The flyback chronograph allows you to reset and restart the chronograph with a single contact of the pusher at 4 o’clock, whereas the split-seconds mechanism measures intermediate time intervals due to the devoted push-piece into the crown at 3 o’clock. Managed by column wheels, the chronograph mechanism has been remodelled to keep away from losing home, with the split-seconds mechanism built-in into the centre of the rotor’s ball bearing – whereas usually superposed, thus saving larger than 1 millimetre.

Lastly, the movement is regulated by a flying tourbillon – not a requirement in a Grande Complication watch, nevertheless one different feat to be added to the document. The one-minute tourbillon is held in place on one facet solely (flying construction) and incorporates a brand new oscillator with elevated amplitude (current in RD#3)

The movement itself consists of no fewer than 1,140 elements and measures 34.3mm x 8.8mm. A giant and thick movement, nevertheless considering the number of parts, it is definitely spectacular, and divulges the work of miniaturisation achieved by the mannequin’s R&D workforce. The movement is computerized, which is unusual in Grande Issues, and outlets a comfy 60h vitality reserve, counting on whether or not or not the options are activated or not. The tourbillon beats at a standard tempo of 3Hz. And, as you’d depend on, the movement is accomplished and embellished with standard Haute Horlogerie prospers.

Availability & Worth

The 4 editions of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Extraordinarily-Complication Universelle launched proper right here will in all probability be produced in very low numbers. The worth is launched upon request, nevertheless it is anticipated to be spherical CHF 1,600,000 (excl. taxes). A heavy worth, nevertheless we’re talking heavy watchmaking too.

For further particulars, please search the recommendation of www.audemarspiguet.com.