The centrepiece of Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary is the ingenious perpetual calendar cal. 7138 (at least for now), but the most complicated of the commemorative editions is the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie.

The anniversary line-up of striking watches is comprised of five unique grande sonnerie wristwatches: three have sapphire dials that reveal the intricate strikework, while the remaining pair are fitted with iridescent opal dials.

The harlequin opal dial

Initial thoughts

Though criticised at launch, the Code 11.59 has evolved into a varied range of watches, some of which are notably appealing (some are still pretty boring unfortunately). The grande sonnerie falls into the appealing category.

The mechanics of the grande sonnerie are exceptionally complicated, and because it is a Supersonnerie equipped with AP’s patented amplification construction, the grande sonnerie is incredibly loud. The volume of the chimes are loud, but not so much that they are harsh. In short, the acoustics are impressive.

The sapphire dial in sand gold case

The anniversary edition grande sonnerie are individually appealing, though the opal dials are more interesting due to the novelty of the material. That said, the grande sonnerie can be customised, so a buyer is not necessarily limited to the options available for the anniversary. If I wanted to spend this much on a grande sonnerie, I’d work on my own.

The pinnacle of striking watches

AP is one of a handful of brands with grande et petite sonnerie in its current catalogue. In fact, its history with the complication dates back some three decades; the brand unveiled its first grande sonnerie wristwatch in 1994, making it one of the first in the world to do so. And even earlier than that in the 1980s, AP commissioned Philippe Dufour to produce a series of grande sonnerie pocket watches.

The cal. 2956 inside the grande sonnerie is derived from AP’s grande sonnerie movement of the 1990s, but thoroughly reworked and upgraded. It’s a more reliable calibre that’s less finicky to produce, but still as complex and demanding.

Cal. 2956

The Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie was launched in 2020 with paillonne enamel dials made by noted enameller Anita Porchet. AP has since created several one-off examples with a surprisingly diverse array of dials, which is underscored by the 150th anniversary editions.

Though the anniversary editions are fundamentally the same watch, differing only in the dial, they look very different. The sapphire dial pair have a intricate, mechanical appearance that arguably pairs best with the modern Code 11.59 case, but the opal dials are unusually striking.

The grande sonnerie is a large watch, even by the standards of the Code 11.59 collection, which is mostly made up of largish watches.

The grande sonnerie case is 41 mm and 13.6 mm high, but the thickness is a function of the Supersonnerie construction – the secret to the impressive chimes. Amongst the elements that make up the Supersonnerie is a double case back that amplifies the chimes, with the perforated outer back acting as a sound board to transmit the chimes to the outside of the case.

Key Facts and Price

Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie
Ref. 26397PN.OO.D008KB.01 (white gold, sapphire dial)
Ref. 26397CR.OO.D009KB.01 (white gold, sapphire dial)
Ref. 26397QS.OO.D002KB.01 (sand gold, sapphire dial)
Ref. 26397OR.OO.D417CR.01 (pink gold, harlequin opal dial)
Ref. 26397BC.OO.D357CR.01 (white gold, crystal opal dial)

Case diameter: 41 mm
Height: 13.6mm
Material: 18k white or sand gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 20

Movement: Cal. 2956
Functions: Hours, minutes, grande and petite sonnerie carillon, and minute repeater
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Hand wind
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Alligator with folding clasp

Availability: Only at Audemars Piguet boutiques and AP houses
Limited edition: Each is unique
Price: Approximately CHF700,000

For more, visit audemarspiguet.com.