One of the less prominent, but arguably interesting, debuts for Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary is the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon 38 mm in sand gold.

A compact watch in muted, pale tones but discreetly glammed up with diamonds, the new tourbillon is the first instance of the ultra-thin cal. 2968 (also known as RD#3) appears something other than a Royal Oak.

Initial thoughts

The 38 mm tourbillon is the sort of watch that’s more interesting than it initially looks. Though it appears to be a ladies’ watch at first glance, largely due to the somewhat unattractive beige stitch-less strap, it is arguably a unisex watch in both size and style.

I would have preferred limiting the diamonds to the case middle for a low-key, formal appearance, but even as it is the gem setting is quite modest.

But the new tourbillon isn’t just an aesthetic exercise. The cal. 2968 inside is a nifty movement with some clever details that keep it exceedingly thin.

The 38 mm case also demonstrates the Code 11.59 works well in a smaller format. This is especially useful since many iterations of the Code 11.59 feel a bit too large (though in some instances the thickness is a technical requirement).

Image – Audemars Piguet

RD#3

Entirely in the brand’s proprietary sand gold alloy – best described as a pleasantly washed-out red gold – the case measures 38 mm in diameter and 9.6 mm in thickness. It’s set with 235 brilliant-cut diamonds on the lugs, crown, and case middle, illustrating the versatility of the multi-part construction of the Code 11.59 case.

The dial is decorated with the concentric guilloche developed by a Swiss guillocheur for the Code 11.59 line. Though it is stamped (which is a shame), the pattern is notably crisp and fine. The dial itself is sand gold plated, but the applied hour indices and hands are solid 18k sand gold.

Image – Audemars Piguet

Visible through the back is the cal. 2968, a self-winding movement with a flying tourbillon that’s part of the same calibre family as the cal. 7121 in the Royal Oak “Jumbo” and the new cal. 7138 perpetual calendar.

Extremely thin at just 3.4 mm high – an achievement especially given the full rotor -the movement was launched as the RD#3 in 2022 for the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary and now debuts in the Code 11.59. Though it’s arguably not as technically exotic as AP’s other “RD” series movements, the cal. 2968 is still the brand’s most sophisticated time-only movement with tourbillon.

Image – Audemars Piguet

Key Facts and Price

Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon 38 mm
Ref. 26665SG.ZZ.D209CR.01

Case diameter: 38 mm
Height: 9.6mm
Material: 18k sand gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 2968
Functions: Hours, minutes, and flying tourbillon
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Alligator with folding clasp

Availability: Only at Audemars Piguet boutiques and AP houses
Limited edition: No
Price: CHF149,000 before taxes

For more, visit audemarspiguet.com.