It took a while, but Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59 has matured enough that the new debuts are more likely to be interesting than not. The Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon 38 mm with stone dials aren’t a novel proposition, but they are a trio of good looking watches that use the dial design of the Code 11.59 to maximum effect, while also scaling down the case to 38 mm and relying on the impressively constructed cal. 2968.

Audemars Piguet (AP) has experimented with various unusual materials for the Code 11.59 dial – the onyx version was launched three years ago – all of which have evidently been commercially successful, explaining the three new models with dials in mineral stones of red ruby root, blue sodalite, and green malachite, respectively.

Initial thoughts

The Code 11.59 was widely panned at launch in 2019, occasionally unfairly, but it’s evolved in the right direction since. The new tourbillon line-up illustrates this.

The wide, relatively deep-set dial of the Code 11.59 makes it a good platform to show off dial patterns and textures, especially when executed in a minimalist way as it is done here. Mineral stone dials are recent fad, so the new Code 11.59 tourbillons aren’t revolutionary, but they look good.

The three watches are each in a different colour of gold, but share the same case dimensions of 38 mm by 9.6 mm, making them smaller and thinner than the original, 41 mm version of the Code 11.59 tourbillon.

The downsizing gives the case a surprisingly compact feel that will appeal to anyone who prefers more manageable sizes. That said, the inherent style of the Code 11.59 design still leaves the case feeling somewhat tall, even though it measures thin in absolute terms. That’s a missed opportunity as the movement inside is notably slim.

Price wise, the new tourbillon is comparable to earlier models with similar specs. They’re about US$150,000 a piece, which is fair in today’s (highly priced) market.

Mineral stones

The new Code 11.59 tourbillon is available in three dial types: red ruby root, blue sodalite, and green malachite, with each stone matched with a white, rose, and yellow gold case, respectively.

All share the same minimalist dial design. The mineral stone dial is entirely unadorned save for the applied brand logo under 12 o’clock, leaving the grain of the stone on full display.

The raised chapter ring carrying the minute scale is colour matched to the dial, while the hands and logo appliqué are solid gold and matched with the case metal.

The new Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon is powered by the cal. 2968, one of AP’s latest generation movements that hails from the same family as the cal. 7121 in the Royal Oak “Jumbo” and the new cal. 7138 perpetual calendar. Featuring open-worked bridges on the back, it’s arguably AP’s most sophisticated time-only movement with tourbillon.

The cal. 2968 a thin movement – just 3.4 mm high – but sports a full rotor, a notable technical achievement that explains why the calibre was first launched as the RD#3 limited edition in 2022.

Key facts and price

Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon 38 mm Stone Dials
Ref. 26665OR.OO.D349CR.01 (sodalite, pink gold)
Ref. 26665BC.OO.D632CR.01 (ruby root, white gold)
Ref. 26665BA.OO.D412CR.01 (malachite, yellow gold)

Diameter: 38 mm
Height: 9.6 mm
Material: 18k gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

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

Strap: Alligator strap with folding clasp

Limited edition: No
Availability: At AP boutiques and AP Houses
Price: Approximately US$150,000

For more, visit Audemarspiguet.com.