Executed in a choice of 18-carat white or pink gold, these new pieces feature a dial set with 533 brilliant-cut diamonds and coloured sapphires (~2.05 carats) assembled in an irregular setting. Powered by the three-hand selfwinding movement Calibre 5909, these novelties combine technical performance, ultra-contemporary design and scintillating refinement.
TWO ITERATIONS RICH IN DETAILS
The two new selfwinding models in 18-carat gold combine the collection’s ultra-contemporary design with the refinement of diamonds and coloured sapphires for a contrasting aesthetic. For the first time in the 38 mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection, the case is entirely set with brilliant-cut diamonds scintillating on the case middle, bezel, lugs and crown, accentuating its elegance.
The dial, however, takes centre stage in terms of aesthetics. Crafted in gold and fully set with a curated selection of 134 diamonds and 399 sapphires (~2.05 carats) in gradient shades of blue or pink, it sparkles with every movement of the wrist and offers a captivating play of light. The brilliant-cut gemstones are cut in two different sizes (from 0.85 to 0.90 mm for the first and from 0.90 to 1 mm for the second) before being meticulously set to create an irregular effect and a harmonious colour rendering, identical on each timepiece in the collection. Sourcing, a crucial step in the production process, involved finding gemstones in the desired colour gradient and in sufficient quantity. The task is as meticulous as aligning the stones on the dial plate to achieve a striking visual effect.
The case of the 18-carat white gold iteration harmoniously combines gleaming gold with shimmering diamonds. The grey aesthetic of the timepiece is enhanced by the rhodium-toned inner bezel, the white gold hour-markers and the matching hour and minute hands. The latter are filled with luminescent material for optimal visibility in the dark. Set with diamonds and sapphires in gradient shades of pink, the dial brings a soft touch of colour and reveals infinite detail at every glance. A pearly grey alligator strap completes this elegant timepiece.
Alternatively, the second model emphasises contrast by pairing 18-carat pink gold with 533 diamonds and intense gradient blue sapphires (~2.05 carats). The dark blue inner bezel matches the colour of the alligator strap, while the hour-markers and luminescent hands echo the tones of the pink gold case.
AN ELEGANT SELFWINDING MOVEMENT
The two 38 mm novelties house one of the Manufacture’s latest selfwinding hours, minutes and seconds mechanisms, the Calibre 5909. Presented for the first time in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection, this 3.9 mm thick movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and has 60 hours of power reserve, making it ideal for a contemporary lifestyle. The date indication has been removed to give pride of place to the refined gemsetting on the dial.
The elegance of the Calibre 5909 is expressed in the refined Haute Horlogerie decorations, including Côtes de Genève, traits tirés, satin finishing, snailing and polishing, which can be admired through the sapphire caseback along with the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight, rhodium-toned for the white gold version to match the colour of the case.
