Greyscale Grandeur: Introducing the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph

High-end timepiece makers often create novelties with at least two complications to demonstrate their technical expertise. In particular, Audemars Piguet is known for incorporating various complications into a single watch, thus producing some of the most intricate timepieces in the world. If we think of AP, the iconic Royal Oak immediately comes to mind. However, as all watch lovers would know, Code 11.59 is another celebrated model from the brand that commands a formidable following. Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph (Ref. 26399NB.OO.D009KB.01) is the latest Code 11.59 variant; it has a two-tone dial (black and white) and an openworked movement with shades of grey. 

The case, the central case, and the crown of the 41 mm timepiece, measuring 13.8 mm in thickness, are made of black ceramic. In fact, the central case is octagonal, echoing the classic profile of the Royal Oak. The ultra-thin circular bezel, the pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock, and the lugs atop the case are all made of white gold with polished bevels and brushed surfaces. The network of bridges supports the indicators and reveals the calibre’s component. A round slate grey inner bezel with circular snailing and a white seconds track surrounds the dial. 

The rhodium-plated silvery grey bridge holds two subdials — the 12-hour subdial at 3 o’clock and the 30-minute subdial at 9 o’clock. Then there is the 60-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock, with the blackened mainplate and a black barrel bridge at 12 o’clock. The two subdials do not obstruct the view of the gears because they have black rings with white markers. The new model's pink gold hour and minute hands feature luminous inserts. The round counterweight of the pink gold central chronograph seconds hand is still present though. The subdials and the golden tone of the balance wheel have significant pink gold accents.

More than 100 hand-polished inner angles, and a combination of satin-brushed and sandblasted parts adorn the movement and bridges. Powering the watch is the selfwinding Calibre 2592 with a 65-hour power reserve. Its mechanism combines resetting and instant restarting of the chronograph, a useful complication for taking successive chronometric measurements. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the movement’s refined decorations and the dedicated rhodium-toned 22 ct pink gold oscillating weight. This model is finished on a dark grey rubber-coated strap with an 18 ct white gold AP folding clasp.