Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Minute Repeater Supersonnerie

Back in 2015 marked an important year in the Audemars Piguet tradition of crafting chiming timepieces with the release of the “Royal Oak Concept RD#1”, which was followed up by the “Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie (ref. 26577TI). Now this musical model returns with several technical enhancements, plus a sapphire dial.The 41mm case follows this series characteristic shape which is mostly made of 18k rose gold with the caseback, to bezel, and stylistic semi-hollow lugs. But the middle case is made of black ceramic, which blends well with the central tinted dial.Mounted to the case is a rose gold bezel that serves to properly secure the double curved sapphire, while wrapping around the black lacquered inner bezel, inscribed with a 60-minute scale. Due to all the extra components this complication requires, the height of this case reached 13.6mm, which exceeds the more standard 11.8mm.On the flip-side is a solid caseback with small apertures to create a resonance chamber that can ensure a vibrant musical cage. A few key enhancements include a soundboard crafted from a new specific alloy that improves the vibrations caused by the coiled gongs fixed to the movement’s mainplate.The piece known as governor which is responsible for setting the pace for the striking sequences has also been redesigned to eliminate unwanted shock noises. All these details among others assure a perfect tempo will chime out the hours and minutes with a bright and clear sound.It comes equipped with two knurled setting crowns, while a pusher to regulate the main complication is seen on the left-side. The attention to detail required the manufacturer to create a contemporary double curved sapphire crystal, whose tense, arched profile plays with depth, perspective and light for a unique optic experience. Its internal surface is also shaped like a dome, and vertically curved from 6 to 12 o’clock. Water-resistance can last up to 20 meters (65 feet). Time is exhibited on a smoked sapphire dial with gold applied baton style hour indices, followed by a printed minute track ring. This allows us a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. Despite the smoked tint, the caliber movement can be seen decorated with several jewels, Côtes de Genève, perlage, gold-toned gears and engravings.The “Audemars Piguet” signature can be seen on the upper-half. While on the lower-half includes a gold framed small seconds, which almost appears as a smaller version of the main time indicator. An overall simple design that manages to be effective on various layers, since the tinted sapphire can make it seem like a dark dial from afar or a see-thru one at a closer look.The central 18k rose gold sword-shaped hands have not been applied with any luminescent coating. But set against this very dark surface, both the hands and golden indices naturally glimmer against tinted sapphire backdrop. 

Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Minute Repeater Supersonnerie

The “Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Minute Repeater Supersonnerie” (Ref#: 26395NR.OO.D002KB.01) is powered by the in-house hand-wound mechanical movement, caliber AP 2953 with 32 jewels, 362 parts, and 21,600 Vph. Power reserve can last up to 72 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a black textured rubber-coated strap, secured to the wrist by an 18-carat rose gold AP folding clasp. For more up to date information visit the official Audemars Piguet website here.

Audemars Piguet, Code 11.59, Minute Repeater, Supersonnerie, Luxury Watches