Aesthetically, the timepieces are absolutely stunning and when combined with fine craftsmanship, these two-toned timepieces have pushed the manufacturing and hand-finishing of the collection’s multi-faceted case to greater heights.
While the bezel, lugs and caseback are made in 18-carat white or pink gold, the octagonal middle case is honed from black ceramics. Blending advanced technology and time-honored tradition, the case required complex programming, dedicated tools and highly specialised human talents for its industrialisation and the hand-finishing of its components.
For example, the ceramic middle case has been crafted in collaboration with Bangerter, a family-owned business founded in 1969. With their expertise in the manufacture of precision components made of advanced ceramics, tungsten carbide and other superhard materials, it is a perfect collaborator.
In a complex technical move, the Self- winding Chronograph’s middle case is made of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) powder that is combined with a binder ingredient which is a secret recipe. This binder is given its preliminary shape on the latest generation five-axis CNC machine technology.
After this first machining process, the binder is removed and the watch component obtains its hardness by sintering — the process of compacting and forming a solid mass — at approximately 1,400°C. This is a delicate process, as ceramics shrink when heated.
The component is then hard-machined with high-precision diamond tools. Its geometrical surfaces are pre-polished and pre-satin-brushed, before being finished by hand, by highly trained experts. The ceramic and gold components of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet case are hand-finished with Audemars Piguet’s trademark alternation of satin-brushing and polished chamfers. The challenge is to make sure gold and ceramic com- ponents’ rounded and angular surfaces are aligned properly.
The 18-carat pink and white gold models feature an eye-catching smoked dark grey dial with a vertical satin-finished base that matches the case in re- fined satin-brushing. The black chronograph counters and inner bezel further give depth to the dial, while subtly recalling the case’s black ceramic octagonal middle case. Lastly, the 18-carat pink or white gold hour-markers and hands add a touch of contrast.
Both watches get their power from the Calibre 4401, which is the Manufacture’s latest in-house integrated chronograph with a column wheel and flyback function that enables it to be restarted without stopping or resetting first. Calibre 4401 is further equipped with a vertical clutch system that prevents hands from jumping when the chronograph is started or stopped, as well as a patented zero resetting mechanism ensuring that each one of the counter hands is seamlessly reset to zero.
The two new Selfwinding Chronograph models are suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle as they have 70 hours of power reserve and water resistance to 30m. The watches come in a black rubber-coated strap, with rubber coating added to the lining of the calfskin leather. The strap is finished with a textured motif for a contemporary look.
The straight integration of the strap in the continuity of the open-worked lugs, which have been welded to the extra-thin bezel, further reveals the re- fined hand-finishing techniques adorning the two-tone case’s contrasting architecture.
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph / 41 mm
Functions: Flyback chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds and date
Case: Black ceramic middle case, 18-carat pink gold bezel, lugs, caseback, crown and pushpieces, double curved glareproofed sapphire crystal, glareproofed sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 30m
Dial: Smoked grey dial with a vertical satin-brushed base, pink gold applied hour- markers and hands, opaline black inner bezel
Strap: Black rubber-coated strap with 18-carat pink gold pin buckle
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph / 41 mm
Functions: Flyback chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds and date
Case: Black ceramic middle case, 18-carat white gold bezel, lugs, caseback, crown and pushpieces, double curved glareproofed sapphire crystal, glareproofed sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 30m
Dial: Smoked grey dial with a vertical satin-brushed base, white gold applied hour- markers and hands, opaline black inner bezel
Strap: Black rubber-coated strap with 18-carat white gold pin buckle
