Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Stone Dial

In a significant gesture marking its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet has introduced a striking trio of timepieces to its Code 11.59 collection. These new references merge the contemporary architecture of the Code 11.59 case with the ancient allure of natural stone dials, all centered around the mechanical sophistication of a selfwinding flying tourbillon. The release showcases three distinct personalities, each defined by a specific stone—ruby root, blue sodalite, and green malachite—housed within a thoughtfully paired 18-carat gold case. This limited-edition series continues the brand's legacy of artistic watchmaking while adapting a high complication into a more versatile 38 mm format.



The use of natural stone for watch dials is not a new venture for Audemars Piguet; the Manufacture began exploring this artisanal craft in the 1960s. The process is one of immense patience and skill, demanding that a solid piece of stone be meticulously cut into an incredibly thin slice, or wafer. This delicate layer is then polished to reveal its intrinsic color, pattern, and brilliance without compromising its fragile structure. The inherent nature of these materials means that every dial is absolutely unique; the specific veining, tonal shifts, and textural details of a piece of malachite or sodalite can never be replicated, ensuring each watch is a one-of-a-kind creation.



Beyond their visual appeal, the stones selected for this trio carry deep symbolic resonance and are believed to possess unique energetic qualities. The vibrant ruby root is sourced from Tanzania and is often associated with vitality and protection. From Brazil comes the deep blue sodalite, a stone linked to achieving a sense of calm and clarity of thought. The third stone, a rich green malachite from Zambia, is said to support personal growth and transformation. This careful selection imbues the timepieces with an additional layer of meaning, transforming them from mere instruments of timekeeping into personal talismans that carry an emotional weight for the wearer.



The design of each reference is a study in harmony, meticulously crafted to accentuate the natural beauty of its stone dial while showcasing the intricate mechanics of the flying tourbillon at the 6 o’clock position. The choice of case material was deliberate, selected to complement and enhance the character of each stone. The result is a cohesive and visually powerful collection where material science and natural art converge. This thoughtful pairing of metal and mineral creates a distinct identity for each of the three models.



The first model features a dial made from the root of ruby, a material known for its deep, mottled red and purplish hues. Its complex internal structure and web of fine lines give the dial a profound sense of depth. This striking face is framed by an 18-carat white gold case. The cool, bright tone of the white gold provides a sharp yet refined contrast to the warm, intense red of the dial, allowing the stone’s natural character to take center stage. The hands and the details around the tourbillon are also crafted from white gold, maintaining a consistent and clean aesthetic.



For the second variation, a dial of deep blue sodalite is paired with an 18-carat pink gold case. Sodalite is characterized by its rich, royal blue color, often streaked with fine white or grey calcite veins that resemble clouds drifting across a night sky. The warm, reddish tones of the pink gold create a compelling contrast with the cool blue of the dial, producing a visual effect that is both bold and inviting. This combination of colors feels both classic and contemporary, highlighting the versatility of the Code 11.59 design.



The third and final piece in the trio utilizes green malachite, set within a classic 18-carat yellow gold case. Malachite is famous for its mesmerizing concentric bands and swirling patterns of light and dark green. The stone’s vibrant, organic lines are beautifully complemented by the traditional luster of yellow gold. This pairing evokes a sense of natural opulence, a direct nod to the brand's historical use of stone dials in the mid-20th century. The combination feels both powerful and deeply rooted in watchmaking tradition.



The case construction itself is a hallmark of the Code 11.59 collection. Its complex architecture features an octagonal middle case embedded within a round frame, a design that is both technically demanding to produce and visually distinctive. The surfaces are treated with an intricate alternation of satin-brushed and polished finishes, a signature Audemars Piguet technique. This detailing creates a dynamic play of light across the case from every angle, accentuating its geometric lines and sophisticated profile. The double glareproofed sapphire crystal on the front and back ensures a clear view of both the stunning dial and the intricate movement within.



Measuring 38 mm in diameter and a slim 9.6 mm in thickness, the case is designed for universal appeal and comfortable wear on a variety of wrist sizes. This dimension is particularly noteworthy as it houses a high complication—the flying tourbillon—which is more commonly found in larger, more imposing watches. The commitment to creating a more ergonomic and versatile complicated timepiece is a central theme of this release. The case is water-resistant to 30 meters, providing adequate protection for daily wear.



At the heart of these timepieces beats the Calibre 2968, the Manufacture's selfwinding flying tourbillon movement. This caliber is a testament to Audemars Piguet's commitment to technical innovation and miniaturization. Initially developed for the Royal Oak RD#3 and introduced in 2022, it was engineered specifically for watches with a diameter under 41 mm. Its introduction into the 38 mm Code 11.59 case represents a significant achievement in modern watchmaking.



The movement's architecture is impressively compact, measuring only 3.4 mm in thickness. To achieve this ultra-thin profile, its components were rethought and redesigned. A key innovation is the use of a peripheral drive for the titanium tourbillon cage. This design choice minimizes the weight of the rotating organ and contributes to a more efficient transfer of energy. Furthermore, a high-amplitude escapement enhances the movement’s reliability, energy distribution, and overall precision.



A flying tourbillon is distinguished from a traditional tourbillon by its construction; it is supported only from below, dispensing with the upper bridge that typically secures the cage. This cantilevered design creates the illusion that the tourbillon is floating freely in its aperture. Against the backdrop of the vibrant stone dials, this effect is especially dramatic, offering an unobstructed, mesmerizing view of the beating heart of the watch as it completes its rotation every sixty seconds.



The Calibre 2968 is composed of 226 parts and 33 jewels. It operates at a frequency of 3 Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour, which is a standard for many high-end tourbillon movements, balancing precision with longevity. The selfwinding mechanism provides a comfortable power reserve of 50 hours, ensuring the watch will continue running for over two days when fully wound, even if not worn. The movement is visible through the sapphire caseback, allowing an appreciation of its fine finishing and construction.



Audemars Piguet's history is rich with examples of pushing the boundaries of miniaturization, a pursuit often driven by the creation of watches for women. In the early 20th century, as timepieces migrated from the pocket to the wrist, the demand for smaller, more intricate movements spurred significant innovation. This historical expertise laid the groundwork for contemporary achievements like the Calibre 2968. The brand has consistently demonstrated that mechanical complexity and reduced size are not conflicting goals.



This dedication to making high complications accessible and wearable across different sizes reflects a modern approach to watchmaking that moves beyond traditional conventions. By housing a sophisticated flying tourbillon within a 38 mm case, Audemars Piguet offers a powerful horological experience in a beautifully proportioned form that transcends gender-specific design tropes. Each piece is presented as a statement of personal expression, rooted in masterful artistry.



To complete the cohesive design, each watch is fitted with a large square scale alligator leather strap that perfectly matches the color of its respective stone dial. The red ruby root model comes with a red strap, the blue sodalite with a blue strap, and the green malachite with a green strap. This seamless color continuation from the dial to the strap enhances the overall visual impact of each timepiece, creating a unified and powerful statement on the wrist.



Each alligator strap is secured with an AP folding clasp crafted from the same 18-carat gold as the case—white, pink, or yellow. This ensures both security and a consistent material aesthetic throughout the entire piece. For those seeking a more casual or robust option, a color-coordinated interchangeable rubber-coated strap is also available upon request, adding a layer of versatility for different occasions and styles.



Visually, the watches offer a rich and layered experience. The first impression is dominated by the powerful color and unique pattern of the stone dial. As the eye moves closer, the intricate details become apparent. The 18-carat gold hands, filled with a luminescent coating for low-light legibility, sweep gracefully over the natural canvas. The matching inner bezel provides a subtle minute track without cluttering the main dial, keeping the focus squarely on the stone and the tourbillon.



The animated spectacle of the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock provides a constant source of visual interest. Its steady, hypnotic rotation is a physical manifestation of the passage of time and a showcase of the immense skill required to create such a mechanism. The contrast between the organic, static beauty of the stone and the precise, dynamic motion of the tourbillon creates a fascinating dialogue between nature and human ingenuity.



As limited-edition pieces released in celebration of the brand’s 150th anniversary, these three Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon models represent a confluence of the Manufacture’s past, present, and future. They honor the tradition of decorative arts like stone-dial making while pushing forward with cutting-edge movement technology and contemporary design. The pricing for these timepieces is available upon request, a standard practice for exclusive, high-complication watches, signifying their rarity and position at the upper echelon of fine watchmaking.



Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Green Malachite



Case: 18-carat yellow gold, 38 mm diameter, 9.6 mm thickness. Double glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback. Water-resistant to 30 m.

Movement: Selfwinding Calibre 2968 with flying tourbillon. 50-hour power reserve, 3 Hz (21,600 vph) frequency, 226 parts, 33 jewels. Measures 3.4 mm in thickness.

Dial: Green malachite dial with green inner bezel. 18-carat yellow gold hands with luminescent coating.

Strap: Green alligator strap with an 18-carat yellow gold AP folding clasp.

Price: Price on Request.

Reference Number: 26665BA.OO.D412CR.01

Notes: Part of a limited-edition trio celebrating the Manufacture's 150th anniversary. Each malachite dial is unique due to the natural banding of the stone.





Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Ruby Root



Case: 18-carat white gold, 38 mm diameter, 9.6 mm thickness. Double glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback. Water-resistant to 30 m.

Movement: Selfwinding Calibre 2968 with flying tourbillon. 50-hour power reserve, 3 Hz (21,600 vph) frequency, 226 parts, 33 jewels. Measures 3.4 mm in thickness.

Dial: Red ruby root dial with red inner bezel. 18-carat white gold hands with luminescent coating.

Strap: Red alligator strap with an 18-carat white gold AP folding clasp.

Price: Price on Request.

Reference Number: 26665BC.OO.D632CR.01

Notes: The ultra-thin Calibre 2968 was specifically designed to bring high complications to smaller case sizes.





Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Blue Sodalite



Case: 18-carat pink gold, 38 mm diameter, 9.6 mm thickness. Double glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback. Water-resistant to 30 m.

Movement: Selfwinding Calibre 2968 with flying tourbillon. 50-hour power reserve, 3 Hz (21,600 vph) frequency, 226 parts, 33 jewels. Measures 3.4 mm in thickness.

Dial: Blue sodalite dial with blue inner bezel. 18-carat pink gold hands with luminescent coating.

Strap: Blue alligator strap with an 18-carat pink gold AP folding clasp.

Price: Price on Request.

Reference Number: 26665OR.OO.D349CR.01

Notes: The flying tourbillon is cantilevered, supported only from below, giving it a floating appearance over the stone dial.