INSPIRING CONTR ASTS CODE 11.59 BY AUDEMARS PIGUET SELFWINDING CHRONOGRAPH
INSPIRING CONTRASTS
TEXT: MARTIN MACKENZIE
EYES ON STYLE
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Never standing still, Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet evolves the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph collection with two 18-carat white or pink gold with and black ceramic models. They present a highly contemporary two-tone case design. While the bezel, lugs and caseback are made in 18-carat white or pink gold, the octagonal middle case is honed from black ceramics, complemented with a black rubbercoated strap. Rubber coating has been added to a lining of calfskin leather and has a textured motif for a contemporary look. The ceramic middle case has been crafted in collaboration with Bangerter, a Swiss familyowned company specialised in the manufacture of precision components made of advanced ceramics, tungsten carbide and other super hard materials. The manufacturing of the Selfwinding Chronograph’s middle case follows a complex industrial flow. Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) powder is combined with binder content, the composition of which remains the secret of the company. Complemented with a smoked dark grey dial adorned with a vertical satin-finished base, it matches the refined satin brushing adorning the case. The black chronograph counters and inner bezel further give depth to the dial, while subtly recalling the case’s black ceramic octagonal middle case, and the 18-carat gold hour-markers and hands add a touch of brightness. These two Selfwinding Chronograph models are powered by Calibre 4401, the Manufacture’s latest in-house integrated chronograph with column wheel and flyback function that enables to restart the chronograph without stopping or resetting it first. With its selfwinding mechanism, 70 hours of power reserve and water resistance to 30m, the Selfwinding Chronograph is suited to an active lifestyle. Equipped with a vertical clutch system, it 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. Usually hidden from view, through the sapphire caseback the column wheel and the socalled “dance” of the chronograph hammers are revealed. The collection’s dedicated 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight as well as other elegant decorations such as “Côtes de Genève”, the “traits tirés” and circular graining can also be admired.
