Three New “Codes” To Crack: Two 38mm Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Watches And One 41mm Tourbillon
Let bygones be bygones. When the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection debuted in January 2019 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), the reception was mixed, to put it mildly. Since then, the collection has evolved and become increasingly refined. The upgrade that won me over was the elaborate stamped dial that looks more sophisticated and refined than the word “stamped” suggests. In 2026, the collection expands with two 38mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding models and a 41mm Tourbillon that made me think of a grand piano. So let’s put the “Codes” from seven years ago in a box, close the lid, and take a fresh look at the latest iterations.
During the AP Social Club meeting earlier this week, Audemars Piguet unveiled some very spectacular pieces. The Code 11.59 novelties had to compete with spectacular new versions of the iconic Royal Oaks, plus a mind-blowing pocket watch. Now it’s time to show three new Codes some love. First up are two 38mm Selfwinding models in pink gold.
Two new 38mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding models in pink gold
It’s no secret that I find the current generation of Code 11.59 three-handers great watches, especially the steel 41mm model with a gray dial and a blue flange. That was a bit of a surprise, though, as I anticipated the 38mm version would sit better on my wrist. And since we’re now on the topic of the smaller size, AP just launched two new Selfwinding models. Both have a 38 × 9.6mm pink gold case and a dial showing a dynamic pattern that you could mistake for guilloché.
Yann von Kaenel, an independent engine-turning specialist, developed this pattern, and it looks rich and luscious. There’s a subtle play of contrasts and radiant hues. On the dial, 18K pink gold applied indexes and luminescent hands ensure legibility is on point. There’s a nice sense of depth thanks to the elevated flange, which indicates the minutes in a small font.
Reference 77410OR.OO.A127CR.01 features a black dial, and reference 77410OR.OO.A402VE.01 has a silver-tone one. The former comes fitted with a black 20/18mm alligator strap, while the latter tones down the dressiness on a brown calfskin strap with contrasting white stitching. The silver-dial version, in particular, has that “Loro Piana loafers and Bruno Cuccinelli suede jacket” vibe.
Powering the time and the date is the in-house caliber 5900. This 3.9mm-thin 4Hz automatic movement has a 60-hour power reserve and is visible via the case back’s sapphire window. Through it, you can observe the 22K pink gold oscillating weight, along with refined finishing, such as polished angles, vertical satin brushing, Côtes de Genève, perlage, and chamfering. Both the black- and silver-dial 38mm pink gold Code 11.59 models retail for €34,400.
The 41mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon: A watch like a grand piano
My first thought when I saw and handled the 41mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon (ref. 26396NB.OO.D002CR.01) was that it had grand-piano vibes. It’s the combination of a black ceramic case paired with an 18K white gold bezel, case back, and lugs, a black ceramic crown with an 18K white gold crown chip, and, most importantly, an ivory-toned dial with an azuré ivory inner bezel. The 18K pink gold indexes and hands are the finishing touch. The 41 × 11.8mm watch with its double-curved glare-proofed sapphire crystal is equipped with the automatic caliber 2950. This 3Hz movement has a 31.5mm diameter and 6.2mm thickness. It comprises 270 components and has a power reserve of 65 hours. I interpreted the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock as the metronome you can use when practicing challenging compositions.
This Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon has a price on request, but before you go ask, let’s answer this question: Is this flying tourbillon, with its soft shimmering dial and shiny black flanks, the equivalent of a grand piano made by Steinway, or is it more like a Bösendorfer? Since the Code 11.59 is a contemporary, crisp design, it could be a Steinway. But when I focus on the ivory dial, I’m leaning towards Bösendorfer, pianos famous for their nuanced, subtle tone with warmth and color.
Before I forget, the watch comes on an in-theme, shiny black alligator strap. It closes with a luxurious 18K white gold three-blade folding clasp. Now, please leave your thoughts on the watches and pianos in the comments section below.
