CHANGE OF TONE
The Manufacture presents new models in its latest collection. What do they have in common? Sublime smoked dials. Two-color cases have also been added.
With the Code 11.59 line released more than a year ago, Audemars Piguet stepped out of its comfort zone without turning its back on the past. The features of the iconic design of the Royal Oak, drawn under Gérald Genta’s inspired hand in 1972, are everywhere. Here, the unique octagonal geometry is sandwiched between an extra-fine bezel and a caseback with a sapphire crystal, both of which are round. The dial has the classic style of three-hand watches with the date and chronographs. This year, the Manufacture has given them a very different personality with lacquered dials and a sunburst finish. Four distinct colors have been added. Each of them – blue, burgundy, purple and dark grey – displays a wide range of gradated shades. A light grey model stands out by its luminosity. Two-tone cases combining rose gold and white gold also round out the collection.
All of these versions are powered by self-winding movements built into their 41-mm cases. The calibers 4302 and 4401 respectively orchestrate the time data of the three-hand watches and flyback chronograph functions. Both ensure a comfortable power reserve of at least 70 hours.
Audemars Piguet seeks to offer refined watches that are in the spirit of the times, coordinating ten summer models with large square-scale leather straps in colors similar to those on the faces of the timepieces.
Price: 27’000 CHF (three hands with the date) – 42’600 CHF (chronograph)
By Dan Diaconu