Audemars Piguet recently debuted an impressive collection of five new timepieces, featuring both advanced chiming mechanisms and elegant natural stone dials. This release includes three sophisticated Minute Repeater Supersonnerie watches, which are celebrated for their exceptional acoustic clarity, alongside two distinctive Code 11.59 models, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and material innovation.
The Evolution of Supersonnerie: Acoustic Excellence
Audemars Piguet has significantly advanced its horological offerings with the introduction of three new Minute Repeater Supersonnerie watches. These timepieces build upon the groundbreaking Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie, first launched in 2016 after nearly a decade of dedicated research and development. The core innovation, which allows for remarkably loud and clear chimes, involves anchoring patented gongs to a custom-engineered soundboard rather than directly to the watch's mainplate. This unique construction dramatically improves the watch's acoustic performance, providing superior clarity, increased volume, and a richer tone. This trio of new Supersonnerie models maintains this advanced underlying architecture while incorporating fresh materials and refined aesthetic details.
All three Supersonnerie models are powered by the Calibre 2953 movement, an evolution from the 2019 introduction, which itself descended from the earlier Caliber 2937 and the original Calibre 2874SS. This movement ensures a robust 72-hour power reserve and includes a small seconds counter positioned at 6 o'clock. The collection features two Royal Oak models, both housed in 42 mm cases, showcasing the iconic octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. One version combines a titanium case with a smoked green sunburst dial, while the other marks a first for the line, presenting a pink-gold case with a brown Grande Tapisserie dial. The third chiming watch, a Code 11.59 model, features a white-gold case with a polished middle and a smoked sapphire dial that elegantly reveals the intricate inner workings of the timepiece.
Code 11.59: Elegance in Natural Stone Dials
Beyond the Supersonnerie collection, Audemars Piguet has also expanded its Code 11.59 series with two new models that emphasize the beauty of natural stone dials. These 38 mm timepieces continue a rich tradition within haute horlogerie, where prestigious maisons like Rolex and Piaget have long incorporated unique stones and minerals into their watch faces since the 1970s. Audemars Piguet has recently intensified its focus on this trend, appealing to modern collectors who appreciate the distinctiveness and elegance these materials bring to luxury watches. For these latest releases, the brand has chosen to highlight two dark and sophisticated stones, offering a refined aesthetic that stands out.
One of the new Code 11.59 watches features a stunning yellow-gold case paired with a gold obsidian dial, creating a striking contrast that is both luxurious and understated. The second model in this series presents a pink-gold case complemented by a black onyx dial, further enhanced with elegant diamond hour markers. Both of these aesthetically driven timepieces are powered by the reliable Calibre 5909, which provides a 60-hour power reserve. This meticulous selection of materials and movements underscores Audemars Piguet's dedication to both artistic expression and precision engineering, offering collectors a blend of timeless design and contemporary appeal.