The Swiss watchmaking giant marks a historic milestone. Audemars Piguet celebrates its 150th anniversary with new perpetual calendars and flying tourbillons, expanding its two flagship collections — the Royal Oak and Code 11.59. This landmark release underscores AP’s enduring legacy of innovation, fine finishing, and bold design.
A milestone year for Audemars Piguet
Founded in 1875, Audemars Piguet remains one of the few Swiss manufactures still owned by its founding families. Over 150 years, it has become synonymous with technical brilliance and artistic expression. This anniversary launch celebrates that heritage by pairing iconic designs with new calibres, reduced case sizes, and exquisite natural stone dials — a nod to AP’s tradition of artisanal mastery.
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar
The Code 11.59 Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar introduces the first-ever 38mm case in the collection, tailored for wearers who prefer a more compact fit without sacrificing complexity.
- Case and dial: Crafted in 18k pink gold with a rich green guilloché dial by master artisan Yann von Kaenel.
- Movement: The new Calibre 7138 powers this watch, offering day, date, month, leap year, and moonphase functions, all controlled through an innovative crown-setting system — eliminating traditional side correctors.
- Details: Pink gold hands and luminescent indices contrast beautifully with white calendar displays, paired with a deep green alligator strap.
This watch balances classic craftsmanship and cutting-edge ergonomics, embodying AP’s forward-thinking spirit.
Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar 38mm
For the first time, the legendary Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is offered in a 38mm size.
- Stainless Steel Model
- Light blue Grande Tapisserie dial with snailed counters.
- Stainless steel case and bracelet showcase the Royal Oak’s iconic brushed and polished finish.
- 18k Pink Gold Model
- Warm beige dial and counters set against a full pink gold case and bracelet.
- Satin-brushed surfaces and polished chamfers highlight AP’s unmatched finishing.
Both watches feature the Calibre 7136, which, like the Calibre 7138, allows all adjustments through the crown for a seamless user experience. This refinement makes setting a perpetual calendar simpler than ever.
Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Collection
The Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon trio honours AP’s heritage of natural stone dials. Limited editions feature:
- Red Ruby Root Dial with an 18k white gold case.
- Blue Sodalite Dial paired with an 18k pink gold case.
- Green Malachite Dial with an 18k yellow gold case.
The ultra-thin Calibre 2968 movement, only 3.4mm thick, allows the flying tourbillon to appear suspended over each stone dial, creating a captivating depth effect. Each timepiece is finished with a matching alligator strap, with optional rubber-coated straps for added versatility.
Celebrating tradition and innovation
This collection epitomises Audemars Piguet’s 150-year journey. The Royal Oak’s angular architecture, introduced in 1972, and the futuristic Code 11.59 line launched in 2019, stand side by side — a testament to AP’s ability to evolve without losing identity. The inclusion of guilloché artistry, stone dials, and crown-set perpetual calendars shows a deep respect for craft while pushing horological boundaries.
Key specifications at a glance
| Model | Case Size | Material | Dial Material | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar | 38mm | 18k Pink Gold | Green Guilloché | Calibre 7138 |
| Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Steel) | 38mm | Stainless Steel | Light Blue Tapisserie | Calibre 7136 |
| Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Pink Gold) | 38mm | 18k Pink Gold | Beige Tapisserie | Calibre 7136 |
| Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon (Ruby Root) | 41mm | 18k White Gold | Ruby Root Stone | Calibre 2968 |
| Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon (Sodalite) | 41mm | 18k Pink Gold | Sodalite Stone | Calibre 2968 |
| Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon (Malachite) | 41mm | 18k Yellow Gold | Malachite Stone | Calibre 2968 |
Why this collection matters
The anniversary lineup shows Audemars Piguet’s leadership in mechanical innovation and artisanal dial-making. Miniaturised calibres like the 7138 and 2968 make complex watches easier to wear. Natural stone dials bring 1970s inspiration back with a modern twist. And by offering perpetual calendars in 38mm cases, AP opens high complications to a broader audience.
Collectability and investment potential
Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary timepieces will inevitably attract collectors. Limited production, artisanal craftsmanship, and the significance of this milestone year create strong long-term value. Models like the Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon, with its natural stone dials, may be especially sought after in years to come.
The bigger picture
This release underlines Audemars Piguet’s position at the forefront of haute horlogerie. Few brands can merge innovative calibres, timeless design, and deep respect for artisanal craft at this scale. The anniversary collection reflects AP’s ethos: tradition isn’t static; it evolves.