Antje Heepmann 01 October 2025

From the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph, the open – that is, skeletonised – construction with extensive views from the front and back is already well known. The distinctive bi-colour look has also already been realised in this model.

Now, with the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked, the Le Brassus-based manufacturer is presenting its first version focused on the time display and the tourbillon, which defies gravity, featuring both of these characteristics. The latter is flying, i.e. mounted on only one side, designed to allow as much visibility as possible of this popular complication.

Speaking of unobstructed views, the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked is one of the few models in the Code 11.59 collection launched in 2019 that showcases Audemars Piguet’s skeletonisation skills. The dial and movement benefit from this, as do those who admire them, of course.

Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Automatik SQ von Audemars Piguet

New Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 with newly developed movement

Audemars Piguet emphasises the importance of the Code 11.59 collection, which is still relatively young compared to the Royal Oak, by equipping the new addition with a brand-new calibre. It is the advanced successor to the calibre 2972, which debuted in 2022 in an automatic version with a flying tourbillon to mark the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak collection.

Vorderansicht und Rückansicht Kaliber 2980 von Audemars Piguet

Completely redesigned, it is now integrated as the 2980 into the curved case construction of the new Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked. It features hour and minute functions as well as a minute tourbillon. It takes 25 hours to assemble the 278-component movement, which then offers a 65-hour power reserve and allows its balance wheel to oscillate at a leisurely three hertz.

From an aesthetic point of view, the calibre 2980 stands out for its open appearance thanks to skeletonisation, a technique that Audemars Piguet has been applying and developing since the 1930s. Today, modern CNC machines and electroerosive machining (EDM) are used to complement the still irreplaceable craftsmanship. The result can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback.

Kaliber 2980 in Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Automatik SQ von Audemars Piguet

Code 11.59 with striking black and gold case

The high-contrast two-tone look is primarily conveyed by the 41-millimetre case, which is water-resistant to three bar. The 18-carat rose gold used for the bezel and lugs and the deep black ceramic used for the middle section are equal counterparts and reinforce the depth effect created by the skeletonisation. The warm gold tone continues on the rotor, bridges, and hands.

Modern dial

The openworked dial of the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked emphasises the sculptural aesthetic, with each element and detail capturing the light from different angles, showcasing the timepiece’s open architecture. Part of this modern aesthetic are the rose gold hands coated with luminescent material and the hand-decorated brass inner bezel.

Black strap with rose gold

The new Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked is worn on a black rubber strap with a textile motif and a soft calfskin lining. The three-piece folding clasp in rose gold ensures a secure fit.