Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie
Audemars Piguet is introducing a particularly special piece to its 2020 Code 11.59 collection – the Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie – thus featuring one of the most prestigious complications in the watchmaking world. Furthermore, the watch combines the art of watchmaking with art itself, having collaborated with Swiss enameller artisan Anita Porchet to create the dials. A mere five pieces are available.
The Dials
Notably, Anita Porchet is one of Switzerland’s most recognised and respected enamelers. She has worked for the likes of Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Piaget while creating miniature works of art upon watch dials. When creating her designs for the dials, Porchet was inspired by the Code 11.59’s unconventional design. Three of the Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie feature “Grand Feu” enamel dials decorated with antique gold spangles (curved gold leaf created by hand), known as “paillons”.
By contrast, the two remaining limited editions are to feature personalised dials, depending on the creative desires of the clients to purchase the other two watches. The dials’ materials are intended to pay homage to the enamel Grande Sonnerie masterpieces, which were crafted in the Vallée de Joux between the 18th and 19th centuries.
Due to the organic nature of the materials, manufacturing technique, and the art done by hand, each of the Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie‘s dials is unique. Furthermore, the creation of the dials is no easy feat. Firstly, a thin layer of glass sand mixed with water is applied by hand onto the gold dial, before being heated at more than 800°C in a special oven. This is then repeated multiple times to achieve an excellent level of transparency, depth and light. Each baking session requires different temperatures and times and is a highly delicate process – demanding an equally high level of expertise.
The Case
While the dials of the Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie are protected by double glare-proofed sapphire crystal, the 41 mm cases of the limited editions are made with 18-carat white gold. Featuring a screw-down crown, they are water-resistant to 20 m. Furthermore, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet case is, like the dial, not easy to create; the case features an octagonal middle case with a round, extra-thin bezel and stylised arched lugs. As with the dial’s art, this required dedicated tools – and human talent. The alternation of satin-brushed and polished surfaces on the case is also done by hand.
The Movement
Meanwhile, the movement powering the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie is the manual-winding movement calibre 2956. Measuring 29.9 mm (13 lignes) in diameter and 5.88 mm in thickness, it consists of no less than 489 components and 53 jewels. Moreover, it has a 48-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 3 Hz.
The watch’s functions include not only hours and minutes, but also a minute repeater as well as the Grande Sonnerie and Petite Sonnerie Carillon. First conceived by the brand in 2015, a Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie does not only chime when activated, like a classic minute repeater. Rather, the Supersonnerie allows it to – notably loudly – chime the hours and quarter hours without activation every time.
That said, should the wearer simply wish to activate the minute repeater, they can use the pusher at 11 o’clock. Thanks to the carillon, the complication has three, as opposed to two, sets of hammers and gongs. Therefore, it can chime a high note for each hour, produce a triple chime for the quarter hours, or a low note for minutes. Meanwhile, the strike mode for the complication (silent, grande or petite sonnerie) is set by using the crown at 2 o’clock. When in the Petite Sonnerie position, the watch chimes only the hours. In silent mode, the automatic chiming is deactivated.
Last but not least, the limited edition Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie watches are presented on a hand-stitched “large square-scale” blue alligator strap, which operates with the help of an 18-carat white gold folding clasp. They are water-resistant to approximately 20 m and are priced from CHF 710,000, with the two personalised models’ prices depending on the clients’ choice of customisation.
After much anticipation, OMEGA is releasing its new Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary edition. The dial features a blue and white colour scheme, while the unusual caseback takes the OMEGA Speedmaster to a whole new level of design, from the inclusion of a flying Snoopy to a realistic-looking disc of the Earth. The watch…
Geneva-based manufacturer Czapek & Cie. is expanding its Antarctique Passage de Drake sports watch collection with two new variants. The model now appears with a dial in the ice blue "Glacier Blue" or in Salmon. According to Czapek, these colors were frequently requested by collectors, which is why the manufacture finally decided to include them…
In line with its CEO's current focus on “hyper horology”, watch brand Roger Dubuis is introducing a new Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon model. The model aims to optimise all of its components in order to match with its wearers' lifestyle, from design and performance to wearability. For this reason, it features a reinvented flying tourbillon,…
At this year's Watches & Wonders fair, Hublot is adding two particularly attractive models to its Big Bang Unico collection in orange or dark green ceramic. Both pieces showcase a skeletonised dial, come with sumptuous matching rubber straps, and are a limited edition of 250 pieces. The case So, down to the details. The new…
Hublot presents the Big Bang MECA-10 in a more compact 42mm case. The watch features an updated movement with three linear bridges and a power reserve of 10 days. The watch is available in three versions: King Gold, Titanium, and Frosted Carbon. The new case size offers a more ergonomic fit and retains the design…
Like the artist Richard Orlinski himself, Hublot always manages to discover new sensations from the seemingly limitless number of materials for its creations. Characterised by rough edges, the Swiss watchmaker and Richard Orlinski have created a multi-faceted watch in the French artist's characteristic style. Another milestone for a collaboration that has been in place since…
Rolex is extending its GMT-Master II range with a new version in ‘Oystersteel’, equipped with a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour graduated two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic. The lugs and sides of its Oyster case have been redesigned, and the watch is fitted on a five-link Jubilee bracelet. Two other versions…
Parmigiani Fleurier presents the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Platinum Stone Blue, a limited edition of only 25 pieces that embodies understated luxury. The timepiece features a case and bracelet made of 950 platinum, complemented by a sandblasted Stone Blue dial with appliqués in 18-karat rhodium-plated gold. With a diameter of 40 mm and a height of…
To mark its 160th anniversary, Zenith gifts the watchmaking world a new Chronomaster Original, housed in stainless steel and with a blue dial. The line, launched in 2021, represents the legitimate heir to Zenith’s 1969 A386 – one of the first chronographs equipped with the legendary high-frequency El Primero calibre in stainless steel. An icon…
Inspired by the Memovox Polaris watch from 1968, Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed a new collection to join the brand’s existing pillars. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Collection These models are a homage to a historical reference, the Memovox Polaris. But also they represent today’s spirit and modernity. The new Polaris collection offers a full range of timepieces: a three-hand automatic, a chronograph…
With the Classics Première Salmon, Frédérique Constant presents a new model that is exclusively available in Europe. The watch features a 38.5 mm stainless steel case and a striking salmon-coloured dial with Arabic numerals. Inside lies the automatic FC-301 calibre, visible through the transparent case back. This timepiece combines traditional watchmaking with contemporary design elements.…
Due to its reliable design and anti-magnetic properties, the original OMEGA Railmaster of 1957 had an significant role in working-class life. Today, the updated collection is paying tribute to that industrial past with a new denim-inspired model. Although they are now a fashion item, denim jeans were once manufactured for the benefit of hard-working labourers…
The new Blancpain Air Command is based on a historic timepiece that was only produced very limitedly in the 1950s. As a result, these originals always fetch large sums at auction. Now the descendant of the Blancpain Pilot's Watch appears in a titanium or red gold case. The watch also features a chronograph with flyback…