A closer look at the Audemars Piguet watch that won the GPHG Aguille d'Or prize

Here's why Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle was the best in show at GPHG 2023

This year's Aguille d'Or winner at GPHG is the Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle (RD#4), the most complicated Code 11.59 yet featuring 40 functions, including 23 complications and 17 special technical devices. Powered by the self-winding Calibre 1000 with over 1,100 components, it is the most recent culmination of Audemars Piguet's savoir-faire in high-end watchmaking that had taken its team seven years to realise.

For one, the contemporary Code 11.59 case in 18k pink gold is now home to its Grand Sonnerie Supersonnerie, an extremely rare complication for a wristwatch. While a minute repeater chimes on demand, the Grand Sonnerie chimes automatically at the top of every hour and every quarter-hour. This is paired with improved chiming components and construction of the Swiss manufacture's patented Supersonnerie with the gongs attached to a soundboard to produce sublime clarity and musicality of the tones.

That said, it is also a minute repeater, should one want the watch to chime on demand.

Above Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle

Above The “secret” caseback of Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle

Other notable complications include a flying tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, and even a split-seconds chronograph, all of which are easily readable on a surprisingly “clean” beige dial. Additional technical highlight is an oscillator with vastly improved amplitude that premiered in the Royal Oak Selfwinding Tourbillon Extra-Thin in 2022.

A “secret” caseback can be opened to reveal the decorative complexities, including the Supersonnerie sapphire membrane, of Calibre 1000.

Above François-Henry Bennahmias, CEO of Audemars Piguet

The GPHG win is a terrific bookender to CEO François-Henry Bennahmias’ career at Audemars Piguet; he will be leaving the company he has helmed since 2012 at the end of this year.

“After 29 years in the watchmaking business, I'd like to dedicate this victory to the teams, to Ilaria (Resta) who will succeed me, to Jasmine Audemars, and to the founding families who have supported me,” he said in his acceptance speech.

NOW READ

Introducing Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet in 38mm

What to know about the Audemars Piguet Spider-Man Royal Oak

Patek Philippe honours Philippe Stern with limited-edition Minute Repeater Alarm Reference 1938P-001

Topics

Audemars Piguet GPHG 2023

Tatler Asia

A closer look at the Audemars Piguet watch that won the GPHG 2023 Aguille d'Or prize