VI
EN
Since 2019, Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 has seen many different versions, with a variety of materials, movements, and new colors. This year, the brand continues to release the latest model in the collection, featuring dazzling diamonds.
The 18-carat white or rose gold dial is set with a total of 612 diamonds (~2.3 carats) radiating from the center like sunbeams. Each diamond is carefully selected to achieve a harmonious effect when combined, and the unique optical effect is further enhanced by the two curved glass layers that magnify the dial's brilliance under light.
The watch is studded with a total of 612 diamonds.
Over time, as science and technology developed, leading to changes in the perceptions of most collectors, Audemars Piguet's creations for ladies have also undergone many transformations, from classic timepieces to cutting-edge contemporary designs.
Initially worn as pendants, then transformed into brooches or rings, the brand's women's watches of the time shared commonalities in their eclectic design, dazzling dial finishes, and exquisite gem-setting techniques. Not only did they play a vital role in the development of wristwatches in the early 20th century, but these creations for women also reflected the challenges of craftsmanship and the distinctive aesthetics of their respective eras.
Initially, Audemars Piguet focused on crafting extremely small designs with complex movements. The brand reached its peak in 1927 with the introduction of the 5/6SB movement – the smallest "baguette" style movement. This movement blurred the lines between "jewelry watches" and "functional watches," paving the way for pioneering, feminine designs that followed.
Audemars Piguet never stopped creating watches for women, even during World War II. Their creations from the 1940s and 1950s drew inspiration from the innovative and artistic approach of the 1930s, particularly in terms of the watch case.
A luxury watch in an elegant silver-white color.
The watch face is plated with 18K gold.
In the early 1970s, Audemars Piguet continued to produce designs specifically for women, combining Savoir-faire techniques with exquisite design. These were often adorned with multicolored gemstones set on the case. In 1976, the introduction of the Royal Oak II – the first Royal Oak designed for women – marked a new milestone for Audemars Piguet.
What's special is that the Royal Oak II was designed by Jacqueline Dimier – a talented woman who joined Audemars Piguet as Head of Design in 1975. She was tasked with transforming the brand's iconic Royal Oak into a more feminine version.
By reducing the case size to 29mm while retaining the octagonal bezel and six hexagonal fixing screws inspired by diving helmets, Jacqueline Dimier created one of the greatest feminine icons in watchmaking history. Since 1976, many other women's versions of the Royal Oak have appeared, most notably the Royal Oak Mini with its astonishingly small 20mm case, launched in 1997 with a battery-powered movement.
Development continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, exemplified by the first Royal Oak Offshore for women in 1996, featuring a 30mm diameter case and 10mm thickness. Despite its smaller size, this version retained the masculine aesthetic of its predecessor. Elegant yet bold designs continued at Audemars Piguet in the 2000s, notably the introduction of "high jewelry" models – themes inspired by the beauty of the jewelry world intertwined with the art of handcrafted watchmaking.
The watch has a modern and elegant design.
These unique creations spurred the brand to develop its Haute Joaillerie collection in 2013, now known for the Diamond Triology (2015–2017) and its latest creation, the Sapphire Orbe (2019).
The fusion of high-end jewelry and exquisite watchmaking techniques at Audemars Piguet has taken a significant step forward. In 2016, the brand collaborated with jewelry designer Carolina Bucci to reinterpret the women's Royal Oak to celebrate its 40th anniversary, featuring Florentine hammering and a truly exceptional Frosted Gold finish.
This technique involves creating tiny indentations in the gold using a diamond-tipped tool to produce a sparkling effect resembling diamond dust. The two initial models released were the 15454 (37 mm) and the 67652 (33 mm), both in white or rose gold – at an international event attended by Jacqueline Dimier. This marked the beginning of the collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Carolina Bucci. Since 2016, the Frosted Gold finish has been applied to numerous watch collections, sizes, and movements.
