Since 2019, Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 has seen many different versions, with a variety of new materials, movements and colors. This year, the brand continues to launch the latest model of the collection with extremely sparkling 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 rays of sunshine. Each diamond has been carefully selected to create a harmonious effect when combined with each other, while the unique optical effect is also shown through the two curved glass layers that magnify the brilliance of the dial under light.
The watch is set with a total of 612 diamonds.
Over time, as science and technology developed, leading to changes in the perception of most collectors, Audemars Piguet's creations for ladies also underwent many different transformations, from classic machines to contemporary pioneering designs.
First worn as pendants, then transformed into brooches or rings, the brand’s women’s watches of the time were characterised by eclectic designs, vibrant dial finishes and exquisite gem-setting. Not only were they essential to the evolution of the wristwatch in the early 20th century, but their creations for women also reflected the technical challenges and aesthetics that characterized their respective eras.
Audemars Piguet initially focused on creating extremely small designs and complex movements. The brand reached its peak in 1927 with the launch of the 5/6SB movement – the smallest “baguette” movement. This movement blurred the line between the concepts of “jewelry watches” and “functional watches” and paved the way for the pioneering feminine designs that followed.
Audemars Piguet never stopped making watches for women, even during the Second World War. The creations of the 1940s and 1950s were inspired by the creative and artistic approach of the 1930s, especially with regard to the case.
Luxury watch with noble silver white color.
18K gold plated watch face
In the early 1970s, Audemars Piguet continued to create designs specifically for women, combining Savoir-faire techniques with sophisticated designs. They were often adorned with colorful gemstones set into the case. In 1976, with the launch of the Royal Oak II - the first Royal Oak for women to be launched, marked a new milestone for Audemars Piguet.
What is 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 assigned the task of transforming the brand's iconic Royal Oak into a more feminine version.
By reducing the case size to 29mm while still retaining the octagonal bezel and six hexagonal screws inspired by a diving helmet, Jacqueline Dimier created one of the greatest feminine icons in watchmaking history. Since 1976, many other female versions of the Royal Oak have appeared, most notably the Royal Oak Mini with its incredibly "tiny" case - 20mm, launched in 1997 with a battery-operated mechanism.
Developments continued in the 1980s and 1990s, with the first Royal Oak Offshore for ladies in 1996, featuring a 30mm diameter and 10mm thick case. Despite its smaller size, this version retained the masculine aesthetic of its predecessor. Graceful yet bold designs continued at Audemars Piguet in the 2000s, notably the creation of “high jewelry” models – models inspired by the beauty of the world of jewelry combined with the art of watchmaking.
Modern and elegant watch design.
These unique creations prompted the brand to develop the Haute Joaillerie collection in 2013, known today for the Diamond Triology (2015 – 2017) and its latest creation, the Sapphire Orbe (2019).
Audemars Piguet’s interweaving of fine jewelry and fine watchmaking has taken a significant step forward. In 2016, the brand collaborated with jewelry designer Carolina Bucci to reinterpret the Royal Oak for women on its 40th anniversary, using Florentine hammering and a very special Frosted Gold material.
The technique involves creating tiny indentations in the gold with a diamond-tipped tool to create a sparkling effect that resembles diamond dust. The two initial models released – the 37mm ref. 15454 and the 33mm ref. 67652 – in white or rose gold – at an international event attended by Jacqueline Dimier. This marked the beginning of Audemars Piguet’s collaboration with Carolina Bucci. Since 2016, the Frosted Gold finish has been applied to a variety of watch collections, sizes and movements.
