Just last week, Audemars Piguet, headquartered in Le Brassus, unveiled a collection of new timepieces for the 150th anniversary, with a significant focus on an innovative perpetual calendar movement that eliminates the need for recessed correctors—an advancement that is far more intricate than it may seem at first glance.
Opal & innovation: Audermars Piguet 150th unveils time’s most precious facets
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Audemars Piguet, a milestone that the esteemed Swiss watchmaker is commemorating with a series of exceptional releases.
As part of its year-long celebration, Audemars Piguet is introducing numerous limited-edition models, including a remarkable new interpretation of the highly complex Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie. This exclusive collection consists of five unique versions, showcasing either cutting-edge materials or striking ornamental stones.
Beyond the dial
The Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie first made its debut in 2020, equipped with one of the most revered mechanisms in haute horology—the grande sonnerie movement. The initial edition featured dials designed by the renowned enamel artist Anita Porchet, incorporating intricate paillonné enamelwork.
In 2023, the brand reintroduced this masterpiece with three one-of-a-kind models, each boasting a sapphire dial that fully exposed the movement’s intricate workings. These were crafted in white, rose, and yellow gold.
Now, in celebration of its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet is unveiling five new exclusive editions, each distinguished by a specially designed caseback. Known for its expertise in crafting striking timepieces, AP’s mastery of the Grande Sonnerie mechanism serves as a testament to its unparalleled craftsmanship. This exceptional movement, combined with the brand’s patented Supersonnerie technology and a carillon function, results in an extraordinary chiming complication.
Considered the pinnacle of watchmaking complexity, a Grande Sonnerie chimes the hours and quarter-hours automatically. Unlike a minute repeater, which requires manual activation to chime the time on demand, this sophisticated mechanism operates autonomously, striking the hours every hour and both the hours and quarters at each quarter-hour.
However, the wearer can also manually activate the chimes via a dedicated crown, which allows for selection between Petite Sonnerie mode (striking only the hours) or Silent mode. Additionally, a third pusher positioned at 10 o’clock on the case enables the activation of the minute repeater function.
150 years of mastery
What sets this Grande Sonnerie apart is its incorporation of a carillon. Unlike traditional chiming watches that rely on two gongs, this mechanism features three gongs and corresponding hammers, each tuned to a different pitch. As a result, the quarter-hour chimes are delivered in a distinctive three-tone sequence—high, middle, and low—creating a more melodious and intricate auditory experience.
At the heart of this timepiece lies the Calibre 2956, a movement that took Audemars Piguet over eight years to develop in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. This innovative movement was first introduced in the Royal Oak Concept RD1 in 2015.
A key feature of the Supersonnerie mechanism is its unique case construction, where the gongs are not affixed to the mainplate but instead mounted onto a special resonating soundboard. This design significantly enhances sound projection, achieving a level of volume and resonance reminiscent of antique pocket watches.
For its anniversary release, AP is presenting five distinct 41mm Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie models, featuring a variety of case materials, including a mix of black ceramic and platinum, as well as 18-carat white, pink, and sand gold.
Additionally, the brand is introducing two exclusive time-only models (without small seconds), distinguished by dials crafted from natural opal. These ultra-thin 0.45mm opal slices are securely mounted onto a durable metal disc, ensuring their structural integrity while preserving their delicate aesthetic appeal.
Key information about the collection for 150 th anniversary
- What is special about the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie? It features a highly complex Grande Sonnerie movement, carillon chiming, and Supersonnerie technology for enhanced sound projection.
- How does the Grande Sonnerie differ from a minute repeater? The Grande Sonnerie chimes the hours and quarters automatically, while a minute repeater chimes on demand and requires manual activation.
- What materials are used in the five new unique models of the Code 11.59? The cases are made from black ceramic and platinum or 18-carat white, pink, and sand gold.
- What innovation enhances the sound quality of the Supersonnerie mechanism? The gongs are mounted on a resonating soundboard instead of the mainplate, amplifying both volume and clarity.
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