Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC
About This Watch
The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC in white gold represents the haute horlogerie pinnacle of the CODE 11.59 collection. The caliber 2948 is a manually wound movement with a flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock, entirely skeletonized to reveal every mechanical detail through both the dial side and caseback. The openworked bridges are hand-finished with beveled edges, frosted surfaces, and satin brushing, a process that takes hundreds of hours per movement. The flying tourbillon cage rotates once per minute, compensating for the effects of gravity on timekeeping accuracy, and appears to float without an upper bridge due to the cantilevered construction. The CODE 11.59 case architecture adds another dimension of complexity with its octagonal middle section visible in profile, framed by two round bezels. The double-curved sapphire crystal creates a lens effect that draws the eye into the skeletonized movement. In white gold, this tourbillon has a cool, contemporary presence that pairs well with the mechanical complexity visible through every surface. This represents AP at its most technically ambitious outside the Royal Oak family, proving that haute horlogerie and modern design can coexist beautifully.
In-Depth Review
The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked, reference 26396BC, represents the most ambitious horological statement within a collection that initially divided opinion but has steadily earned respect among serious collectors. The 41mm white gold case features the CODE 11.59's distinctive architecture -- an octagonal middle case sandwiched between round bezels, viewed through a double-curved sapphire crystal that creates an unusual depth effect on the wrist. The manually wound Caliber 2948 powers the flying tourbillon, which sits prominently on the openworked dial where every bridge, wheel, and lever is visible and meticulously hand-finished with traditional Cotes de Geneve and beveling techniques.
The openworked dial transforms this from a watch into a window into mechanical artistry. Without a traditional dial plate, the wearer can observe the entire gear train, the flying tourbillon carriage rotating once per minute, and the hand-finished bridges that demonstrate why Audemars Piguet holds its place in the Holy Trinity. The blue alligator strap and white gold case give the piece a cooler, more contemporary feel compared to rose gold alternatives. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters -- purely splash protection, consistent with the haute horlogerie positioning.
At $193,000 MSRP with secondary market prices around $170,000, the 26396BC trades below retail, which is typical for CODE 11.59 references that have not yet achieved the same collector frenzy as the Royal Oak. However, this discount represents an opportunity rather than a weakness. The finishing quality and movement architecture rival pieces costing significantly more, and as the CODE 11.59 collection matures in the market's perception, early adopters may benefit. Those considering alternatives should look at the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon for a sportier approach or the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon for a dressier one. The CODE 11.59 Tourbillon is for the collector who wants serious AP haute horlogerie without the Royal Oak octagon.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Manual |
|---|---|
| Caliber | AP 2948 |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph |
| Jewels | 25 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 41.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 11.8mm |
| Case Material | 18k White Gold |
| Crystal | Double-curved sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, octagonal within round case |
| Dial Color | Openworked |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 47.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Blue alligator leather strap |
| Clasp | AP folding clasp in white gold |
| Weight | 90g |
| Complications |