The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph reference 26399BC.OO.D321CR.01 is a high-complication luxury timepiece limited to 50 pieces. It features a 41mm case crafted from 18k white gold, characterized by the collection’s signature architectural design which includes an octagonal middle case sandwiched between a thin round bezel and caseback. The watch is distinguished by its complex double-curved sapphire crystal and skeletonized dial, which is framed by a lacquered blue inner bezel and paired with a hand-stitched blue alligator leather strap.
Mechanically, the watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 2952, a self-winding movement that combines a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock with a flyback chronograph. This movement consists of 479 components, operates at a frequency of 3 Hz, and provides a 65-hour power reserve. The openworked architecture reveals rhodium-toned and black galvanic bridges made from titanium and nickel silver, while the chronograph functionality includes 30-minute and 12-hour counters. Despite its sporty complications, the case maintains a relatively slim profile of 13.75mm and offers a water resistance of 30 meters.
General reviews of this reference and the broader Code 11.59 collection emphasize the exceptional level of hand-finishing and the complex case construction that is often better appreciated in person than in photographs. While early models in the line faced criticism for uninspired dial designs, this specific iteration is praised for its technical prowess and the visual depth created by its skeletonized movement. Critics and enthusiasts alike note that the combination of a tourbillon and an integrated flyback chronograph demonstrates Audemars Piguet’s high-end watchmaking expertise, though some point to the low water resistance and high retail price as limiting factors for everyday wear.