The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 reference 26398OR.OO.D002CR.99 is one of the most complex timepieces ever produced by the manufacturer. Housed in a 42mm 18-carat pink gold case with a thickness of 15.55mm, the watch features an architectural skeletonized dial with NAC-treated bridges and pink gold accents. It is powered by the self-winding Calibre 1000, a massive movement composed of 1,155 individual parts and 90 jewels, providing a 60-hour power reserve and a 3Hz frequency. The watch is presented on a black alligator leather strap with a pink gold folding clasp and maintains a water resistance of 20 meters.
This ultra-complication integrates 40 functions, including 23 complications. Key among these are a Grande Sonnerie Supersonnerie, a minute repeater, and a flying tourbillon at the 6 o’clock position. The movement also features a semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar with a large date, year, and an innovative astronomical moon phase system that uses concentric discs to represent ten different lunar stages. For timing, it includes a split-seconds flyback chronograph, where the split-seconds mechanism is uniquely integrated into the ball bearing of the oscillating weight to save space. To manage these functions, the case utilizes a system of three “supercrowns” and three push-pieces designed for tool-free adjustment.
General reviews highlight the Universelle as a monumental technical achievement that successfully reconciles extreme mechanical density with ergonomic wearability. Critics and collectors frequently praise the clarity of the acoustic Supersonnerie technology, which uses a sapphire soundboard and a “secret” caseback to amplify chimes. While the broader Code 11.59 collection initially faced polarized reactions for its departure from the Royal Oak aesthetic, this specific reference is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the line, silencing many skeptics by showcasing Audemars Piguet’s highest level of horological innovation and traditional finishing.