s part of its 150th anniversary celebrations, Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet is delighted to unveil three vibrant stone dial references in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection. The limited-edition trio, based on the 38 mm Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon released earlier this year, revives the brand’s long tradition of natural stone dials while adding a powerful touch of eternity to the collection.

Available in ruby root, blue sodalite and green malachite, each dial is respectively paired with a case crafted in 18-carat white, pink, or yellow gold. The inclusion of a flying tourbillon, typically reserved for larger watches, reflects the Manufacture’s commitment to making high complications more versatile and expressive, while the energetic properties of the precious stones and luminous sparkle lend a refined, elegant touch.

Audemars Piguet began exploring the aesthetic potential of natural stone dials in the 1960s. Requiring exceptional manual skills, each dial is crafted from a wafer-thin layer of stone, painstakingly cut and polished to preserve its integrity while revealing its natural brilliance. The tonal variations, veining and textural richness inherent to each stone ensure that no two dials are alike.

Beyond their rarity and physical beauty, precious stones have long been imbued with symbolic meanings that resonate with different facets of the human experience. They are also believed to hold unique energetic properties that support emotional balance, wellbeing and empowerment.

For this exclusive trio, Audemars Piguet has carefully sourced the precious stones from around the world: vivid ruby root from Tanzania, associated with vitality and protection; deep blue sodalite from Brazil, linked to calm and clarity; and rich green malachite from Zambia, said to support growth and transformation. For many, these materials are more than decorative – they carry emotional weight, making each timepiece a talisman as much as a mechanical marvel.

Each new reference has been meticulously designed to highlight both the natural beauty of the stone dial and the mechanical sophistication of the ultra-thin selfwinding flying tourbillon positioned at 6 o’clock. The case material has been thoughtfully selected to enhance the character of each stone: 18-carat white gold for ruby root, 18-carat pink gold for blue sodalite and 18-carat yellow gold for green malachite.

This gold extends to the hands and to the intricate details around and within the tourbillon cage, creating a rich and harmonious visual contrast with the stone dial. The alternation of satin-brushed and polished finishes across the case surface creates a subtle interplay of light, while the luminescent coating on the hands ensures legibility in low-light conditions.

Completing the design, the vibrant dial colours continue seamlessly into matching alligator leather straps with large square scales. A colour-coordinated interchangeable rubber-coated strap is also available on demand, offering greater versatility for everyday wear.

At the heart of these new creations beats Calibre 2968 – the Manufacture’s selfwinding flying tourbillon movement designed specifically for watches under 41 mm. First introduced in 2022 on the Royal Oak RD#3 (first in 39 mm then in 37 mm), this ultra-thin calibre made its debut in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection earlier this year in 38 mm.

Measuring only 3.4 mm in thickness, this high-end complication has been rethought and redesigned to reduce its width while retaining the initial proportions of its cage. For the first time, the titanium tourbillon cage is equipped with a peripheral drive, minimising weight while a high-amplitude escapement enhances reliability, energy distribution and precision. Unlike a traditional tourbillon, the flying tourbillon cage is supported only from below, giving it a graceful, floating appearance above the dial’s natural stone backdrop.

Drawing on generations of expertise, the 38 mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon timepiece sets a new standard for miniaturisation, demonstrating that technical savoir-faire and ergonomic elegance are not mutually exclusive, but rather two sides of the same coin. With its refined architecture, the 38 mm case embodies both technical mastery and artistic intention, offering a powerful horological experience in a beautifully proportioned form.

Since its founding, Audemars Piguet’s legacy of design exploration and variety owes much to the tastes and demands of women. Often worn as pendants, brooches or rings, early women’s watches provided a platform for innovation for watchmakers, driving the Manufacture’s quest for miniaturisation as well as its pioneering role in the development on the wristwatch at the turn of the 20th century. This led the brand to achieve a series of world firsts in both the ultra-thin and ultra-small categories.

Reducing the size of components while maintaining their functionality requires exceptional precision and skill, as smaller parts must be meticulously crafted to ensure they work seamlessly together. Over time, watchmakers at Audemars Piguet have consistently attempted to distil complicated movements into ever smaller formats. This dedication not only enhances the performance and aesthetics of the brand’s watches but also makes complications accessible and wearable at every size.

Today, Audemars Piguet offers timepieces that transcend gender and convention. Each piece is a vibrant statement of personal expression, capturing the Manufacture’s dedication to masterful artistry and enduring emotional connection.