Audemars Piguet - Code 11.59 26396QT 41mm SS/NY Meteorite Dial APPF Tourb

APPF Factory Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Tourbillon SS APPF Best Edition Meteorite Dial on Gray Nylon Strap

Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon (Ref. 26396QT.OO.D009KB.01) – Middle East Special Edition

Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59 collection debuted in January 2019 as a modern reinterpretation of the brand’s design language. The newest Special Edition in this line is the 41 mm Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon (Ref. 26396QT.OO.D009KB.01), introduced in late 2024. This “Middle East” edition was unveiled alongside two Royal Oak models as part of a series of tributes conceived with loyal UAE collectors. These tributes were co-designed in a unique “Create the Extraordinary” workshop held in Dubai (June 2022), where select collectors gave creative input to AP’s designers. Each of the three resulting watches (two Royal Oaks and this Code 11.59) is engraved on the caseback with “Special Edition” and “Create the Extraordinary” to mark this collaboration.

Collaborative Design & Middle East Inspiration

Audemars Piguet explicitly tailored these releases for the Middle Eastern market. The Code 11.59 Tourbillon’s dial, for example, features Eastern-Arabic numerals (in contrast to the usual Western indices), nodding to local culture. Likewise, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar special edition in this trio uses Hindu-Arabic numerals and the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked is rendered in striking white ceramic – all reflecting input from regional collectors. In short, this collection blends AP’s high watchmaking with local aesthetic touches. As one press release summarized, these pieces “combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology” and embody “the passion, spirit of innovation and collaboration” that AP fosters.

Unique Two-Tone Case & Meteorite Dial

The Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon stands out visually with a two-tone case and a one-of-a-kind dial. Key design highlights include:

• Case: 41.0 mm diameter, with a black ceramic central case and crown paired with stainless steel bezel, lugs and caseback. (This is AP’s first Code 11.59 to use black ceramic on the case.) The case is 11.76 mm thick and water-resistant to 30 m.

• Dial: Matte grey meteorite with a unique stratified pattern (no two dials are alike) and a matching grey inner flange. The meteorite’s natural striations give depth and texture to the face of the watch.

• Markers: Applied Eastern-Arabic numerals (for 12, 3, 6, 9) and slim baton indices in rhodium-plated pink gold. These markers contrast elegantly against the grey dial.

• Hands: White-gold hour and minute hands (filled with luminescent material) that match the case’s two-tone finish.

• Strap: Grey rubber (textured on the outside) with a stainless-steel AP folding clasp. The strap’s color and finish complement the dial and case tones.

This combination of black ceramic and polished steel gives the watch a sporty yet refined two-tone aesthetic. The blend of technical materials and precious dial makes the look both modern and luxurious.

Movement & Tourbillon Mechanics

Inside the case beats Calibre 2950, a self-winding movement with a central rotor. It is notable as AP’s first automatic flying-tourbillon calibre – introduced in 2019 with the launch of the Code 11.59 collection. The flying tourbillon sits at 6 o’clock (without an upper bridge) and is exquisitely hand-finished. It “reduces the effect of gravity on the watch and enhances accuracy,” as AP notes. The sapphire caseback offers a view of the tourbillon cage and the beautifully decorated movement, showcasing AP’s haute horlogerie finishing.

Key performance specs of the calibre are:

• Tourbillon: Flying tourbillon escapement (visible at 6 o’clock) with the cage doubling as the small seconds display.

• Rate & Power: Beats at 3 Hz (21,600 vph) with approximately 65 hours power reserve.

• Jewels/Parts: 27 jewels, 270 components (highly complex for an automatic tourbillon).

In short, Calibre 2950 combines the romance of a flying tourbillon with modern reliability. It was a significant milestone for AP – as one source explains, it was “the first AP movement to combine a flying tourbillon with a central rotor” – and this Middle East edition brings that calibre to a striking new execution.

Limited Edition & Availability

This Code 11.59 is a strictly limited edition of 30 pieces. Each watch is engraved on the caseback with “Special Edition” and the date of the Dubai workshop to mark its provenance. All production is intended for the Middle Eastern market (through AP boutiques in the UAE and region). With only 30 made, it is extremely rare – one report notes these pieces will be “rare find[s] over the other Code 11.59 models”. As is typical for AP’s high complications, the price is quoted “on request,” but industry listings suggest an eventual retail on the order of mid-six figures (around $200–250K USD).

In summary, the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon (Ref. 26396QT.OO.D009KB.01) marries Audemars Piguet’s technical artistry with Middle Eastern-inspired design flourishes. It offers a unique combination of black ceramic and steel, a rare meteorite dial, Eastern-Arabic numerals, and AP’s first automatic flying tourbillon – all in a highly exclusive limited edition. This makes it a standout piece both within the Code 11.59 family and among modern AP creations dedicated to the region.