Last year, Audemars Piguet’s unveiling of the new Code 11.59 collection made horological headlines when it joined other iconic watch families including the Royal Oak and Offshore as a permanent pillar of the brand.
The watches are recognisable for their unique geometric architecture, pairing an octagonal case with a deep double curve of sapphire crystal. This year’s just-released new additions continue the play with colour begun last year, adding lacquered hues of blue, burgundy, purple, light and dark grey in a rainbow accentuating the refractions of light from the crystal dome.
‘For each dial, numerous layers of lacquer are applied by hand on the brass dial to reach the desired hues of colours and sunburst effect,’ says development director Lucas Raggi. ‘A thin layer of transparent lacquer tops off the dial. The dial is ultimately polished for a smooth effect.’
Both the sunburst and smoked effects bring a tantalising depth to a dial which otherwise adheres to more classical design codes. ‘The effect of these lacquered dials convey light and movement, enhancing the watch’s numerous details through an ever-changing play of light,’ says Raggi. ‘The lacquer’s smooth finishing radiates refined nuances depending on the angle from which the watch is seen, while magnifying the details composing the dial.’
INFORMATION
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressingPart of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationshipAnnouncing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craftThe heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
-
Samuel Ross unveils his Hublot Big Bang watch designSamuel Ross brings a polished titanium case and orange rubber strap to the Hublot Big Bang watch
-
Playful design meets chic heritage in the Hermès Kelly watchThe new Kelly watch from Hermès rethinks the original 1975 timepiece
-
Discover the tonal new hues of the classic Nomos Club Campus watchThe Nomos classic wristwatch Club Campus now comes in two new collegiate colours. The perfect graduation gift from the Glashütte manufacture
-
Bulgari unveils the thinnest mechanical watch in the worldThe new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra watch is a record-breaking feat of engineering
-
Breitling and Triumph unite on a racy new watch and motorcycle1960s design codes are infused with a contemporary edge in the collaboration between Breitling and Triumph
-
Gerald Genta’s mischievous Mickey Mouse watch design is rethought for a new eraThe Gerald Genta Retrograde with Smiling Disney Mickey Mouse watch pays tribute to Genta’s humorous design codes
-
Shinola honours Georgia O’Keeffe with a new watchShinola Birdy watch stays faithful to the minimalist codes of Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting, My Last Door
-
Bulgari’s new book celebrates women and high jewelleryBulgari Magnifica: The Power Women Hold, published by Rizzoli New York, takes a closer look at the female muses who inspired the spectacular Magnifica high jewellery collection
