Do you know? The discontinuation of the Audemars Piguet 5134 movement has triggered heated discussions among watch fans, and many people are even worried that the future of the Code 11.59 series will be affected. Audemars Piguet did not stop there, but launched a new Code 11.59 perpetual calendar watch, demonstrating their firm pursuit of technological innovation. Want to know what’s amazing about this new watch? Come and take a look!

The discontinuation and impact of Audemars Piguet 5134 movement

In 2022, Audemars Piguet suddenly announced the discontinuation of the 5134 movement. This news shocked many watch fans. Since its introduction in 2012, this movement has been powering several of the brand’s perpetual calendar watches for a full decade. Before the discontinuation of production, the application range of the 5134 movement had covered the Code 11.59 series and many Royal Oak perpetual calendar models.

Modern movements and Audemars Piguet’s technological pursuits

Although the discontinuation of the 5134 movement means that Audemars Piguet will lose a movement, it does not mean that the brand has given up on perpetual calendar watches. When Audemars Piguet announced the discontinuation of the 5134 movement, it also launched a new Code 11.59 perpetual calendar watch. This also shows the brand’s emphasis on and pursuit of technological progress – as long as the movement is conducive to improving the performance of the watch, Audemars Piguet will spare no effort to develop and apply it.

The design and innovation of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 series

As a new series launched by Audemars Piguet in 2019, the Code 11.59 watch was equipped with the 5134 movement when it debuted. It is worth mentioning that the architecture of this movement is actually based on the Royal Oak Jumbo series movement that came out in 1972. When the 5134 movement was announced to be discontinued, many watch fans began to worry about the future of the Code 11.59 series.

Audemars Piguet has chosen to continue developing the Code 11.59 series, which actually reflects the brand’s persistence and pursuit of innovation – even a brand new series cannot be dealt with with old technology.

Details and performance of the new Code 11.59 perpetual calendar watch

This year, Audemars Piguet officially launched the new Code 11.59 perpetual calendar watch, the most eye-catching of which is undoubtedly the replacement of the movement. The movement model of this new watch is Cal.7138, which is a newly developed modern movement. The thickness of the movement has been reduced from 5.0 mm to 4.1 mm, and the functional layout has also been redesigned.

Due to the reduction in movement thickness, the case thickness of the new Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar watch has also been reduced from 10.9 mm to 10.6 mm. At the same time, the waterproof performance of the watch has also been increased from the previous 20 meters to 30 meters, which is not easy for a watch equipped with a perpetual calendar complication.

Royal Oak Jumbo and the design of a new generation of movements

Of course, Audemars Piguet is not the only Code 11.59 series in movement development. The new generation of Royal Oak Jumbo watch is equipped with Cal. 7121 movement, which will be released in 2022 similar to the 5134 movement. Compared with the previous generation movement, the Cal.7121 movement has a higher vibration frequency and power reserve, which is also an important reason why it can be equipped with a slimmer Jumbo watch.

In order to improve the overall texture of the watch, the dial design of the new generation Royal Oak Jumbo watch has also been adjusted. In addition to the classic “Tapisserie” plaid, the smoked blue dial of the watch has also been hand-carved by Swiss craftsmen. Combined with the smoked blue PVD coating on the bottom, the deep three-dimensional effect is amazing.

Audemars Piguet’s positioning and competitiveness in the luxury market

In the watch industry, there are not many brands that can possess the two labels of “advanced watchmaking” and “luxury goods” at the same time, and Audemars Piguet is one of them. After the release of its new products, pricing strategy has also become a topic of concern in the industry.

Taking the new Code 11.59 perpetual calendar watch as an example, its price is as high as 837,000 yuan, while the new Code 11.59 tourbillon watch, also equipped with Cal.7138 movement, has reached 1,117,000 yuan. This price range belongs to the high-end level in the two major complex functions of “perpetual calendar” and “tourbillon”, which also reflects Audemars Piguet’s positioning and competitiveness in the luxury market.

With the development of the times, old technologies and processes will eventually be eliminated, and only those brands with innovative capabilities and awareness of technological progress can go further.

Conclusion

Audemars Piguet’s decisiveness and innovation in the face of the discontinuation of movement is really admirable! Not only did they not give up the dream of a perpetual calendar watch, but they improved the overall performance and design aesthetics through the new movement, demonstrating the strength of the brand. What do you think of Audemars Piguet’s move? Welcome to share your views in the comment area, and don’t forget to give it a like!