Wandering hours use a system of satellites that move along a minute scale set in the shape of an arc to show the passing of time, giving time itself an air of mystery.
The first wandering hours system dates back to the 17th century following a request by Pope Alexander VII. He commissioned a “night clock” from the Rome-based clockmakers, the Campani brothers because the sound of a ticking clock worsened his insomnia. He asked for a silent clock that was also simple to read at night. The brothers offered the Pope the very first wandering hours clock, which featured an aperture for reading the time and was illuminated from within to show the quarter hours.
After its popularity waned during the 20th century, Audemars Piguet rediscovered and revived this Haute Horlogerie complication in 1991. The Manufacture released approximately 30 “Star Wheel” models throughout a number of collections between 1991 and 2003. Today, Audemars Piguet brings back this magical complication in an ultra-modern design with the new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel.
Revisiting the Wandering Hours Complication
The new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel follows in the footsteps of its 1990s predecessors. It is presented in the ultra-modern Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet case, whose sleek lines only accentuate the beauty of the wandering hours display. Overlapping geometric forms, such as a round bezel, case back, Starwheel discs, and a rounded octagonal case center, reinforce the case’s architecture.
The dial’s blue aventurine backdrop twinkles while the three discs spin independently on their axes, resembling planets in a miniature solar system. The three aluminum domed discs are treated with black PVD before an opaline sandblasted finishing touch is applied. The numerals for the wandering hours are transferred onto the dial. The inner bezel and the 120-degree minute sector, which extends in an arc from 10 to 2 o’clock, are both black with white minute indications, in keeping with the contemporary design.
A Mix of Materials
Aventurine, 18-carat white gold, and black ceramic are in perfect harmony in this new 41 mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel. The new black ceramic crown and case middle contrast beautifully with the 18-carat white gold bezel, lugs, and case back.
Its intricate and complicated design is highlighted by the variety of materials used and the superb hand finishing, both of which are hallmarks of the Manufacture. The gold and ceramic case components are precisely finished with the signature combination of polished bevels and satin surfaces. In addition, the skilled artisans at Audemars Piguet have aligned the case’s many angular and round features with meticulous precision.
The double-curved sapphire crystal enhances the dial’s depth and amplifies the dial’s blue aventurine and its many finishing features. The case back is see-through and allows you to admire the self-winding Caliber 4310, and the 22-carat rose gold oscillating weight. The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel is paired with a black rubber strap with a redesigned pin buckle that bears the Audemars Piguet logo instead of the brand’s signature AP monogram.
The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel Movement
This is the first time the Starwheel complication is featured in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection. Powered by the cutting-edge hour, minute, and seconds automatic Caliber 4310, based on the Caliber 4309 with an additional module. The movement has a power reserve of 70 hours and is water-resistant to 30 meters.
The display of the time is made possible by a central rotor that rotates one complete revolution every three hours and to which three independently rotating aluminum discs are mounted. Each disc has four digits from 1 to 12 that alternately point to the arched sector at the top of the dial that displays the minute scale. The tip of the 18-karat white gold trotteuse is slightly curved to match the shape of the discs and show the seconds, just like a regular watch.
Price & Availability
The Audemars Piguet, Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel, is available at Audemars Piguet boutiques worldwide.
Price: USD 57’900
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