audemars piguet skeleton diamond | audemars piguet skeleton tourbillon

Audemars Piguet, a name synonymous with horological excellence and innovation, consistently pushes the boundaries of watchmaking. This week, beyond the highly anticipated new perpetual calendar Code 11.59, the brand has unveiled further additions to the Code 11.59 family, including a dazzling exploration of skeletonization and diamond setting. The allure of an Audemars Piguet Skeleton Diamond watch lies in its breathtaking fusion of intricate mechanical complexity and the scintillating brilliance of expertly set diamonds. It’s a statement piece, a wearable work of art that showcases both the technical prowess and the artistic vision of the legendary Swiss manufacture. This article will delve into the world of Audemars Piguet skeleton diamond watches, exploring their design intricacies, the various models available, and the factors that contribute to their significant value.

The Allure of the Skeletonized Movementaudemars piguet skeleton diamond

At the heart of every Audemars Piguet skeleton diamond watch lies the mesmerizing skeletonized movement. Skeletonization, in watchmaking, is the art of removing as much material as possible from the movement's bridges and plates while maintaining structural integrity and functionality. This meticulous process reveals the intricate dance of gears, levers, and springs that power the timepiece. The result is a captivating display of mechanical artistry, allowing the wearer to witness the inner workings of the watch in all its glory.

Audemars Piguet's expertise in skeletonization is renowned. Their watchmakers are masters of precision, carefully hand-finishing each component to create a movement that is not only technically sound but also aesthetically stunning. Beveling, polishing, and engraving are all meticulously executed, adding depth and dimension to the skeletonized structure. The movement becomes a work of art in itself, a testament to the dedication and skill of the artisans who create it.

Diamonds: Adding a Layer of Opulence

The addition of diamonds to an Audemars Piguet skeleton watch elevates it to a new level of luxury. The sparkle and brilliance of the diamonds beautifully complement the intricate mechanical details of the skeletonized movement, creating a harmonious balance between technical sophistication and opulent aesthetics.

Audemars Piguet uses only the highest quality diamonds, carefully selected for their clarity, color, and cut. The diamonds are expertly set by skilled gem-setters, who meticulously place each stone to maximize its brilliance and ensure a secure and lasting setting. The settings themselves are often intricate and delicate, designed to enhance the beauty of the diamonds without obscuring the view of the skeletonized movement.

Exploring the Audemars Piguet Skeleton Diamond Universe

The Audemars Piguet collection features a variety of skeleton diamond watches, each with its own unique design and personality. Here are some key models and categories to consider:

* Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Skeleton Diamond: As mentioned, the Code 11.59 collection is a modern interpretation of Audemars Piguet's design language. The Code 11.59 skeleton diamond models feature the collection's signature case shape with its octagonal middle case sandwiched between a round bezel and caseback. These models often showcase intricate openworked movements and are adorned with diamonds on the bezel, lugs, and even the movement itself. The 41mm size offers a contemporary and wearable aesthetic.

* Royal Oak Skeleton Diamond (Iced Out): The Royal Oak, with its iconic octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, is perhaps the most recognizable Audemars Piguet watch. A fully "iced out" Royal Oak skeleton diamond takes this icon to the extreme, covering the entire watch – case, bezel, bracelet, and even parts of the movement – with meticulously set diamonds. These are statement pieces that exude extravagance and are highly sought after.

* Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Diamond: This model combines the openworked (skeletonized) aesthetic with the technical innovation of Audemars Piguet's double balance wheel mechanism. The double balance wheel enhances accuracy and stability. The addition of diamonds on the bezel and other parts of the watch elevates the luxurious appeal.

* Audemars Piguet Skeleton Perpetual Calendar Diamond: The combination of a perpetual calendar complication with a skeletonized movement and diamond embellishments represents the pinnacle of horological artistry. These watches not only display the time but also accurately track the date, day, month, and leap year, requiring no manual adjustment until 2100. The openworked design allows the wearer to admire the intricate mechanics of the perpetual calendar complication, while the diamonds add a touch of unparalleled luxury.

* Audemars Piguet Skeleton Tourbillon Diamond: The tourbillon, a rotating cage that houses the balance wheel and escapement, is a highly prized complication in watchmaking. A tourbillon counters the effects of gravity on the movement, improving accuracy. When paired with a skeletonized movement and diamond setting, the Audemars Piguet skeleton tourbillon diamond becomes an extraordinary display of technical and artistic mastery.

* Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin Skeleton (Jumbo): While not always explicitly diamond-set, the extra-thin skeleton models, often based on the original Royal Oak "Jumbo" design, are incredibly elegant. Their slim profiles and meticulously skeletonized movements are a testament to Audemars Piguet's technical prowess. These models can be customized with aftermarket diamond settings, though purists often prefer the original, unadorned aesthetic.

Materials and Finishes