About the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie
Audemars Piguet has been producing grande sonnerie pocket watches and wristwatches for well over a century, and the Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie represents the pinnacle of that tradition expressed through a contemporary wristwatch platform introduced in the modern era. A grande sonnerie automatically strikes the hour count and the quarter-hour count on the passage of each quarter, while a petite sonnerie strikes only the hours, making the grande sonnerie mode significantly more mechanically complex and a hallmark of a top-tier independent manufacture. The 150th anniversary carillon supersonnerie variant in platinum underscores Audemars Piguet's commitment to milestone commemorations through exceptional complications rather than purely aesthetic limited editions. These references are produced in extremely limited numbers, reflecting the months of hand-finishing and adjustment required by the manufacture's master watchmakers in Le Brassus, Switzerland.
What to Look For
Buyers exploring the Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie should pay close attention to the specific reference number and case material, as platinum examples such as the 26397PN carry a substantial premium and greater rarity compared to any other metal configurations that may exist within the line. The carillon supersonnerie designation is a key value driver, distinguishing three-gong striking trains with their richer harmonic output from simpler two-gong grande sonnerie constructions, and anniversary editions with documented limited production numbers command the strongest collector demand. Condition of the striking mechanism, original box and papers, and provenance documentation are critical considerations when purchasing any grande sonnerie wristwatch at this level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'grande sonnerie carillon supersonnerie' mean on the Code 11.59?
A grande sonnerie automatically strikes the hours and quarter-hours as they pass, so the watch chimes throughout the day without requiring manual activation. The carillon designation indicates three gongs and three hammers rather than the more common two, producing a richer, more melodic chord, while supersonnerie refers to Audemars Piguet's proprietary acoustic engineering that optimizes the case and gong attachment for maximum sound projection.
Is the 26397PN.OO.D008KB.01 a limited edition and how rare is it?
Yes, the reference 26397PN.OO.D008KB.01 is a 150th anniversary commemorative piece produced in platinum, which by nature limits its production to a very small number of examples given the complexity of the movement and the prestige of the anniversary designation. Audemars Piguet does not typically produce grande sonnerie references in large quantities under any circumstances, making any example from this line exceptionally scarce on the secondary market.
What should I verify before buying an Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie for sale on the secondary market?
You should confirm that the watch comes with its original certificate of authenticity, box, and ideally service records, as the striking mechanism requires expert regulation that should be documented. Audemars Piguet serial numbers and reference engravings should be cross-checked, and the chiming function should be demonstrated in person or via video to confirm all gongs strike cleanly and the grande sonnerie and petite sonnerie modes switch correctly.
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