Audemars Piguet has marked another milestone in its 150th anniversary year with the debut of downsized perpetual calendars in two of its most celebrated collections, the Royal Oak and the Code 11.59. Both new releases shrink the complication into a 38mm case size for the first time, blending mechanical sophistication with dimensions that suit a wider audience.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 38mm, reference 26684, brings a more compact take on one of the brand’s most enduring icons. Available in stainless steel with a pale blue Grande Tapisserie dial or in 18k pink gold paired with a beige dial, the watch measures 38mm across and 9.4mm thick. It removes the week indicator found in larger models, leaving a display that focuses purely on the essential calendar indications, along with the moonphase at six o’clock.
Inside beats the newly developed Caliber 7136, an automatic movement derived from the 7138, offering a 4Hz frequency, 55 hours of power reserve, and all settings managed entirely through the crown. Prices start at around $105,000 for the steel version and rise to approximately $135,000 for the pink gold edition.
The Code 11.59 Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar has also been reimagined in 38mm, reference 26441OR. Crafted in pink gold and measuring 9.9mm thick, it preserves the week indicator and is powered by the Caliber 7138. The dial, finished in a vivid green embossed pattern, is paired with a matching alligator strap and gold folding clasp. The case maintains the collection’s hallmark design, with openworked lugs and contrasting polished and satin-brushed surfaces. Pricing is set at roughly $150,000. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, enhancing the model’s practicality.
In both collections, the reduced proportions do not diminish the technical ambition. The new calibers demonstrate Audemars Piguet’s ability to refine long-established complications for contemporary tastes while maintaining precision and durability. Each watch incorporates 41 jewels, a slim 4.1mm movement height, and innovations originally developed for the brand’s ultra-thin perpetual calendar concept.
To celebrate the occasion, limited editions of 150 pieces for each model have been created. These anniversary editions feature a vintage-style Audemars Piguet signature on the moonphase disc and a commemorative engraving on the caseback, underscoring the link between the brand’s heritage and its modern innovations.
By scaling down its perpetual calendars to 38mm, Audemars Piguet is not only addressing the growing demand for smaller high-complication watches but also reaffirming its leadership in fine watchmaking. The releases extend the legacy of two cornerstone collections while offering collectors a more versatile size without sacrificing craftsmanship or character.
