Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC vs Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR

In-Depth Comparison

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Audemars Piguet and Audemars Piguet is a brand that needs no introduction. Comparing two models from the same manufacturer comes down to purpose, design philosophy, and intended use case. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular CODE 11.59 reference was introduced in 2019, while this Royal Oak Concept reference debuted in 2018. The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC beats the AP 2948 caliber offering a 65-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 25 jewels. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is powered by the AP 2964 with a 72-hour power reserve operating at 21,600 vph featuring 25 jewels. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR wins on power reserve with a 7-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC features a 41.0mm case at 11.8mm thick with a 47.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18k White Gold. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR comes in at 38.5mm and 11.0mm thick with 45.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18k Rose Gold. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 85g, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC uses a Double-curved sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed, octagonal within round case bezel, while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed, octagonal with exposed screws bezel. On the wrist, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC comes on a Blue alligator leather strap with AP folding clasp in white gold, while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is fitted with Brown alligator leather strap featuring AP folding clasp in rose gold.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR to 20m / 66ft. For serious diving or water activities, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC offers a meaningful advantage.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC lists for $193,000 compared to $167,000 for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $26,000 at retail. On the secondary market, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC trades around $170,000 while the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR commands approximately $150,000.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. for dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 26228OR is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.