Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR vs Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition

SpecificationAudemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OROmega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition
BrandAudemars PiguetOmega
CollectionCode 11.59De Ville
Reference26600OR.OO.D002CR.01529.53.43.22.01.001
CategoryTourbillonTourbillon
Movement TypeAutomaticManual
CaliberAudemars Piguet 2948Omega 2640
Power Reserve65h72h
Frequency21,600 vph25,200 vph
Case Diameter41.0mm43.0mm
Case Thickness12.5mm14.3mm
Case Material18K Rose Gold18K Sedna Gold
CrystalSapphireSapphire with anti-reflective coating
Water Resistance30m / 98ft30m / 98ft
Weight105g120g
MSRP$175,000$178,000
Market Price$160,000$135,000

In-Depth Comparison

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR and the Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition 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 Omega are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Code 11.59 reference was introduced in 2020, while this De Ville reference debuted in 2019. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR beats the Audemars Piguet 2948 caliber offering a 65-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 28 jewels. The Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition is powered by the Omega 2640 with a 72-hour power reserve operating at 25,200 vph featuring 27 jewels. The Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition 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 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR features a 41.0mm case at 12.5mm thick with a 49.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18K Rose Gold. The Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition comes in at 43.0mm and 14.3mm thick with 49.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18K Sedna Gold. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 105g, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR uses a Sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed polished bezel, while the Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition features Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal with a Fixed, polished 18K Sedna Gold bezel. On the wrist, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR comes on a Leather strap with alligator with AP fold-over clasp, while the Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition is fitted with Blue leather strap featuring Deployant clasp in Sedna Gold.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition to 30m / 98ft. Both watches share the same water resistance rating, making them equally suited for aquatic activities.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR lists for $175,000 compared to $178,000 for the Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $3,000 at retail. On the secondary market, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR trades around $160,000 while the Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition commands approximately $135,000.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR and the Omega De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 26600OR delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. 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.