Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC vs Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B

In-Depth Comparison

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC and the Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B 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 Blancpain 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 2019, while this Villeret reference debuted in 2015. 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 Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B is powered by the Caliber 66240 with a 168-hour power reserve operating at 21,600 vph featuring 36 jewels. The Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B wins on power reserve with a 103-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 Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B comes in at 42.0mm and 13.2mm thick with 49.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18k Rose Gold. The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 90g, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC 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 Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B features Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal with a Fixed, polished, double stepped 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 Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B is fitted with Brown alligator leather strap featuring 18k rose gold folding clasp.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B 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 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC lists for $193,000 compared to $142,000 for the Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B. The Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $51,000 at retail. On the secondary market, the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC trades around $170,000 while the Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B commands approximately $115,000.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Tourbillon Openworked 26396BC and the Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante 66240-3631-55B 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.