Introducing: Audemars Piguet’s 2026 Core Collection Novelties

BY JOVAN K

Audemars Piguet just threw the doors open on their 2026 collection and it is a lot to take in at once. They actually released about 22 new models in total this week, ranging from a massive 47-function pocket watch to the quirky Neo Frame Jumping Hour. We have already spent the last few days digging into the heavy hitters and some of the more niche experimental pieces, but now it is time to look at the core of the release. The 11 watches here show a brand that is feeling very confident about its direction, focusing on making high-end engineering a lot more approachable for the person actually wearing the watch.

Code 11.59: Perpetual, Tourbillon, Black & Silver Dials

The Code 11.59 collection starts things off by showing how much the line has grown up since its debut. We have two 41mm heavy hitters using a white gold case with a black ceramic middle, including the new Perpetual Calendar Openworked with its Calibre 7139 and the Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon featuring a beige embossed dial. They are joined by a pair of 38mm pink gold models, priced at 29,800 CHF, that keep things simple with either a black or silver grey dial. These smaller versions should feel very balanced on the wrist, especially the silver dial on that camel calfskin strap. It is a tight group that shows the collection can handle both high complications and daily wear sizes.

Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar Openworked Ref. 26443NB.OO.D002CR.01
Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Ref. 26396NB.OO.D002CR.01
Code 11.59 Selfwinding Ref. 77410OR.OO.A127CR.01
Code 11.59 Selfwinding Ref. 77410OR.OO.A402VE.01

Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar: Titanium & Ceramic Blue

Next up, the Royal Oak sees two notable perpetual calendars. The titanium Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar combines Calibre 7139 with BMG accents, a sapphire dial and an integrated titanium bracelet, accentuating the collection’s industrial side while keeping the calendar layout open and clear. Its ceramic counterpart uses “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” across the case and bracelet, pairing a blue Grande Tapisserie dial with a crown that handles all adjustments. This one feels closer to classic Royal Oak proportions and reminds you that AP keeps refining usability alongside technical feats.

Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26685XT.OO.1320XT.01
Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26674CD.OO.1225CD.01

Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph: Steel, Pink Gold, Diamond Bezel

The chronographs are built in progression. First up is stainless steel at 34,000 CHF, 38mm with a blue Grande Tapisserie dial showing Calibre 6401 through the sapphire back. Then comes pink gold at 66,700 CHF, trading metal for warmth and adding a grey dial with beige counters. The third pushes further at 72,400 CHF, adding a diamond-set bezel to the same pink gold case, matched with a sand gold-toned dial. It’s a neat climb: steel for everyday, gold for presence, diamonds for impact. AP has done this before with chronographs, but the new calibre and tighter 38mm sizing make the trio feel fresh.

Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Ref. 26450ST.OO.1356ST.01-B
Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Ref. 26450OR.OO.1356OR.01-B
Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Ref. 26450OR.ZZ.1356OR.01-B

Royal Oak Mini Quartz: Pearl & Onyx Variants

Closing the lineup are the Mini Quartz models, both 23mm but distinct in tone. The yellow gold with mother of pearl at 30,300 CHF looks bright and open, drawing on jewellery cues while staying clear and legible. The pink gold with black onyx and diamonds at 36,400 CHF flips it, darker and more defined, with sparkle marking key points. They’re small, deliberate and clearly meant to sit apart from the heavier mechanical pieces. Ending on these two makes sense: they remind us AP isn’t only about movements, but also about how watchmaking and jewellery can meet in compact form.