Audemars Piguet Unveils New Royal Oak "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" Ceramic Collection

Every time Audemars Piguet drops something new, there’s a lot of internet frenzy. And this time is no different. The Swiss manufacturer commemorated a big milestone when it turned 150 years old in April and chose to return to its roots for its birthday bash.

It’s not new that the legendary watchmaker loves using ceramic with its flagship Royal Oak models, particularly in black and electric-blue shades that most of you’ll know. But this time, Audemars Piguet goes all out with a new full-blue ceramic.

What we know:

Audemars Piguet surprises us with a trio of releases. The three new models include – a Royal Oak ‘Double Balance’ Openworked, a 42mm Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph and a 43mm Offshore Chronograph (stainless steel with a blue ceramic bezel).

While there are no such horological developments, AP executes three familiar watches in dark blue ceramic. The striking ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ colour in ceramic is inspired by the distinctive shade of the night sky of the Vallée de Joux – the birthplace of Audemars Piguet. This is the same colour which Gerald Genta used for the first Royal Oak Ref. 5402.

The distinctive blue hue is now featured on three Royal Oak models in ceramic. Developed over several years, this new material showcases the manufacturer’s relentless pursuit of innovation in materials and design while paying tribute to the region of Le Brassus, where it all began 150 years ago.

About The New "BLEU NUIT, NUAGE 50" Ceramic

Interestingly, this ‘new’ shade of blue is actually vintage.

Audemars Piguet’s blue ceramic is a tribute to the original midnight blue tapisserie dial designed by Gérald Genta for the first Royal Oak Ref. 5402. In "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”, - Bleu Nuit translates to ‘Night Blue’ and Nuage 50 means ‘Cloud 50’, referring to the technique of creating this shade.

When Genta asked Geneva-based dial maker Stern to replicate the night sky colour, the company did just that. The signature “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” was created by adding a small amount of black pigment (No.50) mixed with the dial’s protective varnish called Zapon, which was applied to the dial after it was blued in a galvanic bath. The nuage or cloud effect was achieved as a result of a chemical reaction that occurred when the pigment was added to the liquid lacquer.

Today, the modern ‘dark blue’ shade is achieved through a PVD process, which guarantees a more homogeneous tone, resulting in better results.

But executing the same colour in ‘ceramic’ is a whole new challenge. Combining traditional finishing with high-tech machining, Audemars Piguet took several years to develop the material with this signature blue colour. Finally, the artisans succeeded, resulting in three new Royal Oaks.

The Royal Oak ‘Trio’

1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”

The Double Balance Wheel Openworked Ref. 15416CD.OO.1225CD.01 is the standout star, a masterpiece that most collectors will covet. This new version features a blue ceramic 41mm case matched gracefully with a ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic integrated bracelet. With a thickness of only 9.7mm, the model offers a 50m water resistance.

The showstopper is the ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ dial, giving centre stage to the rhodium-toned open-worked 3132 movement. Protected by an AR-coated flat sapphire crystal, it features a double balance wheel positioned between 6 and 9 o’clock, a singular feature cultivated by AP, which not only enhances the aesthetic effect but also boosts the watch’s stability and precision. The two balance wheels compensate for each other, enabling the system to work in perfect synchrony.

The dial is enhanced with 18ct pink gold hour markers and luminous hands, while the inner bezel takes on the same shade as the movement. The top surface of the bezel and case are made of brushed ceramic, while the angled proportions of the case are polished. The bezel screws also match the colour of the movement.

The open-worked Calibre 3132 looks great and is also technically impressive. Although the 3Hz frequency of the balance wheel consumes a lot of power, the automatic movement delivers a respectable power reserve of 45 hours.

Turn the watch around, and you’ll see the heavily skeletonised rotor through the sapphire window of the titanium case back.

Quick Specifications:

• Model: 15416CD.OO.1225CD.01
• Size: 41mm
• Case Material: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" ceramic
• Bezel: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" ceramic
• Dial: Open-worked
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Calibre 3132, Automatic
• Bracelet/Strap: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" ceramic 
• Power Reserve: 45 hours
• Water Resistance: 50m

2. Royal Oak Offshore Self-Winding Chronograph 42mm “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”

Next up is the design that will probably get the most attention – the AP Royal Oak Offshore Self-winding Chronograph Ref. 26238CD.OO.1300CD.01 with the vintage-styled 6-9-12 dial layout. This monochromatic chronograph comes with a 42mm blue ceramic case and a matching integrated bracelet. The ‘Mega Tapisserie’ dial features the brand’s signature dark blue hue with sub-dials at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock while the inner bezel mirrors the ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ shade. A small date display sneaks in at 3 o’clock.

Featuring a thickness of 15.3mm, the case is complemented by a matching ceramic crown, crown guards, and blue ceramic chronograph pushers. In short, this 42mm model receives a full “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” makeover in dark blue ceramic.

Image Caption

The only contrasting elements are the steel hexagonal screws on the bezel, the titanium pusher on the crown, the white gold markers and hands on the dial, and the white markings on the tachymeter scale and inside the chronograph counters – providing a nice break from the predominantly blue hue.

Turn the watch around, and you’ll see the pink-gold rotor of the Calibre 4404, an automatic integrated flyback chronograph movement with a vertical clutch and column wheel. It provides a 70-hour power reserve and water resistance of 100 metres.

Quick Specifications:

• Model: 26238CD.OO.1300CD.01
• Size: 42mm
• Case Material: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" ceramic
• Bezel: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" ceramic
• Dial: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" “Méga Tapisserie”
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Calibre 4404, Automatic
• Bracelet/Strap: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" ceramic 
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Water Resistance: 100m

3. Royal Oak Offshore Self-Winding Chronograph 43mm “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”

The final model is the Royal Oak Offshore Self-winding Chronograph 43mm ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ Ref. 26420SO.OO.A029VE.01. Unlike the two other models, this sportive wristwatch is not fully ceramic. Crafted with a stainless steel case, the watch is topped with a blue ceramic bezel and measures 14.4mm in thickness. The case also features a blue ceramic crown and matching chronograph pushers and push-piece guards on the right side.

Sitting inside is a dark blue ‘Mega Tapisserie’ dial with a sloping inner bezel echoing the "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" shade. It has light blue counters in a 3-6-9 format and a date display nestled between 4 and 5 o’clock. The 18ct white gold hands and hour markers, along with the white tachymeter scale and markings on the dial, provide the necessary contrast.

Furthermore, this bold two-toned ROO reference is paired with an interchangeable textured blue calfskin leather strap featuring a steel AP pin buckle. This strap option is perfect for sportier settings. A complimentary "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" rubber strap is provided, affirming the sporty identity of the watch.

Operated by AP’s Calibre 4401, this automatic flyback chronograph features a column wheel and vertical clutch, delivering a steady power reserve of 70 hours.

Quick Specifications:

• Model: 26420SO.OO.A029VE.01
• Size: 43mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" ceramic
• Dial: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" “Méga Tapisserie”
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Calibre 4401, Automatic
• Bracelet/Strap: "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" textured leather strap
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Water Resistance: 100m

Parting Thoughts

With the new ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic collection, Audemars Piguet once again proves its ability to push boundaries and stay at the forefront of innovation in the luxury watch world. The three new Royal Oak releases, featuring a vibrant blue hue, showcase a remarkable fusion of innovation and tradition.

The sky of the Vallée de Joux has played a key role in inspiring the new ceramic. Whether it’s on the skeletonised dial or the seamless ceramic integrated bracelet, every detail is as beautiful as it is daring.

Bold yet refined, this trilogy of Royal Oak models serves as a striking reminder that even the most minor details, like a shade of blue, can redefine an icon.

Also Read:

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