Audemars Piguet has unveiled a new ceramic shade inspired by the iconic “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” colour, first introduced in 1972 on the Royal Oak Model 5402. This deep blue hue, inspired by the night sky over the Vallée de Joux, now adorns three models from the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections.

The new ceramic material, developed over several years, ensures a uniform colour throughout the watch components, highlighting Audemars Piguet’s commitment to innovation in design and materials.

The process of recreating the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” colour is complex, involving a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process to achieve a consistent finish. The original colour was created by Geneva-based dial maker Stern, who added black pigment to a protective varnish, creating a cloud-like effect.

The three timepieces showcasing the new ceramic shade are:

Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked (41mm)
Fully crafted in “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic, this model features a monochromatic design with a visible openworked rhodium-toned movement. Pink gold hands and hour markers offer a striking contrast. The watch is powered by the self-winding Calibre 3132 with a double balance wheel mechanism for enhanced precision and stability.

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph (42mm)
This sportier model features the new ceramic on the inner bezel, Méga Tapisserie dial, and chronograph counters. It includes a new ceramic bracelet with seamlessly integrated pins. Powered by the Calibre 4404 chronograph with a column wheel and flyback function, it provides a unique view of the mechanism through the sapphire caseback.

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph (43mm)
Combining stainless steel and “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic, this model boasts a two-toned design. The ceramic bezel, push-pieces, and crown contrast with the stainless steel case, while the Méga Tapisserie dial enhances the robust look. Powered by Calibre 4401, it comes with a calfskin leather strap that matches the ceramic colour, plus an additional blue rubber strap.