Audemars Piguet has taken horological craftsmanship to new heights by introducing a striking collection featuring the captivating color “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50,” reminiscent of the iconic Royal Oak launched in 1972. While this hue has graced numerous dials over the years, it has never before been realized in high-tech ceramic, revolutionizing the aesthetics and durability of luxury timepieces. Inspired by the serene night skies of Vallée de Joux, this elegant blue ceramic is incorporated into three sensational models: two Royal Oak Offshore Chronographs and one Royal Oak Openworked Double Balance.

This remarkable blue ceramic is a tribute to the legendary “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” tapisserie dial originally selected by watchmaker Gérald Genta for the first Royal Oak. Crafted with the utmost precision by the esteemed Geneva dial maker Stern, the nuances of this deep blue shade were achieved through a unique combination of black pigment and varnish, resulting in a mesmerizing cloud effect thanks to a chemical reaction in the lacquer. Today, a sophisticated Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process is employed to recreate this distinctive color.

Perfecting this vivid blue in high-tech ceramic was no small feat. It took years of research and development to achieve a uniform shade. Each piece of ceramic undergoes meticulous machining and sintering before being painstakingly finished by hand to deliver the immaculate polished and satin-brushed surfaces characteristic of the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore designs.

Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked

Debuting in 2016, the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked is a visual and technical marvel. With its 41mm blue ceramic case, this watch accentuates the mesmerizing movement inside featuring two balance wheels linked by a single balance staff, allowing for enhanced precision in timekeeping.

The case boasts a sleek thickness of just 9.7mm and comes complete with a ceramic bracelet that mirrors the case's dynamic aesthetic. The blue ceramic contrasts beautifully with the rhodium-toned movement beneath the openwork dial. The watch is equipped with luminescent hour markers and beautiful pink gold accents. Despite its intricate mechanism operating at a frequency of 3Hz, it still offers a substantial power reserve of 45 hours.

Key Features:

- Dimensions: 41mm x 9.7mm

- Ceramic Case and Bracelet: “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”

- Water Resistance: 50 meters

- Movement: Calibre 3132, in-house automatic

- Price: EUR 99,900

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42mm

The Royal Oak Offshore (ROO) earns a bold new look with its blue ceramic case, pushers, and mega tapisserie dial. This 42mm masterpiece stands out with blue chronograph counters and only contrasting elements being the titanium pusher in the crown and the polished steel screws in the bezel. Driven by the calibre 4404 automatic integrated flyback chronograph, this watch guarantees a robust 70-hour power reserve.

Key Features:

- Dimensions: 42mm x 15.3mm

- Ceramic Case: “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”

- Water Resistance: 100 meters

- Movement: Calibre 4404, in-house automatic

- Price: EUR 85,900

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43mm

The 43mm ROO offers a striking two-tone aesthetic, combining blue ceramic components with stainless steel. This model features the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic bezel and pushers. The classic mega tapisserie pattern on the dial merges with light blue snailed counters, presenting a unique charm. Powering this sophisticated timepiece is the calibre 4401 automatic flyback chronograph, which also provides a generous 70-hour power reserve. Unique to this model is its interchangeable calfskin strap, enhancing versatility.

Key Features:

- Dimensions: 43mm x 14.4mm

- Mixed Materials: Steel and “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic

- Water Resistance: 100 meters

- Movement: Calibre 4401, in-house automatic

- Price: EUR 42,400

These captivating pieces not only celebrate Audemars Piguet’s rich heritage but also demonstrate its relentless pursuit of innovation in watchmaking. The new “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” collection is set to enthrall collectors and enthusiasts alike, marking a triumphant blend of artistry, engineering, and heritage. Don’t miss out on adding one of these exquisite models to your collection!