Inspiration comes in many shapes and forms. For Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, they looked to the sky for its newest timepiece. Inspired by the deep blue of the Vallée de Joux’s night sky, known as “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”, the watchmaker has produced an innovative new shade of ceramic.
This colour, first developed in 1972 for the dial of the original Royal Oak (Model 5402), is now being used to adorn three models from the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections.
The rich sky blue hue has a deep connection to the history of Audemars Piguet and the watchmaking heritage of the Vallée de Joux. The region’s clear night skies have long been a source of inspiration for watchmakers, influencing both the aesthetic and technical aspects of their creations.
The original “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” was developed by Geneva-based dial maker Stern, and today’s shade is created using a highly technical process, ensuring consistency across all ceramic components.
Past Meets The Future
The “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic is simultaneously launched on three references across the Royal Oak and Royal Oak
Offshore collections.
This new ceramic material is a perfect blend of heritage and modernity, paying homage to the region of Le Brassus where Audemars Piguet was founded 150 years ago. The “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” colour evokes the past while pushing the boundaries of design and technology.
Achieving a uniform colour across the ceramic components was a complex task, requiring years of development, and this new material demonstrates Audemars Piguet’s unwavering commitment to innovation.
Audemars Piguet introduces this striking ceramic shade across three distinct models, each showcasing different aspects of the brand’s craftsmanship and technical expertise.
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked (41mm)
The entire case and bracelet of this model are crafted in “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic, with a monochromatic design that draws attention to the openworked rhodium-toned movement. Pink gold hands and hour markers create a refined contrast, while the patented double balance wheel mechanism ensures enhanced precision.
Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph (42mm)
For a more sportive aesthetic, this model features the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic on the inner bezel, Méga Tapisserie dial, and chronograph counters. Stainless steel screws punctuate the bezel, while the titanium crown and caseback offer additional contrast. Powered by the selfwinding Calibre 4404, it boasts a column-wheel chronograph with flyback function, a unique sapphire caseback, and an intuitive design for sporty elegance.
Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph (43mm)
Combining stainless steel with “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic on the bezel, push-pieces, and crown, this two-tone design brings a powerful colour contrast to the dial. The “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” Méga Tapisserie pattern enhances the robust silhouette of the timepiece, while luminescent white gold hands and hour markers ensure excellent readability. A Calibre 4401 movement powers the timepiece with chronograph indications and tachymeter scale printed in white for optimal contrast.
(Images: Audemars Piguet)
