Audemars Piguet Launches Three Royal Oak “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” Models

Three Deep Blue Ceramic Models Inspired by the Night Sky of the Vallée de Joux

Audemars Piguet is well known for its use of ceramic in the Royal Oak collection. The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and Double Balance Wheel Skeleton models in ceramic are among the many highlights. When it comes to specific colors, the first two that come to mind are the black and electric blue that most people know. But you will soon add another color to that list. With the launch of the three Royal Oak “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” models, Audemars Piguet pays tribute to the night sky of the Vallée de Joux, which also inspired Gérald Genta to inject deep blue into the first Royal Oak ref. 5402. Let’s find out more!

This year, Audemars Piguet will celebrate its 150th anniversary. As Lex reports, we’ve seen a string of eye-popping new releases from the brand. The highlight, without a doubt, was the new perpetual calendar model that was unveiled just a month ago. But at this week’s Watches & Wonders event, the brand surprised us with three more new releases. This time, there were no new horological developments. Instead, we were treated to three familiar deep blue ceramic watches. You might be wondering what’s so special about this. Well, you saw the title image before you clicked, so ask yourself if you were as fascinated as I was when you saw these watches.

The Story of the Royal Oak “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”
Essentially, these are three watches in a new ceramic color. But let’s explain the inspiration for these pieces in a little more detail. The blue refers to the dark color of the night sky in the Vallée de Joux, which inspired Gérald Genta to design the dial of the Royal Oak ref. 5402. When he asked Geneva dial manufacturer Stern to replicate the color, the company did just that. The signature colour, “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”, is created by adding pigment number 50 to a protective varnish called Zapon. According to Audemars Piguet, the colour’s “cloud” effect is the result of a chemical reaction that occurs after a small amount of black is poured into the liquid varnish.

While the dial of the Royal Oak “Jumbo” still features the signature “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” colour, the production technology has changed. Today, the colour is created using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process. This ensures a more even hue, making the brand’s dials more controllable and effective. However, when it comes to creating ceramic in the same colour, it’s an entirely different challenge. To ensure the same controlled production process and consistent results, Audemars Piguet spent years developing the material for this signature colour. However, the engineers finally succeeded, and now we see three watches in deep blue ceramic – one Royal Oak and two Royal Oak Offshore models. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Skeleton “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”
The first watch is the Royal Oak Double Balance Skeleton “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” (reference 15416CD.OO.1225CD.01). This watch follows two previous black ceramic models. The previous one was a black ceramic version with a rose-colored movement launched last year, Thomas reports. This new model features a blue ceramic 41mm case with a dark blue integrated bracelet. The case is only 9.7mm thick and has a water resistance rating of 50 meters.

The brand’s 3132 caliber is protected by an AR-coated flat sapphire crystal. For this watch, Audemars Piguet’s designers decided to go with a rhodium-toned movement. Pleasingly, the bezel screws match the color of the movement. But it’s not all rhodium, as some rose gold details contrast with the movement, such as the axle supporting the double balance structure as well as the hands and hour markers.

Skeletonized Audemars Piguet Caliber 3132
This movement is both visually and technically impressive. The Caliber 3132 was first unveiled in 2016 and showcases two balance wheels and hairsprings mounted on a common axis, one on top of the other. This special patented construction is said to improve accuracy and stability. It allows the heart of the watch to be seen from both the front and back of the movement. Additionally, the skeletonized bridges allow a view of the gear train, further enhancing the magic. As we know from Audemars Piguet, the finishing of the different components is very meticulous.

Technically, the movement consists of 245 parts and runs at 21,600 vph while offering a 45-hour power reserve. If you flip the watch over, you’ll see the skeletonized rotor through a sapphire window on the back of the titanium case. While this is a beautifully crafted rotor, the real magic is on the front of the watch. I love that Audemars Piguet chose to pair the dark blue with a shiny rhodium finish. As a result, it creates a very technical overall look, and the little sparkles of rose gold are the icing on the cake.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Chronograph 42mm “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”
The second model is the Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Chronograph (reference 26238CD.OO.1300CD.01). This watch features a 42mm blue ceramic case with a blue ceramic bracelet. The case is 15.3mm thick and features a ceramic crown with a titanium chip, blue ceramic chronograph pushers, and a titanium and sapphire case back. In addition, the case and bracelet are paired with a Méga Tapisserie dial in the same color. It creates an appropriately monochromatic overall aesthetic with contrasting small elements. The stainless steel bezel screws, titanium crown chip, and white gold hands and hour markers contrast with the all-blue color.

If you turn the best watch over, you’ll see the rose gold rotor of the in-house caliber 4404, which consists of 433 parts. This automatic flyback chronograph movement runs at 28,800 vph, has 40 jewels, and offers a 70-hour power reserve. Looking away from the movement and onto the bracelet, you might notice that Audemars Piguet has updated it. The pins that connect the rivets and links are now seamlessly integrated for a sleeker look. Overall, I like the monochromatic blue aesthetic of this new Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 42mm.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Chronograph 43mm “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”
The last of these three watches is the Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Chronograph 43mm “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” (reference 26420SO.OO.A029VE.01). Unlike the other two watches, this one is not an all-ceramic model. This watch has a 43mm stainless steel case with a blue ceramic bezel and is 14.4mm thick. The case also features a blue ceramic crown and matching modern chronograph pushers on the right side. Additionally, the watch is water-resistant to 100 meters and is paired with a blue textured calfskin strap. Inside the case is a deep blue Méga Tapisserie dial, just like this watch’s little brother. White gold hands and hour markers, as well as the white tachymeter scale and markings on the dial, provide the necessary contrast.

Audemars Piguet fake has equipped this watch with its 381-component caliber 4401 movement. This automatic chronograph movement beats at 28,800 vph, has 40 jewels, and offers a 70-hour power reserve. The integrated movement features a column wheel and flyback function, just like the caliber 4404 that powers its little brother.

Final Thoughts on the New Royal Oak “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” Model
Overall, I like the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” color of this new ceramic. It’s a very deep blue that will undoubtedly attract many fans. I prefer it to the black and electric blue ceramic that Audemars Piguet uses in other models. If I had to pick a favorite out of these three watches, I would go with the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Skeleton. The blue hue works really well with the rhodium finish of the movement. Coupled with the dark blue denim, it’s the perfect match for the blue heaven of the Vallée de Joux.