When the Sky Inspires Audemars Piguet
Honouring 150 years of craftsmanship, Audemars Piguet debuts deep blue ceramic inspired by the skies of Vallée de Joux.
Audemars Piguet presents a new ceramic hue inspired by “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”, the iconic blue created in 1972 for the original Royal Oak dial.
Evoking the night skies of the Vallée de Joux, this deep and luminous colour now enhances three Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore models.
Years of development were required to achieve a consistent tone across ceramic components, demonstrating the Manufacture’s ongoing pursuit of innovation ongoing pursuit of innovation and tribute to its home in Le Brassus.
Inspired by the Stars
Timekeeping has always drawn from the cosmos. For centuries, watchmakers observed the stars and the Moon to refine their understanding of time.
The clear night skies of the Vallée de Joux have long inspired horological mastery, and this distinct blue was first imagined by Gérald Genta for the inaugural Royal Oak.
In 1972, the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” shade was developed by dial maker Stern, using a mix of protective lacquer and a touch of black pigment.
The subtle cloud effect emerged through a delicate chemical reaction. Today, the hue is recreated through PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition), offering uniformity while preserving its evocative charm.
Ceramic, Reimagined
“Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic joins a family of colours already available in Audemars Piguet’s contemporary collections.
Credit: Audemars Piguet
Though ceramic has been used by the brand since the 1980s, the material itself has ancient origins. Over time, it has evolved from functional pottery to high-performance material used in art, technology and horology.
Producing ceramic in this signature shade involved complex research to ensure uniformity and longevity.
Each component is carefully machined, sintered and finished by hand. Polished and satin-brushed surfaces add depth and reflect light beautifully, showcasing the architectural lines of the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore models.
This blend of traditional finishing and advanced materials reflects the Manufacture’s modern spirit.
Three New Timepieces in Signature Blue
The Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, at 41 mm, is crafted entirely in blue ceramic.
Its openworked movement is framed by a matching bezel and contrasted with pink gold hands and markers.
Driven by Calibre 3132, the watch features the patented double balance wheel for added precision and stability, visible from both front and back.
The 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph presents a sporty interpretation with a blue ceramic case, matching dial and counters.
Steel screws, a titanium crown and a new ceramic bracelet introduce refined contrasts.
The Calibre 4404 with column wheel and flyback function powers the chronograph, while the open caseback reveals the pink gold rotor and intricate movement finishing.
The 43 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph combines stainless steel with blue ceramic on the bezel, crown and push-pieces.
The dial features the Méga Tapisserie pattern in matching blue, with subdials in a lighter tone for clarity. Powered by Calibre 4401, the watch is paired with a textured blue calfskin strap and includes an additional rubber strap.
A Tribute in Blue
With the debut of “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” in ceramic, Audemars Piguet honours its rich heritage while embracing future innovation.
This new chapter continues the story of craftsmanship born in the Vallée de Joux 150 years ago, where tradition and modernity meet in perfect harmony.
