Audemars Piguet Introduces New ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ Ceramic Shade
This April 2025, Audemars Piguet has unveiled a new ceramic shade that pays homage to the legendary ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ – a shade that first graced the dial of the original Royal Oak in 1972. This new iteration draws its inspiration from the deep, clear night sky of the Vallée de Joux, a region that has long fueled the creative spirit of Swiss Haute Horlogerie. The new ceramic not only revives an iconic hue but also extends the time-honoured tradition of innovation by marrying ancestral know-how with modern manufacturing techniques. Developed over several years, this ceramic promises an unwavering uniformity of colour across components. The launch sees the new material dressing three distinct models across the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections, two of which are entirely rendered in the deep blue ceramic. With meticulous craftsmanship involving high-tech machining complemented by the careful hand-finishing typical of Audemars Piguet, the watchmaker reaffirms its commitment to design excellence and material innovation. This release also serves as a tribute to the region of Le Brassus, reinforcing its pivotal role in the brand’s 150-year history.
Cases: Crafting a Tribute in Ceramic and Steel
The cases of these new models exemplify Audemars Piguet’s ability to blend innovation with tradition. The 41 mm Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked features a case entirely crafted in the new ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic. This case is paired with a glareproofed sapphire crystal and a caseback, framed by titanium to ensure durability while offering a refined aesthetic. In contrast, the 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph also dons a full ceramic case, which extends to the push-pieces and even the crown. Here, the ceramic is complemented by stainless steel accents such as eight hexagonal screws and a titanium crown chip, enhancing the sporty yet sophisticated look of the timepiece. The third model, the 43 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph, takes a two-toned approach by combining a stainless steel case with distinctive ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic elements on the bezel, push-pieces, and crown. While the 41 mm model is water resistant to 50 m with a case thickness of 9.7 mm, the 42 mm and 43 mm variants enjoy water resistance up to 100 m, with case thicknesses of 15.3 mm and 14.4 mm respectively.
Dials: Celestial Inspirations and Intricate Detailing
The dials of these new watches are a key element in expressing the unique ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ character. On the 41 mm Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, the dial is a ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ inner bezel that provides a subtle backdrop for the 18-carat pink gold hour-markers and Royal Oak hands, accented with luminescent material. This simple yet striking display is designed to focus attention on the meticulously engineered openworked movement visible beneath the sapphire crystal. The 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph sports a Méga Tapisserie dial, where the ceramic tone is echoed in the counters and inner bezel. Complementary details such as 18-carat white gold hands and hour markers, along with white chronograph indications set on a blue background, add to the legibility and dynamic appeal of the dial. Meanwhile, the 43 mm model features a two-toned dial that marries stainless steel with the deep blue ceramic. Its Méga Tapisserie pattern is offset by light blue chronograph counters and a tachymeter scale rendered in white, while the dial also displays a subtle AP monogram in white gold at 12 o’clock. In every instance, the dials evoke the clear, inspiring night sky of the Vallée de Joux, reflecting both historical homage and modern technical sophistication.
Movements: Precision Engineering and Heritage Innovation
At the heart of these timepieces lie impressive movements that marry modern engineering with a deep respect for watchmaking heritage. The Double Balance Wheel Openworked is powered by the selfwinding Calibre 3132. This movement is distinguished by its patented double balance wheel mechanism – a system that features two balance wheels and two hairsprings assembled on a single axis for enhanced precision and stability. Detailed with an openworked design, the movement has a total diameter of 26.6 mm, a thickness of 4.4 mm, and is composed of 245 parts with 38 jewels, guaranteeing a minimum power reserve of 45 hours and oscillating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour). Meanwhile, the 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph houses the Calibre 4404, an integrated chronograph movement that incorporates a column wheel and flyback function, facilitating seamless restarts. This movement, with a diameter of 32 mm and a thickness of 8 mm, comprises 433 parts and 40 jewels, offering a robust power reserve of 70 hours at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour). The 43 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph is driven by the Calibre 4401, which shares similar technical virtues including the flyback chronograph function and detailed decoration visible through the sapphire caseback. Each movement not only ensures exceptional timekeeping but also reflects Audemars Piguet’s rigorous pursuit of technological advancement and watchmaking artistry.
Straps: Integrated Elegance and Functional Design
The Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked and the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph both arrive with a ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic bracelet. These bracelets have titanium AP folding clasps, ensuring secure closure. For the 43 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph, the approach is more versatile. This model is equipped with an interchangeable strap system that includes a textured calfskin leather strap, rendered in a ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ hue and fastened with a stainless steel AP pin buckle. Additionally, an extra blue rubber strap is provided, affirming the sporty identity of the model.
Price and Availability
While Audemars Piguet has focused primarily on the technical and aesthetic innovation behind the new ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic, the pricing details for these models have not been explicitly disclosed. Presented as a celebration of the brand’s 150-year heritage and its continual pursuit of pushing boundaries in materials and design, these three models are poised to attract both connoisseurs and collectors. For those interested, it is advisable to contact authorised Audemars Piguet retailers for more detailed information on pricing and availability as the models become available in selected markets later in 2025.
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
15416CD.OO.1225CD.01 Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm: 26238CD.OO.1300CD.01 Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
26420SO.OO.A029VE.01
CASE MATERIAL
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm:
‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
Stainless steel with ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic bezel, crown, and push-piece
DIMENSIONS
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
Diameter 41 mm
Thickness: 9.7 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm:
Diameter 42 mm
Thickness: 15.3 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
Diameter 43 mm
Thickness: 14.4 mm
WATER RESISTANCE
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
5 bar (~50 m) Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm:
10 bar (~100 m) Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
10 bar (~100 m)
DIAL
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ inner bezel with 18-carat pink gold markers Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm:
‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ Méga Tapisserie dial with chronograph counters in the same shade Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ Méga Tapisserie dial with light blue counters
STRAP/BRACELET
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic bracelet with titanium AP folding clasp Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm:
‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ ceramic bracelet with titanium AP folding clasp; Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
Interchangeable ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ textured calfskin leather strap and additional blue rubber strap with stainless steel AP pin buckle
MOVEMENT
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
Calibre 3132 Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm:
Calibre 4404 Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
Calibre 4401
MOVEMENT TYPE
Selfwinding
POWER RESERVE
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
45 h Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm:
70 h Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
70 h
FREQUENCY
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
3 Hz (21,600 vph) Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm:
4 Hz (28,800 vph) Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
4 Hz (28,800 vph)
FUNCTIONS
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41 mm:
Hours, minutes, centre seconds Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 mm:
Hours, minutes, small seconds, flyback chronograph and date Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 mm:
Hours, minutes, small seconds, flyback chronograph and date
With the introduction of the Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller, Rolex has opened a new chapter in the history of watchmaking. With an impressive 32 new patent applications, 18 of which are exclusive to this model, the Land-Dweller showcases the innovative spirit of Rolex. 16 patents have been filed for the new calibre 7135 movement alone, which is…
Audemars Piguet expands its Code 11.59 collection with two new models in stainless steel. These timepieces feature a grey dial and strap, complemented by the brand’s signature "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" accents. Available in both Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph versions, these watches showcase the collection’s unique design and meticulous craftsmanship. Let’s take a closer look…
With the Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition, the Manufacture is continuing its collaboration with luxury mobility brand Brabus. The Submersible S BRABUS Black Ops Edition (PAM0124), on which the new model is based, was presented last year. However, it now features blue accents instead of red and has a titanium case. Panerai will…
Frederique Constant presents a limited edition Worldtimer Manufacture in 40mm, a co-creation with Watch Angels. Watch Angels, an independent Swiss platform, is disrupting the traditional watch industry through "crowdmanufacturing." This approach connects watch enthusiasts, designers, and manufacturers to create unique timepieces directly from concept to wrist. The new Frederique Constant + Watch Angels Worldtimer Manufacture…
On the watch fair SIHH 2019 the Swiss brand Vacheron Constantin introduces a new, very exclusive model. In 2006 the brand already presented a collection, called 'Excellence Platine', which is dedicated to the high-quality material platinum. This collection, composed of exceptional models only issued in limited editions, now welcomes a new version of the Traditionnelle Manual-Winding. Vacheron…
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights Of The Round Table Titanium Damascus is the latest addition to the collection launched in 2013, which uniquely combines the medieval myth of King Arthur with Roger Dubuis' progressive approach to horology. This new version stands for the contrast between ice and fire. The titanium case with Damascus pattern symbolises…
At Watches and Wonders 2025, Panerai is presenting the Luminor Perpetual Calendar GMT Platinumtech PAM01575. With its case crafted from advanced Platinumtech and the technical sophistication of a perpetual calendar, the watch expands the brand’s high-end offering. Since the 1960s, the Luminor has been closely associated with Panerai. The new PAM01575 continues this legacy, combining…
Inspired by the Memovox Polaris watch from 1968, Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed a new collection to join the brand’s existing pillars. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Collection These models are a homage to a historical reference, the Memovox Polaris. But also they represent today’s spirit and modernity. The new Polaris collection offers a full range of timepieces: a three-hand automatic, a chronograph…
With the 5557 Marine Hora Mundi, Breguet is presenting a new take on the maritime sports watch, which now offers a world time complication on an ornate dial. Here, a stylised world map adorns the front, underlining the spirit of discovery that the timepiece conveys. The complication can display the 24 time zones relative to…
Team Luna Rossa, winner of the Prada Cup during the most recent contestfor America’s Cup, is among the top sailing clubs in the world. Now, the long-standing partner of Panerai is uniting with its Italian amici once again to introduce an all-new Luminor Luna Rossa timepiece: the PAM01342. Coinciding with the beginning of the race…
September is coming up and the first autumn highlights are about to be released. One of them is the cooperation between the online magazine Monochrome and watch manufacture Armin Strom. Together they are ringing in the next season with the Armin Strom x Monochrome Montre de Souscription 3 Gravity Equal Force Maillechort. The monochrome timepiece with…
Abraham-Louis Breguet was the brain behind many inventions in the watchmaking world. In addition to the tourbillon and the pare-chute shock protection device, he also is the origin of the idea of the split-seconds chronograph, a complication that will soon be celebrating two centuries of existence. Before 1810 he produced certain timepieces equipped with a…
About 220 years ago, Abraham-Louis Breguet received the patent for his invention of the tourbillon. To mark the occasion, the Manufacture presents the Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Anniversaire 5365, a watch that focuses on this achievement and pays homage to the brand's history with elaborate decorations. In keeping with the total of only 35 tourbillon…