Audemars Piguet Unveils New Ceramic Royal Oaks in Historic “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”

In a significant development within the luxury watch industry, Audemars Piguet has introduced three new timepieces in ceramic, showcasing the brand’s historic “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” hue. This iconic shade of deep navy blue, originally made famous by the dials of the classic Royal Oak Jumbo models, has now been translated into full ceramic cases for the first time. The launch consists of the Royal Oak Double Balance Openworked and two Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs—each reflecting the brand’s commitment to technical innovation, high-end finishing, and design continuity.

A Legacy Color Reimagined in Ceramic

The “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” hue is well known among collectors and enthusiasts as the signature dial color of the original Royal Oak Jumbo references. It has since become symbolic of the Royal Oak’s heritage. While ceramic has been used in various Royal Oak models before, this is the first time the brand has successfully replicated its most iconic color in a full ceramic case.

The process of creating ceramic cases in such specific hues is complex. Ceramic is not only highly durable and scratch-resistant but also notoriously difficult to finish, especially when attempting to achieve the rich depth and tonal subtleties seen in metallic cases or dials. This makes Audemars Piguet’s accomplishment all the more notable.

The New Models

Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked (Ref. 15416CD)

Leading the trio is the 41mm Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, featuring a 9.7mm-thick case in blue ceramic. The timepiece houses the openworked caliber 3132, a self-winding movement with a 45-hour power reserve. One of its key innovations is the use of two balance wheels and two hairsprings mounted on the same axis. This design is engineered to enhance stability, reduce time deviations, and improve precision by increasing inertia without a corresponding increase in power consumption.

The movement is visible through the skeletonized dial and caseback, showcasing the intricate architecture and symmetrical arrangement of components. The watch is complemented by a full blue ceramic bracelet and features a titanium caseback ring and clasp to enhance comfort and reduce overall weight.

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph – Vintage Styling (Ref. 26238CD)

The second release is the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph, presented in a 42mm blue ceramic case with vintage-inspired aesthetics. The design features the recognizable 6-9-12 subdial layout, a hallmark of early Offshore chronographs. It includes the brand’s “Mega Tapisserie” dial pattern, blue ceramic pushers, and a matching ceramic bracelet.

Inside is the caliber 4404, a self-winding, integrated chronograph movement with a column-wheel mechanism and flyback function. It provides a 70-hour power reserve and includes a date function positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. This model has 100 meters of water resistance and is positioned as a modern reinterpretation of “The Beast,” the original nickname for the Offshore line when it debuted in the early 1990s.

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph – Contemporary Styling (Ref. 26420CE)

The third model in the lineup offers a more contemporary approach. It features a 43mm stainless steel case with a blue ceramic bezel, crown, and pushers. The watch is paired with a quick-change strap system and is delivered with both a fabric-textured strap and an additional rubber option. This design aims to appeal to modern consumers who prioritize versatility and style, while still maintaining a connection to the Offshore’s performance heritage.

It is powered by the caliber 4401, an updated version of the 4404 with a similar 70-hour power reserve, flyback function, and column wheel operation. This model also offers 100 meters of water resistance and retails at a lower entry price point compared to its full-ceramic counterparts.

Material Science and Finishing Excellence

One of the most technically impressive aspects of this release is Audemars Piguet’s ceramic finishing. Ceramic is difficult to polish and bevel due to its hardness, yet the new models demonstrate the same blend of brushed surfaces and polished chamfers that define the Royal Oak aesthetic. The finishing is performed using diamond-tipped tools, and the process requires exceptional precision to maintain consistency across various components.

Additionally, the brand’s use of titanium elements, such as the clasp and caseback ring, addresses the challenges of weight distribution and comfort in a full-ceramic construction. Ceramic, while strong and scratch-resistant, is also brittle and can fracture under high stress. Titanium provides a lightweight and durable counterbalance, particularly in parts subject to mechanical pressure or frequent handling.

A Subtle Evolution in Color

Compared to earlier blue ceramic models—such as the 2022 Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar—this new hue is notably more restrained. The 2022 release featured a much brighter and more vibrant blue that, while visually striking, limited its appeal to a smaller segment of buyers. The “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic, by contrast, appears almost black in certain lighting conditions, offering greater versatility and sophistication.

Its visual character changes depending on ambient light and angle, transitioning from deep navy to softer shades of blue. This dynamic effect enhances its aesthetic versatility and reflects Audemars Piguet’s focus on material innovation and sensory experience.

Historical Context and Brand Positioning

The Royal Oak Double Balance Openworked has been a centerpiece of the brand’s contemporary lineup since its introduction in 2016. Since then, it has evolved through numerous variations, including steel, rose gold, and black ceramic editions—some featuring gem-set bridges and others designed with minimalism in mind. The new blue ceramic version sits at the intersection of technical advancement and design heritage, maintaining the openworked aesthetic while introducing a new level of visual refinement through color and material choice.

The Royal Oak Offshore, originally introduced in 1993, has long served as a more robust and adventurous alternative to the classic Royal Oak. The latest Offshore releases in blue ceramic reinforce this identity while offering collectors new options that blend nostalgia and innovation. From the revival of early dial layouts to the incorporation of modern movements, these models bridge past and present effectively.

Pricing and Availability

– Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked (Ref. 15416CD): $101,100  

– Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph – Vintage (Ref. 26238CD): $86,900  

– Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph – Contemporary (Ref. 26420CE): $42,900  

While the Double Balancier is priced similarly to its black ceramic predecessor, the brand has not introduced an additional premium for the new color. This pricing strategy is consistent across the lineup and reflects the brand’s focus on offering value through design and craftsmanship rather than scarcity alone.

Market Reception and Industry Context

The timing of the release—shortly after the debut of Chanel’s new J12 blue ceramic models and during Watches and Wonders 2025—sparked comparisons across the industry. While Audemars Piguet does not participate in the Watches and Wonders exhibition, the coinciding announcements drew attention to the growing use of colored ceramics in high-end watchmaking.

Although both brands unveiled similarly hued models, Audemars Piguet has emphasized that its ceramic is produced by external specialists and that the color is not proprietary. Differences in finishing and construction further distinguish the watches. Audemars Piguet’s level of refinement in ceramic finishing continues to be regarded as among the finest in the industry.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore models in “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic represents a continuation of Audemars Piguet’s tradition of blending technical expertise with aesthetic heritage. The use of a historically significant color in a modern, challenging material reinforces the brand’s reputation for innovation and excellence.

These releases also demonstrate the adaptability of the Royal Oak design language across different model families and consumer preferences. Whether through openworked movements, vintage-inspired chronographs, or contemporary, strap-driven designs, Audemars Piguet continues to evolve while respecting its roots.

As colored ceramic continues to gain traction in haute horlogerie, the brand’s mastery of material science and design execution positions it at the forefront of this trend. With their meticulous attention to detail, historical reverence, and modern appeal, the new Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 ceramic Royal Oaks are a testament to the enduring legacy and creative direction of Audemars Piguet.

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