Back in 2022, Audemars Piguet made waves with a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in bright blue ceramic, a head-turning shade that looked like it came straight from a box of Crayolas. Loud, technical, and unapologetically bold, the watch embodied everything about the brand under the leadership of then-CEO François-Henry Bennahmias.
But while the public was dazzled by the bold blue, Bennahmias had something else in mind. In a candid moment during a Talking Watches interview, he revealed that what he really wanted was a deeper, more refined blue. Specifically, a navy tone. At the time, they just couldn’t make it. That is, until now.
Introducing the Royal Oak in Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 Ceramic
Fast forward to 2025, and Audemars Piguet has finally made that dream a reality with three new Royal Oak models in a rich Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 ceramic. This isn’t just any shade of blue. It’s the same hue that made the original Royal Oak “Jumbo” dials iconic. And now it’s wrapped around the brand’s most innovative ceramic cases to date.
The lineup includes:
- A Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked (Double Balancier)
- Two Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs, one with vintage-inspired design and the other with a sportier, modern look
These pieces made a quiet but powerful debut around Watches and Wonders 2025, a bold move considering AP doesn’t usually present at the show.
Ceramic Craftsmanship That Hits Different
Let’s be clear. Audemars Piguet doesn’t produce its ceramic cases in-house, and the color Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 isn’t proprietary. But the finishing? That’s where AP sets itself apart. The way light plays off this deep blue ceramic is nothing short of mesmerizing. In some lighting, it looks nearly black. In others, it takes on a rich navy hue that is subtle but undeniably luxurious.
While Chanel also released a blue ceramic J12 around the same time, comparisons fall short. AP's craftsmanship, case finishing, and technical complexity easily stand in a league of their own.
Spotlight on the Double Balancier – Ref. 15416CD
Let’s talk showstopper. The Royal Oak Double Balancier in Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 is a collector’s dream. With a 41mm x 9.7mm case and the openworked self-winding caliber 3132 inside, it balances stunning aesthetics with serious mechanical innovation. The double balance wheel system, mounted on the same axis, enhances stability and timekeeping precision while maintaining efficiency. This is something rarely achieved in dual-balance designs.
The price is $101,100. High, yes, but it matches the black ceramic version and feels justified given the craftsmanship and exclusivity.
The Royal Oak Offshore – Vintage Vibes in Modern Ceramic
Next up is the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph, ref. 26238CD. If you’re nostalgic for the original “Beast,” you’ll appreciate this 42mm x 15.3mm model, complete with a vintage 6-9-12 chronograph layout. It features the in-house caliber 4404, a flyback chronograph with column wheel, date function, and 70-hour power reserve.
Retailing at $86,900, it delivers a full-throttle Offshore experience in a contemporary material that nods to AP’s legendary past.
A More Accessible Take: Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph on Strap
For those drawn more to modern sportiness than horological heritage, there's also a 43mm Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph with a stainless steel case, blue ceramic bezel, and textured fabric strap. It keeps the same movement as the vintage-inspired model (the caliber 4401) but sheds some weight physically and financially. At $42,900, it’s the most approachable model in the Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 trio.
What Makes Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 Special?
The name Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 isn’t just poetic. It’s historic. This specific tone of dark blue became legendary with the Royal Oak “Jumbo,” and it's not easy to replicate in ceramic. What makes it even more impressive is how AP managed to retain its character while mastering the complexities of finishing ceramic to such a high level.
From brushed surfaces to polished angles, each line of the case is executed with surgical precision. Even the lightweight titanium elements, like the caseback ring and clasp, are thoughtfully designed to complement the ceramic without compromising durability or comfort.
Final Thoughts
Even after the whirlwind of new releases at Watches and Wonders, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 stands out. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an AP enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a watch that hits the sweet spot between history and innovation, these timepieces deliver.
The color is rich, timeless, and far more wearable than the electric blue ceramic we saw in 2022. The craftsmanship is top-tier. And the excitement is very real.
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