Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet has introduced a new ceramic shade inspired by the iconic Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 — the deep blue colour first created in 1972 for the first Royal Oak dial. Evoking the luminous night sky of the Vallée de Joux, a long-standing wellspring of inspiration for watchmakers, this distinctive hue now appears in ceramic across three models from the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections. Developed over several years, this material meets the challenge of maintaining a uniform colour throughout all watch components.
These three timepieces showcase the manufacturer’s relentless quest for innovation in terms of design and materials, in tribute to the region of Le Brassus where Audemars Piguet was founded 150 years ago. The measurement of time finds its origins in the astronomical observations that have consistently guided watchmakers in their quest for precision. Gazing at the sky, they have examined the movements of stars and the Moon for centuries, seeking to reflect them in their creations.
Known for its clarity, the Vallée de Joux’s night sky has inspired generations of watchmakers since the 18th century, fostering the development of some of the world’s most prestigious complications. Beyond the movement of celestial bodies, the shade of the region’s clear night sky nurtured the imagination of Audemars Piguet artisans. It was this deep blue hue that inspired Gérald Genta to replicate it for the dial of the first Royal Oak in 1972.
At the time, the Geneva-based dial maker Stern developed the Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 colour by adding black pigment to the protective varnish. Recreating this blue colour is a complex process, as the shade varies depending on the duration and temperature of the galvanic bath. Today, Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 dials are obtained using a PVD process to ensure a homogeneous colour. Whether due to its complexity or the enthusiasm surrounding the first Royal Oak model, the Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 hue has since become as iconic as the timepiece itself.