Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon in "Bleu Nuit, Nuage" Ceramic – Full Ceramic Treatment for 2026

AP Expands Its "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" Ceramic to the Flying Tourbillon

Audemars Piguet has announced a striking new version of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon, now crafted entirely in the historic "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" ceramic. According to Monochrome Watches, this marks the first time the Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon has been executed completely in this deep blue ceramic shade, which was originally developed by Stern Frères for the dial of the first 1972 Royal Oak Jumbo.

The "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" colour achieves its signature deep blue by adding black pigment No. 50 to the protective lacquer. Introduced as a ceramic colour in 2025, it had previously appeared on selected Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore models, including the Perpetual Calendar, but never across the complete architecture of the Flying Tourbillon.

Technical Specifications and Design

The 41mm case retains its familiar proportions at 10.6mm in height, with 50m water resistance. The entire case, bezel, crown, and integrated bracelet are executed in the deep blue ceramic, with alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces that are hand-finished to preserve the sharp facets and crisp lines defining the collection. The integrated bracelet is secured with a titanium AP folding clasp.

The dial features a matching "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" Grande Tapisserie pattern with white gold applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands filled with luminescent material. At 6 o'clock, the rhodium-toned flying tourbillon appears to float beneath the dial thanks to its bridge-free construction.

Calibre 2950 Movement

The watch is powered by the in-house calibre 2950, the automatic flying tourbillon movement first introduced in the Code 11.59 collection before making its way into the Royal Oak. It beats at 21,600 vibrations/hour and delivers a 65-hour power reserve. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement showcases traditional finishing including Côtes de Genève, circular graining, polished bevels, and a rhodium-toned 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight.

Key Specifications

Market Context and Collectibility

The Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon in full ceramic represents Audemars Piguet's continued investment in material science as a differentiator in the ultra-high-end sports watch segment. The "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" shade connects directly to the brand's heritage, referencing the original 1972 dial colour while pushing into contemporary ceramic technology. As Monochrome Watches notes, the watch joins the permanent collection and is not limited in production.

For collectors, the combination of a flying tourbillon complication with an all-ceramic construction in this specific heritage colour creates a compelling proposition. The expected price point of approximately CHF 210,000 places it firmly in the haute horlogerie territory, competing with similar offerings from Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50"?

"Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" is a deep blue shade originally developed by dial maker Stern Frères for the first Royal Oak Jumbo dials in 1972. The colour was achieved by adding black pigment No. 50 to the protective lacquer. Audemars Piguet introduced it as a ceramic colour in 2025 for the brand's 150th anniversary.

How does the flying tourbillon differ from a regular tourbillon?

A flying tourbillon is supported only from the back, with no upper bridge, creating the visual impression that the complication is floating in space. This requires more complex engineering but results in a more dramatic display of the escapement.

Is the ceramic version more scratch-resistant than steel?

Yes. High-tech ceramic is significantly harder than stainless steel on the Mohs scale, making it highly scratch-resistant. However, ceramic can be more brittle and is therefore more prone to cracking under sharp impact compared to metal.

Source: Monochrome Watches – AP Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon in "Bleu Nuit, Nuage" Ceramic

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