Audemars Piguet, the legendary Swiss watchmaker, has once again captivated the horological world with its latest masterpiece, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon in 'Bleu Nuit, Nuage' 50 ceramic. This time, the brand takes the iconic Royal Oak design and elevates it to new heights, quite literally, with a flying tourbillon complication that adds a layer of complexity and elegance to the already iconic timepiece.
The Royal Oak, since its inception in 1972, has been a symbol of luxury and innovation. Its distinctive octagonal bezel, secured by eight visible screws, and the petite tapisserie dial with its signature clous-de-paris pattern have become instantly recognizable worldwide. The 'Bleu Nuit, Nuage' 50 ceramic, a shade of deep blue, has become synonymous with the Royal Oak, and Audemars Piguet has now crafted a watch that truly embodies this iconic color.
In my opinion, the use of ceramic in the case and bracelet is a bold move, as it showcases the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries. The process of matching the ceramic to the iconic blue shade took several years to perfect, and the result is a stunning timepiece that exudes sophistication and craftsmanship. The 41mm case, with its 10.6mm thickness, sits comfortably on the wrist, and the integrated bracelet adds to the overall aesthetic appeal.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this watch is the grande tapisserie dial, which features smaller squares compared to the mega tapisserie dials seen in previous models. This design choice brings the watch closer to the classic Royal Oak's look, providing a more harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The dial's 6:00 position is significantly cut out to accommodate the Calibre 2950 automatic movement's flying tourbillon, which completes one full rotation every second, creating a mesmerizing display of mechanical artistry.
The flying tourbillon, a true marvel of engineering, appears to float without any supporting structure, living up to its name. The rest of the dial is adorned with 18K white gold hands and indices filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility in various lighting conditions. This attention to detail further enhances the watch's overall appeal.
While the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked and the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs released last year were equally impressive, they didn't quite capture the full essence of 'Bleu Nuit, Nuage' 50. The new Flying Tourbillon, however, offers a more comprehensive experience of this iconic color, and I can't help but wonder what a fully blued 'Jumbo' Extra-Thin Royal Oak would look like.
In my view, this watch is a testament to Audemars Piguet's ability to blend tradition and innovation seamlessly. The 'Bleu Nuit, Nuage' 50 ceramic, combined with the flying tourbillon, creates a timepiece that is both visually stunning and technically impressive. As an editor at Gear Patrol, I highly recommend adding this watch to any horology enthusiast's collection, as it represents the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking.
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