Independent French brand AWAKE approaches watchmaking from a singular perspective, deliberately stepping away from established conventions in favour of a more authentic method, one that draws inspiration from the beauty found all around us. With its first permanent collection, the Sơn Mài, AWAKE pays tribute to the ancestral Vietnamese art of lacquer, translating centuries-old craftsmanship into contemporary watchmaking expression.
A first to incorporate the Sơn Mài technique into watchmaking, AWAKE has joined forces with master lacquerers hailing from Vietnam to create unique dials that are handcrafted using a multitude of sanded and polished lacquer layers and made even more stunning through the application of a second métiers d'art technique of silver leaf gilding or the the ancient Japanese art of Raden. The result is a series of captivating dials crafted to evoke the vignette effect of analogue photography or the organic shades found in the natural world.
AWAKE further distinguishes its creations through an ingenious application of Super-LumiNova, not merely as a functional element but as a means of revealing the full beauty of the dials. The hands and indices are made from a thin, solid base of SLN BGW9, topped with faceted, polished steel inserts. The setup is inspired by the poetic sensibility of the Japanese chiaroscuro technique, where the expressive use of light and shadow creates an emotionally engaging aesthetic.
AWAKE Son Mài HIGHLIGHTS
Refined lines, responsible design
When it was first established in 2019, AWAKE committed to raising awareness of the planet’s limited resources. This dedication continues today in the Sơn Mài collection, which offers 39 mm diameter cases made from recycled 316L stainless steel. Featuring short curving lugs and measuring just 11.8 mm in thickness (sapphire crystal included), the case showcases a rounded bezel and polished lug tops, offset by brushed case flanks.
When every element counts
While the stunning dials will immediately catch your attention at first, the Sơn Mài is as powerful as it is beautiful. Inside, there’s a Swiss-made Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement doing the heavy lifting. Turn any of these watches over, and you’ll be greeted by the screw-in caseback that features a Clous de Paris ring surrounding the sapphire crystal that offers a glimpse of the movement, which boasts a 68-hour power reserve. AWAKE has also outfitted the watches with 50 m of water resistance.
