AWAKE has launched its most artistic collection yet: Sơn Mài – Frosted Leaf, as a follow-up to the brand’s first Sơn Mài series in late 2024.
Inspired by Vietnam’s ancient lacquer tradition, each of the three editions – Green, Blue, and Mocha – is limited to just 50 pieces and features a handcrafted dial made using an exclusive, labor-intensive technique that sees traditional lacquer (Sơn Mài), silver leaf gilding, and natural pigments come together.
Each 39mm case is crafted from recycled 316L stainless steel and houses a dial that takes over 15 hours to complete.
Here, layers of lacquer sap from the Rhus Verniciflua tree are applied over black pigment, silver leaf, and multiple veils of pigment. These are then hand-sanded to reveal a rich, frosted texture with shimmering depth and a unique finish to each.
AWAKE’s distinctive luminous “cap” signature, inspired by Japanese chiaroscuro, adds a subtle glow in low light, while hands and indexes are crafted with faceted steel inserts over Super-LumiNova BGW9 for added legibility.
Inside is the Swiss La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, offering a 68-hour power reserve. A custom tungsten rotor with contrasting finishes and a “Clous de Paris” motif elevate the movement’s visual appeal, seen through a sapphire crystal caseback.
The watch is paired with a custom DELUGS strap in light grey nubuck leather, lined in rubber. It also includes presto spring bars and is available in two sizes.
€2,150 (excluding tax), awakewatches.com