Awake’s Sơn Mài dials have become quite the enthusiast favourite. The multi-layer dial finishing technique gives the dials a unique look and an intense visual depth, making them one of the most unique appearing watches available today. Between the brand’s own releases and the recent unveiling of the “Ultraviolet” as part of FounderFest, Awake has been busy with no signs of slowing down. Looking to nature for inspiration, Awake releases the Frosted Leaf “Blood Moon”, “Storm”, and “Lagoon.”
These three new variations continue to utilise the traditional Vietnamese Sơn Mài lacquering technique, utilising layers of lacquer derived from the Rhus verniciflua tree, natural pigments, and metal leaf. For this series, Awake uses silver for the metal leaf, giving the dials their texture and radiance. Each dial is done by hand and takes craftsmen 15 hours to complete one dial, making each dial unique.
The “Blood Moon” takes inspiration from the appearance of the moon during a total lunar eclipse, using a bright red pigment contrasting against a black background. The “Storm” model is meant to invoke the appearance of lightning ripping through the night sky. Finally, the “Lagoon” dial is meant to mimic the variety of transparent blue hues one would see observing the natural geographical formation that gives the model its name.
The hands and indices continue Awake’s usage of BGW9 Super-LumiNova. The hands and indices are made of luminescent material, and then topped with polished and bevelled steel caps. In low light, the indices and hands have a glowing halo around them, making a practical asset a creative feature. The top of the dial features Awake’s handwritten script logo, an updated logo that pairs well with the more elegant case.
The case for these three new models uses Awake’s most recent case design. Measuring 38mm in diameter, 11.5mm thick, and 44.75 lug-to-lug, the stainless steel case is water-resistant to 100 metres, with sapphire crystals front and back. The case has a polished finish for the front and back of the lugs and the concave bezel, with a horizontal brushed finish for the flanks of the case.
Inside is a La Joux-Perret G101 with a custom tungsten rotor for Awake. Operating at 28,800 bph, the G101 has a 68-hour power reserve and 24 jewels. Surrounding the movement is a rehaut set beneath the rear sapphire crystal, engraved with Awake’s mission and signature “Illuminating the hands and heritage behind rare crafts” and “Artisanship, Awakened.”
Each model in this series comes with a colour-matched 20mm Nubuck calfskin strap with rubberised calfskin lining from Maison Bouveret. The strap features curved quick-release spring bars and a pin-buckle with micro-adjustment.
Awake Sơn Mài – Frosted Leaf “Blood Moon”, “Storm”, and “Lagoon” pricing and availability
The Awake Sơn Mài Frosted Leaf “Blood Moon”, “Storm”, and “Lagoon” are available in the Time+Tide shop and at Time+Tide Discovery Studios in New York, London, and Melbourne. These models are part of the core collection, but are limited to 100 pieces per year. Price: €2,820 (including taxes)
Brand
Awake
Model
Sơn Mài – Frosted Leaf “Blood Moon”, “Storm”, and “Lagoon”
Case Dimensions
38mm (D) x 11.5mm (T) x 44.75mm (LTL)
Case Material
Stainless steel
Water Resistance
100 metres
Crystal(s)
Sapphire front and back
Dial
Handcrafted Sơn Mài lacquer with silver leaf
Lug Width
20mm
Strap
Maison Bouveret Nubuck calfskin strap, curved quick-release spring bars, micro-adjustment ardillon buckle
Movement
La Joux-Perret G101, automatic
Power Reserve
68 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds
Availability
Now, limited to 100 pieces per model per year
Price
€2,820 (taxes and shipping included)