In a world where many timepieces chase precision through industrial perfection, AWAKE dares to slow the tempo and focus on something far more enduring: meaning. With its new “Sơn Mài – Frosted Leaf” collection, the brand invites us into a tactile and poetic dialogue between time, earth, and human craft. This is not just a watch—it’s an exploration of heritage, emotion, and artistry that reaches across cultures and centuries.
The journey begins not in Switzerland, but in the secluded ateliers of Hanoi, Vietnam, where lacquer masters still practice the sacred art of Sơn Mài, a demanding craft passed down through generations. AWAKE’s mission was ambitious: to blend this ancestral savoir-faire with the codes of contemporary horology. The result is an exquisite collection of three limited-edition watches—Mocha, Green, and Blue—each a hand-crafted tribute to the Earth’s palette as seen from space.
At the heart of these watches are the dials—true miniature works of art, each one entirely handmade using a method developed specifically for this collection. The technique, known as “Frosted Leaf,” is a painstaking process that combines natural lacquer, silver leaf, and hand-sanding, resulting in a deeply textured, luminous surface that feels almost alive. Over 15 hours of manual work go into crafting each dial. No two are ever identical, and every imperfection tells a story—of nature, of time, and of the artisan’s hand.
The Green version evokes lush vegetation and renewal, its hues rich and serene. The Blue version captures the vastness of oceans and skies, offering a sense of calm infinity. The Mocha variant channels the grounding power of earth and roots, wrapped in warm, enveloping tones. Seen up close, the interplay of layers and light invites introspection. These are dials that do not shout—but whisper.
To house such artistry, AWAKE turned to modern Swiss watchmaking. The La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement ensures mechanical integrity, with an impressive 68-hour power reserve. Visible through a sapphire case back, the movement is framed by a textured Clous de Paris ring and features a customized tungsten rotor with alternating polished and matte finishes—a subtle nod to the duality of raw and refined that defines the entire collection.
The case, a balanced 39mm in diameter, is crafted from recycled 316L stainless steel—a conscious choice that echoes the brand’s commitment to sustainability. At just under 12mm thick, the watch maintains a slim profile while offering a presence that feels grounded and sculptural.
Attention to detail extends to the luminous elements. In place of standard lume, AWAKE has created a “luminous cap” signature, a restrained and elegant design inspired by Japanese chiaroscuro. A year of development went into achieving this subtle glow, designed not to overwhelm the dial but to complement its quiet beauty. The hands and hour markers are filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova®, topped with faceted steel inserts polished to a fine glaive point.
Completing the package is a strap by DELUGS, made in light grey nubuck leather and lined with black rubber for comfort. Soft to the touch, yet durable and precisely stitched, the strap complements the character of the watch perfectly. Quick-release spring bars and a recycled steel buckle add both ease and intention to the overall experience.
With only 50 pieces produced per colorway, the “Sơn Mài – Frosted Leaf” collection is not merely limited—it is intimate. It speaks not to mass appeal, but to collectors and aesthetes who find value in the imperfect, the personal, and the timeless. It is a celebration of quiet mastery, and a reminder that the most meaningful expressions of time are those created by hand.
