Awake revisits its Sơn Mài collection with a luminous update that fuses traditional Vietnamese craft with contemporary horology. The new Silver Leaf Vignette series introduces five dial variations that manipulate light and depth through layers of lacquer and silver leaf. For collectors drawn to timepieces that speak beyond mechanics, this is a launch worth watching.
A brand rooted in sustainability and creativity
Founded in France, Awake has consistently positioned itself at the crossroads of responsible design and artistic expression. The brand is known for experimenting with recycled materials, limited editions, and cultural partnerships rather than following established Swiss tropes. The Sơn Mài line, first launched in 2022, was conceived as a tribute to the centuries-old lacquer tradition of Vietnam, celebrated for its shimmering textures and vibrant tones. By embedding silver leaf beneath lacquer, Awake enriches the dialogue between craft heritage and watchmaking innovation, elevating the collection beyond its earlier iterations.
The technical foundation
The new models are housed in a 40mm stainless steel case, designed with clean architectural lines that frame the artistry of the dial. The case is paired with a sapphire crystal and an open caseback, ensuring both resilience and a clear view of the automatic movement inside. Powering the watch is the Soprod Newton, a Swiss-made caliber with a 44-hour power reserve and proven reliability. Where these watches truly distinguish themselves is in the dial: silver leaf carefully applied beneath multiple coats of lacquer, a demanding technique that produces depth, reflection, and nuance. Each dial—whether deep Carmine Red, luminous Moonlight Blue, refined Palladium, radiant Ultra Violet, or the limited Golden Hour—shifts its character depending on how light strikes its surface.
A watch for aesthetes and cultural explorers
These are not watches designed to impress with technical specifications alone. They are meant for collectors who value design storytelling and cultural resonance in their timepieces. At 40mm, the case offers modern proportions while remaining versatile enough for daily wear. The colors chosen suggest different moods: Carmine Red and Ultra Violet lean bold and expressive, while Moonlight Blue and Palladium deliver more understated elegance. The Golden Hour limited edition, with its warm tones, is perhaps the most evocative, offering an intimate connection to the fleeting beauty of dusk. These models suit those who see watches not merely as tools but as personal statements of taste and curiosity.
Pricing, availability, and final thoughts
Each watch in the Awake Sơn Mài Silver Leaf Vignette collection is priced at $2,500 USD. In Europe, this corresponds to €2,000 before tax, or €2,400 including VAT. Availability is limited, particularly for the Golden Hour edition, capped at just 100 pieces. From my perspective, this is a fair proposition: few brands manage to combine authentic artisanal craft with Swiss mechanics at this level. For collectors who crave artistry alongside functionality, these new Awake models feel like a meaningful addition to the modern independent scene.
And if you ever get the chance to see one in person, don’t be surprised if the dial leaves you quietly mesmerized. Also, check out the brand’s boldest timepiece released this summer in collaboration with The Dial Artist : the Sơn Mài “Year of the Sssnake” !
