Awake, the independent French watch brand founded in 2019, is known for its commitment to environmental awareness. With their previous space-themed watches featuring NFC chips that provide views of Earth from the International Space Station, Awake embraced a unique perspective. Now, the brand is taking another step forward with their Son Mài collection, which showcases the art of Vietnamese sanded lacquer.
The Son Mài collection consists of four time-only references, each adorned with a handcrafted dial featuring sanded lacquer and silver leaf gilding. The dials, created by master lacquerers from Hanoia, Vietnam's most prestigious atelier, showcase intricate patterns and textures. It takes between 10 and 15 hours to perfect each dial, which involves multiple coats of lacquer and meticulous sanding and polishing.
In addition to the exquisite dials, Awake has incorporated Super-LumiNova into the collection in a unique way. Rather than applying it to the hands and indices, the brand has used a thin, solid base of SLN BGW9, capped with a faceted polished steel overlay. This creates a chiaroscuro effect, adding depth and reflection to the dial.
The Son Mài collection also introduces a newly designed 39mm recycled stainless steel case with a 50m water resistance rating. The case features polished and brushed finishes, with short curving lugs and a rounded bezel. The La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, assembled in La Chaux-de-Fonds, powers the watches and offers a robust 68-hour power reserve.
The Son Mài collection will be available for pre-orders starting on October 28th, with deliveries expected to begin in December 2024. The initial release of the collection will consist of numbered editions of 50 pieces in each colorway: Lava, Emerald, Outre Bleu, and Amethyst. However, these models are not limited editions and may be relaunched based on demand. The retail price for these watches is under EUR 2,000.
The Son Mài collection represents a new era for Awake, showcasing the brand's dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and environmental consciousness. With its unique materials, intricate dials, and reputable Swiss movements, the Son Mài watches offer a compelling proposition for watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
