Awake Sơn Mài Collection: Introducing Vibrant Silver Leaf Vignette Dials

Experience Artistry on Your Wrist: The New Awake Sơn Mài Collection

Awake's Artistic Evolution: The Fusion of Silver Leaf and Vietnamese Lacquer

Awake embarked on a new creative journey in 2024 by integrating silver leaf with Vietnamese Sơn Mài lacquer, fundamentally reshaping its brand identity. This innovative approach placed artisanal crafts at the forefront of every new creation. The brand has successfully produced timepieces that marry traditional techniques with everyday functionality, offering customers watches that boast unique artistry and contemporary flair. The latest release continues this tradition, introducing four gradient vignette dials within a refined 38mm case. These designs draw inspiration from 1970s color schemes while maintaining Awake's distinct character.

The Unique Craftsmanship Behind Awake's Sơn Mài Dials

Among independent watchmakers offering relatively accessible luxury, Awake's Sơn Mài collection stands out with its distinctive offering. Each dial in this collection demands over ten hours of dedicated artisanal work. Craftsmen meticulously apply pure silver leaf, followed by approximately twelve layers of pigmented lacquer, with careful sanding and polishing between each coat. This intricate process results in a singular surface that exhibits remarkable visual depth and brilliance under varying light conditions. The brand's new script signature gracefully adorns the dial, while polished indices are set upon slightly larger Super-LumiNova BGW9 platforms. In low light, this configuration produces an ethereal blue glow, making the indices appear to float above the mesmerizing dials. Let's now examine the shared specifications before delving into each new dial variant.

The Refined 38mm Case Design of the Awake Silver Leaf Vignette Series

Each new watch in this collection features the brand's redesigned 38mm by 44.75mm 316L stainless steel case. The lug-to-lug measurement, at 44.75mm, ensures comfortable wearability, accommodating 20mm straps. The case thickness is a modest 11.50mm with the sapphire crystal, or 10mm without. A high-quality anti-reflective coating enhances visibility. Designed for everyday use, the watches offer a water resistance of 100 meters, secured by a standard push-in crown.

Premium Straps and Elegant Details

Each model comes fitted with either an Alcantara or nubuck strap, expertly crafted in France by Maison Jean Rousseau and Bouveret. Regardless of the chosen surface material, both strap types are lined with rubberized calfskin for enhanced durability and comfort. The timepieces are also equipped with a Fitwell M1 micro-adjustable pin buckle and convenient quick-release spring bars. Notably, the straps are color-matched to their respective dials across all models, with the exception of the limited edition purple version.

The Alluring Limited Edition Purple Viola

The Purple Viola marks the debut of the Silver Leaf Vignette dial in a limited edition of just 200 numbered pieces. This striking dial transitions from deep, near-black tones at its periphery to a luminous violet at its core.

Thoughtful Design of the Purple Viola: A Focus on the Dial

Intriguingly, this model is paired with a light gray strap, a deliberate choice that deviates from the dial-matching accessories of other models. This decision wisely directs attention to the dial, which is undeniably the focal point. As with all Sơn Mài timepieces, the lacquer's appearance subtly shifts with the light, ensuring that each watch possesses a unique character. While its limited availability is notable, the other regular production models in the series are equally captivating.

The Fiery Elegance of Indian Red

Awake's mastery of red is unparalleled, making the inclusion of an Indian Red model in the permanent Silver Leaf collection a welcome addition. While this is a regular production piece, manufacturing constraints mean that its annual output is capped at approximately one hundred units.

A Deep Radiance: The Indian Red Dial's Unique Appeal

The dial of this timepiece radiates such intense warmth that it appears to be aflame. Unlike the purple variant, the Indian Red maintains a consistent hue in its center, with the gradient shifting from an opaque edge to a more translucent tone. Paired with a rich red strap, this watch undeniably stands out against conventional formal attire.

Java Green: A Journey into the Verdant Depths

Next, we explore what I consider the most captivating new Silver Leaf variant: Java Green. This model enters serial production, evoking the untamed beauty of a tropical rainforest reptile. While its color conjures images of lush foliage, the dial's texture strikingly resembles fine-grained stone, complete with subtle striations that mimic rocky formations.

The Richness of Java Green: A Luxurious Aesthetic

The dial transitions from a deep, dark green at its edges to a lighter, mossy green hue towards the center pinion. This watch exudes a sense of luxury that belies its price point. While the matching green strap is undeniably appealing, I believe pairing it with a tan leather strap would allow it to compete effectively with much more expensive dress watches.

Gentian Blue: A Captivating Abyss of Color

For those seeking the most opulent aesthetic in the Silver Leaf collection, the Gentian Blue reference is the ultimate choice. Like its counterparts in this series, its production is limited to approximately 100 pieces per year. The dial is dominated by a vibrant azure that gracefully transitions into a regal royal blue, reminiscent of polished azurite—a personal favorite gemstone.

The Unique Allure of Gentian Blue

As with every piece in the Silver Leaf collection, the handcrafted lacquer process ensures that each dial is distinct. This particular model is complemented by a vivid blue strap that perfectly matches the dial, creating a cohesive and stunning ensemble.

The Precision of the La Joux-Perret Automatic Movement

Each Silver Leaf timepiece houses the Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement. This caliber offers a substantial 68-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). The movement is encircled by a ring elegantly engraved with Awake's mission: "Artisanship, Awakened." The screw-down caseback, featuring a sapphire display, proudly showcases the engraved tungsten rotor and the finely finished mainplate surfaces. While not an in-house movement, Awake has selected a powerhouse that boasts competitive specifications and high-end finishing.

Concluding Thoughts on the New Silver Leaf Collection

All four models are priced at €2,640, inclusive of VAT, with initial deliveries slated for late November. As noted, the India Red, Java Green, and Gentian Blue models will be produced in limited annual quantities, while the Purple Viola is a finite edition of 200 pieces. In summary, the Silver Leaf Vignette series presents exquisitely vibrant and handcrafted dials within a universally appealing 38mm case size. These watches, while bold, can be subtly toned down with a more traditional strap choice. However, their true charm lies in embracing their full spectrum of color and showcasing their unique artistry. For more details on acquiring one of these stunning new timepieces, please visit the official Awake website.