AWAKE stands apart in the independent watch scene through the use of Son Mài, a centuries-old Vietnamese lacquer technique that brings depth, texture, and bold character to its creations. For its latest collection, the Son Mài Fragments, the brand takes artisanal craftsmanship in a new direction by combining Son Mài with mother-of-pearl in a contemporary take on the Japanese Raden inlay technique.
Each Son Mài Fragments dial is a mosaic of nacre fragments fixed under successive layers of lacquer made from the sap of the Vietnamese Rhus Verniciflua tree, which is then enhanced by the addition of organic pigments that are sprayed over the surface. What emerges is a dial that comes alive in light, shifting in tone and glow depending on the angle, and giving each watch its own unmistakable character.
The recycled 316L stainless steel case makes a comeback in the new Son Mài Fragments, boasting the same dimensions: 39 mm in diameter and 11.8 mm in thickness (sapphire crystal included). A polished bezel and lugs frame the watch with elegance, offering the perfect counterpoint for the spectacular dial.
AWAKE Son Mài - Fragments HIGHLIGHTS
A different approach to night legibility
AWAKE carries over its distinctive lume signature into the Son Mài Fragments collection. In this design, a luminescent layer sits beneath the indices and hands. The effect is a bright, bluish glow that makes the elements appear suspended above the dial, all within a clean, pared-back layout that avoids unnecessary distraction.
Fragments with a heartbeat
Driving these beauties is a Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101 calibre, boasting a robust 68-hour power reserve. The movement has a tungsten rotor with alternating brushed, polished, and micro-beaded surfaces, visible through the sapphire case back. The Son Mài Fragments are delivered on a Jean Rousseau calfskin strap and feature 50 m of water resistance.
