Awake is expanding its Son Mai Frosted Leaf series by introducing three new variations: Storm, Blood Moon, and Lagoon. These latest additions further the brand's exploration of traditional Asian artistry, combining Vietnamese Son Mai lacquer techniques with delicate silver leaf embellishments for their dials. The new timepieces are housed in a more refined 38mm case, a subtle reduction from the original 39mm, reflecting a commitment to both aesthetics and wearer comfort. Each model is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, showcasing vibrant color palettes and a bespoke handwritten logo that underscores their handmade character.
These watches are not merely aesthetic marvels; they are also engineered with precision. They feature the reliable La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, visible through a sapphire caseback, which boasts a custom-made tungsten rotor with exquisite finishes. The dials, with their intricate layers of lacquer and natural pigments, are illuminated by Super-LumiNova BGW9, ensuring legibility while adding a subtle glow. Paired with handmade nubuck calfskin straps that match the dial colors, these new Frosted Leaf models are a significant offering in Awake's permanent collection, representing a fusion of traditional art and contemporary horology.
The Refined Aesthetics and Craftsmanship of New Frosted Leaf Models
Awake's latest expansion of the Son Mai Frosted Leaf series introduces three captivating models: Storm, Blood Moon, and Lagoon, each distinguished by its unique color palette and meticulous artisanal details. The Storm variant merges black and orange, the Blood Moon features a deep red and black combination, and the Lagoon model captivates with layers of blue and green. These vibrant hues are achieved through the brand's signature Vietnamese Son Mai lacquerwork, a process that involves multiple layers of lacquer, natural pigments, and pure silver leaf, requiring approximately 15 hours of dedicated craftsmanship for each dial. This intricate technique, inherited from Asian métiers d’art traditions, imbues each watch face with a depth and luminosity that is truly unique.
Beyond the striking dials, the new Frosted Leaf watches are also notable for their thoughtfully redesigned case. Now presented in a 38mm steel case with a 44.75mm lug-to-lug distance and an 11.5mm thickness, these models offer a more compact and elegant profile than their predecessors. The case features a blend of polished and satin-finished surfaces, complemented by a slightly curved sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown and caseback, ensuring a water resistance of 100m. A distinctive new handwritten logo adorns these watches, further emphasizing the artisanal nature of their creation and enhancing their unique handmade appeal. The hands and indexes are crafted from polished, brushed, and faceted steel, integrating Super-LumiNova BGW9 that glows from underneath, providing enhanced legibility without compromising the dial's intricate beauty. Each element, from the delicate 'millefeuille' construction of the dial to the luminous 'coiffe' for diffused light, contributes to a cohesive design that celebrates both artistic heritage and functional elegance.
Precision Engineering and Exclusive Details in the Son Mai Collection
Underpinning the artistic facade of the new Son Mai Frosted Leaf collection lies a foundation of robust and precise engineering. All three models—Storm, Blood Moon, and Lagoon—are powered by the automatic La Joux-Perret G101 movement. This high-performance caliber operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and provides a substantial 68-hour power reserve, ensuring reliable and accurate timekeeping. The movement's sophisticated architecture is made visible through a sapphire caseback, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the intricate mechanics within. Awake has further enhanced this view by incorporating a custom-made tungsten rotor, distinguished by its polished, brushed, and bead-blasted finishes, alongside an engraved and decorated rehaut, adding an extra layer of refinement to the watch’s internal aesthetics. This commitment to both outward beauty and internal excellence highlights Awake’s dedication to producing timepieces that are as functionally impressive as they are visually stunning.
Each watch in this collection is paired with a luxurious, handmade Maison Bouveret nubuck calfskin strap, meticulously matched to the specific dial color of each variant—orange for Storm, red for Blood Moon, and blue for Lagoon. These straps are designed for both comfort and durability, featuring a rubberized calfskin lining and tone-on-tone stitching. Practicality is also a key consideration, with curved quick-release spring bars facilitating easy strap changes and a new Fitwell M1 micro-adjustment ardillon buckle offering a secure and customizable fit. As a permanent fixture in Awake’s collection, approximately 100 pieces of each version are produced annually, making them a coveted item for collectors. Priced at EUR 2,820, inclusive of taxes and shipping, these exquisite timepieces are scheduled for delivery in the final week of September 2026, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece that beautifully marries traditional craftsmanship with modern horological advancements.