AWAKE Sơn Mài - Frosted Leaf – Time+Tide Watches US

AWAKE Sơn Mài - Frosted Leaf

Independent brand AWAKE unveils the third chapter in its Son Mài journey, showcasing a new set of watches crafted with the exclusive Vietnamese lacquer technique. For the Frosted Leaf series, AWAKE has taken the artisanal process to the next level by employing multiple silver leaves in the dial creation process. The outcome is a collection of captivating models, each boasting textures inspired by the natural elements of Earth.

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AWAKE Sơn Mài - Frosted Leaf

Time layered to perfection

The AWAKE Son Mài Frosted Leaf is created using the same Son Mài process, but using a new approach. The Rhus Verniciflua lacquer tree provides the sap for the dial’s base. On top, artisans apply black pigment and silver leaf. Each layer is carefully sanded and polished to reveal unique textures, before a second layer of silver leaf and pigment is added. The dial is then sanded, lacquered, and polished again, a process taking up to 15 hours.

Due to this complex technique, the dials on the Son Mài Frosted Leaf appear to be more three-dimensional, with the logo and polished steel indexes appearing to float on the surface. The dial is surrounded by a highly polished bezel and is encased in a 316L stainless steel case that is 39mm in diameter and has 11.8mm thickness (sapphire crystal included).

AWAKE Sơn Mài - Frosted Leaf HIGHLIGHTS

Minimalist design, stunning by night

Beyond its captivating texture, the AWAKE Son Mài Frosted Leaf dial embraces minimalism full-heartedly. It’s not marred with unnecessary lines of text and only displays the AWAKE logo at the top and the “hand made” signature at 6 o’clock. After dark, the frosted surface takes a step back, giving way to the luminous hands and indices that sit atop three-dimensional blocks of lume for a mesmerising backlit-like effect.

Swiss heart inside

While visually stunning, the AWAKE Son Mài Frosted Leaf is also quite powerful, featuring a Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement that offers a 68-hour power reserve. The calibre also has a customisable rotor which is visible through the exhibition sapphire case back. AWAKE Son Mài Frosted Leaf models ship with custom-made leather straps by Delugs and offer 50m of water resistance.