AWAKE stands apart in the independent watch scene through the use of Son MĂ i, a centuries-old Vietnamese lacquer technique that brings depth, texture, and bold character to its creations. For its latest collection, the Son MĂ i Fragments, the brand takes artisanal craftsmanship in a new direction by combining Son MĂ i with mother-of-pearl in a contemporary take on the Japanese Raden inlay technique.
Each Son MĂ i 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 MĂ i 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 MĂ i - Fragments HIGHLIGHTS
A different approach to night legibility
AWAKE carries over its distinctive lume signature into the Son MĂ i 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 MĂ i Fragments are delivered on a Jean Rousseau calfskin strap and feature 50 m of water resistance.
