The Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf Royal Red is a striking addition to the French brand's permanent collection, showcasing a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and modern watchmaking. Founded in 2019 by Lilian Thibault, Awake is built on the philosophy of experiencing time more consciously, emphasizing sustainability, creativity, and the preservation of ancestral crafts. This timepiece continues that mission by reviving and modernizing traditional Vietnamese lacquer techniques.
Design and Case
The watch features a 39mm recycled stainless steel case with clean proportions, alternating polished and satin finishes, and curved lugs. It measures 11.8mm in height (10.9mm without the crystal) and has a lug-to-lug distance of 45.6mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. The case is fitted with sapphire crystals on both the front and back, and offers a water resistance of 50 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear.
The Art of the Dial
The dial is the centerpiece of the Frosted Leaf Royal Red, handcrafted in Vietnam using the traditional Son Mai lacquer technique. For the first time in the collection, the final layer is composed of pure silver leaf tinted with copper pigments, reversing the usual process to allow light to interact directly with the material. This creates an intense, organic texture where deep reds and metallic warmth merge, evoking Asian ritual objects and the symbolism of red and gold. Each dial is unique, with no two pieces exactly alike, adding to the watch's collectible appeal.
The applied indices and hands are made from a Super-LumiNova base and coated with polished steel, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions. The luminous material emits a blue glow, enhancing the watch's modern aesthetic.
Movement and Performance
Powering the watch is the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, which operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a substantial 68-hour power reserve. The movement is equipped with a custom tungsten rotor, finished with brushed and micro-beaded surfaces and engraved with collection details. This rotor is visible through the sapphire caseback, allowing owners to appreciate the mechanical craftsmanship.
Strap and Wearability
The watch is paired with a handmade red suede calfskin strap, crafted in France by Maison Bouveret. The strap features a rubberized calf lining for added comfort and durability, tone-on-tone stitching, and a recycled steel pin buckle. A quick-release system allows for easy strap changes, making it versatile for different occasions.
Limited Edition and Pricing
The Frosted Leaf Royal Red is limited to 100 pieces, with deliveries scheduled in two batches: 50 in January 2026 and 50 in April 2026. The price is set at EUR 2,200 (excluding taxes), positioning it as an accessible entry point into high-end artisanal watchmaking.
Conclusion
The Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf Royal Red is a testament to the brand's commitment to cultural preservation and innovative design. By combining traditional Vietnamese lacquer art with contemporary watchmaking, Awake offers a timepiece that is both visually stunning and mechanically reliable. For collectors seeking a unique, limited-edition watch with a rich story, the Frosted Leaf Royal Red is a compelling choice.
Technical Specifications
- Case: 39mm diameter, 11.8mm thickness, 45.6mm lug-to-lug, recycled stainless steel, polished and satin-finished, sapphire crystal with AR coating, screw-down sapphire caseback, 50m water resistance
- Dial: Handcrafted in Vietnam using Frosted Leaf Son Mai lacquer technique, pure silver leaf with copper pigments and natural lacquer, unique texture, applied indices and hands with Super-LumiNova BGW9
- Movement: La Joux-Perret G101, automatic, 28,800 vph, 68-hour power reserve, custom tungsten rotor, hours, minutes, seconds
- Strap: Red suede calfskin, handmade in France by Maison Bouveret, rubberized calf lining, tone-on-tone stitching, recycled steel pin buckle, quick-release system
- Availability: Limited edition of 100 pieces (50 in January 2026, 50 in April 2026)
- Price: EUR 2,200 (excl. taxes)
Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf Royal Red price
Vietnamese lacquer dial watch limited edition
Awake watches sustainability craftsmanship
La Joux-Perret G101 movement power reserve
Handmade red suede strap watch
What is the Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf Royal Red?
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What movement is in the Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf Royal Red?
How many pieces are in the Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf Royal Red limited edition?
What is the price of the Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf Royal Red?
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Is the Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf Royal Red water resistant?
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