Introducing: The Awake Sơn Mài Frosted Leaf Royal Red
When you may have thought that Awake couldn’t show anything new with its Sơn Mài dials, the Frosted Leaf Royal Red appears and shatters expectations. Today’s release builds on the techniques honed in previous references, but it offers a new multi-dimensional appearance. Let’s investigate the process and the final product.
As someone who was previously unfamiliar with the Sơn Mài process, I’ve been amazed by the infinite number of different designs, colors, and textures that are possible. Indeed, Awake has created both deliberate patterns and series in which each piece is unique. Today’s Frosted Leaf Royal Red limited edition falls into the latter category. Shall we have a closer look?
The Awake Sơn Mài Frosted Leaf Royal Red
The newest Sơn Mài has a stunning red dial with gold highlights. We’ll address this in a moment, but let’s review the basic specifications first. For starters, the watch has a 39mm by 45.6mm case made from fully recycled 316L stainless steel. A sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating offers a clear view of the dial, giving it an 11.8mm total thickness. The water resistance rating is consistent with prior editions at 50 meters. From an accessory perspective, Awake has opted to collaborate with fellow French brand Maison Bouveret to create the 20mm red suede strap with a rubberized calfskin lining. A stainless steel pin puckle ensures a clean, no-fuss fit.
Vietnamese lacquerware on full display
We’ve reviewed the typical process used by artisans to create the Sơn Mài dials. For the Frosted Leaf Royal Red, the steps are performed in reverse. Typically, silver leaf is the first layer on each dial. In this case, it is the top layer, showing off more of the metal foil. Additionally, the silver foil is infused with flecks of copper, which appear as gold. The combination of red and gold is inspired by traditional lacquerware.
Aside from the stunning handcrafted aspects of the dial, the watch is also endowed with an applied “floating logo”, polished indexes, and a polished metal handset. Super-LumiNova BGW9 sits behind the hour markers and hands. I must admit that I like Awake’s dial “furniture” because it’s legible, but it doesn’t take away from the underlying surface design.
The La Joux-Perret G101 strikes again!
The Frosted Leaf Royal Red uses the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic caliber. This dateless movement features an efficiently heavy tungsten rotor, which helps wind the lengthy mainspring. This results in a power reserve of 68 hours. It’s no slouch, though, with a speedy 4Hz frequency, or 28,800 vibrations per hour. Decoration-wise, there is striping on the top plate and a laser-engraved movement holder with the model name. Also, each piece contains an individual edition number.
Ordering your Frosted Leaf Royal Red
Awake’s Frosted Leaf Royal Red makes a bold yet refined statement due to its brightly colored dial and matching strap. With its introduction of subtle gold tones and exposed foil, it’s also a bit different from previous models. Despite the novel artistic process, the price is still interesting at €2,200 (excluding taxes). Awake will produce 100 pieces and is now taking orders on its website. The first 50 are ready to ship, and the final 50 will be delivered in April. With the holiday season firmly in the rearview mirror, some may be feeling the winter blues. Perhaps a watch like this and thoughts of Valentine’s Day could bring some much-needed cheer!
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