Awake Sơn Mài Silver Leaf Atlantis Blue Review

In 2024, the brand Awake celebrated its fifth anniversary, and it was then that I first introduced it.

At the time, the brand was relatively unknown, but thanks to the unique handcrafted dials, it quickly gained recognition in the watch community. The art of Sơn Mài, traditional Vietnamese lacquer, resonated with collectors, and today Awake confidently holds a leading position among microbrands with truly exceptional dials.

The Art of Sơn Mài and the Silver Leaf Collection

Since then, the brand has released several limited series of watches with variations of Sơn Mài technique dials, each distinguished by its execution and finish. One of the most restrained and elegant is the Silver Leaf collection, which emphasizes subtle texture and smooth gradients rather than bright mother-of-pearl inlays. Despite its restraint, this series remains equally attractive. Within it, a new rare model has emerged - Atlantis Blue.

Case and Ergonomics: A Blend of Comfort and Style

The success of Awake Sơn Mài watches is due not only to the dials but also to the well-thought-out case design. The 316L stainless steel case has soft, smooth forms without flat or straight surfaces, ensuring tactile comfort for everyday wear. The case diameter is 39 mm, thickness is 11.8 mm including the sapphire crystal, and the lug-to-lug distance is 45.6 mm. These dimensions make the model versatile and comfortable for extended use without discomfort.

The front features a thin polished bezel, and the back has a transparent sapphire case back, visually mirroring the front side. The crown is neat and functional, providing water resistance up to 50 meters, meeting the requirements for everyday wear watches. All case surfaces are polished to a high shine, and the sapphire crystal is coated with an anti-reflective layer to prevent interference when reading the time.

Dial: Traditions and Modernity in Every Detail

The centerpiece of the watch is the dial, made using Sơn Mài technique - an ancient Vietnamese lacquer craft. The Silver Leaf collection uses an additional layer of textured silver foil, giving the surface depth and a unique visual effect.

The Atlantis Blue version is inspired by the legend of the sunken city of Atlantis. To convey the marine theme, Awake applied multilayer lacquer coatings in shades of aquamarine, turquoise, and deep dark blue, creating a gradient effect with transitions reminiscent of ocean depths. This complex "fumé" gradient is applied over the embossed silver foil, enhancing the sense of movement and texture.

Despite the traditional material, the dial design is modern and minimalist. It lacks excessive elements: the only decoration is the Awake logo at the 12 o'clock position, and the hour markers and hands are thin, polished needles. A feature is the exclusive luminescent "coiffe" signature, implemented with a layer of Super-LumiNova under the markers and hands. In the dark, this creates a striking contrast, giving the classic design a modern touch.

Movement and Technical Specifications

Beneath the exquisite dial lies the automatic caliber La Joux-Perret G101, visible through the transparent case back. The movement is equipped with a unique tungsten rotor, adorned with micro-blasting and polishing, reflecting a high level of detailing and attention to aesthetics.

The movement provides a power reserve of up to 68 hours and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring smooth second hand movement and stability.

Strap: Comfort and Style in Detail

Awake also pays attention to the straps - the model is equipped with a blue suede strap, harmonizing with the dial. The inner side is made of rubberized calf leather for additional comfort, and the stitching matches the strap color. The fastening is done with a classic steel pin buckle.

Awake Sơn Mài Silver Leaf Atlantis Blue: Price and Availability

The Awake Sơn Mài Silver Leaf Atlantis Blue model combines traditional art, modern design, and high-tech movement, making it attractive to collectors and enthusiasts of unique handcrafted watches.