In an era of mass-produced accessories, the true magic often lies in the pieces that tell a story. Paris-based watchmaker Awake has once again proven this with the global launch of its highly anticipated Son Mai Fragments collection. This new series is not just a line of timepieces; it's a wearable gallery of art, masterfully blending the rich heritage of Vietnamese lacquering, the luminous beauty of mother-of-pearl, and the ancient Japanese artistry of Raden.
Let's delve into what makes the Son Mai Fragments a must-see for collectors and design aficionados alike.
The Dial: Where the Magic Resides
The heart and soul of the Son Mai Fragments collection are, without a doubt, its breathtaking dials. Awake has introduced three distinct references, each defined by a unique color and a thoughtful variation in the application of mother-of-pearl.
The brand has moved beyond a uniform look, opting instead for a nuanced approach. The serene Forest Light green dial features the smallest, most finely crushed pieces of mother-of-pearl, creating a subtle, shimmering texture that plays with the light. In contrast, the deep blue dial utilizes larger scales of the material, offering a more pronounced mosaic effect. The standout pink reference boasts the largest fragments, creating a bold, artistic statement with dramatic, iridescent flashes.
Ensuring perfect legibility against these complex backgrounds, Awake has adorned each dial with faceted applied hands and indices. These are coated with BGW9 lume, ensuring a soft, blue glow in low-light conditions, all presented within the brand's signature "coiffe" case shape that frames the artistry perfectly.
A Foundation of Refined Engineering
Housing this miniature artwork is Awake’s compact and wearable platform, crafted from 316L recycled steel—a nod to the brand's commitment to sustainability. The case maintains the beloved Son Mai dimensions: a very wrist-friendly 39mm diameter, a compact 46.6mm lug-to-lug, and a slender 10.9mm thickness (excluding the crystal). This profile ensures the watch slips easily under a shirt cuff, making it as practical for daily wear as it is beautiful.
Powering the collection is a workhorse of modern horology: the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement. Renowned for its reliability and precision, this caliber offers a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and an impressive 68-hour power reserve. This means you can take the watch off for a weekend and it will still be ticking when you put it back on Monday morning.
Complete Cohesion in Design
Understanding that a strap can make or break a watch's aesthetic, Awake collaborated with the legendary Maison Jean Rousseau to create a perfect finishing touch. Each watch is paired with a matte-black calfskin strap, luxuriously lined in Alcantara. The stitching is meticulously color-matched to the dial—green for the Forest Light, blue for the blue model, and pink for the pink reference—creating a seamless and sophisticated look from the case to the wrist.
Exclusivity and Availability
As a collection destined to become a future classic, the Son Mai Fragments series is produced in strict limited editions. Each of the three colorways is limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, with a retail price of €2,250.
For those eager to secure one, the first 50 pieces in each color will be available later this month. The remaining 50 pieces for each reference are scheduled for a second release in early 2026, so hesitation is not advised.
To explore the stunning visual details and technical specifications of each reference up close, be sure to visit the official Awake Son Mai Fragments collection page. This launch solidifies Awake's position at the exciting intersection of independent watchmaking and uncompromising artistic expression.
