Sơn Mài

Each marker on the ring is one counted review, coloured by its verdict.

Awake

Sơn Mài

39mmautomaticAnnounced October 2024

A 39mm steel time-only watch from French brand Awake. Its dials combine silver-leaf gilding with sanded Vietnamese sơn mài lacquer and are made by artisans in Vietnam. Colours and dial techniques vary (Silver Leaf, Frosted Leaf, Fragments), and every version uses the same case and La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement.

Awake product page

Creator Consensus

Very positive

8 reviews: 8 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. 7 of 8 recommend it.

Nearly all reviewers single out the outlined lume that makes the hands and indices appear to float, and most call the rich, deep lacquer dial the standout. Most also rate the G101 movement above ETA-style calibres for its long reserve. Nearly all see strong originality and value in the package, while several praise the shaped lugs, signed buckle and comfortable strap.

Where they differ. The lume is praised for its visual effect, but a couple of reviewers find it weak and quick to fade. Some also consider the brand logo a weak point on the dial and note a loosely spinning rotor, tempering otherwise strong views of the dial and movement.

Most praised

Outlined lume makes hands and indices float7 of 8
- Fratello Lume is a favourite feature, with solid BGW9 outlining hands and indices clearly.Darkness transforms the watches into neon street signs because of the luminous outlines.Read it in context
- Time+Tide Admires the hands and indices mounted on lume blocks, which appear to float and glow at the edges.The hands and indices almost look like renders, floating ethereally above the sơn mài dialRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Likes the lume rim on the hands and indices, which makes the edges look keen.gives the impression of keen, razor-thin edges to each surfaceRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Singles out the lume treatment on hands and indices as a favourite feature.something I I love about your dials is the loom treatmentWatch from 4:19
- Worn & Wound Calls the lume-around-the-indices effect a cool look.Yeah, that's a really cool look.Watch from 5:17
- TimeToGo Travel And Timepieces Likes the unusual luminous outline effect of the hands and indices.Very cool effect while it lastsWatch from 2:20
- Telling Time Likes the outlined lume sandwiched under hands and markers, confirming it is bright and long-lasting.I can confirm that the loom is bright and long-lastingWatch from 4:32
- The Knight's Watch Admires the backlit lume under metal markers, though it is not bright or long-lasting.This is a really good application and execution of loom.Watch from 21:32
- The Knight's Watch Has never seen lume applied like this, as a 3D base beneath metal markers.I've never really seen an application of loom like thisWatch from 20:09
Lacquer dial is rich, deep and the standout6 of 8
- Fratello Finds the dials glossy and rich, with a liquid-like surface.Each one is glossy and rich with a liquid-like surface.Read it in context
- Time+Tide Sums up the dial as the watch's standout feature.has a pretty spectacular dialRead it in context
- Oracle of Time Finds the lacquer-over-silver-leaf dials extremely beautiful.Jumping straight to the dials, they are absolutely gorgeous.Read it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the layered raden and lacquer treatment creates rare visual magic that raises the bar for the brand.has genuinely raised the bar for the brand in this respectRead it in context
- TimeToGo Travel And Timepieces Stresses the dial's depth and says it is stunning in person.there is some serious depth to that dial. It is stunning in person.Watch from 4:10
- Worn & Wound Describes the dials as extremely colourful and vibrant.They're extremely colorful, vibrant dialsWatch from 1:25
G101 outclasses ETA-style calibres with long reserve5 of 8
- Fratello Views the G101 as an upgrade over typical ETA 2824 clones and reliable from personal experience.I own several watches with this caliber and have found them reliable and accurate.Read it in context
- Time+Tide Prefers the G101 over ETA/Sellita equivalents for its power reserve and looks.the preferred option over the ETA 2824/Sellita SW200 counterpartsRead it in context
- The Knight's Watch Sees the G101 as a very nice ETA 2824 alternative with welcome power reserve.So very nice kind of ETA 2824 alternativeWatch from 0:59
- Oracle of Time Considers the G101 a top-tier third-party calibre for microbrands this year.rapidly jumped to the top of the tier listRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the G101's performance robust, with a generous power reserve.The Swiss G101 offers impressively robust performance hereRead it in context
Dial colour shifts dramatically with light4 of 8
- Oracle of Time Describes the Golden Hour's multi-colour gradient as intense and mesmerising as shades shift in light.It makes for an incredibly intense dial that you can't help but stare atRead it in context
- TimeToGo Travel And Timepieces Loves the fiery, lava-like look of the dial, which shifts dramatically with the lighting.The dial here is so good. It looks like actual fireWatch from 1:24
- The Knight's Watch Praises the genuine colour and saturation shift that keeps the eye engaged.It is one of those very few dials that has a genuine color shiftWatch from 3:22
- Telling Time Finds the silver leaf pattern subtle but spectacular when light catches it.when the light hits, the dial pattern does certainly look spectacularWatch from 3:35
Shaped lugs give the case character4 of 8
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the flared lugs give the case personality and keep it from looking generic.keep the case from coming across as simplistic or genericRead it in context
- TimeToGo Travel And Timepieces Appreciates the lug shape where the lugs meet the case.I like how the lugs sort of jut back out here where they meet the case.Watch from 2:48
- The Knight's Watch Likes the subtly bowed lug architecture as a costly extra touch.So very interesting lug styling. It's just something they didn't have to do.Watch from 10:03
- Telling Time Praises the slim brushed case side and downturned lugs.a slim brushed case profile with a nice downturn to the lugsWatch from 4:32
Proportions suit a wide range of wrists4 of 8
- Time+Tide Finds the diameter and lug-to-lug ideal for daily wear.hits the sweet spot for a modern daily wearerRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Calls the 39mm by 11.8mm sizing crowd-pleasing and well suited to many wrist sizes.sits well on a variety of wristsRead it in context
- The Knight's Watch Fits well on a 6 to 6.5 inch wrist with room to spare.you can wear this on a pretty small wrist and it still look awesomeWatch from 15:17
- Telling Time Still wears nicely on a 6.5-inch wrist because the curved lugs hug the wrist.it still wears very nicely on my 6 and 1/2 in wristWatch from 6:03

Show 20 more

Detailed hollow-sided signed buckle4 of 8
- Fratello Sees the hollow-sided pin buckle as a new level of detail for the brand.A pin buckle with hollow sides shows a new level of detail from Awake.Read it in context
- Time+Tide Sees the complex, sloping buckle design as evidence of the brand's care for details.yet another example that Awake gives a damn about good designRead it in context
- TimeToGo Travel And Timepieces Likes the detailed signed buckle with hollowed-out sides.Watch from around 3:15
- Telling Time Likes the skeletonized buckle detail.the buckle on the strap has a nice little detail of being skeletonizedWatch from 6:03
Stock strap is high quality and comfortable4 of 8
- TimeToGo Travel And Timepieces Considers the strap high quality and a good match for the watch.Quality strap for sure. good match for the watchWatch from 3:43
- Telling Time Finds the strap thin, comfortable and supple with tight tolerances.this strap speaks to their top quality, being thin, comfortable, and suppleWatch from 5:28
- The Knight's Watch Rubber backing makes the stock strap very comfortable and sweat-resistant.It's using rubber on the back, so it's incredibly comfortable.Watch from 22:02
- The Knight's Watch Can't find a negative about the strap, which suits the watch long term.there's really no negative I can say about the strapWatch from 22:02
- Fratello Expects the Delugs strap partnership to please buyers.In a move that should delight some buyers, Awake has partnered with DelugsRead it in context
Stands apart from generic microbrand watches4 of 8
- Time+Tide Feels it offers something ordinary microbrands cannot.it also offers something that no run-of-the-mill micros canRead it in context
- Telling Time Says it is not a generic off-the-shelf microbrand watch.not just another off-the-shelf micro brand watchWatch from 6:38
- aBlogtoWatch Feels Awake distinguishes itself through the finer details.Awake sets itself apart here with the finer detailsRead it in context
- Fratello Positions it as a distinctive handcrafted option among colourful dial watches.a refreshing handmade alternative to other brightly colored dials on the marketRead it in context
Handcrafted dial is exceptional for the price4 of 8
- aBlogtoWatch Finds this level of dial artistry rare at the price point.a sense of visual magic that’s vanishingly rare at this price pointRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Judges it good value given the handwork involved.I think that's a pretty good value.Watch from 5:46
- The Knight's Watch Considers the price fair for a hand-lacquered, hand-leafed dial.the quality you're getting at the price, I think, is fairWatch from 19:10
- The Knight's Watch Rates it among the best-looking handmade dials available at the price.arguably the best looking dial of that quote unquote handmade varietyWatch from 2:54
- Fratello Considers €1,950 surprisingly reasonable for a beautifully crafted watch.a beautifully crafted watch at a more than reasonable priceRead it in context
Package holds up against pricier rivals4 of 8
- Time+Tide Believes the overall package punches above its price.resulting in a package that punches above its weightRead it in context
- Telling Time Feels it matches mainstream brands at the price, apart from brand recognition.Awake is offering a product on the same level as them, minus maybe the brand nameWatch from 7:07
- The Knight's Watch Next to a Grand Seiko costing twice as much, it didn't look cheaper.it didn't really look any cheaper and it's half the priceWatch from 25:53
- Telling Time Considers the watch worth its retail price.I do believe that this watch is worth the €1,950 euroWatch from 7:07
- Oracle of Time Judges the pricing appropriate for a follow-up to a popular model.is pitched at just the right levelRead it in context
Blends lacquer traditions into a distinctive dial3 of 8
- Fratello Values that the combined techniques create detail unattainable by either alone.adds a level of visual detail not possible if each technique was done independentlyRead it in context
- Time+Tide Commends the brand for embracing and evolving Vietnamese lacquer art.Awake has fully accepted it and evolved it, which should be applaudedRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Values the combination of Japanese and Vietnamese techniques into a distinctive whole.combining traditional artisanship from multiple cultures into a glimmering, evocative wholeRead it in context
Comfortable and sits naturally on the wrist3 of 8
- Fratello Finds the case comfortable on the wrist.The case is comfortable on the wrist and works well as a daily watchRead it in context
- Telling Time Found it super comfortable thanks to the slim case and soft strap.I found this watch to be super comfortable to wearWatch from 7:35
- The Knight's Watch Comfortable, not sharp, and the crown doesn't dig in.Comfortable. It isn't sharp in any way.Watch from 15:46
- The Knight's Watch Conforms well in a natural wearing position rather than riding high.It's not a watch that really wears up too high.Watch from 15:46
Hands are sharply faceted and well finished2 of 8
- aBlogtoWatch Considers the faceted, polished hands among the sharpest-looking anywhere near this level.some of the visually sharpest hands this side of Grand SeikoRead it in context
- The Knight's Watch Hands are well finished with few imperfections.the hands are actually finished pretty wellWatch from 8:08
Cohesive, carefully considered design2 of 8
- The Knight's Watch Handset mirrors the markers, creating strong dial harmony.the handset itself is just a perfect extension of the marker designWatch from 3:50
- The Knight's Watch Notes an uncommon level of design cohesion for a small independent brand.There's a lot of cohesion here that you don't see a lot with brandsWatch from 9:05
- Telling Time Feels it is an artistic creation with each design element well thought out.it really feels like an artistic creationWatch from 6:38
Well-judged mix of brushed and polished surfaces2 of 8
- Fratello Likes the alternation of brushed and polished surfaces on the new case.Awake has done a nice job alternating brushed and polished surfacesRead it in context
- TimeToGo Travel And Timepieces Praises the mix of polished and brushed surfaces as excellent finish work.Neat look and the finish work is excellent.Watch from 2:48
Thin chamfers show extra effort2 of 8
- aBlogtoWatch Praises the thin polished chamfers and the well-finished gear-toothed crown.a handsomely finished gear-toothed crownRead it in context
- The Knight's Watch Values the chamfers, including one on the bottom edge, as going the extra mile.You even have a gentle chamfer along the bottom edge as wellWatch from 10:31
Understated case lets the dial lead2 of 8
- Oracle of Time Finds the plain case design purposeful, letting the dial take centre stage.Relatively understated as far as case design goes but that's the pointRead it in context
- The Knight's Watch Appreciates that the case is kept simple and thin, with a well-proportioned crown.They kept it pretty simple. They kept it pretty thin, which is always great to see.Watch from 12:26
Moderate thickness suits daily and dress wear2 of 8
- Fratello Considers it a good daily wearer thanks to moderate thickness.works well as a daily watch, especially with its moderate thicknessRead it in context
- Telling Time Thin enough to slip easily under dress cuffs.The thinness of the watch allows it to slip readily under dress cuffsWatch from 6:38
Careful, meticulous finishing throughout2 of 8
- aBlogtoWatch Praises finishing as careful and meticulous across the watch.with thoughtful, meticulous finishingRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Highlights a commendable sense of quality overall.a commendable sense of quality throughoutRead it in context
- Fratello Considers finishing and attention to detail a clear improvement over earlier releases.a noticeable step up in terms of finishing and attention to detailRead it in context
Movement and rotor are nicely finished2 of 8
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the movement solidly finished, with crisp Côtes de Genève and clean blasting.the G101 is also solidly finishedRead it in context
- Telling Time Finds the movement, especially the rotor, beautifully finished.The movement and especially the rotor is beautifully finished.Watch from 4:59
- aBlogtoWatch Likes the custom solid tungsten rotor, which adds refinement to the caseback view.the rotor is another impressive additionRead it in context
Caseback surround disguises the small movement2 of 8
- Time+Tide Praises the laser-engraved ring that disguises the movement's small size through the caseback.Awake does something really clever to rectify thisRead it in context
- The Knight's Watch Finds the metal movement holder a nice touch on the caseback.movement holder done in metal is a really nice touchWatch from 13:25
Restrained strap keeps focus on the dial2 of 8
- Time+Tide Finds the grey nubuck strap inoffensive and good at letting the dial stand out.a thoroughly inoffensive, neutral choice that really lets the dials shineRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Approves of the restrained strap choice, which keeps the focus on the dial.the brand wisely lets the dial take center stageRead it in context
Quick-release spring bars ease strap swaps2 of 8
- Time+Tide Notes that quick-release spring bars make strap swaps easy.quick-release spring bars and a 20mm lug width should make getting something funkierRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Appreciates the quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes.quick-release spring bars should make this strap swapping process easyRead it in context
Dial patterning looks unlike anything else2 of 8
- Worn & Wound Says the guilloché patterns are unlike anything the host has encountered.guilloche unlike any I've really encountered beforeWatch from 2:54
- Worn & Wound Finds the patterning impressive and very rare, even among guilloché dials.It's really impressive and yeah, just like incredibly rare sort of thing to seeWatch from 3:51
- The Knight's Watch Says the vibrant dial makes it look unlike any other watch.it really doesn't look like any other watchWatch from 15:17
More mature style than earlier models1 of 8
- Fratello Finds the watches more mature and a step forward in style versus previous models.They seem more mature, and I like how they incorporate artisanal skillsRead it in context

Most criticised

Lume is weak and fades quickly2 of 8
- aBlogtoWatch Notes the lume is weak in brightness and longevity.the brightness and longevity of this lume application is a bit on the weak sideRead it in context
- TimeToGo Travel And Timepieces Considers the short-lasting lume the watch's biggest negative, though not a major issue here.that's probably the biggest negative with the watch. It doesn't last very long.Watch from 2:20
Brand logo is a weak point on the dial2 of 8
- Time+Tide Feels the default typeface of the brand logo lets the watch down.the default typeface of “AWAKE” at 12 does the watch an unnecessary disserviceRead it in context
- The Knight's Watch The fully polished logo blends into the dial and is often unreadable.there are just situations where I can't read the logoWatch from 23:58
Rotor spins loosely and noticeably2 of 8
- Telling Time Noticed considerable rotor spin/play, unsure whether it is normal.there is quite a bit of road to spin in the movementWatch from 4:59
- The Knight's Watch Dislikes the unidirectional rotor's occasional helicoptering and would prefer bidirectional winding.I don't love the unidirectional rotor on this.Watch from 24:26
Crystal glare hampers legibility1 of 8
- Telling Time Disappointed by strong crystal glare that affects legibility at certain angles.the crystal picked up a lot of glareWatch from 8:03
- Telling Time Believes stronger anti-reflective coating would be an easy improvement.I feel that a strong AR coating would be a ready improvementWatch from 8:03
Polished bezel lacks surface contrast1 of 8
- Time+Tide Thinks the all-polished bezel and case top would benefit from alternating surface treatments.the effect would be better with alternating surface treatmentsRead it in context
Modest water resistance1 of 8
- aBlogtoWatch Flags the light 50m water resistance as worth considering.the lightweight 50 meter water resistance rating here also merits considerationRead it in context

Show 1 more

Display caseback is overly wide1 of 8
- aBlogtoWatch Considers the sapphire display caseback somewhat too wide.a wide (arguably too wide) sapphire display casebackRead it in context

Open a point to see who said it and jump to that moment in their review.

By aspect

PositiveMixedNegative

How reviewers judged each aspect; one square per reviewer who discussed it
Dial		Praised
Movement		Praised
Originality		Praised
Value		Praised
Case & proportions		Praised
Bracelet & strap		Praised
Design		Praised
Wearability		Praised
Finishing & build		Praised
Functionality		Criticised
Versatility		Mostly liked

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The reviews

8 counted

Remontoir summarises; the reviewers did the work. Watch and read the originals for the full picture.

Worn & Wound

Awake Is Making Some of the Most Provocative Dials in Watches Right Now

Video, 7 minFirst lookJun 2026

Positive

In a brief interview with Awake's co-founder, the host praises the new Sơn Mài dials as vibrant, rare and beautiful. The host also likes the outline lume treatment and considers the pricing good value given the handwork involved.

Low-confidence reading: Brand interview dominated by the co-founder's claims; host offers only brief impressions, and it is unclear which specific references (possibly guilloché variants rather than the target) are shown.

What they said, point by point

Dialpositive: Describes the dials as extremely colourful and vibrant. 1:25
Singles out the lume treatment on hands and indices as a favourite feature. 4:19
Calls the lume-around-the-indices effect a cool look. 5:17
Originalitypositive: Says the guilloché patterns are unlike anything the host has encountered. 2:54
Finds the patterning impressive and very rare, even among guilloché dials. 3:51
Designpositive: Closes by calling the new watches incredibly beautiful. 6:44
Valuepositive: Acknowledges the price is a significant sum for many buyers. 5:46
Judges it good value given the handwork involved. 5:46

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TimeToGo Travel And Timepieces

This Brand is Making Amazing Dials! The Awake Son Mai Golden Hour

Video, 5 minHands-on reviewFeb 2026

Very positiveRecommends

An enthusiastic look at the Golden Hour Sơn Mài, centred on a deep, fiery lacquer dial that the reviewer finds stunning in person. Case finishing, winding feel and strap are praised. The only real complaint is short-lived lume on the outlined hands and indices.

Suits: People who love beautiful, artisanal dials

What they said, point by point

Dialpositive: Loves the fiery, lava-like look of the dial, which shifts dramatically with the lighting. 1:24
Stresses the dial's depth and says it is stunning in person. 4:10
Likes the unusual luminous outline effect of the hands and indices. 2:20
Considers the short-lasting lume the watch's biggest negative, though not a major issue here. 2:20
Case & proportionspositive: Appreciates the lug shape where the lugs meet the case. 2:48
Considers the case a strong point alongside the dial. 2:20
Finishing & buildpositive: Praises the mix of polished and brushed surfaces as excellent finish work. 2:48
Movementpositive: Finds the winding action of the movement nice. 3:15
Bracelet & strappositive: Considers the strap high quality and a good match for the watch. 3:43
Likes the detailed signed buckle with hollowed-out sides. ~3:15

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aBlogtoWatch

Hands-On: Awake Sơn Mài Fragments Watch Blends International Techniques For A Standout Dial Spectacle

ArticleHands-on reviewJan 2026Sean Lorentzen

Very positiveRecommends

Sees the Fragments as a new high point for Awake: a spectacular, labour-intensive dial backed by a balanced, well-detailed case, a strong G101 movement and careful finishing. The main quibbles are an overly wide caseback, weak lume and modest water resistance.

What the review says, point by point

Dialpositive: Finds the layered raden and lacquer treatment creates rare visual magic that raises the bar for the brand.
Considers the faceted, polished hands among the sharpest-looking anywhere near this level.
Likes the lume rim on the hands and indices, which makes the edges look keen.
Notes the lume is weak in brightness and longevity.
Case & proportionspositive: Finds the flared lugs give the case personality and keep it from looking generic.
Praises the thin polished chamfers and the well-finished gear-toothed crown.
Considers the sapphire display caseback somewhat too wide.
Wearabilitypositive: Calls the 39mm by 11.8mm sizing crowd-pleasing and well suited to many wrist sizes.
Notes the lugs give it a wider, more athletic stance on the wrist.
Movementpositive: Finds the G101's performance robust, with a generous power reserve.
Likes the custom solid tungsten rotor, which adds refinement to the caseback view.
Expects the engraved spacer ring around the movement to split opinion.
Finishing & buildpositive: Praises finishing as careful and meticulous across the watch.
Finds the movement solidly finished, with crisp Côtes de Genève and clean blasting.
Highlights a commendable sense of quality overall.
Bracelet & strappositive: Approves of the restrained strap choice, which keeps the focus on the dial.
Thinks a more elaborate or colourful strap could also work.
Appreciates the quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes.
Functionalitymixed: Flags the light 50m water resistance as worth considering.
Originalitypositive: Values the combination of Japanese and Vietnamese techniques into a distinctive whole.
Feels Awake distinguishes itself through the finer details.
Valuepositive: Finds this level of dial artistry rare at the price point.
Calls the movement excellent for the money.

Read on ablogtowatch.com

The Knight's Watch

Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf Review: One of the Best Dials Ever

Video, 27 minHands-on reviewNov 2025

Very positiveRecommends

Calls it a fantastic watch whose hand-lacquered, silver-leaf dial ranks among the best the reviewer has seen, backed by a well-finished thin case, clever backlit lume and an excellent stock strap. Main gripes are the hard-to-read polished logo, the unidirectional rotor and limited availability.

Suits: Buyers who prize artistic handmade dials, including those with small wrists

Disclosure: Brand loaner

What they said, point by point

Dialpositive: Rates it among the best-looking handmade dials available at the price. 2:54
Praises the genuine colour and saturation shift that keeps the eye engaged. 3:22
The fully polished logo blends into the dial and is often unreadable. 23:58
Admires the backlit lume under metal markers, though it is not bright or long-lasting. 21:32
Designpositive: Handset mirrors the markers, creating strong dial harmony. 3:50
Notes an uncommon level of design cohesion for a small independent brand. 9:05
Sees the simpler case as a complement that lets the dial take centre stage. 11:01
Case & proportionspositive: Likes the subtly bowed lug architecture as a costly extra touch. 10:03
Values the chamfers, including one on the bottom edge, as going the extra mile. 10:31
Appreciates that the case is kept simple and thin, with a well-proportioned crown. 12:26
Wearabilitypositive: Fits well on a 6 to 6.5 inch wrist with room to spare. 15:17
Comfortable, not sharp, and the crown doesn't dig in. 15:46
Conforms well in a natural wearing position rather than riding high. 15:46
Bracelet & strappositive: Rubber backing makes the stock strap very comfortable and sweat-resistant. 22:02
Can't find a negative about the strap, which suits the watch long term. 22:02
The green tone is easy to match with various aftermarket straps. 16:15
Movementmixed: Sees the G101 as a very nice ETA 2824 alternative with welcome power reserve. 0:59
Winding is fairly crunchy rather than buttery, though fitting for the price. 11:57
Dislikes the unidirectional rotor's occasional helicoptering and would prefer bidirectional winding. 24:26
Finishing & buildpositive: Hands are well finished with few imperfections. 8:08
Notes specks on the markers of the review unit, hoping production pieces avoid them. 6:39
Finds the metal movement holder a nice touch on the caseback. 13:25
Originalitypositive: Says the vibrant dial makes it look unlike any other watch. 15:17
Has never seen lume applied like this, as a 3D base beneath metal markers. 20:09
Valuepositive: Considers the price fair for a hand-lacquered, hand-leafed dial. 19:10
Next to a Grand Seiko costing twice as much, it didn't look cheaper. 25:53
Laments the limited production, making desired variants hard to get later. 22:02
Compared with: Anordain Fumé series: Finds the Awake dial more aesthetically interesting, with subtler texture.
Timex Indiglo: Initial lume glow is similar in brightness and legibility.

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Oracle of Time

Awake Sơn Mài Silver Leaf Vignette Watch Review

ArticleFirst lookSep 2025Michael Sonsino

Very positiveRecommends

Brief hands-on from Geneva praising the new vignette gradient lacquer dials, especially the multi-colour Golden Hour. The reviewer finds the understated case appropriate, rates the movement highly, and considers the €2,000 price well judged.

What the review says, point by point

Dialpositive: Finds the lacquer-over-silver-leaf dials extremely beautiful.
Describes the Golden Hour's multi-colour gradient as intense and mesmerising as shades shift in light.
Notes the gradient is obvious on red and grey versions but subtler on blue and violet.
Finds the contrast between traditional lacquer and modern lumed bullet markers interesting.
Case & proportionspositive: Finds the plain case design purposeful, letting the dial take centre stage.
Movementpositive: Considers the G101 a top-tier third-party calibre for microbrands this year.
Valuepositive: Judges the pricing appropriate for a follow-up to a popular model.
Originalitypositive: Praises the new gradients for standing apart while retaining the original collection's DNA.
Compared with: Rado Anatom: Contrasts Golden Hour's multi-colour gradient with a typical yellow fumé dial.

Read on oracleoftime.com

Telling Time

AWAKE Son Mai Review – The Most UNIQUE Microbrand Watch of 2025?

Video, 10 minHands-on reviewJun 2025

PositiveRecommends, with caveats

Sees the Sơn Mài as a genuinely artistic, well-thought-out microbrand watch that is comfortable, striking, and worth its price. However, glare, missing minute markers and rotor play make it more a statement piece than a precise daily timekeeper.

Suits: Buyers wanting an elegant, design-led independent microbrand piece; wrists 6.5–8 in

Disclosure: Brand loaner

What they said, point by point

Dialmixed: Finds the silver leaf pattern subtle but spectacular when light catches it. 3:35
Likes the outlined lume sandwiched under hands and markers, confirming it is bright and long-lasting. 4:32
Found setting and reading the time difficult without minute markings. 8:03
Case & proportionspositive: Praises the slim brushed case side and downturned lugs. 4:32
Wearabilitypositive: Feels 39mm is at the upper limit for a small wrist and may look slightly large. 6:03
Still wears nicely on a 6.5-inch wrist because the curved lugs hug the wrist. 6:03
Found it super comfortable thanks to the slim case and soft strap. 7:35
Bracelet & strappositive: Finds the strap thin, comfortable and supple with tight tolerances. 5:28
Likes the skeletonized buckle detail. 6:03
Movementmixed: Finds the movement, especially the rotor, beautifully finished. 4:59
Noticed considerable rotor spin/play, unsure whether it is normal. 4:59
Considers the rotor issue minor when actually worn. 8:33
Functionalitynegative: Disappointed by strong crystal glare that affects legibility at certain angles. 8:03
Believes stronger anti-reflective coating would be an easy improvement. 8:03
Designpositive: Feels it is an artistic creation with each design element well thought out. 6:38
Originalitypositive: Says it is not a generic off-the-shelf microbrand watch. 6:38
Finds the red dial a striking conversation starter. 7:35
Versatilitymixed: Thin enough to slip easily under dress cuffs. 6:38
Does not consider it a true dress watch at 39mm. 8:33
Sees it more as a statement piece than a reliable timekeeper. 8:33
Valuepositive: Considers the watch worth its retail price. 7:07
Feels it matches mainstream brands at the price, apart from brand recognition. 7:07

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Time+Tide

The many visible and invisible layers of the Awake Sơn Mài Frosted Leaf are a sight to behold

ArticleHands-on reviewJun 2025Borna Bošnjak

Very positiveRecommends

Calls the Frosted Leaf's layered lacquer dial spectacular and praises the floating hands, detailed buckle and movement presentation. Small quibbles cover the logo typeface, the uniformly polished case and slight thickness. The reviewer judges it a package that punches above its weight and is worth attention.

Suits: Buyers wanting something distinctive beyond run-of-the-mill microbrands

What the review says, point by point

Dialpositive: Likes the restrained dial text, calling it just the right amount.
Admires the hands and indices mounted on lume blocks, which appear to float and glow at the edges.
Feels the default typeface of the brand logo lets the watch down.
Sums up the dial as the watch's standout feature.
Case & proportionsmixed: Thinks the all-polished bezel and case top would benefit from alternating surface treatments.
Finds the diameter and lug-to-lug ideal for daily wear.
Considers 11.8mm a bit thick for time-only, but a small, justified trade-off for the dial.
Bracelet & strappositive: Sees the complex, sloping buckle design as evidence of the brand's care for details.
Finds the grey nubuck strap inoffensive and good at letting the dial stand out.
Notes that quick-release spring bars make strap swaps easy.
Movementpositive: Praises the laser-engraved ring that disguises the movement's small size through the caseback.
Prefers the G101 over ETA/Sellita equivalents for its power reserve and looks.
Originalitypositive: Commends the brand for embracing and evolving Vietnamese lacquer art.
Feels it offers something ordinary microbrands cannot.
Valuepositive: Believes the overall package punches above its price.
Acknowledges it costs more than entry-level microbrands.

Read on timeandtidewatches.com

Fratello

Hands-On: The New Awake Sơn Mài Collection Makes Métiers d’Art Accessible To All

ArticleHands-on reviewNov 2024Michael Stockton

Very positiveRecommends

Sees the Sơn Mài as a clear step forward for Awake, with striking handcrafted lacquer-and-silver dials, excellent lume, and a more refined case. It wears comfortably as a daily watch and offers artisanal craft at a more than reasonable price.

Suits: Buyers wanting an affordable handmade-dial daily watch with bright colour

Disclosure: Sponsored

What the review says, point by point

Dialpositive: Finds the dials glossy and rich, with a liquid-like surface.
Values that the combined techniques create detail unattainable by either alone.
Lume is a favourite feature, with solid BGW9 outlining hands and indices clearly.
Finishing & buildpositive: Considers finishing and attention to detail a clear improvement over earlier releases.
Likes the alternation of brushed and polished surfaces on the new case.
Wearabilitypositive: Finds the case comfortable on the wrist.
Notes the uncluttered dial and polished case make it wear larger than 39mm.
Versatilitypositive: Considers it a good daily wearer thanks to moderate thickness.
Size and lume keep it from being too dressy, yet it is not a sports watch.
Movementpositive: Views the G101 as an upgrade over typical ETA 2824 clones and reliable from personal experience.
Rotor decoration is basic, but the numbered movement holder looks great.
Bracelet & strappositive: Expects the Delugs strap partnership to please buyers.
Sees the hollow-sided pin buckle as a new level of detail for the brand.
Designpositive: Finds the watches more mature and a step forward in style versus previous models.
Originalitypositive: Positions it as a distinctive handcrafted option among colourful dial watches.
Valuepositive: Considers €1,950 surprisingly reasonable for a beautifully crafted watch.

Read on fratellowatches.com

Specifications

Case: 39mm, recycled 316L stainless steel
Thickness: 11.8mm
Lug to lug: 45.6mm
Movement: La Joux-Perret G101 (automatic)
Power reserve: 68 hours
Water resistance: 50m
Crystal: sapphire; sapphire display caseback
Bracelet or strap: Delugs grey nubuck leather strap with rubber lining, pin buckle (20mm lug width)
Announced: October 2024

Creator Consensus is built only from what reviewers said. Prices, retailers and any commercial relationship never affect it. How consensus works