Traditional Craftsmanship

The Awake Sơn Mài – The Deadly Watch model represents another interpretation of the collection, linking contemporary watchmaking with the traditional Vietnamese lacquer technique of Sơn Mài. The dial is created by hand in the brand's workshop in Hanoi, where natural lacquer, pigments, and metallic foil are combined in several layers. Each piece thus acquires a unique texture and depth, thanks to which the light on the dial surface transforms according to the angle of incidence and the movement of the wrist.

Technical details:

Case: 39 mm x 11.8 mm steel. 45.6 mm lug-to-lug.
Dial: Unique hand-designed dials as works of art themselves, traditional techniques modernized with a contemporary approach that combines creativity and innovation.
Crystal: sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m
Movement: La Joux-Perret G101, 68 hours power reserve
Strap: Delugs leather strap with pin buckle.

Limited edition

Unique Dial Inspired by an Iconic Film

Limited edition of 88 pieces

When haute horlogerie meets iconic cinematography, something more than just a watch is born. "The Deadly Watch" is a bold tribute to Kill Bill by Quentin Tarantino – a visually powerful, stylized work that defined an entire generation.

This model is part of the "Tribute to the 7th Art" project, in which AWAKE reinterprets iconic films into mechanical objects. This time, it's about raw energy, revenge, passion, and the unmistakable aesthetic of the early 21st century.

The dial is not just design – it's a narrative.

The handcraft technique Sơn Mài serves here as a medium to capture the visual identity of the film. The result is a dramatic composition of colors, symbols, and emotions:

Deep yellow base refers to the iconic outfit of the protagonist (The Bride) and symbolizes energy as well as lost innocence
Red accents are hand-applied "bloodstains" – a reminder of violence, passion, and revenge
Dark edge (vignette) evokes tension, gunpowder, and the darkness of the story

This edition is literally filled with references:

Katanas at 6 o'clock position – a reference to Hattori Hanzo's legendary sword
Western font of the logo – a typical visual element of Tarantino's films
Engraving "I'm gonna kill Bill" – a subtle detail for connoisseurs
Numbering "Crazy 88" – a reference to the iconic group of adversaries

Every element has meaning. Every detail is part of the story.

Each dial is handcrafted in Vietnamese workshops and consists of many layers of natural lacquer. The surface appears almost "alive" – light refracts, reflects, and creates a constantly changing effect.

The watch case is made of recycled 316L stainless steel with a diameter of 39 mm, a lug-to-lug length of 45.6 mm, and a thickness of approximately 11.8 mm. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, while the transparent screwed case back allows a view of the mechanical movement. The case is water-resistant to 50 m (5 ATM).

Inside, an automatic Swiss caliber La Joux-Perret G101 operates with a frequency of 28,800 vph and a power reserve of up to 68 hours. The movement is complemented by a custom tungsten rotor designed for the Awake brand and visible through the sapphire case back.

The indices and hands use Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 in Awake's characteristic design, where the luminescent layer is placed under polished metal elements. This design principle creates a subtle, indirect lighting effect while maintaining the visual dominance of the handcrafted dial.

The model comes on a suede leather strap with a rubber lining and a width of 20 → 16 mm, handcrafted in France. The watches are produced in a limited edition of 100 pieces, which underlines their artisanal character and collectible exclusivity.

About the brand

Awake is an independent French watchmaking brand founded in 2019 by entrepreneurs and watch collectors Lilian, Thibault, and Benjamin. From the beginning, it has been based on the idea that a watch is not only a tool for measuring time but also an object that can express the owner's values and relationship to the world around us.

The brand's philosophy lies in the effort to give watches a deeper meaning – to combine watchmaking technique, artistic craftsmanship, and a responsible approach to manufacturing. Awake therefore works with innovative materials, supports traditional craft techniques, and collaborates with masters of various fields around the world.

One of the characteristic elements of the brand is the connection of French design, Swiss watchmaking mechanics, and traditional Vietnamese artistic craftsmanship. This combination is, for example, behind the Sơn Mài collection, which uses a historical lacquer technique used in Vietnam for centuries and transfers it to the world of modern mechanical watches.

Awake also profiles itself as a brand that emphasizes a responsible approach to manufacturing and materials. From its beginnings, it has worked with recycled materials and strives to minimize the ecological footprint of production, without compromising on quality or design.

The brand's name – Awake – refers to the idea of a greater awareness of the value of time and the world around us. Each model is therefore intended to tell its own story and bring not only technical precision but also emotion and distinctive character.

Thanks to this combination of contemporary design, traditional craftsmanship, and a modern approach to manufacturing, Awake has built a strong position among young independent watchmaking brands within a few years and has attracted the attention of collectors and watch media around the world.

Independent brands

No products found