The newly launched "Sơn Mài - Silver Leaf" watch collection marks an exciting collaboration between Swiss watchmaking and the exquisite artistry of Vietnamese lacquerware by Hanoia.  

This latest collection from French watchmaker AWAKE, celebrating its fifth anniversary, features four unique timepieces that seamlessly blend the ancient art of lacquer with the precision of Swiss watchmaking. Each piece is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship involved in combining lacquer and silver leaf gilding, resulting in timepieces that are both visually stunning and historically significant. 

Inspired by a visit to Vietnam, AWAKE founder Lilian Thibault conceived the “Sơn Mài” collection after being captivated by a lacquer painting. Recognizing the underappreciated beauty of lacquerware, Thibault sought to introduce this distinctive art form to a global audience. 
To create these authentic lacquer watches, AWAKE partnered with Hanoia – the leading craftsmanship house in Vietnam. The skilled artisans at Hanoia meticulously handcraft each dial, resulting in truly unique and exquisite timepieces. 
The “Sơn Mài” collection features four distinctive colors – Outre Bleu, Lava, Emerald, and Amethyst – marking a groundbreaking moment in watchmaking as lacquer is used on watch dials for the first time. Each piece undergoes an intricate process that takes between 10 and 15 hours to complete. 

Awake watch in Outre Bleu 

Awake watch in Lava

Awake watch in Emerald 

Awake watch in Amethyst

The creation of these timepieces involves a meticulous process. The dial is first sanded and polished to a smooth finish. A layer of silver leaf is then applied, followed by airbrushed naturally colored pigments. Multiple layers of lacquer are applied, sanded, and polished to achieve a flawless finish. The collection not only showcases exquisite craftsmanship but also celebrates Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western traditions. 
Hanoia has a proven track record of collaborating with prestigious brands like Chopard, Piaggio, and Diptyque. By harmoniously blending the timeless elegance of Vietnamese lacquerware with the contemporary designs of these international brands, Hanoia has created unique products that showcase its position on the global stage. 

Hanoia for Awake Watches: A homage to Vietnamese Métiers D'Art