Sơn Mài Meets Prehistory: Awake’s T-Rex And Raptors Limited Editions
Awake expands its Sơn Mài collection with a new limited-edition duo that pays homage to two of the most iconic prehistoric creatures of cinema: the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Velociraptor. These timepieces, named T-Rex and Raptors, showcase the brand’s continued commitment to environmentally conscious materials and artistic expression, this time through a bold thematic link to the world of dinosaurs.
Inspired by the Irises of Legends
Each dial is hand-crafted by Vietnamese artisans using the Sơn Mài lacquer technique, a centuries-old process combining silver leaf gilding, natural lacquers, and multiple layers of sanding to achieve a richly textured finish. The orange dial of the T-Rex model and the green dial of the Raptors are directly inspired by the eye colors of these creatures as portrayed in popular film, reimagined through artful abstraction.
Both dials feature a claw slash appliqué in polished silver — a twin slash for the T-Rex and a three-pronged mark for the Raptors — adding a dramatic visual anchor to the watch face. The polished metal hands and sharp, tooth-like hour markers are filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9, providing strong legibility and a subtle nod to the creatures’ iconic features.
Case and Construction
Encased in recycled 316L stainless steel, each watch measures 39 mm in diameter and 45.60 mm lug-to-lug, maintaining the streamlined, modern silhouette introduced with the first Sơn Mài editions. Both front and back crystals are made of sapphire, and the watches are rated for 50 meters of water resistance.
The reverse side reveals a custom-engraved case back, featuring a jungle motif, unique serial number, and typography that echoes the style seen in vintage cinematic graphics. Each piece is further personalized with one of two engraved quotes: “Spared no expense” for the T-Rex edition, and “Life finds a way” for the Raptors — subtle references that deepen the storytelling without overpowering the design.
Movement
Powering the Jurassic Watch models is the Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, offering 68 hours of power reserve and a smooth 28,800 vph frequency. The movement is dateless, manually windable, and equipped with hacking seconds — offering precision and practicality in equal measure.
Sustainable Straps with a Prehistoric Texture
Continuing Awake’s focus on ethical sourcing, the straps are produced in collaboration with Ictyos, a French tannery that upcycles salmon skin from the food industry. This sustainable leather, treated for strength and durability, features a reptilian scale-like texture and iridescent finish, perfectly complementing the theme of each watch. The straps are hand-stitched in matching colors, lined with calfskin, and secured by a 16mm signed steel buckle.
Limited Availability
Each variant is strictly limited to 50 individually numbered pieces, underscoring the rarity and collectible nature of this release. Priced at €2,075, the models also include one extraordinary surprise: a genuine fossilized Carcharodontosaurus tooth will be gifted to one randomly selected owner, linking the watches even more directly to their Jurassic inspiration.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Awake
Model: Sơn Mài Jurassic Watch T-Rex (orange) and Raptors (green)
Dial: Orange or green sanded lacquer
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: 316L recycled stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 39 mm Diameter, 11.80 mm thickness, 45.60 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 50 Meters
Strap: Deep green or bright orange scaled salmon leather strap by Ictyos with a 316L recycled steel pin buckle
Caliber: La Joux-Perret G101
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 28
Power Reserve: 68 hours
Price: € 2,075
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 50 pieces each