In the high-stakes world of independent watchmaking, relevance often hinges on a brand’s ability to tell a compelling story through its timepieces. French watch brand Awake has mastered this narrative approach since their 2019 founding, initially focusing on environmental consciousness before pivoting toward artisanal craftsmanship with their Vietnamese Sơn Mài lacquer dial collection that debuted last year, which saw the watchmaker moving from titanium cases and Miyota movements to newly designed 39mm stainless steel with Swiss-made La Joux-Perret automatic calibers inside.
Just in time for this summer’s Jurassic World Rebirth (July 2), Awake’s latest release features a duo of officially licensed Jurassic Park-inspired timepieces that represent the perfect evolutionary step for the brand. Limited to just 50 pieces each, the T-Rex and Raptors editions transform the brand’s meticulous lacquer dial expertise into something simultaneously refined and ferocious, while also not taking themselves too seriously.
ANCESTRAL CRAFT MEETS ANCIENT BEASTS
The technical foundation of these Jurassic editions builds upon Awake’s Sơn Mài Silver Leaf collection with handcrafted dials that take anywhere between 10 and 15 hours to perfect, beginning with a base coat of lacquer that is sanded and polished to produce a smooth surface. Artisans then apply pure silver leaf gilding to this foundation before layering naturally colored pigments: fiery orange for the T-Rex and deep jungle green for the Raptors.
Multiple coats of transparent lacquer are applied and meticulously sanded until achieving a glasslike surface that captures light with exceptional depth, creating an almost three-dimensional visual experience. Despite this exhaustive and deliberate process, the dials actually feel like organic creations altogether. But the details don’t stop there…
PREDATORY DETAILS
Where these timepieces truly distinguish themselves from the standard Sơn Mài watches is in their subtle homages to their prehistoric inspirations. The T-Rex version features a gradient fire-orange dial with an applique representing 2 claw marks set above the 6 o’clock marker, nodding to the fact that the T-Rex’s forelimbs only had 2 sharp talons.
On the other hand, you have the Raptors counterpart, which sports three claw marks on its green dial, referencing the kitchen scene in the 1993 Steven Spielberg megahit where the velociraptors demonstrated their terrifying dexterity. While Awake could’ve merely tossed on a logo or scales, they’ve actually assembled a pair of timepieces that border on métiers d’art watchmaking.
The attention to thematic detail extends to the casebacks, where the movement rings are laser-engraved with a jungle motif and rendered with famous quotes from the film, including “Spared No Expense” for the T-Rex and “Life Finds a Way” for the Raptors. These are displayed in the iconic font developed by Doug Olena back in the ‘90s and since used in every one of the six films and countless other Jurassic Park media.
Some Bonus Design Features
Even the straps receive special treatment, crafted from either Squama scaled salmon leather (T-Rex) or deep green marine leather (Raptors). Lined with calfskin, they’re both processed to create an iridescent, reptilian texture that actually reflects light differently depending on your viewing angle.
As for the dial lume, the hands and tooth-like indices feature BGW9 Super-LumiNova, which Awake says, “offers a subtle play of chiaroscuro that enhances the depth and reflections of the lacquer, transforming the space between the sapphire crystal and the dial into a veritable chamber of luminous reflection for a unique visual signature.” Poetic waxing aside, it does look pretty remarkable.
Housed in the 39mm recycled stainless steel cases is the same Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement found in the rest of the Sơn Mài range. Viewed through the caseback window, this caliber boasts an impressive 68 hours of power reserve.
Spec Sheet
Model: Awake Jurassic Watch (T-Rex & Raptors Editions)
Case Size: 39mm
Case Thickness: 11.8mm
Lug-to-Lug: 45.6mm
Case Material: Recycled 316L stainless steel
Crystal: AR-coated sapphire
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: La Joux-Perret G101 automatic
Power Reserve: 68 hours
Lume: BGW9 Super-LumiNova
Band: Scaled salmon leather or marine leather strap with iridescent finish and calfskin lining
Limited Edition?: Yes, 50 each
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Limited to just 50 numbered pieces each, the Jurassic Watches in both T-Rex and Raptors editions are priced at €2,075 (~$2,348) and are expected to deliver on May 15. Order yours now on Awake’s website.
Recap
Awake Jurassic Watches Raptors and T-Rex Editions
Officially licensed from Jurassic Park, luxury brand Awake continues its rebranding with a pair of dino-inspired timepieces with homages to the 1993 film.
