Awake is an independent French watch brand that has established a unique position in the horological world by merging sustainable innovation with artisanal craftsmanship. Founded in 2019 by Lilian Thibault, a Parisian entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the industry, the brand was born from a vision to create timepieces that “reveal the beauty of the world” while actively participating in its preservation. Thibault’s background and personal commitment to environmental issues have shaped the company’s identity as a pioneer in eco-conscious watchmaking.
The brand first gained significant international attention in 2019 when French President Emmanuel Macron presented an Awake watch—the world’s first timepiece made from recycled fishing nets—to world leaders at the G7 summit in Biarritz. This moment underscored the brand’s ability to transform ecological threats into innovative resources, a theme that remains central to their design philosophy.
Watch enthusiasts are drawn to Awake for several key reasons. First is their radical commitment to sustainable luxury, utilizing recycled aerospace-grade titanium, bio-sourced materials, and upcycled plastics. Second is the brand’s ability to offer high-level métiers d’art craftsmanship at accessible price points. Finally, people appreciate the brand’s technological forward-thinking, such as the integration of non-intrusive NFC “ID GLASS” technology into their watch crystals to provide digital experiences and authentication.
Several key pieces define the Awake collection:
The Sơn Mài Collection represents a significant milestone as the brand’s first permanent Swiss Made series. These watches are celebrated for their intricate dials handcrafted in Vietnam using ancestral lacquer techniques and silver-leaf gilding, creating a stunning visual depth that mimics the view of Earth from space.
The Mission to Earth series, created in collaboration with NASA, features watches like the Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 Nightfall. These limited editions are crafted from recycled titanium and include the unique ID GLASS technology, which allows owners to access exclusive NASA content and imagery directly from the ISS.
The Summetria is another standout model, known for its focus on geometry and light. It features textured dials that showcase the brand’s evolving design language toward more sophisticated and minimalist aesthetics.
The Dare & Dream series, co-created with artists like Nicolas Barrome, highlights the brand’s creative and daring approach, blending modern artistic expression with traditional watchmaking values.
By combining French creative vision, Swiss mechanical movements, and global artisanal techniques, Awake continues to challenge traditional industry standards, proving that performance and environmental responsibility can coexist in high-quality watchmaking.
