Cinema has a unique way of branding itself onto our collective consciousness, particularly when it comes to the visceral and highly stylized work of Quentin Tarantino. When his martial arts revenge epic hit screens in 2003, it didn't just tell a story; it created a visual language that defined an era of pop culture. It is this specific intersection of cinematic nostalgia and high-end horological craft that the French independent brand AWAKE explores with their latest release. Dubbed "The Deadly Watch," this timepiece serves as the second opus in their "Tribute to the 7th Art" project, moving away from the prehistoric themes of their Jurassic release and stepping directly into the chaotic, blood-soaked world of The Bride. It represents a fascinating pivot for the brand, utilizing the medium of watchmaking to capture the frenetic energy of a film that blended spaghetti westerns, anime, and kung fu into a singular, unforgettable aesthetic.
At the heart of this release is a dedication to a specific artistic technique that elevates the watch beyond simple merchandise and into the realm of Métiers d'Art. The dial is the undisputed protagonist here, commanding attention with a vibrancy that standard paints simply cannot achieve. AWAKE has turned to the ancestral tradition of Vietnamese lacquer, known locally as Son Mài. This is not a process that can be rushed or automated; it is a technique that requires patience and a deep understanding of natural materials. The lacquer is derived from the sap of the Rhus verniciflua tree, which is native to the northern regions of Vietnam. The biological constraints alone are staggering, as the tree must grow for a full decade before it can be harvested, and even then, it yields a meager amount of sap, collected only during strict windows in the summer months. This organic origin story imbues the dial with a depth and luster that synthetic alternatives fail to replicate.
Courtesy of Awake
The application of this lacquer is where the artistry truly comes alive, creating a visual texture that shifts and plays with the light. Looking at the face of the watch, the dominant hue is an arresting, saturated yellow. In the context of the film, this color is iconic, instantly recalling the tracksuit worn by Uma Thurman’s character, Beatrix Kiddo. However, the symbolism runs deeper within the design language of the watch. This yellow represents the energy and purity of the soul that was violently stripped from the protagonist, catalyzing her blind, relentless quest for retribution. The lacquer captures this intensity perfectly; the surface looks almost wet, maintaining a brilliant sheen that serves as a high-contrast canvas for the darker, more violent elements of the design.
Contrasting violently against this bright backdrop is the application of red, scattered across the dial in a deliberate, chaotic pattern. This isn't a printed graphic that looks uniform across every piece; rather, these are hand-painted splashes of pigmented lacquer designed to mimic the splatter of blood. It is a direct reference to the film's stylized violence, specifically the over-the-top, arterial sprays that became a hallmark of the fight sequences against the Crazy 88. The way the red lacquer sits on the yellow base creates a sense of movement and immediacy, as if the action has just occurred. It taps into the themes of danger, anger, and the extreme passions that drive the film's narrative. Because these splashes are applied by hand by master lacquerers in Hanoi, no two dials will ever be exactly the same, giving each owner a unique "crime scene" on their wrist.
Framing this chaotic center is a distinct black vignette that encircles the outer rim of the dial. This darkening at the edges does more than just draw the eye toward the center; it serves a narrative function. It alludes to the lingering smoke of gunpowder in the air after the chapel shootout that sets the plot in motion. It speaks to the darkness in the heroine's heart and the mystery of her code name, Black Mamba. This gradient effect is achieved through the careful layering of the lacquer, requiring multiple passes and precise polishing to ensure a seamless transition from the deep black periphery to the vibrant yellow center. The result is a dial that feels three-dimensional, pulling the viewer in toward the hands and the central splatter.
Typography plays a crucial role in establishing the personality of any watch, and here, AWAKE has eschewed standard sans-serif fonts for something with significantly more character. The brand logo is stamped in a black pad print using a "Western" style font. This is a deliberate nod to the Spaghetti Western genre that heavily influenced Tarantino's direction. It sits starkly against the yellow, providing a sharp focal point that anchors the upper hemisphere of the dial. It feels less like a corporate branding exercise and more like the opening credits of a movie, setting the tone for the rest of the visual experience. The choice of font bridges the gap between the Japanese influences of the blade and the American influences of the director, perfectly mirroring the film’s trans-pacific narrative.
Courtesy of Awake
At the six o'clock position, the dial features a distinct applique that serves as a secondary logo for this specific edition. Two crossed katanas are depicted, referencing the weapons of choice for both Bill and The Bride. This small detail carries significant weight in the lore of the film, symbolizing the legendary steel forged by Hattori Hanzo in Okinawa. In the movie, the sword represents the purity of traditional craftsmanship—a weapon created with a singular, deadly purpose. By placing this symbol on the dial, the watch draws a parallel between the forging of a blade and the crafting of a timepiece. It is a subtle reminder of the "Artisanship, Awakened" motto that drives the brand, suggesting that the watch itself is a tool of precision and intent.
The lighting of the watch in low-light conditions is handled with a level of sophistication that surprises for a piece so focused on bold colors. AWAKE utilizes a concept they call "Chiaroscuro," inspired by the Japanese praise of shadows. The hands and hour markers are not flat; they are faceted and polished steel structures that catch the light during the day. However, they are also underpinned by a base of Super-LumiNova BGW9. This specific lume compound emits a cool blue glow. The construction is unique: rather than just painting the lume on top, the steel "caps" or "coiffes" sit over the luminous material, allowing the light to spill out from underneath and around the edges. This creates a halo effect, a backlit silhouette that preserves the legibility of the time without overpowering the intricate lacquer work of the dial with a blinding glare.
Encasing this artwork is a chassis made from recycled 316L stainless steel, a material choice that aligns with the brand's ongoing commitment to sustainable practices. The case measures 39mm in diameter, a "Goldilocks" size that appeals to vintage enthusiasts and modern collectors alike. With a lug-to-lug distance of 45.6mm, it promises to sit compactly on a wide variety of wrist sizes. The profile is relatively slender, coming in at 11.8mm including the crystal, or a mere 10.9mm without it. This ensures that despite the loud aesthetic of the dial, the watch physically wears with the comfort and discretion of a classic field watch or dress piece. The case finishing alternates between brushed and polished surfaces, providing a tactile experience that feels premium and well-engineered.
Courtesy of Awake
The connection to the film’s protagonist extends physically to the strap, which is a critical component of the watch’s overall visual identity. Handcrafted by master saddlers in the French region of Franche-Comté, the strap is constructed from matte black Barenia calfskin. Barenia is a leather often associated with high-end luxury houses, known for its buttery feel and ability to develop a unique patina over time. However, the true tribute lies in the details: the lining is a vibrant yellow calfskin, and the stitching is asymmetrical. The top stitching is yellow, while the bottom is red, mirroring the colors of the dial. This black and yellow scheme is an obvious homage to Beatrix Kiddo’s jumpsuit, which itself was a tribute to Bruce Lee’s outfit in Game of Death. Thus, the strap serves as a multi-layered cultural reference, connecting 1970s Hong Kong cinema, early 2000s Hollywood, and modern French leathercraft.
Under the hood, The Deadly Watch is powered by the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement. This is a significant step up from the standard off-the-shelf movements often found in this price bracket, offering a robust 68-hour power reserve. This "weekend-proof" capacity means the watch can be taken off on a Friday evening and picked up on Monday morning without missing a beat. The movement beats at a standard frequency but offers the reliability and serviceability associated with top-tier Swiss manufacturing. It acts as the reliable engine behind the flashy exterior, ensuring that the watch is not just a prop, but a serious timekeeping instrument capable of daily wear.
Visually, the movement is not left stock; it has been customized to fit the theme of the watch. Through the sapphire exhibition caseback, the wearer can view a personalized tungsten rotor. Tungsten is chosen for its high density, which improves winding efficiency. The rotor features a complex finish of alternating concave and convex surfaces, treated with brushed, micro-beaded, and polished textures. This industrial, sharp aesthetic complements the lethal theme of the watch. Surrounding the movement is a micro-beaded bezel ring that has been laser-engraved with symbols and text, further integrating the mechanics of the watch with the cinematic narrative it celebrates.
The caseback itself is a treasure trove of "Easter eggs" for the superfan. Engraved into the steel are references that might go unnoticed by the casual observer but will delight those intimate with the film's script. The quote "I'm gonna kill Bill" is etched at the 9 o'clock position, a direct lift from the heroine’s declaration of intent. Furthermore, four M16 bullets are engraved into the metal, a callback to the brutal wedding rehearsal massacre that serves as the film's inciting incident. The numbering of the limited edition is also playful; rather than a standard "No. X/88," the engraving reads "Crazy X/88," a clever reference to the "Crazy 88" gang of fighters. These hidden details transform the back of the watch into a private conversation between the brand and the owner.
Courtesy of Awake
The exclusivity of this timepiece is a major factor in its allure. The production is strictly limited to 88 pieces, a number that carries weight both in the context of the film’s "Crazy 88" fight scene and in Asian numerology, where 88 represents fortune and good luck. This low production number ensures that the watch remains a rare collectible rather than a mass-market product. The painstaking nature of the lacquer dial production likely dictates this low volume as well; when a single dial takes ten hours of manual labor to create, scaling up becomes an impossibility. This scarcity adds a layer of desirability, positioning the watch as a piece of ephemeral art as much as a functional accessory.
Beyond the watch itself, AWAKE has introduced a gamification element to the ownership experience that fits perfectly with the source material. In a move reminiscent of Willy Wonka but with a significantly sharper edge, the brand has included a "Golden Ticket" style contest. Two of the 88 owners will be randomly selected to win a full-scale replica of the Hattori Hanzo sword used by The Bride. This isn't a cheap toy; the prize features a sharpened Maru 1045 steel blade, a sharkskin handle, and a lacquered scabbard. It is an audacious addition that proves the brand understands the fanaticism of the collector base they are targeting. It blurs the line between collecting watches and collecting movie memorabilia.
The water resistance of 5 ATM (50 meters) might seem modest compared to a dedicated dive watch, but it is perfectly adequate for the intended use of this piece. It can handle splashes, rain, and the occasional immersion, but it is clearly designed for terrestrial adventures rather than deep-sea exploration. The use of a screw-down crown and caseback helps ensure the integrity of the seal. The sapphire crystal on the front is treated with an anti-reflective coating, which is essential for a dial this glossy. Without it, the glare would obscure the intricate details of the lacquer work. Every technical specification has been chosen to support the visual impact of the watch without compromising its utility.
Courtesy of Awake
AWAKE's philosophy with this release is to push the boundaries of what an "accessible" luxury watch can offer in terms of emotional connection. They are not simply selling specs; they are selling a feeling of nostalgia and excitement. By blending the high art of Vietnamese lacquer with the pop-art sensibilities of Tarantino, they have created a juxtaposition that feels fresh. It challenges the stuffy norms of traditional horology, proving that serious craftsmanship can be applied to subjects that are fun, violent, and culturally resonant. It is a watch that doesn't take itself too seriously in terms of theme, but takes itself incredibly seriously in terms of execution.
The pricing and availability of "The Deadly Watch" reflect its boutique nature and the labor-intensive production process. The watch is priced at €1,980, a figure that places it competitively against other independent brands using Swiss movements, especially considering the handmade nature of the dial. The distribution is split into two distinct batches to accommodate the slow production speed of the lacquer dials. The first batch consists of 30 pieces which are in stock for immediate delivery, catering to the early birds. The second batch, comprising the remaining 58 pieces, is scheduled for delivery in February 2026. This staggered release highlights the reality of the artisan production method—good things, quite literally, take time to grow and be crafted. For the collector who grew up on the stylized violence of the early 2000s, this wait might just be part of the thrill.
Case: Recycled 316L stainless steel construction, 39mm diameter, 45.6mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. Thickness 11.80mm including crystal, 10.90mm excluding crystal. Sapphire top lens with anti-reflective coating. Screw-in sapphire crystal caseback. Water resistance rated to 5 ATM (50m). Engraved with "I'm gonna kill Bill" and M16 bullets.
Movement: Automatic La Joux-Perret G101 caliber. 68-hour power reserve. Personalized tungsten rotor featuring alternating concave and convex surfaces with brushed, micro-beaded, and polished finishes. Micro-beaded bezel ring laser engraved with film-inspired symbols.
Dial: Handcrafted Vietnamese Son Mài lacquer using natural pigments from Rhus verniciflua sap. Yellow base color with hand-painted red lacquer blood splatters and black vignette outer rim. Black pad-printed "Western" font logo and Katana applique at 6 o'clock. Indices and hands feature Super-LumiNova BGW9 with AWAKE luminous “coiffe” signature (faceted polished steel caps).
Strap: Handcrafted matte black Barenia calfskin, lined with yellow calfskin. Features yellow topstitching on top and red topstitching on bottom. Available sizes 115x70mm or 115x80mm. 20mm width tapering to 16mm. Equipped with presto pumps and recycled 316L steel hollow pin buckle.
Price: €1,980.00
Notes: Limited edition of 88 "Crazy" pieces. Includes "Golden Ticket" contest where 2 owners win a replica Hattori Hanzo sword. 36-month warranty. Delivered in two batches (First batch immediate, Second batch February 2026).