It's Growing On Me

Now I see A LOT of watches, and this past BaselWorld I got my first look at some of the Ming watches.  As a reminder, Ming is a collaboration among six watch enthusiasts, one of whom was kind enough to let me in on the story, and see the product up close and personal.

Courtesy of Ming

The thing is, the Ming collection are at once recognizable without being "knowable", and I realize that is a bit of a contradiction in terms.  What I mean is that in a short span of time, Ming has been able to develop a design grammar that is clear, distinct, and not derivative.  Without massive, obnoxious branding, PR noise, or logos screaming at you, you instantly recognize the Ming.  And that is something that should be celebrated! 

Courtesy of Ming

So at the risk of sounding sentimental, or just that old, cranky fart who waxes on about substance over style...

This is special.  This is the Ming 17.03 GMT with burgundy dial.

And although I know that a black dial is more practical, I am pretty dippy over the burgundy.  

One last point regarding the GMT function.  This is actually a pleasantly subtle, yet practical display.  I like it, and I want one.  So there you have it.

Should you be so inclined, this time machine is very, very reasonably priced at 1,300 CHF.  And it is available direct from Ming.

Here are the pertinents -

• Functions: hours, minutes, and additional 24h timezone on inner ring
• Case, dial & hands:
• 38mm diameter, 9.8mm thickness, grade 2 titanium case with solid caseback, all brushed
• 43.9mm lug to lug measurement
• Sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides
• Rigid case without spacer rings
• 100m water resistance with triple crown gaskets and nitrogen filling
• Composite, multi-layer, three-part sapphire dial 
• Patterned burgundy dial
• Hands coated with Super-LumiNova C1
• Dial ring printed with Super-LumiNova C1
• Straps
• 1x dark chocolate nubuck with white stitching
• 1x anthracite nubuck with white stitching
• 20x18mm, quick release with curved fitting
• Will fit 160-210mm (6.1”-8.3”) wrist circumference
• Signed pin buckle in brushed grade 2 titanium
• Movement:
• Automatic mechanical movement Sellita SW330-1 top grade
• 42-hour power reserve
• 28,800 bph (4Hz)
• 25 jewels
• Hacking function
• Movement adjusted to five positions with a 250-hour test program
• Watch with a strap weighs 49g
• 1-year warranty against defects
• Made in Switzerland
• Delivery package includes two nubuck straps with buckles fitted (dark chocolate/ anthracite), a travel pouch by Thirtyfour Bespoke of Kuala Lumpur, and a screwdriver for bracelet adjustment