Never been so happy with something so affordable

[unknown]

Somethimes you just need to learn by experience that a watch doesn't have to be expensive to tick all the boxes. Most of us are too spoiled once they have reached a certain level in their collection.
A few weeks ago I read quite a lot about a new brand called Ming. Some bloggers wrote about it and quite a few people talked about it on watch related forums like this one and others.
It looked fine to me, quite original ... something different. Swiss movement inside, a Sellita. For me it makes no difference if a brand uses ETA or Sellita as long as it is Swiss it's good enough for me. I would not buy a Myota.
A titanium case with polished bezel and brushed case. A closed back as it should be because for me only haute horlogerie watches should have a display back. Same reason why Rolex has a closed back. If only brands like Panerai and others would understand this. I love to look at a super finished Patek, Lange and others but most sub 10K do not have the kind of movement I need to see.

The hands are special, some seem to love them and others don't. And yes they look similar like the hands on Ikepod or Journe but does it matter ? How many brands use Breguet hands?

The dial is mesmerizing, difficult to capture on pictures but there is a lot of depth in that dial. and when the sun shines on it, it is spectacular it goes from light blue to dark blue and even grey and black.

This is the first watch 'Ming' made a limited one, 150 with a blue dial and 150 with a grey dial. Ming Thein is somebody some of you might remember if you were (like me) already on watch related websites 15 years ago. He was a great contributor on more than one site. You might also know him from his magnificent photography, Ming is an ambassador for Hasselblad which is by far the best camera brand on the market. Anyway watches were always an obsession and together with 6 other persons ( investors) they started this newcomer
They already have plans for the next couple of years to show us for 6 or 8 new watches.

I can tell you I am impressed cause this Ming 17.01 is as good as many well known Swiss manufactures that also use an ETA or Sellita, put this movement inside one of their zillion available cases, put a standard dial on the watch, print their name or logo on it and ask without hesitation 5 or 6 K. This Ming was almost too cheap compared with those and since it is a micro brand, production cost per piece must have been much higher

[tamiya]

Have read a bit about the Ming lately, good to see a production unit in the (online) wild.

I guess when you're a uber-WIS and you've gotten tired of everything available, the next step in this maker age is to design & manufacture your own design!

Kudos to him for keeping it classy restrained plus not giant sized. The mans got good taste for long term attractiveness.

[RRGHOST1]

That's minging !

[Andad]

Looks good and I really like the dial.

Not a fan of Ti watches as they feel like plastic on my wrist but each to ..... ...

I will google this as you didn't give me the diameter?

Ps. Nice pix.

[unknown]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Looks good and I really like the dial.

Not a fan of Ti watches as they feel like plastic on my wrist but each to ..... ...

I will google this as you didn't give me the diameter?

Ps. Nice pix.

38mm

[unknown]

some extra pics :-)

[lapince]

Originally Posted by tamiya

Have read a bit about the Ming lately, good to see a production unit in the (online) wild.

I guess when you're a uber-WIS and you've gotten tired of everything available, the next step in this maker age is to design & manufacture your own design!

Kudos to him for keeping it classy restrained plus not giant sized. The mans got good taste for long term attractiveness.

Oh yes Unknown is an uber wis, can't say otherwise, and I totally agree that the next step is to make your own design, that's why I chose Voutilainen, incoming on the 19th, the experience of designing everything, except case, lugs and hands

[unknown]

Originally Posted by lapince

Oh yes Unknown is an uber wis, can't say otherwise, and I totally agree that the next step is to make your own design, that's why I chose Voutilainen, incoming on the 19th, the experience of designing everything, except case, lugs and hands

I'm sure he meant 'Ming Thein' not me

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by unknown

For me it makes no difference if a brand uses ETA or Sellita as long as it is Swiss it's good enough for me. I would not buy a Myota.

Why?

[Andad]

Originally Posted by unknown

38mm

Yes, 38mm, Swiss Sellita SW210-1 hand-wound.

Interesting that they include hacking movement in the spec even though there is no second hand or second hand markers.

US$900 is close to AU$1000 + freight and 10% GST.

I don't think this will fly very high in Oz.

I do like the design, colour and the quality/finish is very good.

[lapince]

Originally Posted by unknown

I'm sure he meant 'Ming Thein' not me

Maybe, but unless there are 2 "unknown" here I mean you I know your watches and yes you are clearly a uber wis

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by wahlberg

why?

……

[unknown]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Why?

The price difference is imo not big enough. The Myota is not a bad movement but for barely a difference in price I do prefer Swiss movements.

[unknown]

Originally Posted by lapince

Maybe, but unless there are 2 "unknown" here I mean you I know your watches and yes you are clearly a uber wis

very friendly but exaggerated

[lapince]

Originally Posted by unknown

very friendly but exaggerated

Well you are well above the WIS level than I am, I am a beginner, but learning

[beshannon]

Love the dial and the look. I think for the price it is a tremendous value with three straps.

I am following this brand closely and am anxious to see what the next watch is like.

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by unknown

some extra pics :-)

Stunning photos. I put myself on the list for the next batch but still can't decide which color I like best. Your photos are a big help.

[mps354]

Very cool looking, congrats!

[DCheeta]

I absolutely love Ming Thein's photography, I had no idea the watch was designed by THAT Ming. Very cool.

I'm definitely going to try to get my hands on whatever he comes up with next, as I assume these are already sold out.

Thanks for sharing!

[willski]

Congrats again Bruno, and agree completely with how it's a refreshing reminder that horology need not be expensive to be fun.

Guess that's why already a decent number of PuristS have one :)


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