Bursting onto the scene in 2017, Ming has become one of the hottest watch brands in the world. Founded and fully funded by a group of 6 enthusiasts, Ming has built its business model on limited production ‘drops’ whereby it has quickly become the case that their watches sell out almost instantly. With such incredible and unique designs, and a story that all watch enthusiasts can get behind, it is no surprise that Ming finds themselves in the position they do.
Here I have a Ming 17.06 Copper from 2019 when the model was released. With “clean and restrained modern forms” as Ming puts it, the entire watch is built around the visual experience created by its dial. With numerous dial textures, layers, and rather intelligent use of Super LumiNova, the 17.06 Copper is aesthetic mastery. The 17.06’s warm etched copper dial creates a gorgeous visual juxtaposition between the polished 316L stainless steel case and satin-finished crown. As the several textures and finishes play off one another, the 17.06 comes into its own as a watch that was conceived to make use of light in ways we rarely see in horology.
Beyond its beautiful design, the 17.06 is technically impressive too. Waterproof to 100m, the Ming is a rather capable dress watch. Powered by the quintessential workhorse movement, the ETA 2824-2, Ming has modified the movement to have two crown positions and regulated it in five positions. As such, the 17.06 is more than adequately equipped to keep time than a lot of other watches that use the very same movement. It is interesting to note that even as an independent watchmaker, Ming still takes the utmost care in ensuring what they produce is of incredible value and can stand up to brands that are priced far beyond what Ming prices their watches at.
Furthermore, the 17.06 Copper managed to win the Horological Revelation Prize at the GPHG in 2019, a watch industry award that is akin to the Grammys. It was an amazing feat that truly solidified the MING brand as a true success and one that is here to last.
