Bursting onto the scene in 2017, MING has become one of the hottest watch brands in the realm of independent watchmaking. Founded and fully funded collectively by a group of six enthusiasts, MING has built their business model on limited production ‘drops’ whereby it has quickly become the case that their watches sell out almost instantly. With such incredibly unique designs and a story that all watch enthusiasts can get behind, it is no surprise that MING sits in the prestigious position it occupies today.
Here I have a MING 17.09 with a vivid burgundy dial, which marked an evolution from the critically-acclaimed 17.03 GMT and the 17.06, serving as the final design to conclude the 17-series. When considering its overall aesthetic, it becomes evident that this 17.09 offers more than initially meets the eye. Its entire design revolves around the visual impact of its dial, which is further enhanced by its distinct 38mm case with MING’s signature flared lugs. Despite its apparent visual simplicity, the 17.09 is a captivating aesthetic enigma, thanks to the intricate interplay of various textures and layers on its dial. If you look closer, you'll notice that the minute track and indices, both filled with Super-LumiNova X1, are intricately laser-etched onto the underside of the sapphire crystal itself. This unique feature is complemented by a delicate Clous de Paris guilloche motif at the center, surrounded by a circular brushed outer section extending to the periphery of the dial. These elements combine to create a fascinating and dynamic visual effect, especially when viewed under specific lighting conditions.
In addition to its beautiful aesthetics, the 17.09 is also technically impressive. With water resistance up to 100 meters, facilitated by its triple crown gasket, the 17.09 proves to be a highly capable dress watch suitable for daily wear. Powering it from within is the MING Cal. 330.M1, a caliber derived from the workhorse Sellita Cal. SW330-2, which was originally a GMT movement, but has been extensively modified by Schwarz-Etienne exclusively for MING to include the integration of an independent hour hand adjustment mechanism. It is also worth noting that the Cal. 330.M1 has undergone a rigorous 250-hour movement regulation program and offers a power reserve of up to 42 hours when fully wound.
If you ask me, the MING 17.09 is, in its entirety, a captivating work of watch design that is sure to spark a conversation amongst enthusiasts. It also serves as a fitting farewell to the definitive 17-series that helped put MING on the horological map.
