Establishing oneself as an independent watch brand is no small undertaking. In a market greatly saturated with a vast array of watches and dominated by longstanding Swiss watchmaking juggernauts, the odds are typically overwhelmingly stacked against newcomers. History has repeatedly shown that many independent brands have struggled to survive, with some absorbed by larger conglomerates and others quietly disappearing altogether.
That said, if there’s one brand that has truly defied these odds through original thinking and an unwavering commitment to quality, that would be MING. Established in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ming Thein founded his eponymous brand with the intention of creating watches that satiated his obsessive desire for perfection while maintaining a price point that remained fair and relatively accessible. With years of involvement in the watch industry, both as a passionate enthusiast and a professional commercial photographer, he amassed vast knowledge of watchmaking and design, culminating in the release of the inaugural 17.01 in 2017.
The 19.01 is the second model released after the 17.01. It was developed and built without regard for cost, born from the MING team's vision of the ultimate daily wearer. Created to embody all the elements of an ideal MING timepiece, the 19.01 is distinctive, robust, and practical, showcasing the signature design choices we’ve come to expect from this beloved independent brand.
Starting with its construction, the 19.01 features a 39mm × 10.9mm Grade 5 titanium case milled precisely to house its bespoke movement. This approach eliminates the need for spacer rings, allowing the caseback to fit directly into the case. Both sapphire crystals receive double anti-reflective coating and feature a shouldered profile, often referred to as “box” crystals.
The dial is, I think, the main standout element of the 19.01, visually striking and genuinely original. Traditionally, the glass and dial are separate components, but here they are seamlessly integrated through layered sapphire. The upper sapphire layer carries a fumé finish in deep shades of blue and purple, opaque at the centre and gradually transitioning to translucence toward the edges. This gradient subtly reveals glimpses of the movement beneath, even before turning the watch over.
Inside beats a MING-exclusive iteration of the Schwarz-Etienne MSE100, designated Cal. MSE100.1. It is equipped with twin skeletonised mainspring barrels delivering a whopping 100 hours of power reserve, a two-tone anthracite bead-blasted finish, and openworked bridges. Meticulously executed anglage accentuate its architecture, combining mechanical excellence with visual depth and perfectly complementing the 19.01’s intricate construction.
Undoubtedly a flagship model in its own right, the 19.01 represents MING’s bold investment in themselves as both designers and watchmakers in their early days. It’s a testament to their vision and ambition, embodied in a truly exciting timepiece. With its mechanical excellence and visually striking design, the 19.01 will make for a wonderful addition to any serious watch collection.
