Launched in 2017, Malaysia-based watchmaker MING have taken the independent horology scene by storm, with their watches selling out immediately upon release. Amongst some of their most popular models is the 27 series, of which I have the latest and final variant, the 27.02. Debuting early in 2021, the 27.02 bid farewell to MING's thinnest design in a fitting manner, with an updated take on its aesthetic that has proved to be overwhelmingly popular.
Building upon the GPHG-finalist design of its predecessor, the 27.02 takes the 27.01's iconic case and maximises the space within its internal cavity as a means to introduce a new dial to the 27 series. Replacing the 27.01's brass dial is the thicker and immediately more visually distinctive blue sapphire dial of the 27.02. Not content with just a blue sapphire dial, MING have given the 27.02's dial a smoked effect so as to reveal a Clous-de-Paris guilloche ring around the periphery of its chapter ring. Combining this blend of textures and colour variation to its dial has made the 27.02 a striking watch indeed. With MING's trademark luminescent pattern, they have put their familiar stamp on this wonderfully unique dial, marking it as their own in a rather fitting and wholly practical manner.
Housing this new dial is the same stainless steel case as we have come to love from the 27.01. Measuring a rather comfortable 38mm x 6.9mm, the 27.02 is a nice size on the wrist for most collectors and will undoubtedly bring an air of familiarity to any seasoned MING enthusiast. Sleek in profile and sporting MING's signature flared "flying blade" lugs (as MING calls them), the 27.02 is immediately recognisable as a MING.
Beyond its physical construction and aesthetic, the 27.02 also sports the automatic MING cal. 7001.M1 movement. A heavily reworked version of the ETA Peseux 7001, the MING cal. 7001.M1 was modified by Schwarz-Etienne according to MING's strict specifications, with a solid base plate containing openings on its upper bridges so as to reveal the gear train and escapement. As per MING's philosophy, there is no point putting an exhibition caseback on movement with nothing on display, and as so, the MING 27.02 uses a sapphire crystal on both sides of its case to ensure maximum viewing pleasure no matter which way you decide to gaze upon the MING 27.02 and its remarkable construction.
