For dive watch fans, for MING fans wanting a larger piece, for 18.01 Abyss fans who were not able to secure one of the prototypes – your watch is here, MING 18.01 H41.
The second-generation diver
Last year, we released a well-received run of prototype dive watches called the Abyss Concept. These were true prototypes in that we used cases and components intended for R&D, and the watch was never released as a production run. Our diver has had a very long gestation, dating back to nearly the same time as our original 17.01 and we are proud of the dedication of our team and partners in getting the watch right. This is reflected in its name: generation H, variant 41 of the design study. We have not just improved the mechanical engineering aspect but also updated it with Design Language 2 which we debuted earlier this year with the 27.01 Ultra Thin.
The 18.01 H41 is the opposite of the 27.01: a maximal, robust piece that demonstrates the versatility of our new design language. We are pleased to offer it in two variants with a new universal fit, curved-end, quick release 20mm bracelet that is also backwards compatible with all of our watches to date.
40mm diameter, 12.9mm thick, 1km WR, 65g
As promised in the headline: this is a watch that will make many people happy. It is the largest MING to date and has noticeably more wrist presence than the 17 series; yet for a dive watch with this depth rating, it is amongst the (if not the) thinnest. It is slightly thinner than the Abyss Concept, thanks to new materials and bezel construction.
The case design benefits from both balanced pressure loading and the tensile and compressive strength of grade 5 titanium. An added benefit is a head weight of just 65g, which is extremely comfortable on a strap and vanishingly balanced on the universal bracelet, also in grade 5 titanium.
Functionality and reliability first for diving
The MING team has several certified divers – who made MT’s design task difficult and ensured that the H41 is truly functional as a dive watch. Our design and engineering choices were therefore centred around this goal.
It retains the same functional and security features of the Abyss Concept: a unidirectional rotating bezel with 60 clicks that can be turned easily, but not accidentally; multiple sets of gaskets and seals; and an indicator to warn of an unscrewed crown. Even the caseback has a high-friction surface to better grip arm or wetsuit and prevent the watch moving around.
Both of H41’s colour schemes were chosen for legibility and contrast: time is instantly and easily legible, with a timer bezel that has scales that are differentiated into 15-minute segments of reducing prominence. We elected to use a DLC coated solid steel bezel to eliminate the risk of losing an insert due to pressure changes or impact, and to maximize contrast for the timing scale. This is only the second MING with a second hand, to fit the diver specification and validate the watch is running at a glance.
There is a significant amount of luminous material applied to ensure visibility under all light conditions: essentially, everything white on the watch is loaded with Super-LumiNova X1; applied as a liquid epoxy to the bezel, a solid block in the hands, and as HyCeram – a sapphire-fused luminous ceramic – on the dial ring. We do not recommend wearing it at night if you are a light sleeper.
Finally, our choice of movement once again prioritizes robustness and serviceability: the same tried and tested ETA 2824-2 top grade, modified to remove the calendar and intermediate hand setting positions.
Once again, we rely on the expertise of our partners to bring our vision to life: La Division du Temps, a subsidiary of Manufacture Schwarz-Etienne for production, assembly and testing; DM Surfaces for the HyCeram in the dial; Jean Rousseau for our waterproof rubber straps and Studio Koji Sato for the new leather travel pouches.
The MING 18.01 H41 is assembled in Switzerland and is available in three configurations:
– Two tone on rubber strap, at CHF 2,950
– Two tone on titanium bracelet, at CHF 3,250
– All-DLC on rubber strap, at CHF 3,250
Watches will be available to order at http://www.ming.watch, with deliveries beginning November 2020.
What if you could have one bracelet that not just fit but looked integral to all of your watches?
We believe we have done just that. Up to this point, all MING watches use the same 20mm curved strap for aesthetics, ergonomics and to maximise strap compatibility within our offerings. Though we previously offered bracelets for both the 17.03 and Abyss Concept watches, these were dedicated to those models only and not interchangeable.
Instead of creating yet another model-specific bracelet for the new 18.01 H41, we rethought the bracelet-lug interaction and realized that it would be possible to create a bracelet that fit like a strap.
The MING Universal Bracelet has a curved endpiece with integrated quick release curved springbars. It has the same clearance dimensions as our curved straps and is therefore backwards compatible with every MING model released to date. It is now possible to have one bracelet for all of your MING watches.
It is made in grade 5 titanium with a mixed brushed-polished finish and screwed links for visual continuity with both titanium and steel cased watches. It has even tighter tolerances and improved ‘flow’ compared to our previous bracelets – a significant challenge given the number of elements and joints.
The bracelet has both half and 2/3 links that allow for fine adjustment in 2.5mm increments, and the clasp is easily reversible depending on whether you prefer to close the 6 or 12 o’clock ends first. We designed an all-new clasp and interlock system for low-profile comfort, security and a seamless look. Finally, every bracelet includes a Bergeon screwdriver for sizing and a new pouch by Studio Koji Sato designed specifically for storage of bracelet equipped watches.
The MING Universal Bracelet is priced at CHF 500 and available to order now at http://www.ming.watch with deliveries beginning November 2020.
MING 18.01 H41 Specifications
hours, minutes, continuous seconds
Top grade ETA2824-2 automatic modified by Schwarz-Etienne for MING
Sweep central seconds with hacking function
Movement adjusted to five positions with a 250-hour test program
Grade 5 titanium with solid caseback (second variant with DLC coating)
DLC-coated stainless steel bezel filled with Super-LumiNova X1
40mm diameter, 12.9mm thick, 46mm lug to lug
3.5mm thick sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides
Rigid case without spacer rings
Water resistance of 1km/ 3,280ft
Screw down crown with triple gaskets and red safety indicator
Two-part composite dial with ceramic HyCeram Super-LumiNova X1 fused to sapphire
Silver hands filled with Super-LumiNova X1
Unidirectional rotating bezel with 60 clicks
5-link bracelet in grade 5 titanium with proprietary deployant clasp and interlock
Universal quick-release curved-end fitting
20x18mm curved quick release rubber strap by Jean Rousseau Paris with signed pin buckles
2-year warranty against defects
Made in Switzerland
MING 20mm Universal Bracelet Specifications
Third generation 5-link bracelet design
Grade 5 titanium, mixed brushed-polished finish
Curved endpieces with integrated curved spring bar with quick release
Compatible with all MING 20mm lug width watches
Proprietary deployant clasp and interlock
MING is a horological collective formed and funded entirely by a group of six watch enthusiasts from around the world under the leadership of Ming Thein, a photographer, designer, business strategist and above all, a lover of watches. Together, the MING team draws from over 80 years of total experience collecting fine timepieces – ranging from vintage to avant-garde; from quality affordable to six-figure commissioned independent pieces.
When we started collecting, iconic pieces were more accessible and a genuine sense of value and joy accompanied each acquisition. Our goal with MING is to bring back this sense of excitement and discovery through a series of pieces that show considered deliberation and refinement in every detail but remain accessible to a wider audience. We will be the first to admit that we don’t manufacture in-house, but rather use the most appropriate suppliers for the design intent and price point. The majority of our suppliers also work with major Swiss brands; assembly, regulation and testing is performed in Switzerland, with final quality control done personally in Malaysia.
We are proud to have been recognized by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève on no less than three occasions: as a finalist in the 2018 edition with the 19.01; winner of the Horological Revelation prize in 2019 with the 17.06; and with Ming Thein and Dr. Magnus Bosse invited to the Academy in 2020.
MING is our way of sharing our experience with enthusiasts who want to discover watchmaking substance beyond brand, for budding aficionados and seasoned collectors alike. We have released no fewer than 16 models in the short time since our public launch in August 2017.
We’re always happy to hear from fellow enthusiasts – please contact us at [email protected], and follow our journey @mingwatches on Instagram and Facebook.
MING is a registered trademark in Switzerland and Malaysia and represented by Horologer
MING Sdn Bhd (1255711-P), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
MING 18.01 H41 For dive watch fans, for MING fans wanting a larger piece, for 18.01 Abyss fans who were not able to secure one of the prototypes – your watch is here, MING 18.01 H41.
