Ming 27.01 Ultra Thin
The answer is the MING 27.01: the spiritual successor to the very first watch we produced, reflected in configuration – two hand, manual wind – and naming. The 27.01 advances the concept of a versatile, collector-centric and accessible daily wearer by a significant step and is appropriately the first watch to feature our second-generation design language.
Design language 2
After two and a half years, fifteen models, a Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genéve win and literally hundreds of design studies – MT finally learned 3D CAD (all watches released to date were designed in two dimensions and Photoshop) and went crazy: the 27.01 is one of the first watches created in 3D, from the start.
Our core elements were further distilled down to radial symmetry; legibility; the 0 marker; flared lugs and smooth case transitions; mixed finishes; and visual dissonance in layering to make watches seem much deeper or shallower than their physical dimensions might suggest. On top of the additional layering and material transitions, the case now incorporates our flying blade lugs, a feature new to design language 2.
Minimalism in all areas
At just 38x6.9mm, the 27.01 is the thinnest watch we have made to date but has surprising wrist presence while retaining wearability for all wrist sizes.
The overarching brief of reduction has been carried through to the case and movement: excess material has been removed from the periphery of the case, with hollows extending through the lugs (a serious machining challenge given the thickness, or lack thereof, of the monobloc caseband). We elected to leave the case in stainless steel to provide the right tactile feel.
The 27.01 is powered by a movement so heavily reworked that we probably should have started from scratch. We begin with an ETA Peseux 7001 and retain only the gear train and escapement. The bridges and plates are remade, courtesy of Manufacture Schwarz Etienne, in a configuration of our design, retaining the same aesthetic as the 19-series: solid baseplate with maximal opening of upper bridges to put the moving components on display. It is a continuation of our belief that a display back must have something worth seeing behind it.
Stepping up
We have once again partnered with Manufacture Schwarz-Etienne for the production of the 27.01, Jean Rousseau Paris for the straps and Studio Koji Sato for our travel pouches. We are proud to apply consistent quality control standards across the range, be it for flagship or entry-level watches. Given the refinement and extensive level of customization in the 27.01, we believe this represents an interesting new offering for the brand, and a next step for collectors of our 17 series.
Information:
Pre-Owned: Ming 27.01 Ultra Thin
Ref: 27.01
Dated: Sep 2022
Strap: Smooth calf burgundy strap by Jean Rousseau Paris, curved quick release spring bars
Case Size: 38mm x 6.9mm Thickness
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Metal: 316L Stainless Steel
Movement: Ming 7001.M1: Heavily Modified ETA 7001 with new Bridges and Baseplate - Automatic
Functions: Hours, and minutes
Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, travel case, and warranty papers
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition:
Case has light normal wear. Strap has light wear with visible crease marks. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.
History of Ming Watches
Horologer MING, founded in 2017 by photographer and watch enthusiast Ming Thein, has quickly become a notable player in the watch industry. Born from Thein's passion for horology and frustration with the industry's increasing prices and pretentiousness, MING was created alongside a group of like-minded enthusiasts. The brand's philosophy centers on delivering mechanical watches with distinctive designs, exceptional value, and integrity across all price points. MING's approach is characterized by its reductive design language, featuring strong symmetry, flared lugs, and visual layering that creates dynamic appearances under different lighting conditions.
Despite its young age, MING has garnered significant acclaim, including a GPHG shortlisting for its 19.01 model in 2018. The brand operates through collaborations with various partners, allowing it to produce a range of watches from entry-level to high-end pieces. MING's unique position in the market stems from its commitment to transparency, limited production runs, and a customer-centric approach. As the brand continues to evolve, it faces challenges due to its Malaysian base and lack of a local watchmaking ecosystem. However, MING remains focused on innovation, exploring new complications and designs while staying true to its founding principles of value, integrity, and coherent design.
