Already been advised of the watch being shipped. And a nice communication from Ming as well, as I dropped him a note.
As someone who is a little cold on boutique watches, I think this is brilliantly executed, and really quite fabulous.
Yes I would have preferred a more conventional "9" and a sterile dial rather than Ming's name, but these are minor when the whole is viewed.
If I wasn't putting some money aside for an Ochs und Junior, a brand that also seems to have inspired Ming, I would be all over this.
I wish him well, and I think he's off to a strong start with a tremendous creation
Dave
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Already been advised of the watch being shipped. And a nice communication from Ming as well, as I dropped him a note.
You'll be definitely getting yours before mine, look forward to the impressions! Ming always responds and maintains a contact with his clients which is always nice.
The 9 and 3 are the right way up relative to the person reading the watch on their wrist. Facing inwards means you can't actually read the numbers in the correct manner.
And my watch is already here - very nice indeed. If I could work out how to post pictures now, I would do so.
Some nice touches, with a wood, not over large, box, the guarantee on a titanium card, and a nice watch roll for the watch within the box.
Lovely looking watch and a good size case. I love the dial, it's very attractive in the grey or the blue.
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What dial colour did you go for? And congrats on the incoming!
A hands on over on hodinkee has also appeared with more 'real life' pics. They seem to be full of praise of the watch too:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/th...d-ming-watches
I prefer the matt finish cases to the polished versions & I like the hand set, but the dial / numerals are not to my taste.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
Thanks for the link to the article, and the photos. I have the anthracite dial, which is very different to that of any others of my watches.
Oh - and on my wrist the 3 / 9 issue does not bother me, indeed, the 9 looks correct when looking down my arm at the watch. So thanks to those that suggested that would be the case.
Good to hear the 3/9 is a non issue on the wrist - the most important place.
Ming has sold out the first batch of around 100 and I think the next 200 is close to fully reserved. Then the series is done and dusted, so if you're interested best get your name on the list, otherwise whatever 1702 brings....
Any real life photos from anyone who has received theirs? Love the design of the lugs, the detail on the dial and the material choices. Plus the straps are a bonus!
Too small for me but really nice :-)
Unfortunately mine isn't due till end Sept (I have a later serial number reserved....) - but the Hodinkee article is probably the best for 'real life'. Also check out mingwatches on instagram for some more pics. He did a podcast chat with a ablogtowatch which I listened to and its impressive the attention to detail he's taken. For instance buckles already added (the pin for the buckle went through 3 revisions...) and the quick strap changing system.
The demand has been good too, apparently 3x over the remaining available amount - if you are interested, add yourself to the notification on http://ming.watch. Ming isn't taking reservations and will send a notification when in stock and give people the chance to order when available.
The watches are all made but will be arriving in 2 more batches, one end Aug and the other mid Sept - the reason for this is to get the testing for 250hrs/5 positions done properly.
Hope that helps!
Watchmakers have been adorning dials with their names since the beginning of watchmaking. Ming should be proud with his creation and his name and put it front and centre on the watch.
Just because his name sounds a bit 'foreign' or we can take the mickey out of it is a bit naive really. Stop being so narrow-minded.
I've registered my interest. I agree I really respect the thoughts that has gone into the design process and it looks like a lot of that will be revealed the more you wear it.
I was just hoping to see some normal photos, as all the ones out there are such high quality they look unreal!
A lot more interested in this watch after the more real-life pictures turning up.
Lack of second hand initially was off putting but think it works with the watch's art deco style and seeing the pictures on Hodinkee.
Names down for the next batch but unlikely to get a opportunity to buy but very interested to see the next edition he brings out.
Unfortunately I missed this thread - and the introduction of this watch - completely. I've registered my interest and hope to get my hands on one in the end. I think it's a beautiful watch, very well proportioned and with some really interesting stylistic choices.
I have done exactly the same!
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Funny that there are no lume shots given the hands are coated in super luminova, I bet it looks great. Are the numerals and rings also coated with lume?
Blue or anthracite? I love the blue but the anthracite catches the light better.....
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Yes seems all are coated with lime - not sure how good it'll be though. I doubt super strong otherwise we'd have seen a proper shot of it.
Anthracite does catch the light better, but blue seems more interesting. I vote blue, but more because I don't have a decent blue dial watch in the stable.
If undecided, Ming designed the watch around anthracite and blue was a later addition.
imo a fantastic watch and I will buy one :-)
Looks fantastic, thanks for posting. Straps look good too!
Missed the pics - very nice! The anthracite and blue dials seem like totally different watches with the way the light plays with the 'digital guilloche'. Am (im)patiently waiting for mine, still a month off!
I think the next batch is coming around the 25th Aug mindforge, so keep eyes peeled for when they're back in stock.
I like the overall design but my brain can't help but read the dial as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 8 6 10 11 0
that is pretty impressive ....
Being mentioned on bloomberg! and this for such a small newcomer
https://www.bloomberg.com/search?query=ming
it is the Hodinkee article but still, the French would say 'Il faut le faire'
Can anyone give any more insight into exact release date and time? If Ming is based in a different time zone we may be at a disadvantage in the U.K. to respond to the email and nab a watch.
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There really is lume?
Can we have a lume shot please!?
Ming's been involved in the online watch world since it pretty much kicked off in the early 2000s. Plus he's worked a fair bit with watch brands with his photography work. Naturally you end up building a heck of a network with all the main media outlets. That plus a well thought out product which a lot of seasoned collectors are liking (who all have good followers on instagram) will do a lot of the selling for you.
I think his team have been instrumental in making the connections with manufacturers etc to bring it all together.
As for timing of release - no idea.
Looks like the next batch is set for release tomorrow at 14:00 on a first come basis.
Only 50 available (25 of each colour) so seems they are sticking to the original limited run of 300 pieces.
They appear to be rolling it bit by bit. The site says the blue dial now due October. Now, this is either due to production problems or a carefully manage marketing approach to build anticipation, desire and therefore demand for the watch. As others have said in this thread they appear to be masters of media manipulation.
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Well they say the watches are delivered in batches so they can be packaged, regulated and tested. This makes sense as it's obviously a small operation and the packaging comes from Malaysia so they ship from there. I don't think it needs to be some PR led conspiracy...
I'd agree with mindforge on this too...
I've had a good 4/5 days now with the Ming 1701 and thought I'd share my initial views:
Dial - I think the dial has had the most coverage, in short it is different and fun and keeps the wearer engaged with their watch. The play on light is hard to catch but I've tried in the pics below. The crystal has some reflections which makes it hard to photograph. Also have no issues with the 3/9 orientation - it works well for me. And the hands are clear and legible. Lume isn't the strongest, but I wasn't expecting much in this department.*
The most interesting aspect is that the blue dial seems to be a different experience from the anthracite. I wouldn't say one is better/worse, just different. Having only seen photos of the anthracite, it seems the blue pops a bit more, but the dial construction comes across more clearer on the anthracite.*
Case - in terms of dimensions the watch wears a little 'small' for my taste. I don't think its to do with the 38mm case size, it's because of the shorter lugs. I'm sure you guys played around with longer lugs and must have concluded this size works better.*
I'm a fan of titanium so no arguments from me on material choice. Finishes is a lot better than my IWC Ti Ingenieur and more interesting too with careful polishing which is more difficult. It certainly matches watches with prices in excess of $4/5k*
Crown - I was a bit worried that the shape was a bit too 'bulky' for the watch but that was not the case. Also nice and easy to grip and wind, so good design!
Strap/buckle - good quality leather from what I can see. The buckle has a nice, subtle curvature to it which sits comfortable on the wrist too.
Overall I'm happy with the watch. The team has shown they can not only design a good watch, but more importantly have the skills to execute it to a price point not too outrageous.
What I'd like to see going forward is the team push a few boundaries. The 1701 shows flair, but in a restrained sort of way. I'd like their next creation to take those design cues and be a little more brash!
Right some poor pics with a side by side too with my GO which is 42mm (to compare size). Will try upload a side by side with my other 38/39mm watches so you can see the effect of the smaller lugs.
And any questions fire away!
Thanks for the helpful write up. What attracts me is the relative novelty and innovation of the design and construction but also the value proposition which you support by your comparisons to far more pricey watches.
Looks quite big actually, particularly in the last photo! I do like the flared lugs, looks like it sits nicely on the wrist.
Did you get stung for import duty on the way in by the way?
It's a perspective thing - another pic from now a bit further away which shows it better. I also forgot to add the titanium makes it super light too. If you like heft in your watch maybe not for you!
I had mine delivered to the Netherlands - no escaping duty over here!
Damn, I was at a lunch and missed it, only 13 minutes late!