Introducing: The Ming 37.02 Minimalist With Live Photos

The new Ming 37.02 Minimalist is the latest release from the popular independent brand. As the model name implies, this is a straightforward execution. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking that Ming Thein and the team have forgotten to obsess about the details. They’re all here on this affordable option.

During one of our podcasts several years ago, Balazs and I discussed models we’d like to see from our favorite brands. Ming qualifies, and I raised my desire for a straightforward, field-watch-like model with luminescent numerals. The Ming 37.02 Minimalist doesn’t follow that theme exactly, but it’s close. Plus, it’s better than another run-of-the-mill military-inspired piece.

Looking back…

Before we discuss the 37.02 Minimalist, let’s look at some of the brand’s “entry-level” automatic watches. In 2019, I reviewed the 17.06 Slate, my first hands-on experience with a Ming watch. The finishing, design, and attention to detail blew me away. With a price of just CHF 1,250, it felt like an impossibility and crushed almost any new watch at the same price.

The 17.09 upped the ante even more with its guilloché-pattern dial. There were mechanical challenges, but these were ultimately solved. Today, this is one of the most popular models and as an owner, it’s a favorite. Since the 17.09, though, Ming has worked hard to ensure production capacity can better handle demand. Plus, a new case design, the 37-series, has debuted. The 37.02 Minimalist is a return to offering an automatic Ming at a reasonable price. As ever, the brand infuses even its least costly models with innovative details.

The Ming 37.02 Minimalist

The Ming 37.02 Minimalist is a 38mm by 44.5mm stainless steel watch. It features a domed sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating. Like most pieces from the brand, it has a 100m depth rating. The crown is equipped with dual gaskets, so the watch is meant to be used as a daily companion. Further evidence of this intent is the new black FKM rubber strap with a tuck buckle that ships with the watch. Also, this watch is the first piece completely designed under Horologer Ming SA, the brand’s new Swiss entity.

Glowing innovation

The 37.02 Minimalist sports a black sapphire dial with a matching radially brushed metal bezel. The dial is interesting because it changes depending on the light. That sounds funny because it’s solid black but appears matte or glossy depending on the angle of view.

At a distance, the pattern of arcs looks printed. However, if you examine the dial with a loupe, you’ll notice that all the white details are laser-engraved. Small channels are created and then filled with liquid luminous material. The material deserves special attention.

Bright white on the 37.02 Minimalist

For years, Ming has searched for a lume that glows bright white and has been unsuccessful. The 37.02 Minimalist is the first watch to use the brand’s in-house developed Ming Polar White luminous material. Indeed, when we were in Geneva recently, Ming brought a small cone with a flashlight to conceal the watch in darkness. The purity of the lume is impressive. The hour and minute hands use blue Super-LumiNova for extra contrast and legibility.

Regarding the dial design, it’s wonderfully, well, minimalist. A pattern of “spinning” arc segments end precisely at different hours. Therefore, while the design looks random, it’s simple to set and read the time. Like all Ming watches, the design should look fresh for years to come.

A decorated movement on display

Unlike previous automatic time-only models, the 37.02 Minimalist displays the movement through a domed sapphire crystal. The self-winding Sellita SW300.M1 has 45 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 28,800vph. It also has an anthracite coating and features a skeletonized rotor. While the movement isn’t exotic, it looks modern and nicely finished in this darker tone.

The 37.02 Minimalist on the wrist

One aspect I always enjoy about a Ming watch is the thickness — or the lack of it. When we saw the 37.02 Minimalist in Switzerland, I was concerned about how an automatic movement might disrupt the balance of the 37-series case compared to hand-winding versions. Other models, such as the 37.08 Starlight, are just 10.9mm thick. My worries were unfounded because the 37.02 is 11mm thick, which is an unnoticeable difference.

Indeed, the watch is comfortable and showcases polished surfaces, including the lugs and bezel. The case flanks bear a finely brushed finish to accentuate the edges, and the lug design flows downward to fit a variety of wrist sizes. Even if the dimensions are intermediate, the watch looks larger due to the dial-to-bezel ratio.

A word on straps

The 37.02 Minimalist is just the second watch after the 37.09 Bluefin to include the brand’s new FKM rubber strap with its proprietary tuck buckle. It may sound odd, but this is one of the best rubber straps I’ve ever experienced.

It’s sublimely comfortable with a nice curvature, and it eliminates all the fussiness of keepers and a lengthy tail. The strap looks great on the watch too. I also decided to try the Minimalist with an olive green Barenia leather strap. It adds a level of dressiness if that’s of interest. The positive with a dial like this is that it should work with almost anything, including the Ming bracelet.

Pricing and availability

There’s good and even better news regarding the 37.02 Minimalist. First, the watch is not a limited edition. Ming hasn’t indicated how long it’ll be available, but there should be ample time to digest this watch and decide whether to purchase it. Second, the stock is ready to ship immediately after ordering on the official Ming website. The price is set at CHF 3,250, which makes it the most affordable Ming watch in the current collection. It’s more expensive than previous entry-level models, but the materials and construction are on a different level. Plus (and we heard this in Geneva from several brands), movement and component prices have increased by over 300% during the last two years.

The 37.02 Minimalist is one of my favorite releases from Ming. The black sapphire dial, legible but different design, and innovative bright white luminous material work perfectly together. While some will still ask for a sweeping seconds hand, this watch should appeal to many potential buyers. Let us know if this watch hits the mark in the comments below.