Introducing: The Ming 37.09 Uni Diver
Although 2025 is only three weeks old, Ming isn’t wasting time with the year’s first release. The 37.09 Uni has a familiar shape but ushers in a different look for the brand’s latest diver. Black-cased watches are increasingly popular, and today’s watch capitalizes on that trend.
Last May, Ming introduced the 37.09 Bluefin, the brand’s second production dive watch. Compared to the original 18.01 H41 diver, the Bluefin brought a shift in design. A more modern design and two crowns versus one were just some of the differences. We saw the watch in person at Geneva Watch Days last August and were impressed with the consistently superlative finishing and design flourishes, including the in-house FKM rubber strap. The new 37.09 Uni continues in the same vein with additional changes.
The Ming 37.09 Uni
The Ming 37.09 Uni uses the same 38mm by 44.5mm 316L stainless steel case as the Bluefin. However, this time, it has a matte black DLC coating. Color is also present on the crowns and dial. It is limited, though, to white and orange. The watch comes with a black version of Ming’s new FKM rubber strap and a black-coated tuck buckle.
The Uni name comes from the Japanese word for “sea urchin.” Those who have tried the polarizing delicacy will recognize the orange color. The use of black is inspired by the fact that shellfish exist in the dark depths of 6,000 meters.
A different look for a 37.09 diver
Aside from the color change and case coating, the 37.09 Uni also has a different dial design. The dial is made from black metalized sapphire, etched and filled with Super-LumiNova X. Notably, the first 20 minutes of the internal rotating bezel are filled with orange-emitting X1, a first for Ming. Also, the index pattern inscribed on the underside of the domed crystal contains X1. The shape of the pattern is different from the Bluefin. The result of the design in darkness is one of stark contrast between the two luminescent colors.
Controls and specifications
Like the Bluefin, the 37.09 Uni has a 60-click crown near 4 o’clock that controls the unidirectional internal rotating dive bezel. It can be used underwater down to the watch’s 600m depth rating. The topmost screw-down crown sets the time and can be used to manually wind the movement.
The Sellita for Ming SW300.M1
The 37.09 Uni uses the Sellita SW300 automatic caliber inside. This movement has a 28,800vph frequency and a power reserve of 50 hours. As with most Ming watches, the caliber is visible beneath a domed sapphire crystal and shows off anthracite skeletonized bridges.
Thoughts on the latest Ming 37.09 Uni
Black-cased watches are back in the spotlight after being out of it for the last decade. Ceramic, Carbon, DLC, and PVD are appearing across the price spectrum. In the past, I’ve opted for normal steel-cased watches because I saw black cases as too one-dimensional and sporty. In other words, I couldn’t see myself wearing such a watch daily. That notion is silly now, though, because most of us who consider a diver like the 37.09 Uni likely own more than one watch. Furthermore, the slim bezel and fine details on this watch reduce the overly tactical appearance typical of a coated watch. Finally, and this is independent of the black case, I love the scalloped index pattern under the crystal. It makes the watch!
Pricing and availability
The 37.09 Uni will be available on the Ming website starting January 23rd at 13:00 GMT for CHF 5,250. Just 150 pieces will be made for 2025, and shipping will begin within two weeks. Perhaps the smaller run is due to the less mainstream black case, but the positive is that Ming has left the door open for further production in 2026 and beyond. Price-wise, it’s hard to argue with the small CHF 300 increase over the Bluefin considering the coating. Plus, as we experienced with the Bluefin, these will be beautifully crafted. Let us know your feelings about the new Uni and black-cased watches overall.
