New Release: MING 27.01
It’s clearly new release season and that means that even smaller independent brands are in on the fun. With today’s news, we have the new MING 27.01.
Last year, I had the opportunity to go hands-on with the new MING 17.06. I came away so deeply impressed that I sent some emails to the small global team asking to purchase the prototype (shown below).
Naturally, this request failed, but I put my name down for a release that will hopefully show itself later this year. I loved the finishing on the 17.06, the thoughtful use of materials and the low price of 1,250 CHF. You apparently loved it too because the first run of several hundred watches sold out in minutes. Today’s MING 27.01 is a decidedly more expensive proposition, so let’s take a look and see if it will catch fire as well.
The MING 27.01 is an Evolution of the 17.01
The MING 27.01, as explained in the press info, moves the brand forward from the initial 17.01. Essentially, MING felt they had explored everything under the sun with the 17.01 and its successors and wanted something slightly different. From a head-on perspective, things look familiar. The flared lugs, highly polished 38mm stainless case with 42.5mm lug to lug, and minimalist metallic grey dial sans seconds hand all largely carry over to the 27.01. The dial brings in some new attributes like brushed metal, no lume, non-Arabic hour markers, and a new location for the logo. The hands are also unfilled and that creates a nice airy look. But it’s only when one looks on the side or reverse that the real changes become apparent.
Slim is In with a 6.9mm Case Thickness
With a thickness — or slimness — of only 6.9mm, the MING 27.01 drops nearly 3mm versus the familiar automatic series. Yes, there’s a manual wind movement in here based on the ETA 7001. In this application, the ETA has been so heavily reworked by partner Schwarz-Etienne that only the escapement and gear train remain. The bridges and baseplate are new and the overall construction gives maximum visibility to the movement. A black chrome coating on many of the parts adds visual depth. All is visible via a sapphire and steel display back affixed with six screws.
Hollowed-Out Lugs on the MING 27.01
Looking at the side profile of the MING 27.01 exposes another design feature that’s new for the brand. Hollowed-out lugs — called “flying blades” here — make an appearance. This is something we’ve seen on watches such as the polarizing Audemars 11.59 and the finely crafted Holthinrichs Ornament 1. On the MING, the feature is the result of complex, high precision machining. The use of such a feature also affords a matte finish for the case sides. It’s pleasing and I like that it’s imperceptible from the top view.
Despite the thinness of the MING 27.01, owners can still bank on 50 meters of water resistance. As per the norm, Jean Rousseau Paris has designed the 20mm burgundy calf strap with pin buckle. Studio Koji Sato will produce the black leather travel pouch. MING will produce 125 of the new 27.01 for 2020 and pricing is set for CHF 3,950. The Coronavirus has affected watchmaking supply chains, but MING expects shipments to begin in September.
My Thoughts
I should let you know that there’s been some scuttlebutt regarding the case back surround and the side profile view. Specifically, some have mentioned that the aforementioned Holthinrichs looks similar in those respects. I can’t deny the claims on those two specific points, but the overall designs differ enough. Plus, the fact that both companies use highly different case manufacturing processes results in differing end products.
…limited production and a bit of a mystique…
In the end, I can’t help but like this release. The grey dial is gorgeous and I am sure the case is flawlessly finished. The use of a heavily reworked manual wind movement is also far more appealing to me. Furthermore, a significant reduction in thickness must create that “big league” dress watch feel that somehow still feels robust and solid. Of course, the pricing also puts the new MING 27.01 into competition with established higher-level brands. Still, with such limited production and a bit of a mystique around MING, I wouldn’t be surprised if the watches sell out swiftly.
For more information on the MING 27.01, visit the brand’s official site.
