Established in 2017, Ming Thein founded his eponymous watch brand with the sole intention of creating a timepiece that was offered at a fair price point, original in its design, and catered to his exacting nature. Funded by six co-founders, MING has grown beyond what was originally thought possible and today quickly sells out every watch they drop. A shining example for other independent brands to follow, MING has become one of the hottest brands on the market.
Following on from their original release, MING asked what would happen if they evolved the 17.01 and brought it three years forward to 2020. The answer to that question is the 27.01 that I have here. A spiritual successor of the 17.01, the 27.01 features the second generation of MING’s design language and exists as a still-accessible daily wearer, created by watch enthusiasts, for watch enthusiasts.
A natural continuation of MING’s design language, the 27.01 features elements such as radial dial symmetry, enhanced legibility, an ‘O’ marker at 12:00, MING’s now-iconic flared lugs, a range of surface finishes, and visual layering to make the 27.01’s dimensions seem deeper than they are. On top of the additional layering and material transitions, the case now incorporates flying blade lugs, a feature new to design language number two.
Measuring a mere 6.9mm in thickness, the 27.01 boasts an impressively slender profile while maintaining a substantial presence on the wrist with its 38mm diameter. Continuing their partnership with Jean Rousseau Paris for their straps, the 27.01 is mounted to a maroon-colored rubber strap that contrasts the 27.01’s anthracite dial nicely.
Powered by a heavily, heavily reworked ETA Peseux Cal. 7001, MING and Schwarz Etienne remade all of the plates and bridges, had it black chromed, and only kept the gear train and escapement. It is certainly a fine movement to look at and a great example of how to get originality despite the movement not being ‘in-house’.
Looking back now, the 27.01 was a model that marked a significant design milestone for MING. It became a cornerstone offering for the brand, not only as an impressive evolution of the 17 series but also as a faithful nod to what came before it. At the same time, it also offered us a glimpse into the potential of MING as an up-and-coming independent brand.
