Watchatlas

Ming

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · Est. 2017

Founded by Ming Thein

Ming is a Malaysian independent watch brand founded in 2017 by photographer and watch enthusiast Ming Thein, based in Kuala Lumpur. The brand produces limited-edition watches in small numbered batches, known for distinctive dial designs that blend photographic inspiration with high-quality Swiss movements.

Founded
2017
Headquarters
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Mid
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • 17 Series — MING 17 Series is the independent brand's compact daily-wear family, built around 38 mm cases, layered sapphire dial architecture, luminous dial details, and accessible mechanical movements. Key references: 17.01 Anthracite, 17.03 GMT Blue, 17.09 Blue.
  • 19 Series — MING 19 Series is the brand's elevated collector family, using gradient sapphire dials, titanium cases, Schwarz-Etienne movements, world-time architecture, and rare special-project complications. Key references: 19.01, 19.02 Worldtimer, 19.CR Monopusher.
  • 37 Series — MING 37 Series is the brand's modern Swiss-operations family, spanning internally managed minimalist watches, moonphase complications, and the Bluefin dive watch with distinctive luminous sapphire execution. Key references: 37.02 Minimalist, 37.05 Moonphase, 37.09 Bluefin.

Timeline

  • 2017 — Ming Thein, a photographer and horological writer from Kuala Lumpur, founds Ming Watch with the 17.01 as the debut model.
  • 2018 — The 19.01 launches, establishing Ming's reputation for innovative sapphire dial construction and limited-edition strategy.
  • 2020 — Ming introduces the 37.05 with a fully in-house movement developed in collaboration with Schwarz-Etienne, marking a major step for the brand.
  • 2023 — Growing demand sees every release sell out within minutes; Ming becomes one of the most sought-after independent brands globally.
  • 2025 — The 37.09 Bluefin wins the Sports Watch Prize at the GPHG 2025, Ming's second GPHG award. Launches the 37.11 Odyssey ultralight titanium GMT dive watch with 3D-printed Polymesh strap.
  • 2026 — Announces the 20.11 Mosaic, a sapphire-cased art piece, and continues to grow its secondary-market desirability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ming

Why are Ming watches so hard to buy?
Ming produces in very small numbered batches (often under 200 pieces) and sells direct through its website. Most releases sell out within minutes of going live.
Who designs Ming dials?
Founder Ming Thein designs the dials himself, drawing on his background in photography and optics to create distinctive layered sapphire constructions with unique depth and luminosity.

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