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 — The brand's entry-point collection featuring clean dials with Ming's signature sapphire crystal dial construction and luminous elements.
- 19 Series — Mid-range collection offering complications like GMT and dive timing, with the brand's distinctive dial depth and transparency effects.
- 37 Series — High-end collection featuring skeletonised or sapphire dials with custom movements, representing Ming's most ambitious horological work.
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.