The new Ming 37.02 Minimalist is the latest release from the popular independent brand. As the model name suggests, this is easy to do. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that Min Thein and team have forgotten about the details. They’re all in this affordable option.
In a podcast a few years ago, Balazs and I discussed the models we wanted from our favorite brands. Min qualified and I developed a desire for a simple, field watch-like model with luminous numerals. Ming 37.02 Minimalist doesn’t exactly follow that theme, but it comes close. Plus, it’s better than your run-of-the-mill military-inspired creations.
Looking back…
Before we discuss the 37.02 Minimalist, let’s take a look at some of the brand’s “entry-level” automatic watches. In 2019, I reviewed the 17.06 Slate and got my first hands-on experience with a Ming watch. I was blown away by the finish, design, and attention to detail. At a price of just CHF 1,250, it felt impossible and crushed nearly every new watch of the same price.
17.09 has a guilloché dial that further enhances the sense of luxury. There were mechanical challenges, but they were eventually resolved. Currently one of the most popular models and a favorite among owners. However, since 17.09, Mr. Min has been working hard to ensure production capacity that can successfully meet demand. Additionally, the 37 series debuts with a new case design. 37.02 Minimalist is back to offering automatic Ming at affordable prices. As always, the brand injects innovative details into even its cheapest models.
Akira 37.02 Minimalist
The Ming 37.02 Minimalist is a 38mm x 44.5mm stainless steel watch. It features a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating. Like most products from this brand, it has a depth rating of 100 meters. The crown is equipped with a double gasket, making it a watch that can be used as a daily companion. Further evidence of this intention is the new black FKM rubber strap with tuck buckle that ships with the watch. The watch is also the first fully designed piece under the brand’s new Swiss legal entity, Horologier Ming SA.
Shining innovation
The 37.02 Minimalist features a black sapphire dial with a matching radially brushed metal bezel. The dial is interesting because its expression changes depending on the lighting. That’s interesting. Even though it’s all black, it looks matte or glossy depending on the angle you look at it.
From a distance, it looks like a printed arc pattern. However, if you look at the dial with a magnifying glass, you will see that all the white parts are laser engraved. A small channel is created and filled with liquid luminescent material. The material requires special attention.
37.02 Minimalist bright white
For years, Ming had been searching for a bright, white night light without success. The 37.02 Minimalist is the first watch to use the brand’s self-developed Ming Polar White luminous material. In fact, when we went to Geneva recently, Ming brought a small cone with a flashlight to hide the watch in the dark. The purity of the night light is impressive. The hour and minute hands are made of blue Super-LumiNova for added contrast and legibility.
As for the dial design, it’s admirably, well, minimalistic. A pattern of “rotating” arc segments ends at precisely different times. So even though the design looks random, it’s easy to set and read the time. Like all Ming watches, this design is sure to look fresh for years to come.
Exhibiting decorated movements
Unlike previous automatic time-only models, the 37.02 Minimalist displays the movement through a domed sapphire crystal. The automatic Sellita SW300.M1 has a power reserve of 45 hours and a frequency of 28,800vph. It also features an anthracite coated and skeletonized rotor. The movement is not exotic, but it looks modern and is nicely finished in this dark tone.
37.02 Minimalism on your wrist
One of the things I’ve always loved about Ming watches is their thickness, or lack thereof. When I saw the 37.02 Minimalist in Switzerland, I was concerned about how the automatic movement would unbalance the 37 series case compared to the hand-wound version. Other models, such as the 37.08 Starlight, are only 10.9 mm thick. The 37.02 was 11mm thick, an imperceptible difference.
Indeed, the watch is comfortable and features polished surfaces, including the lugs and bezel. The sides of the case have a fine brushed finish to accentuate the edges, and the lug design flows downward to fit a variety of wrist sizes. Even if the dimensions are intermediate, the dial-to-bezel ratio makes the watch appear larger.
A word about the strap
The 37.02 Minimalist is the second watch to feature the brand’s new FKM rubber strap with a unique tuck buckle, after the 37.09 Bluefin. It may sound strange, but this is one of the best rubber straps I have ever experienced.
It has great curvature and is extremely comfortable, eliminating all nuisance and long tails for the caretaker. The strap also looks great on the watch. I also decided to try the Minimalist, which has an olive green Barenia leather strap. Add a level of dressiness if you’re interested. The great thing about a dial like this is that it goes with almost everything, including Ming bracelets.
Price and availability
37.02 There’s good news and even better news about minimalism. Firstly, this watch is not a limited edition. Ming hasn’t said how long it will be on sale, but there should be plenty of time to understand the watch and decide whether to buy it. Then, place your order on Ming’s official website and the stock will be ready to ship right away. The price is set at CHF 3,250, making it the most affordable Min watch in the current collection. It’s more expensive than previous entry-level models, but the materials and construction are on another level. Additionally (I heard this from several brands in Geneva), prices for movements and components have increased over 300% in the last two years.
37.02 Minimalist is one of my favorite Ming releases. The black sapphire dial, easy-to-read yet distinct design, and innovative bright white luminescent material are the perfect combination. While some may want a dominant seconds hand, this watch should appeal to many potential buyers. Let us know in the comments below if this watch hits the mark.
